Kyoto Japan

There are many reasons to visit Japan. Visitors find the culture and history fascinating and Japanese society is an intriguing mix of the old and new. One of the most popular tourist destinations is Kyoto Japan. This ancient city was fortunate in escaping the bombing during World War II and its architectural splendor has been protected. A former capital of the country, it is famous for its abundance of temples and shrines. There are so many, it would be impossible to see them all in one vacation! Many visitors enjoy seeing the area on walking tours and cycling tours.

If arriving by train, the first image to greet you in Kyoto Japan is a very modern structure. The railway station is vast and worth a visit in its own right. The escalators go above roof level and the viewing area at the top gives spectacular views of the city. There is also a helipad and the 15-story complex also houses a shopping center, a cinema, a hotel and a department store. The glass and steel station was opened in 1997 and is an important link in Japan's railway system.

Accommodation is varied in the city and it is easy to find somewhere to stay on a budget. There are a number of hostels, guest houses and budget hotels for tourists and business travelers. The Ryokan Guest Houses are very popular. These present the traditional side of Kyoto Japan with tatami floors and screen doors. They are simply furnished and comfortable.

As there are so many attractions, you need to be selective and plan your itinerary. Toji Temple is one of the highlights by anyone's standards. It has the largest pagoda in its grounds of any in the country and it is Japan's tallest wooden structure. One of the best examples of a castle is also in Kyoto Japan, at Nijo Castle. The castle is made up of various buildings and gardens. There is a large moat, two tea houses and beautiful cherry trees. Completed in 1626, the castle was given to the city in 1939 and the public was allowed admission a year later.

One of the more unusual attractions of the area is the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Manga Comics are a central part of Japanese culture and they have become popular in the west too. The museum presents exhibitions and there are comics available to read. The collection totals 200,000 titles.