Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan. It has been spared the air raids of World War II, and is one of the few cities with many pre war buildings. Still, Kyoto is very much a modern city, and a highly trafficked one. Many historical sites, easy access, and the beauty of surrounding nature attract visitors from across the world. During all seasons it is overflowing with school buses full of giddy uniformed school kids, retirees in bucket hats and hiking vests, and clumsy tourists from abroad. But there is always a quiet corner to discover, a piece of ancient beauty to see, and the humbling realization that this place served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years.
Kyoto has many faces. The downtown areas have wide boulevards, covered walkways, and giant department stores. Stray from the modern shopping districts and the roads get narrower, buildings begin to favor wood construction over concrete, and small mom-and-pop shops become the norm. Kyoto city is in a valley, and mountains surround it on all sides. No matter where you are, you’re never far from a temple or shrine with hundreds of years of history.
