Kyoto is often called Japan's ancient capital and with good reason. Founded over 1,200 years ago and serving as the heart of political power for nearly 1,000 years Kyoto became the historical and cultural center of the country. Modern Kyoto is a vigorous city of nearly 1.5 million where past and present exist side-by-side everywhere one looks.

Kyoto allows a visitor to step back deep into Japan's past. While periodically affected by civil wars, fires or other natural disasters Kyoto was spared from the bombing campaigns of the Second World War. Preserved sites, streets and houses are outwardly thus as they were historically. Strolling the streets of Kyoto, a visitor can feel old Japan emanating from all around but still enjoy the comfort and convenience of a contemporary, active Japanese city.

Easily accessible by shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo or by direct express train service from Kanasi International Airport, visitors will arrive to a city with an excellent transportation system, laid out in a grid (a rarity in Japan) making directions and touring simple and straightforward. While known for hot, humid summers and cold winters, Kyoto also enjoys mild springs and autumns making the city a popular destination for it's ume plum and sakura cherry blossom viewing from February to April and autumn foliage from October to November.