Kyoto Holidays

Kyoto feels like stepping into another world — one where the past is still very much present. Once Japan’s imperial capital, it’s packed with history, but in a way that feels woven into everyday life, not kept behind glass.

It’s the kind of place where you might wander into a quiet neighbourhood and find a centuries-old shrine tucked between houses, or hear the soft click of wooden sandals in Gion as a geisha disappears around a corner. Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates are famous for good reason — they wind into the hills like something from a dream — and the Golden Pavilion really does glow in the sunlight.

Kyoto also gives you a chance to try things for yourself. Tea ceremonies, kimono fittings, flower arranging — these aren’t just performances, they’re invitations to slow down and take part in something meaningful. The atmosphere here encourages that.

The food, of course, is incredible. Kaiseki dining is a real treat — beautifully prepared and full of local, seasonal touches — but even the street snacks at Nishiki Market offer a glimpse of Kyoto’s culinary creativity.

And when you need a moment of quiet, there are gardens and temples all over the city where you can breathe a little deeper. It’s all so easy to get to as well — just hop on the shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka.

We love Kyoto for its balance — it doesn’t rush, it doesn’t shout. It just welcomes you in, one peaceful detail at a time.