Kyoto, Japan’s sublime former capital, should be at the very top of any serious traveler’s bucket list. It is a city filled with an endless array of classical Buddhist temples, Zen gardens which will leave you speechless (that’s actually the point), and awe inspiring imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses all giving off an indescribably vibe of old Japan. It’s also known for formal Japanese multi-course kaiseki dining, and of course the renowned and elusive geisha entertainers. TraveLegends has access to special VIP experiences including private Geisha performances, the finest dining in your own tatami room, private guided tours off the beaten track exploring the often unseen side of this magical and mysterious city.

A Unesco World Heritage site (one of 17 in Kyoto!) is beautiful beyond belief. You access the temple by walking up the old cobblestoned streets past purveyors of all things Japanese edible and otherwise. Alternatively, you can hire a traditional Edo period rickshaw to pull you up the hill to see the sites. Once there you can gaze out over the entire city of Kyoto and see the mix of old and new from this vantage point.

KINKAKU-JI
This is the spectacular Temple of the Golden Pavillion – one of the most famous edifices in all of Japan. It is a stunning Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in 24k gold leaf! The temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.

This place is gorgeous. It’s a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of bright vermilion red tori gates which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, and the shrine is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794. Must see!

Opened in 2014 this is Kyoto’s first super luxury hotel. Designed by Remedios Design Studio, the Japan resort features 134 guest rooms and suites, most with breathtaking views of the Kamogawa river and the Higashiyama mountains. The resort features 17 luxurious suites. Rooms from $525. STARS amenities including breakfast, upgrade if available.

This elegant and sophisticated 300 year old hotel is Kyoto’s best (and some say Japan’s best) ryokan or traditional Japanese inn. You will sleep on a luxurious futon mattress that the staff lays out for you at night after your incredible kaiseki multi-course dinner served by your own kimono-clad attendant in the privacy of your room. Warning: You may not ever want to leave. From $900 including half-board.

MANKAMEROU
For an authentic Kyoto kaiseki dinner this is the place (and has been since 1722). You can dine in your own tatami room with a view out to the elegant Japanese garden. There is a reason why this place has a long history of serving emperors and heads of state. The present owner/chef and chef is the 29th generation successor of the Ikama School of ceremonial cooking knife technique and does he carve a mean fish! Japanese delicacies with a modern twist will be served in multiple courses. Bring a good appetite. TraveLegends can arrange a private fish carving demonstration from the chef.

ISHEBEKOJI KAMAKURA
Modern kaiseki cuisine in an intimate contemporary setting with seats for only 9 lucky diners. If you go to Kyoto, you should try to eat at this hidden gem in the Gion geisha district. Tasting menu that changes daily.

OGATA
This 2 star Michelin restaurant is very deserving of its rating and serves some of the finest modern Japanese cuisine on the planet. Only 7 seats. Reserve well ahead. A foodie paradise.

GOGYO
For a casual ramen lunch. Delicious noodles. Try the burnt miso ramen – it’s amazing.

SOBANOMI YOSHIMURA
A must stop for soba noodle lovers. They grind the buckwheat right there and create the noodles in full view. Great soba and small side dishes like sashimi and tempura.

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