Located on the main island of Honshu in the region of Kansai, Kyoto is one of, if not the, most beautiful cities in Japan and the world.
Kyoto served as Japan's capital for more than 1000 years, originally under the name of Heian-Kyo, meaning the capital of peace and tranquility.
Surrounded by mountains to the East (Higashiyama), North (Kitayama), and West (Nishiyama), Kyoto is bisected by the pristine waters of the Kamo river in which white egrets and grey herons can be seen quietly stalking carp as black kites hover in the sky above.
Kyoto has everything any large city might normally offer: A bustling night life with fabulous restaurants and clubs, refined cultural institutions in the forms of museums and theatres, and the youthful energy of a university town. At the same time, because of its numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples within the city itself as well as in the surrounding mountains, Kyoto provides an oasis of serenity where one can find refuge in contemplation and meditation.
Kyoto is heavily rooted in the cultural tradition and history of Japan. Every year numerous festivals, known as matsuri, revive the customs of the past with beautiful and colorful displays of period costumes and decorated floats.
Kyoto is tradition and history, nature and culture, energy and peace of mind.
It is a haven where its people will humbly greet you with warm and gracious kindness.