| Page Views: 2,412 Last Visit to Kyoto: July, 2007 | KYOTO - THE HEART OF JAPAN by Pixiekatten - last update: Mar 29, 2008 |
THE ANCIENT HEART OF JAPAN! In my opinion Kyoto is one of the most magnificent cities is the world - from what Ive seen so far! Its a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. Twice I have been to Japan and twice has my journey started and ended in Kyoto.
There's so much to see here and days could be spent exploring. But Kyoto is also a perfect base when visiting Kansai region. Its close to Arashiyama, Kameoka, Osaka, Himeji, Nara, Koyasan and more!
I really hope you will enjoy mu virtual tour!
Thanks for stopping by!
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|  | SMALL KYOTO TIMELINE
544 - The first "Aoi" festival was held in the city.
8th century - Becoming the capital. The Emperor chose to relocate the capital to a region far from the Buddhist influence because the powerful Buddhist clergy wanted to meddle in Imperial government affairs. In 794 the new city, Heianky¨ˇˇ("Heian capital"), became the seat of Japan's imperial court. The city was later renamed to Kyoto ("capital city").
1868 - After more than 1000 years Kyoto was no longer Japan's capital. It was moved to Tokyo (meaning "Eastern Capital").
World War II - United States had Kyoto on the list of targets but in the end it was decided to remove the city from the list and the atomic bombs were dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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| | EXPERIENCING GION MATSURI Gion Matsuri is held annually in Kyoto and is probably one of the most famous festival in all of Japan. It is on during the entire month of July and the Yama-boko Junkō, which is the parade with the floats, is the absolute highlight of the festival and is on July 17th. Kyoto's downtown area is closed for traffic on the three nights leading up to the parade. On these nights the streets are lined with night stalls selling food, traditional sweets, beer and much more. On these nights it is also the perfect opportunity to spot the Japanese walking around in beautiful cotton summer kimonos, called yukatas.
On the 17th one has to rise early to get a good spot to watch the parade. The streets get real crowded hours before it starts and people bring food, water and fans to get through the long wait in the hot and humid weather.
The parade consists of about 30 floats that are carried and pulled. It takes about 3 hours and is amazing to watch. Fun part is to hear the Japanese chuckle every time they see a 'gajin' in the parade, a foreigner that is.. I loved the experience and only downside is the complete lack of females in the parade.
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 Comments for Pixiekatten about Kyoto | | | | |
zlatiq Wed Oct 8, 2008 06:50 UTC
great tips on kyoto! thanks for putting them together!i will definitely try the K-house | we2364 Sat Mar 29, 2008 15:33 UTC
I should call you Japanese girl :-) Food in China is the best, you should exquisively choose the nice one...because it isn't just food la. Hope you enjoy soon and let me know how you feel CHINA! | Toshioohsako Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:02 UTC
Glad to read see your J.experience and see your photos. You have been to many places which i have not been to. You are welcome to my Japan photos,. Have a good day. | volopolo Fri Feb 1, 2008 15:17 UTC
Another great page about Japan and the famous Kyoto city! |
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- Granvia
JR Kyoto Station Karasuma Entrance Karasuma-Dori Shiokoji-Sagaru Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto
- Ana Hotel Kyoto
Nijojo-mae, Horikawa-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
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