You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Kawaramachi Street, a favorite shopping spot in Kyoto. Make time for the temples and local tours in this culturally rich area.
You can learn more about the history of Kyoto when you make a stop at a top site like Kiyomizu Temple. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
You can search for that perfect souvenir with a trip to Nishiki Market, a popular shopping spot in Kyoto. Make time for the temples and local tours in this culturally rich area.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and it retains a regal air to this day. Historic buildings stand side-by-side with modern skyscrapers, with beautiful parks full of cherry and plum blossoms in between. Vacation packages to Kyoto will take you to the city that the Japanese people consider to be the most beautiful in the country.
Nowhere sums up Kyoto's history like the Imperial Palace and Park. Tours of the palace must be booked in advance through the Imperial Household Agency, and are well worth making the effort. The gardens can be visited at any time, and they provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nijo Castle was a residence for the shoguns of Japan, and it's a showcase of the elaborate architecture of the time, complete with squeaking "nightingale floors" to warn of intruders. In the northern part of the city is the stunning Temple of the Golden Pavilion, one of the highlights of vacations in Kyoto. It's a good idea to rent a car in Kyoto and drive out there -- while you have a ride, you can take trips to the neighboring cities of Osaka and Kobe, which also have their charms.
Gion Matsuri is one of the biggest festivals in all of Japan, and lasts for the whole month of July. It came about as a ritual to gods of natural disasters, and is celebrated with food, traditional costumes, and parades, the biggest of which takes place on July 17. Jidai Matsuri, the festival of the ages, is held on May 15, and represents various periods throughout Japanese history.
Are you ready to say "konnichiwa" to Japan's most beautiful city? Book Kyoto vacation packages and take advantage of the Travelocity Price Guarantee. Travelocity will match a lower price and refund the difference on packages, Kyoto hotels, and flights.
Whether you want your travel experience to be action-packed and exciting or more peaceful and calm, there's one thing for sure — you'll have loads of stories to tell when it's all over!
If sorting out an itinerary isn't your thing, don't stress — we've got your back. Kyoto has a wonderful selection of experiences. Here are some good options: