The traditional center of art and culture Map of the Kinki region Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years, from 794 AD, when the capital was relocated from Nara, to 1868 when the capital again relocated (this time to Tokyo) following the Meiji Restoration. For over ten centuries, Japanese culture centered on and evolved around the reigning Kyoto based Emperors with magnificent results. Spared the ravages of WWII, (Kyoto fortunately avoided the fires that swept other cities) so many ancient temples and shrines remain standing and have been thus able to retain their true character. This slice of fortune has lead directly to Kyoto retaining some of Japan's best sightseeing spots with many of them only enhanced by the changes in the seasons that seem to envelop them throughout the year. Various traditions and works of art were initiated and developed in Kyoto over the centuries and over 70 kinds of high-quality craft products are still made in the city today. These include the renowned Nishijinori, Kyoyuzen, Kyoningyo and Kyosensu works among others with all associated production techniques being passed down to the artists of today by the experts of yesterday. Another side effect of the magnificent history, culture and climate of Kyoto is the unique local cuisine. Elaborate and seasonal, Kyoto's finest cuisine always offers that perfect culinary journey along the avenues of Japanese food of days gone by.

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Special Open to the Public of Cultural Properties in Kyoto - Around Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - January 7 (Sat)-March 18 (Sun), 2012 *Schedule of some temples is different. Kyoto is full of historical cultural properties including national treasures and important cultural properties. However, some properties are not usually open to the public. This campaign provides good opportunities to see such properties. Gardens, buildings, fusuma sliding door paintings, and Buddha statues which can not normally be seen by the public are specially opened to the public. Places related to Taira no Kiyomori, the head of the Taira clan in the 12th century and the main character of the TV drama that will be broadcasted from January to December, 2012, are introduced. Selected valuable cultural properties in a variety of categories, including temples’ properties with dragon motifs, are opened to the public, because the year 2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. http://www.kyokanko.or.jp/huyu2011/2011huyutabi_1.html (Japanese version only) http://www.kyoto-magonote.jp/en/

All information is subject to change without notice.

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