27 September 2019 – Those travelling to Japan for the Rugby World Cup shouldn’t just limit themselves to the Japanese host cities where the rugby matches will take place as there is so much more Japan has to offer. And no trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to Japan’s old capital city Kyoto, also home to the Japanese imperial family well into the nineteenth century. Kyoto Traveler’s Inn, one of Kyoto’s best-placed hotels, shares its top five mustn’t-miss experiences in Kyoto this Autumn.

Kyoto Traveler’s Inn Top Five Kyoto Experiences:

A Destination in its Own Right: Kyoto Train Station
As well as being a popular gateway to Kyoto, this striking steel and glass structure is an Instagram-worthy attraction in its own right. It also boasts a 15^th-floor observation deck for you to get your bearings, several performance spaces, a multitude of restaurants, and even a department store. From the station you can hail an English-speaking taxi driver to help you explore further afield too.

Try forest-bathing in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by day…
Autumn is a great time to visit Kyoto as the weather tends to be warm and dry. This is also the best season to try some forest-bathing, or shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of spending time in nature to reduce stress and increase a sense of wellbeing. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is particularly spectacular as the bamboo stalks reach to the sky and surrounds in a seemingly boundless way.

… And Then Take a Stroll Around Gion at Night
Gion is Kyoto’s entertainment and famed geisha district, which is a mix of the historically beautiful and modern architecture. In Gion, modern entertainment establishments mix with traditional 17^th-century teahouses. The district has beautiful streets like Shimbashi that are illuminated at night – and if you are lucky you may spot a geiko or maiko in this area. While they’re known as geishas in Tokyo, in Kyoto the correct term is ‘geiko’, which means ‘women of art’. Geiko spend at least five years in training as an apprentice – also known as a ‘maiko’ – to perfect their abilities to play musical instruments, dance and host games for guests.

Visit a Temple or Two
With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines (Shinto is a unique ancient Japanese faith system), Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. Kyoto Traveler’s Inn is well-suited for those who want to see the cultural sites of Kyoto since many of the city’s shrines and temples are located within walking distance from the hotel. These include the Shoren-in Temple, Ginkakuji, Heian Jingu Shrine and the Yasaka Shrine, which is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto and accessible in just 15 minutes by foot.

Explore Kyoto’s Pantry: Nishiki Market
Enjoying the cuisine in Japan is an important part of any trip there, so a great Kyoto institution to explore is Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto. There you will find a vast array of foods on display and to try, and the engaging market stall holders will make new visitors to the market feel very welcome.

Rates at Kyoto Traveler’s Inn start from approx. £31 (¥ 4,000) plus tax per night, per person, for a Standard Japanese Room at double occupancy.

For further information about Kyoto Traveler’s Inn, visit www.k-travelersinn.com/english/.

ENDS

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Image Captions:
Image 1: Popular Fushini Inari Torii Gate is one of many beautiful shrines in Kyoto.
Image 2: Dine out in Gion in Kyoto – image courtesy of Kaiseki restaurant in Gion.
Image 3: The Gion district of Kyoto.

About Kyoto Traveler’s Inn
Kyoto Traveler’s Inn is located in the Okazaki area of the Higashiyama district in eastern Kyoto, Japan. The hotel offers guests a choice between a Western room or traditional Japanese accommodation with futon bedding and tatami flooring. The three-star hotel, which is a seven-minute walk away from Higashiyama Subway Station, is well-suited for those who want to see the sites of Kyoto since many of the city’s shrines and temples are located within walking distance from the hotel. These include the Shoren-in Temple, Ginkakuji, Heian Jingu Shrine and also the Yasaka Shrine, which is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto and accessible in just 15 minutes by foot. Those visiting the hotel during the months of March and April can view cherry blossom at the nearby Maruyama Park and those visiting during Momiji Season from November to early December can view Kyoto’s stunning autumn colours at Nanzenji, Eikando, garden of Heian Jingu and Murinan garden, all of which are all within walking distance from the hotel. Staff at Kyoto Traveler’s Inn speak English and facilities and services at the non-smoking hotel include free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant that serves Japanese and Western dishes, a traditional onsen-style public bath known as a daiyokujo that offers massages for guests, and a bicycle rental service.