Japan's Kansai and Kyoto
Kansai and Kyoto
Boasting more than 1600 Buddhist temples, more than 400 Shinto shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich treasures. Such riches are the legacy of 1000 years of history, a time when Kyoto was the charmed capital of the country and the eloquent stage upon which some of Japan’s greatest stories unfolded. And, while the capital has since migrated to the great Tokyo, Kyoto remains the delightful heart and soul of the country, boasting a culture and magic unlike any other city in the country.
Wander the sublime gardens and admire the ornate architecture of this historical wonder. Its effort to showcase the seasons at their finest is well showcased along its narrow streets and amidst its wealth of elaborate temples hugged in the cherry blossoms of the spring. And, while as with any city, Kyoto does have its spoils of vast concrete, one can find pockets of outstanding beauty even within its high rises, as ancient teahouses smile brightly from in between the walls and sacred shrines tuck neatly into the malls of modern day.
