Kyoto & Osaka

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world,Kyoto offers traditional Japanese food, in addition to examples of traditional architecture such as ancient shrines and temples, as well as many landscape gardens. Osaka in an economic center in western Japan, and just like Tokyo, most of the state-of-the-art buildings line the streets of the downtown area. However,Osaka is also a city where ordinary people have developed their own distinct food culture. You can enjoy all the dishes unique to the Kansai area in Osaka.

Important places

Kiyomizu- dera Temple

Built in the 8th century and destroyed by fire later, this temple was reconstructed in the 17th century to represent traditional structures in Kyoto. Its distinguishing feature is the huge state, as tell as a modern four- story building. The state offers brilliant views of Kyoto’s wonderful streets.

Sagano/Arashiyama

Ryoanji Temple

Gion

A nighborhood to the east of the Kamogawa River that runs north and south along the Shijo Street. Gion is an entertainment district lined with traditional townhouses. There are many sightseeing spots close by, such as Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Kenninji Temple, and Maruyama Koen Park.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The magnificent sight of about 10,000 vermilion -colored toriis (Shinto gateways) standing side by on a mountain trail that leads from the main shrine to the top of Mt. Inariyama is extremely popular with visitors.

Osaka Castle

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who once ruled Japan, built this castle in 1585 as a symbol of a unified nation. The original castle was later destroyed by fire. In spring, you can enjoy viewing plum and cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle Park, which is situated around the reconstructed castle tower.

Dotonbori

An entertainment district in Osaka. You can enjoy the unorganized atmosphere unique to the city and its original forms of fast food, such as tokoyaki (octopus balls). This neighborhood is close to the kuromon lchiba Market, which is popularly known as the kitchen of the people who live in Osaka.