Kyoto Travelers Recommend

Known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan's capital. Today it's the country's seventh largest city, thoroughly modern while remaining Japan's most traditional city. Day 1: Kyoto in a dayTake a one-day sightseeing tour to acquaint yourself with the layout of the city and its highlights, such as Nijō Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Handicraft Center. Day 2: Sushi and NaraTake a guided walk through the mile-long, covered Nishiki food markets and eclectic back streets of Kyoto, then learn how to make Japanese home-cooked food from market ingredients. Follow that up with a visit to a sake brewery museum to really cover all your Japanese gourmet bases. Day 3: Bamboo groves and neon lightFor a totally tranquil start to the day, stroll the rural bamboo groves and mountain temples of the Arashiyama and Sagano districts just outside of Kyoto.

Situated 42 kilometres outside of Kyoto in Japan's Kansai region, Nara was the country's first permanent capital city. Only 35minute train journey from Kyoto, Nara has some of Japan’s oldest temples, like Todai-ji Temple - one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In its huge precincts are various Japanese national treasures, including the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall) and an enormous bronze statue of Buddha. The Isui-en gardens are the best in the city, with its lush greenery and a carp-filled pond. While the Nara National Museum offers artistic culture with it Buddhist art. In the ancient, colourful Kasuga Shrine there are 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns, which extend along the path to Deer Park, where 1,000 tame deer freely roam in 1,250 acres of peaceful greenery.