Destinations / Kyoto

Kyoto

Step Back in Time in Japan’s Ancient Capital

Discover the Dynamic Heart of Japan

Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, and its legacy is visible on every street corner. With more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is the cultural soul of Japan. Walk the famous stone-paved lanes of Gion at dusk, stroll through thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari, and experience the meditative calm of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Kyoto rewards slow, deliberate exploration — every season brings a different kind of beauty.

Highlights of Kyoto

Person walking through red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Japan.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Thousands of iconic red torii gates winding up a mountainside
Scenic view of Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms and a torii gate at sunset.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A surreal, otherworldly forest walk
Traditional Japanese temple with golden accents near a pond in Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A gilded temple reflected in a still pond
Traditional Kyoto street with historic wooden buildings and umbrellas.

Gion District

The historic geisha quarter, especially magical at twilight
Vibrant night market scene with food stalls and shoppers in Kyoto, Japan.

Nishiki Market

Kyoto’s vibrant five-block food market

Why Visit with Asahi

We arrange private tea ceremony experiences, early-morning temple access before the crowds, and authentic Kyoto kaiseki dinner reservations.