Kyoto Hotel Online Reservations by Japan-Vacation-Hotel-Reservations.com
 Cities
like Venice and Paris cry out to be explored on foot so that their sights,
sounds, smells, and textures be savored to the fullest. So, too, does
Kyoto. A mass of cool green garden moss, the resonant echo of a temple
bell, the uniquely Japanese aroma of soy, sugar and sake, and the sensual
caress of silk, all experienced on a day's walk, convey the legacy of
this ancient culture in a uniquely personalized manner for each visitor.Kyoto, which in 1994 feted the 1200th anniversary of its birth as the nation's capital, has never been so vibrant. In addition to the 1,600 temples and 400 shrines which draw 40 million visitors annually, the city boasts a new concert hall and commemorative gardens. Here, history, the arts, landscaped beauty and religious heritage join forces to present a microcosm of Japan's legacy to the world.  Kyoto,
the old capital city of Japan, with a history of more than 1200 years,
was the setting for countless important historical dramas, political
intrigues, and cultural golden ages. Today, there are many ways to enjoy
the wonderful and unique features of this historical city, ranging from
architecture, gardens and Buddhist imagery to Kaiseki (Japanese tea
cuisine) and all kinds of traditional arts and craft. One of the best
ways to get to know the city is to walk as much as possible and try,
whenever possible, to stay just a little off the beaten track. No matter
where you go, you are sure to enjoy the endless charms of Kyoto, where
ancient traditions live alongside modern ways.Entertainment Area  Kyoto's
Five Traditional HanamachiOne of the traditions of these areas are the spring dances performed by the maiko and geiko of each quarter in celebration of the magnificent arrival of the cherry blossom season. Spring begins with the Miyako Odori (Miyako dance) in the Gion district and the Kyo Odori in Miyagawa-cho, followed by the Kitano Odori in Kamihichiken and the Kamogawa Odori in Ponto-cho. In the autumn, the Gion-higashi of its celebrated Gion Odori. Kyoto's five traditional hanamachi (Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi-shinchi, Pontocho, Kamihichiken and Miyagawa-cho) or entertainment quarters, which developed in the Edo-period as areas of town where affluent town's people enjoyed food, music and dancing, have all preserved their cultural traditions. Often connected with the "floating world" so often depicted in Edo-period woodblock prints, these areas were ruled over by maiko (young geisha girls) and geiko (geisha). Trained in various arts, including dancing and singing, from an early age until they were 19, these legendary entertainers added a sense of gaiety and elegance to dinner parties with their shamisen (three-stringed guitar) playing, singing and dancing. Kyoto's Minamiza Theater, Origin of the Kabuki Theater  Kabuki,
one of Japan's most famous traditional entertainment forms, combines
high drama, with dance and music. In kabuki all roles, male or female,
are played by men, generally made up according to the gaudy make-up
tradition called kumatori. The stage itself is equipped with various
devices including a stage that can be rotated (or mawari-butai, which
allows for set changes without using a curtain), and a seri trap-door
(so that actors can make sudden stage appearances). Kabuki got started
in 1603 in the Shijo Kawarmachi area by the female dancer Izumo-no-Okuni,
who used to dance nenbutsu-odori (Buddhist chant dances) along the Kamo
river. The Minamiza Theater was the first kabuki theater built in Japan.
Today, the theater is used for a wide variety of performances including
musicals and modern plays. The annual kaomise performance (in December)
stages all of the year's most popular kabuki scenes, with the leading
roles played by the country's top stars.Shopping Guide Kyoto Fans Fans have been used since ancient times as decorative fashion accessory and status symbol. Beautiful and intricate, the fan expresses the highest level of craftsmanship. Nishijin Weaving Nishijin weaving is synonymous with the very finest quality of silk weaving. The thread is dyed first separately and then woven into intricate rich designs and patterns. Most Nishijin textiles are used for obi-sash belts and other kimono-related accessories.  Kyoto
DollsKyoto dolls dressed in elaborate Nishijin woven fabric are well-known for the superb craft traditions used to create them. The refined technique and elegance off these dolls appeal to all kinds of people. Kyoto Sweets Kyoto sweets developed as part of the ceremonial life of the Imperial court, shrines, temples and through the Japanese tea ceremony. Kyoto's beautiful sweets, based on seasonal themes in all kinds of colors, are famous throughout Japan. Japanese Accessories Soft texture, subdued luster and bright colors are the just some of the reasons why Chirimen crepe silk has always been regarded as a desirable luxury. The unique texture called shibori is the main feature of this fabric. Today, chirimen is mainly produced in the Tango area in the north western corner of Kyoto Prefecture. Face Tissue A special kind of Japanese paper also used for making gold leaf, removes the excess oil in the face skin without removing make-up. It is famous throughout Japan and is popular souvenir with women visiting Kyoto.  Ceramics
(Kiyomizu pottery)In the 1600s, Nonomura Jinsei started glazing and painting ceramics in the area surrounding Kiyomizu Temple. Since then, Kiyomizu ceramics have developed into a superb design tradition that is famous throughout Japan and the world. Flower Hair Ornaments Japanese hair ornaments, among the world's most elaborate, are used to decorate the traditional coiffures of maiko girls in a stunning variety of seasonal motifs such as cherry blossoms, hydrangea, and chrysanthemum. Transportation Kyoto is well served by an efficient system of buses. Take buses whenever you can. Using a bus might seem very complicated at first, but once you get used to them you will find that they are extremely convenient, fast and inexpensive. If you are in a party of three or four, you might find that a taxi, in many instances, is just as convenient. Buses are the way to get to many of Kyoto's most famous tourist attractions. The leading tourist spots in the city are: Kiyomizu Temple, Heian Shrine, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavlion), Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and Nijo Castle. City Transportation information Kyoto is serviced by a city bus system run by several companies, Japan Railways (JR) lines, two subways, five private train lines, and a large number of taxi companies. Make the most of your time in the city by choosing the best means of transportation. Kyoto City Buses Most of the buses in Kyoto are painted light green, with a thick dark green line down the center. For more information call 075-801-2561 (Japanese language only). How to ride on a bus and paying the fare Entry to the bus is usually through the back door; exit via the front door (and pay at the front). In nearly all cases, inner-city bus fares are fixed (220Yen). On boarding buses serving outer areas, take a numbered ticket (seiri-ken) when entering the bus. The number of the ticket is indicated on a electronic board at the front of the bus, telling you how much you will have to pay. All of the above buses have change making machines for 100Yen and 500Yen coins, or 1000Yen notes (the driver will not usually be able to change larger notes). Children under 12 years of age pay half of the adult fare; children under 6 do not have to pay (limited to two children under six years of age per adult). Pay at the front of the bus. Simply put the money into the see-through plastic box next to the driver on your way out. Subways and trains Kyoto has two subway lines: the Karasuma line and the Tozai line. In addition to the subway, there are five private train companies operating in the city area (Keifuku, Eizan, Keihan, Hankyu, and Kintetsu). How to buy tickets Most train and subway stations are equipped with automatic ticket dispensing machines. To purchase your ticket, put the money in the machine first. Then select the button for your ticket price and press that button. You can also pay with a prepaid card (such as the Kyoto Trafica Card, see below), if you have one. Train information access numbers Japan Railway (JR): 075-351-4004 Hankyu Railways: 075-211-1052 Keihan Railways: 075-561-0033 Keifuku Railway: 075-841-9381 Eizan Railway: 075-781-5121 Trafica prepaid cards These prepaid cards can be used for all city subways and buses. They come in 1,000Yen and 3,000Yen value sizes, and can be used like a ticket to enter the transportation. The 3,000Yen cards are discounted. There is no time limit on these cards. Visiting popular spots in Kyoto Kyoto is well served by an efficient system of buses. Take buses whenever you can. Using a bus might seem very complicated at first, but once you get used to them you will find that they are extremely convenient, fast and inexpensive. If you are in a party of three or four, you might find that a taxi, in many instances, is just as convenient. Buses are the way to get to many of Kyoto's most famous tourist attractions. The leading tourist spots in the city are: Kiyomizu Temple, Heian Shrine, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavlion), Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and Nijo Castle. All-Kyoto tickets One Day Ticket If you plan to use Kyoto's transportation system a lot in a single day or over a two-day period, the city offers all-Kyoto tickets (one-day and two-day) that can be used on City buses, Kyoto buses and subways without limit. The ticket also entitles you to some discounts at temples, and comes with a guide map. You can purchase these tickets at the city bus & subway information center, subway stations, city bus operating stations, and at appointed hotels and inns in the city. Limousine buses to KIX A limousine bus service to and from the Kansai International Airport (KIX) between Kyoto Daigo, the Kyoto ANA Hotel, Keihan Sanjo Station and the Hachijoguchi exit of Kyoto Station is available on a daily basis. For more information and reservations call 075-682-4400 (9:00-19:00). Time to KIX: about 105 min. from Kyoto Station. Fare: 2,300Yen for adults, and 1,150Yen for children. Round-trip fare 3,800Yen for adults only. Haruka JR Limited Express This direct limited express runs between Kyoto and KIX. It leaves from JR Kyoto Sta. Reservations are recommended during busy departure times. Generally, there are two trains every hour. The trip takes about 75 minutes. Fare: 3,490Yen (reserved); 2,980Yen (non-reserved); 6,260Yen (round-trip reserved seats) Surutto Kansai Miyako Card Cost: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen Valid on all Kyoto City buses and subway lines, and cooperating private train and bus lines. (Hankyu railway line, Kintestu railway line, Keihan railway line, Keihan bus etc.) |
The above material are taken from All Travel Japan Tourism
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