Kyoto is an ancient city once serving as the capital of the Japanese states from the Heian period in 794 to the end of the Tokugawa period in 1868. The old capital has a rich history and many traditional buildings which are well-preserved due to largely being spared as a target during WWII, although it was considered for a possible site for a nuclear strike. Luckily that never came to pass and today some parts of Kyoto have been preserved almost exactly like they were a few hundred years ago, giving the whole city an antique feel. Kyoto has served as a center of intellectual development and was the place where many scholars and some of the elite of the Japanese society made their homes.
Today Kyoto stands as one of the most popular vacation destinations for foreigners visiting the archipelago and its often a better deal than spending your time in Tokyo since the way of life here is not exactly as frantic and dynamic as it is in the current capital. The temperatures throughout the year are mild enough with very few serious winters or bouts of heat which contributes to the pleasant feel one gets from simply being here.
· Central Kyoto
Popular attractions in town include the former palace of the shogun – Nijo Castle in central Kyoto accompanied by the Imperial Palace as well. If you want good, fresh and tasty seafood you should take a stroll around the stalls of the Nishiki Market where you'll have a good choice of fish and other marine life to pick from for your meals as well as some nice local food joints. Apart from those there are quite a few Imperial residences and the relatively recent Manga Museum.
· Eastern Kyoto
One of the places you must absolutely visit while being here is the Kiyomizudera Temple, located on one of the eastern hills. The ancient temple offers an unparalleled view to the rest of Kyoto and it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Also, take a walk through the Hagashiyama district – a very well-preserved historic part of Kyoto where one can find many traditional shops and goods, cafes and restaurants which have been serving travelers, Buddhist and Shinto pilgrims from around the world for centuries. Other places in the area are the famous Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi) which leads to Ginkakuji Temple also known as the Silver Pavilion.
· Northern Kyoto
Home of Kinkakuji, one of the most popular Zen temples in Japan, also known as the Golden Pavilion which served as a favorite place for one of the shoguns of the Ashikaga Shogunate – Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The area also serves as a home to multiple other temples worth visiting and apart from those you should really enjoy the local food whenever you can as we promise you'll never have Japanese food quite as good anywhere else in the world than at the source.
· Western and Southern Kyoto
Take a ride on the Sagano Railway for a scenic, slow ride down the Hozugawa river, especially during the autumn season so you can catch the changing colors of the forest here. Another route you may take in the west parts of the old capital is the river cruise offered down the same river for a parallel, yet completely different experience. Another place you might visit if you are a Japanese movie buff – the Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, the museum of Toei Company, known for the production of the classic Kamen Rider series as well as the Battle Royale movie.
These are only a few examples of http://www.vacation-rentals.com/blog/ you'll find in Kyoto as it is literally impossible to show every little detail
