Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Speaking of Kinkaku-ji　Temple, what comes immediately to mind is the glittering Golden Pavilion with a splendor that is almost unparalleled. It is a highly popular spot among Japanese as well, and is an absolute must-see on any visit to Kyoto.
The reflection of the pavilion in the so-called Mirror Pond is a breathtaking sight. In winter, its beauty is further enhanced by a dusting of snow, making February a good time to visit.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is said to be the number one attraction in Japan for foreign tourists.
And the most famous sight there are of course the Thousand Torii Gates.
They are located near the entrance to the sacred Inari mountain where the path to the top is lined with some 10,000 vermilion torii gates. Ever since the Edo period, these were erected by persons as a sign of gratitude for wishes that had been granted.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera is a temple that has long been cherished and is still a favorite destination of visitors in the present day. The most renowned part is the Kiyomizu Stage registered as a Japanese national treasure. Also well known is the Otowa Waterfall whose three channels of water are believed to have wish-granting powers for academic endeavor, love, and long life.
Why not use the rental kimono service and go on a stroll that will become a lasting memory?

The special charm of Nijo Castle comes from the fact that it has preserved its beautiful flatland castle shape until now. Despite being hit by various disasters, it preserves the ambiance of bygone days,and is ranked among the 100 foremost castles in Japan. The Ninomaru Palace is a complex structure where the shogun met the daimyo (feudal lords) or imperial messengers. Other notable sights include the Honmaru Palace, Honmaru Garden, Ninomaru Garden and more.

This monkey wildlife park occupies about 6,000 square meters on Mt. Iwata next to Mt. Arashiyama.
More than 120 Japanese macaques live here in natural surroundings, and there are also birds, insects, and plants to explore.
And as a bonus, there is a great view of the city of Kyoto. At the rest spot near the summit, visitors can enter a wire mesh cage and extend their hands to feed the monkeys.

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market has about 120 food stalls. It is a great place for trying out various tasty snacks. Free samples are also often available.
The choice is almost overwhelming:　
1. Inoue Tsukudani "Chocolate croquettes"　
2. Miki Eggs "Dashi egg roll"　
3. Konnamonja "Tofu doughnuts"　
4. Fresh Fish Kimura "Skewered marinated carpaccio"　
5. Uoriki "Conger tempura"　
6. KAI "Octopus egg"　
7. Kofukudo "Strawberry rice cake"　
8. Hatanoken-Roho "Soft karinto" (fried dough snack)　
9. Hokyuan, Kyoto Nishiki Main Shop "Stick tempura"

The most popular attraction among visitors at this theme park is the "Ninja Show", and there are various other things of interest as well, including a sword fight performance.
You can even dress up as a samurai or a geisha.

This temple which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from all over the globe. The most famous sight at the temple is the rock garden that has become a symbol of Japan. It is a so-called "dry landscape" garden where rock formations and pebbles are used to express the view of mountains and water. In this garden with simple appearance, on a bed of white gravel, 15 fifteen stones are arranged in five groups; one group of five stones, two groups of three, and two groups of two. The arrangement at first glance may seem random, but it is designed so that the visitor never can see all 15 stones at once, regardless of the vantage point. Adding to the fascination is the fact that the creator of this garden which has become so famous is himself unknown. Visiting early in the morning is recommended if you wish to view the garden at your leisure.

The Road of Bamboo forest is an enchanting path that extends for about 200 meters through a bamboo grove. In the vicinity there are other attractions such as Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site.
Every December, the "Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro” event involves magical illumination of the walkways which is a very special sight.

The following seven Japanese traditional performing arts can be enjoyed at Gion Corner: Kyo-mai dance performed by maiko, Flower arrangement, Tea ceremony, Koto, Gagaku, Kyogen, and Bunraku. The show duration is about one hour.
The venue is located in the Yasaka Hall adjacent to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater in the center of Kyoto's Gion district, an area always lively with visitors from all over the world.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of the Emperor from the Kamakura period to the beginning of the Meiji period. There are many gravel paths in the spacious grounds which are favored by joggers and are also great for taking strolls. The bird-watching spot sometimes visited by rare birds is another attraction.
Please inquire with the office shown at left before heading to the site.

The World Heritage Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) acquires a distinctive beauty by skillfully blending the traditional Yamato pictorial style of an elegant dynasty with Zen culture. It presents a waterfall where mountain streams converge into a pond, with an arrangement of rocks representing the Dragon Gate Falls in China, and also featuring a "carp stone" that harks back to old legends. A natural stone bridge in the foreground, a triad style rock island, and a rock resembling a floating island incorporate the background of Mt. Arashiyama to present stunning views from the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters) in all four seasons.
When exploring the Arashiyama area, a visit to Tenryu-ji is highly recommended.

The name of the revered Kifune Shrine used to be written with characters that mean "the ground from which vigor springs".
The shrine is dedicated to a kami (god) that controls water, and there is always water gushing out from a source within the precincts. True to its nature as a shrine to a water kami, the fortune telling here is also rather special, being based on water. The shrine is also a place to pray for matchmaking and it is visited by many members of the younger generation. In the hot season, the Kifune riverbed is a place for leisurely taking in the cool refreshing air, a Japanese summer tradition.
As a "power spot" representative of Japanese customs, Kifune Shrine is enjoying a quiet boom.

Of course, one comes here for the hot spring waters, but the first point of interest is Kurama Station itself,a wooden building of considerable charm. Later, one can enjoy the open-air bath of Kurama Onsen while absorbing the natural negative ions in the air from the mountains all around. The views from the bath are always stunning, offering a different vista in every season.
* Please note that persons with tattoos will not be admitted to the facility.
Also, children still wearing diapers are not allowed in the bath.
The entire facility is a no-smoking area.

In general, prior reservation is required. There are full-day and half-day rafting tours. With a total of about 30 rapids and swift water sections of various sizes, the Kyoto Hozu River is the biggest rafting spot in Kansai, attracting a rising number of visitors. Its popularity has grown through word of mouth, because descending this river on rubber rafts is a thrilling outdoor activity that can be enjoyed even by beginners.
The meeting spot can be easily reached by train from Kyoto in 30 minutes, or in about 5 minutes by car from the Shino interchange of the Trans-Kyoto Expressway.
The train ride from Kyoto city is about 30 minutes.
Even if deciding spontaneously on an outdoor adventure, visitors are accepted for tours if there are seat vacancies. Beginners will be carefully supervised by experienced instructors.
Enjoy the natural surroundings, breathe the fresh air, and have thrilling fun on the water!

Nowadays, the popularity of the anime and manga culture has spread worldwide. This museum is the first cultural facility in Japan dedicated to the entire scope of the manga genre.
The museum holds some 300,000 items, including manga magazines from the Meiji era, rental manga of the postwar period, current popular manga, and comics from overseas. About 50,000 manga books are on open display, and there are also sections where visitors can peruse comics from all over the world or translated editions of Japanese manga. This makes for some interesting comparisons.

Here you can get hands-on experience with Japanese traditional arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy, something that is often difficult to realize for travelers. There is also a wide variety of other activities, such as home cooking, paper crafts, koto playing, sake tasting, drum, and kendo.
Prior application for the respective activity is required. At an additional fee, instruction in foreign languages can also be arranged. Please use the contact information provided here or ask the front desk for assistance.

Here you can get hands-on experience with Japanese traditional arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy, something that is often difficult to realize for travelers. There is also a wide variety of other activities, such as home cooking, paper crafts, koto playing, sake tasting, drum, and kendo.
Prior application for the respective activity is required. At an additional fee, instruction in foreign languages can also be arranged. Please use the contact information provided here or ask the front desk for assistance.

The villa was constructed from the beginning to the middle of the 17th century by Prince Toshihito, the first head of the Hachijo family and his successor Toshitada. It features what is said to be the most beautiful Japanese garden in existence,
whose sight caused the renowned German architect Bruno Taut to exclaim, "It is so beautiful, I can only weep." The checkerboard pattern paintings on the fusuma screens in the Shokin-tei pavilion are also a must-see.
In order to view the Shokin-tei (Pine-Lute Pavilion), Shoka-tei (Flower-Appreciation Pavilion), Onrin-do (Ancestral Shrine), Geppa-ro (Moon-wave Tower), Kirishitan-doro (Christian lanterns), Sento Gosho (Sento Imperial Palace), Katsura Imperial Villa and Shugakuin Imperial Villa, a prior application is required. Please use the contact information provided here or ask the front desk for assistance. Free-of-charge audio guides in English, French, and Chinese are available for visitors.

The GEAR is the first theatrical ensemble in Japan to offer a completely non-verbal performance. The show combines special lighting and video effects with dramatic performances embracing mime, break dance, magic tricks, and juggling to present a moving story that transcends language barriers and can be enjoyed by adults and children and people of all nations alike.
The story involves an old toy factory where the heroine "Doll" encounters the android “Roboroid", an encounter that transforms her into a human girl. Prior reservation is highly recommended.

The Samurai Kembu Theater opened in 2014 with the aim of expanding the possibilities for overseas visitors to experience the art of Kembu sword play through demonstrations and lessons. The destination is rapidly gaining in popularity.
Participants get to wear a traditional samurai costume and practice sword moves using an Iaido practice sword. There is a choice between light lessons and full lessons that thoroughly teach the basics of Kembu. Both include rental costumes and give a chance to experience Japanese culture first-hand.