♦ Kyoto Gyoen
Kyoto Gyoen is a garden which occupies 63 hectares around Kyoto Gosho, and entry is free at all times. Measuring around 700m from east to west and 1,300m from north to south, it is the ideal place to relax and take in the idyllic, natural surroundings. Kyoto Gyoen is about 10 minutes from Hotel Sugicho on foot.
♦ Heian Jingu Shrine
In 1895, the citizens of Kyoto celebrated the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the Heian capital. They sought to praise the virtues of Emperor Kammu and Komei and deify him as the ancestral god of Kyoto. To this end, they created a shrine in the style of Chodo-in, the main edifice of the Heian Capital, dedicating it to him on March 15th of the same year. Vermilion-colored look-outs on the roof's center and at each of the four corners evoke an authentic Kyutei atmosphere. Necessary time: about 30 minutes
Directions: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway Station → (Tozai Line) Keage Station about 8 minutes on foot.
♦ Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle became a base for the Tokugawa Shogunate in Kyoto. It was built in 1603 and originally served as an inn. Necessary time: about 20 minutes
Directions: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway Station → (Tozai Line) Nijojyo Station about 2 minutes on foot.
♦ Kiyomizu Dera
This temple was designated as a World Heritage Site. The name of Kiyomizu comes from the clear water of Otowa waterfall in Kiyomizu temple. Kiyomizu-no-Butai is a widely renowned site.
Necessary time: about 30 minutes
Directions: Shijyo Kawara-cho Bus stop (207 Line) → Kiyomizu-michi Bus stop about 8 minutes on foot.
♦ Kinkaku Temple
This temple is also classified as a World Heritage Site. The name "Kinkaku" is actually an alias - it's real name is Rokuon Temple. Kinkaku is the name of the area at the centre of the structure, from which the entire temple derives it's name. Necessary time: about 30 minutes
Directions: Shyakusyo-mae Bus stop (59 Line) → Kinkakuji-mae Bus stop about 1 minute on foot.
♦ Ginkaku Temple
Ginkaku is also an alias - it's real name is Jisyou Temple. Like Kinkaku, it takes it's alias from the area at the center of the building. Necessary time: about 30 minutes
Directions: Kawarasanjyo Bus stop (32 Line) → Ginkakuji-mae Bus stop about 3 minutes on foot.
♦ Nishiki Ichiba Marketplace
This marketplace has a 400-year history and is known as "Nishiki" by Kyoto citizens. It is popularly referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen" and along with the local Kyoto residents, it also attracts students on school excursions and sightseeing holidaymakers.
About 7 minutes on foot.
♦ Shijyo Kawaramachi
Shijyo Kawaramachi is the biggest downtown district in Kyoto, and is ideal for shopping.
About 10 minutes on foot.
♦ Shinkyougoku Shyotengai commercial avenue
A multitude of varied stores provide a vast array of traditional Japanese souvenirs and crafts.
About 5 minutes on foot.
♦ Gion
Gion, the home to many Maiko (apprentice geisha), is a major tourist attraction in Kyoto. The areas around Hanamikoji are registered sites of historical preservation, and the traditional-style streets typify Kyoto.
About 10 minutes on foot.
♦ Higashiyama
Higashiyama is one of the best sightseeing areas in Kyoto, and features some major temples like Kiyomizu-Dera.
About 20 minutes on foot.
♦ Arashiyama
Arashiyama is one of the best sightseeing areas in Kyoto. You can enjoy beautiful natural scenery all year round. Necessary time: about 60 minutes.
Directions: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway Station → (Tozai Line) Nijojyo Station → (Sanin Line) Saga → Arashiyama Station about 10 minutes on foot.
♦ Gozan Okuri bi (Daimonji)
Traditional firework events are held in Kyoto every year on August 16th. This is one of the top four events in Kyoto along with the Aoi Festival, Gion Festival, and Jidai Festival.
♦ Gion Festival
The second of Kyoto's top four festivals. It features an historical parade known as "the moving museum".
♦ Aoi Festival
This is the third of Kyoto's top four festivals, and it is held by the Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines. The parade features costumes which incorporate beautiful Aoi flowers.
♦ Jidai Festival
The fourth of Kyoto's top four festivals. It is held on October 22th- the same day that Emperor Kammu brought the capital from Nagaoka-kyo to Heian-kyo back in 794. The parade also features traditional line.