Kyoto, Japan boasts over 1,650 Buddhist temples, over 400 Shinto shrines, two vast Imperial complexes, 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures, 15 percent of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties, 24 museums, gardens and 37 universities and colleges. Several temples and shrines have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gion is Kyoto’s most well-known traditional hanamachi (entertainment) district.

Kyoto, Japan boasts over 1,650 Buddhist temples, over 400 Shinto shrines, two vast Imperial complexes, 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures, 15 percent of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties, 24 museums, gardens and 37 universities and colleges. Several temples and shrines have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gion is Kyoto’s most well-known traditional hanamachi (entertainment) district.

Do you know which city used to be capital of Japan from 794 to 1868? It is Kyoto, Japan. The city is located in the southern part of Honshu, near Osaka. It was the Japan’s cultural and artistic center and home of the imperial family. Except for the Kyoto Protocol , an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the city is also famous for its old temples, the Imperial palace, the Kyoto Tower, the Heian shrine (a Shinto holy place), and its 59-foot statue of Buddha, and other cultural and historic landmarks.

59-foot statue of Buddha in Kyoto, Japan

Buddhist Temple with garden  in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is known as the area of geishas and attractions such as the Bunraku puppet theater, Kabuki, and No Theater. Shijo Street (Shijo subway station) is the main east-west shopping street in downtown Kyoto. If you plan to visit Kyoto, then check out the Nishiki Market, which is in a very old part of city. You may not be able to find a hotel room in the last minute. Kyoto is a great place for a vacation throughout the entire year.

Shinto holy in Kyoto

Kabuki theater Kyoto

Shijo Street Kyoto