Things to do in Kyoto

About Kyoto

Kyoto served as Japan's imperial capital for over a millennium, preserving a vast concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites within its urban grid. The city architecture is defined by traditional wooden machiya houses juxtaposed against massive structures like the gilded Kinkaku-ji and the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Visitors traverse landscapes ranging from the expansive Senbon Torii gates to the serene stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It remains the cultural heart of the nation, where the preservation of historical sites like Nijō Castle provides a direct link to the Shogunate era.

Good to know

1. 1

   Kyoto was exempted from atomic bombing during World War II due to its immense cultural value, a decision made largely through the advocacy of U.S. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson.

2. 2

   The city operates a strict building height ordinance to protect the visual integrity of its mountain backdrop and traditional skyline.

3. 3

   Kyoto's street layout is based on a rigid grid pattern established in 794 AD, mirroring the ancient Chinese capital of Chang'an.

4. 4

   It is home to the Gion Matsuri, a month-long festival that has been held annually since the year 869.