Kyoto is magical and it is easy to understand why the city received Conde’Nast Travelers Readers’ Choice Award as the best Asian city of 2011. A journeyto Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital is to take a step back in time and toexperience the essence of Japanese culture. From ancient temples and shrineswhere centuries old traditions are carried out before your eyes to thecobblestone alleys of Gion, the city’s historic Geisha quarter, where teahousesare filled each evening with music and laughter, the past comes alive inKyoto.

No matter what season you experience Kyoto, its cultural refinement andgrace, complimented by abundant natural beauty, beckon you to delve first-handinto the wonders and charm that the city has to offer. In summer relax in frontof the glistening moss garden of an ancient temple admiring its subtle beautyas others have done before you for hundreds of years. While in fall, meanderthrough the tranquil environs of a solitary temple that comes alive in the glowof autumn leaves where you may try meditation in the company of the friendlytemple priest. Winter, perhaps my favorite time of year, brings certainsolitude along with a blanket of snow that makes the city’s charm and beautyall the more radiant. As spring bursts forth with a wave of fragrant cherryblossoms that cover the city in a canopy of ephemeral beauty, stroll throughthe grounds of imperial villas that become like a work of art.

A journey to Kyoto would not be complete without an evening in a ryokan orJapanese inn. From a former Buddhist temple that is now a luxuriously appointedinn located deep in the surrounding mountains to an impeccable inn located inthe center of Kyoto, an evening at a ryokan is a holistic experience. A ryokanallows you to enjoy with all of your senses the refinement of Kyoto that hasbeen developed and nurtured over generations. Passing the evening in a simpletatami room of refined elegance while enjoying a delicious kaiseki meal servedwith understated grace and style is an experience that you will neverforget.

By Philip Rosenfeld

Yokoso!JAPAN Travel Blog by The Visit Japan Campaign Supporters

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