Kyoto travel
Kyoto is the former capital of Japan and, as such, it is of course the birthplace of countless traditional crafts and arts. Whether you are interested in tea ceremony, traditional crafts, traditional candy, maiko or samurai experiences, you can have them all in Kyoto. It is undeniably one of the hotspots of Japanese culture. The city has an incredibly rich history in arts and culture. Your stay will be rich in surprises and discoveries.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the official residence in Kyoto of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The castle's main tower burned down in the 18th century, but the castle's Ninomaru Palace on its own is worth a visit to see the might and power of the ancient shoguns. The palace features exquisite interiors such as paintings on decorated paper sliding doors, halls covered in gold leaf, elegant ceilings, and the resistance room, the floor in the shape of a nightingale singing ninja-proof.
To-ji temple
To-ji Temple is a large complex of ancient Buddhist temples with a history dating back over 12 centuries. Originally established as one of Kyoto's guardian temples, it is famous for its five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan at 57 meters in height.
Kinkaku-ji temple
Kinkaku-ji temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion”, is one of Kyoto's symbols and its most famous attraction. It was built in 1397 as a retreat villa for the Shogun, then transformed into a Zen Buddhist temple. The upper two floors of this magnificent temple are completely covered with shiny gold leaf, which makes it very picturesque against a lush green background.
Ikebana lessons
For many, there is nothing more classic in Japan than Ikebana: the calming and meticulous art of flower arrangement. Also known as kado (the way of flowers), the tradition of Japanese flower arrangement has religious roots. As early as the 7th century, flower offerings were placed in shrines, as plants play an important role in the Shinto religion of the people. Ikebana isn't just about collecting flowers in an attractive way, it's about developing a deep appreciation for nature and balancing human interaction with natural beauty.
Listening to incense
The practice of burning incense in Japan began about 1,400 years ago. While not yet so prevalent in the West, it has slowly started to make its way into homes around the world as part of the practice of meditation, or just to freshen up a room. For those interested in incense but feeling overwhelmed by the tidal wave of scents that hits you upon entering a store, the Yamada-Matsu in Kyoto is a must visit.
