Latest News
February 1, 2013
Kyoto ranks third place in the readers' vote of the British magazine, Wanderlust!
We are delighted to announce that Kyoto ranks third place in the readers' vote of the top city's ranking of the Wanderlust Travel Award 2013 in the magazine, Wanderlust. It is one of the leading international travel magazines, covering adventurous, cultural and special travel interest.
Top ten cities (Satisfaction rating)
No. 1 Hoi An, Vietnam (97.18)
No. 2 Cusco, Peru (95.76)
No. 3 Kyoto, Japan (94.81)
No. 4 Bagan, Myanmar/Burma (94.55)
No. 5 Copenhagen, Denmark (94.17)
No. 6 Udaipur, India (94)
No. 7 New York, USA (93.24)
No. 8 San Francisco, USA (92.82)
No. 9 Venice, Italy (92.56)
No. 10 Siem Reap, Cambodia (92.5)
For further details, please visit the link below:
December 11, 2012
Launch of Campaign, "STAY IN KYOTO. TOUCH THE HEART OF JAPAN."
We reached 100,000 likes on Visit Kyoto Facebook page! To thank you all our fans that have supported us, we are giving away a FREE trip to Kyoto.
Please enjoy the magic of Kyoto in winter with a high standard of service and hospitality at all times. To be sure to enter this campaign, please visit the link below and read the details carefully.
November 27, 2012
KYOTO TRAIL Association "KYOTO TRAIL DIGEST" in English version
We "KYOTO TRAIL Association" manage and maintain 5 hiking courses in total with which the participants climb Kyoto mountains of rich history; Higashi-yama course, Eastern Kitayama course, Western Kitayama course, Nishiyama course, and Keihoku Course, with an aim to promote pleasant sightseeing walk and to keep and enhance the health of the participants.
We are proud to announce that we have published English version "KYOTO TRAIL DIGEST" for foreign visitors to enjoy hiking in the Kyoto mountains. We added 4 recommended courses in addition to existing ones.
1. Brief introduction of English version "KYOTO TRAIL DIGEST"
Shows all 4 courses with clear maps
Beginners' Course (Higashiyama)
Walking through "a thousand of tori gate" and the temple grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to Sennyuji Temple
Highlight: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most popular places among overseas visitors. With little ups and downs, this course can be enjoyed by beginners.
Outlook Course (Higashiyama)
Walking from Kiyomizu-dera Temple through Shogunzuka mound to Awata-jinja Shrine
Highlight: We will start from the World Cultural Heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple and then go hike mountains. The scenery of Kyoto city seen from Higashiyama Summit Park (Shogunzuka mound) is breathtaking after having a good sweat.
Mt. Daimonji-yama Hiking Course (Higashiyama)
Walking from Keage through Mt. Daimonji-yama Yotsu-tsuji (crossing) to the front of Ginkakuji-Temple
Highlight: Starting from Keage, we will hike Mt. Daimonji-yama as we enjoy abundant nature. The course offers additional attraction to stop by Honen-in Temple and World Heritage Site Ginkaku-ji Temple and more.
Colored Leaves and History Course (Nishiyama)
Walking from Kiyotaki through Historical town area of Saga Toriimoto to Tenryu-ji Temple
Highlight: The course offers both sightseeing and trekking to your fullest satisfaction, appreciating beautiful autumn foliage of Kyoto and visiting historical townscape, scenic spots and places of historical interest.
- What's peculiar about "KYOTO TRAIL DIGEST"
- Includes points of interests on and around the trail courses
Not only the trail courses but the map includes information on neighbor sightseeing spots which help foreign visitors to plan their trip. Also it may help discover and appreciate the attraction of deep Kyoto when you come by scenic spots and places of historic interest on your hiking excursion.
- Kindly teaches dos and don'ts on hiking
The map has instructions on hiking manners and how to deal with dangerous animals for foreign visitors who are not familiar with the mountains in Japan so they can safely enjoy their walk on the trail courses.
- Map written both in Japanese and English
Place names are written both in Japanese and English for Japanese people whom you might ask for directions. Information on sightseeing and spots are only in English.
2. Where to Buy "KYOTO TRAIL DIGEST"
1) Release Date: Nov 15, 2012 (Thursday)
2) Where to Buy: Kyoto Tourist Information Center (2nd fl. of Kyoto Station Building), Kyoto City Tourism Association (A minute walk from "Sanjo Keihan" Station on the Tozai Subway Line, KYOTO UTANO Youth Hostel (Ukyo-ku). *More places will be starting selling maps.
3) Price: 300 yen each (incl. tax)
3. About Kyoto Trail
Please click the link below for more details.
November 16, 2012
International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Japan to launch in 2013
We are very pleased to announce that International Luxury Travel Market (ITLM) Japan will take place in Kyoto from March 11 to 13, 2013. ILTM Japan will offer international exhibitors a great opportunity to meet with upscale luxury travel agents, planners and tour operators to reach Japanese luxury travelers. Kyoto is well known worldwide as the country's historical, cultural, and spiritual center, boasting myriads of shrines, temples, and historical landmarks. We are truly confident that its charms will continue to fascinate more luxury travelers from around the world. To learn more about ILTM Japan, please log on to the website: http://www.iltm.net/page.cfm/Action=press/libID=1/listID=1/libEntryID=269, where you will find all relevant information you need.
July 22, 2012
Kyoto ranks 9th place in the reader's vote of the U.S. magazine 'Travel & Leisure'! < First in Japan!>
Please be informed that Kyoto ranks 9th place in the readers' vote of the 'World's best cities' ranking of the 'World's Best Awards 2012' in the magazine 'Travel + Leisure', one of the most influential travel magazines in the world. It is the first time for a Japanese city to rank as a Top 10 city in the vote.
Kyoto has been ranked as a Top 10 city in the Asian city category, but it has been the first Japanese city to be ranked in the Top 10 for the 'World's best cities'ranking. Kyoto also ranks 3rd place in the Asian city category (3rd place last year).
*Explanation about 'World's Best Award' of the magazine Travel + Leisure
'Travel + Leisure' is a monthly travel magazine with sales of approximately 1 million copies. Readers are mainly wealthy people in North America and many of them are American Express Card members. It is said that the magazine is influential in the world.
The 'World's Best Award' is the reader's vote ranking started from 1995 in the magazine, and it has categories such as sightseeing cities, hotels, cruises, travel agents, airlines and so forth. The evaluation criteria of the best cities consist of 5 factors such as scenery, culture/art, restaurant/food, shopping and value.
Results of 2012
< The world's best city - top 10 cities >
| No. 1 |
Bangkok (Thailand) |
89.87 points |
| No. 2 |
Florence (Italy) |
89.14 points |
| No. 3 |
Istanbul (Turkey) |
89.11 points |
| No. 4 |
Cape Town (South Africa) |
88.64 points |
| No. 5 |
Sydney (Australia) |
88.52 points |
| No. 6 |
Rome (Italy) |
88.49 points |
| No. 7 |
New York City (USA) |
88.12 points |
| No. 8 |
Hong Kong (China) |
88.03 points |
| No. 9 |
Kyoto (Japan) |
87.90 points |
| No. 10 |
Paris (France) |
87.67 points |
You can look up the results on the following website.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2012/cities
< Top 10 cities in Asia >
| No. 1 |
Bangkok (Thailand) |
89.87 points |
| No. 2 |
Hong Kong (China) |
88.03 points |
| No. 3 |
Kyoto (Japan) |
87.90 points |
| No. 4 |
Siem Reap (Cambodia) |
87.09 points |
| No. 5 |
Shanghai (China) |
84.65 points |
| No. 6 |
Tokyo (Japan) |
84.29 points |
| No. 7 |
Singapore |
84.20 points |
| No. 8 |
Beijing (China) |
82.74 points |
| No. 9 |
Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) |
82.43 points |
| No. 10 |
Xi'an (China) |
80.02 points |
Ref: Results in 2011
< The world's best city - top 10 cities >
| No. 1 | Bangkok (Thailand) | 90.49 points |
| No. 2 | Florence (Italy) | 89.92 points |
| No. 3 | Rome (Italy) | 88.45 points |
| No. 4 | New York City (USA) | 88.40 points |
| No. 5 | Istanbul (Turkey)
| 88.18 points |
| No. 6 | Cape Town (South Africa) | 88.06 points |
| No. 7 | Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 87.90 points |
| No. 8 | Sydney (Australia) | 87.84 points |
| No. 9 | Barcelona (Spain) | 87.83 points |
| No. 10 | Paris (France) | 87.78 points |
< Top 10 cities in Asia >
| No. 1 | Bangkok (Thailand) | 90.49 points |
| No. 2 | Siem Reap (Cambodia)
| 87.90 points |
| No. 3 | Kyoto (Japan) | 87.22 points |
| No. 4 | Hong Kong (China) | 86.18 points |
| No. 5 | Tokyo (Japan)
| 84.75 points |
| No. 6 | Shanghai (China) | 84.29 points |
| No. 7 | Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) | 84.09 points |
| No. 8 | Beijing (China)
| 83.51 points |
| No. 9 | Hanoi(Vietnam) | 83.48 points |
| No. 10 | Singapore
| 83.44 points |
July 11, 2012
'ICOCA & Haruka' ticket, a new product for foreign visitors in Japan
JR West will sell a new product package called 'ICOCA & Haruka', an IC card with an original 'ICOCA' design and discount ticket for the express train 'Haruka' from July 1, 2012 for foreigners entering the country from Kansai International Airport.
Sale conditions
Only foreign visitors who have a passport issued by a government other than Japan and
those with a 'short-term visit' status of residence.
* You are requested to show a return ticket (In the case of an 'e-ticket', printed out contents) and immigration control card (ED card).
* If you make a reservation on the Internet, print out the e-mail for reservation confirmation
(reservation number) or write down the reservation number in Kansai Airport Station after the visit.
* Only 1 ticket is sold per person at one time during the visit.
Sale location
It is available in the JR Kansai Airport Station.
* Internet reservation is available as well.
* You can only fill in the reservation form in English.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/icoca-haruka/
- You can make a reservation in 2- 28 days before the first day of use.
- After the visit, pay the fare at Kansai Airport Station.
- If you do not receive the ticket by the first day of use, the reservation will be cancelled automatically.
Price
'One way' JPY3,000, 'Round-trip' JPY4,000
* The prices includes JPY2,000 for the original ICOCA (includes the JPY500 deposit to issue the card).
July 11, 2012
KYOTO_WiFi
In bus stops, subway stations, 'Seven Eleven' convenience stores and public facilities,
there are 630 wireless LAN spots in which everyone can use the Internet free of charge, which are to be placed in the city in order after the middle of August and operation is to be started.
|
Location
|
Application management
company
|
Transmission time
|
Cost
|
Target persons
|
|
Bus stops, subway stations,
'Seven Eleven' convenience stores
|
KDDI Corporation
|
3 hours (If use exceeds 3
hours, communication is switched off automatically)
|
Free of charge
|
Users of portable
terminals, etc., through which a wireless connection is available.
|
|
Public facilities
|
Infinity Inc.
|
Opening hours of each
facility
|
How to use
Step 1 : Send a blank e-mail to the designated address.
↓
Step 2 : The 'Guest code' (password for use) is sent back.
↓
Step 3 : Select the signal of the access point' name on the network display menu of the portable terminal
↓
Step 4 : Open the browser (software to look at web pages) and input the guest code (password for use).
↓
Available for a fixed time free of charge
Example of a sticker for a wireless LAN spot
April 24, 2012
A congratulatory message from the mayor to a foreign couple married in Kyoto.
From the 1st of April, Kyoto City will send a congratulatory message (in English) from the mayor to a couple of foreign tourists who get married in Kyoto City. We hope this would make the wedding ceremony more memorable and specia l.
It will be our pleasure to receive your application (For details, please contact your hotel or wedding hall).
Purpose:
Through a congratulatory message from the mayor, we will try to attract foreign tourists and enhance the brand image of Kyoto.
Target:
A pair of foreign tourists who visited Kyoto and held a wedding ceremony in Kyoto City.
Content:
We will send a wedding message from the mayor to the couple who celebrates their wedding in Kyoto City.
*The message has no legal ground to prove the marriage.
Cost: Free
How to apply:
A hotel or wedding hall will be an applicant on behalf of the couple. On an application form (Japanese only), the applicant will write down the name of the wedding couple, the date of the ceremony and the name of the wedding hall. Please send it to us by fax at least one week prior to the wedding ceremony (Please see the information below.)
By the wedding day, we will send a congratulatory message to the applicant (or the wedding hall.).
Contact:
Tourism and MICE Office,Kyoto City
TEL +81 (0)75 222 4133
- Message
- Application form (Japanese only)
February 10, 2012
Holding of Ikebana Workshop Course for Foreign Persons
As per
the requests of the participants in the Ikebana International 10th
World Convention, a workshop course will be held at Ikebana Saga Goryu.
We look
forward to many people attending.
Time and
Date: April 27, 2012 (Fri.) 10AM to 4PM
Location:
Saga Goryu Kado Geijutsu Gakuin (located within Daikaku-ji Temple)
Instructors:
Director Etsuho Kakibana, Director Hakushu Watanabe, and Mika Tsujii, the vice
chairperson of the flower arrangement planning promotion department
Contents:
Tour of the inside of the temple, demonstrations, skill practice (2 flower
forms)
*There
will be an explanation in English
Participation
Requirements:
Foreign persons residing in or currently staying in Japan
Participation
Fee: 10,000 Yen (includes temple tour fee, cost of flower materials for
practicing, and cost of lunch in the dining hall)
*If the
number of applicants is below the planned number, the course will not be held.
Application
Method: Those
who wish to participate should apply through the e-mail address below.
E-mail : info@sagagoryu.gr.jp
Application
Deadline: March 16, 2012 (Fri.)
Inquiries:
Please address any inquiries to the above e-mail address.
Ikebana Saga Goryu
http://www.sagagoryu.gr.jp/event/index.html (Japanese)
November 17, 2011
"Setsugekka" at Kodaiji & Entokuin temples
Invitation for foreign visitors to Kyoto
to "Setsugekka" at Kodaiji & Entokuin temples
Saturday
10th December 2011
Kyoto Higashiyama Original Box
Kamogawa Co.,Ltd. presents
Commemorating the launch of Money exchange service
In summer 2011, "Original Box
Kamogawa" in the precincts of Kodaiji Entokuin temple in Kyoto Higashiyama
started money exchange service for foreign visitors to Japan.
To commemorate this new
service, we cordially invite the first 50 applicants to
"Setsugekka" gathering, held at Kodaiji Entokuin temple, which lets you
appreciate traditional Japanese culture. Please apply as soon as possible.
Setsugekka
On 8th December at 2AM each year,
thinking about the Buddha having attained enlightenment on this day, asceticism
practicing monks would eat "Uzumi tofu gayu (rice porridge with tofu)" to get
warm. Here, "Setsugekka" is referred to
as a gathering where guests enjoy eating the porridge.
|
Date & time
|
Saturday
10th December 2011, between 12 noon and 7PM.
(Please
come during the above hours. A visit takes about 1.5 hours.)
|
|
Place
|
Entokuin
and Kodaiji temples
|
|
Schedule
|
Tour of Entokuin
→ Powdered green tea drinking & tour
→ Tour of Kodaiji
→ Green tea drinking at Kodaiji's "Ungoan"
tea room
→ Enjoy "Uzumi Tofu
Gayu" at "Senshinryo" restaurant at the temple car park.
*The
gardens of Kodaiji and Entokuin will be lit-up after sunset.
|
|
Application
dead-line
|
Wednesday, 30th November 2011.
*But
we will stop taking applications as soon as all the seats are filled.
|
|
Please apply by
email setsugekka@nippro.co.jp or fax +81 75 532 3778 with
the following information.
|
|
|
1. Name(Your
and your partner's names)
2. Contact
details
3. Nationality
4. Dates
in Japan
5. Your
accommodation's name (e.g. Hotel, Japanese inn, etc.)
6. Your
intended arrival time on 10th December.
|
November 2011
Original Box Kamogawa
http://web.kamogawa.ne.jp/~o-box/eng/
August 16, 2011
Exclusive Kyoto Tour
Exclusive Kyoto Tour
Local artists and machiya owners present the "Kiyomizu Machiya Walking Tour"
With a local Kyoto resident as your guide, explore the fascination of mysterious and historical side of Kyoto! You can have a glimpse of a Maiko's daily life as well as inside of a machiya townhouse.
This is a walking event for foreign tourists who are visiting Kyoto and foreigners who take up residency in Kyoto.
Date: Every second and fourth Wednesdays
Note : August: Only on the fourth Wednesday. December: Second and third Wednesday.
Note : A tour on another date is also possible depending on the request.
2011
August |
September |
October |
November |
December | 2012
January |
February |
March |
April |
|---|
| 24th | 14th & 28th | 12th & 26th | 9th & 23th | 14th & 21th | 11th & 25th | 8th & 22th | 14th & 28th | 11th & 25th |
Guide services will be provided in Japanese and interpreted in English.French and Chinese speaking interpreters are also available on request.Note : A Chinese interpreter is not available on September 28th.For more details, please contact us here.
April 15, 2011
Safety Information
Kyoto is completely safe as it has not been affected in any way by the recent earthquake and nuclear radiation.
You can access the latest information (transportation information, radiation monitor map of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, scheduled blackouts, events etc) about visiting Japan after the earthquake that occurred on March 11 at the following website.
Japan National Tourism Organization
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eq/eng/04_recovery.htm
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
http://www.mext.go.jp/english/incident/1303986.htm
March 18, 2011
Kyoto is safe.
Kyoto is safe.
Kyoto's accommodation and major transportation facilities etc., including access from Kansai International Airport, are operating as normal.
By providing the maximum possible aid goods and dispatch of personnel etc., relief work and reconstruction support are currently being carried out for the disaster-stricken areas. Kyoto fortunately did not suffer any damage but takes this opportunity of sending out a message of encouragement towards the reconstruction of entire Japan.
March 15, 2011
Cancellation notice of the event in Kyoto
Hanatouro event is cancelled out of regard for the victims of the Northeast Earthquake.
March 13, 2011
Earthquake in Northeast Japan: Kyoto is safe
As you might be aware there has been a major earthquake in Northeast Japan. Damage due to the earthquake is restricted to the northeast region of Japan.
West Japan has not been affected by the earthquake and all transport (air, rail, roads) is running normally and on schedule.
January 11, 2011
"What's on" information has been updated.
December 24, 2010
...
"Bus-Route Guidance Service" available
via iPad and websites for foreign travelers visiting Kyoto
For Free!!
The City of Kyoto and cooperators will release a pilot "Bus-Route Guidance Service" on December 24th, organized by Japan Tourism Agency in an effort to promote "Hospitality Infrastructures for Foreign Travelers Visiting Japan."
1. Contents of Service
This user friendly service can visually display the traffic routes (Kyoto City Bus / Subway) from present location to main tourist sites or bus stops nearby those destinations on a map, by enabling websites or iPad installed at guest houses and commercial facilities in the city.
*By and around the end of January 2011, information about tourist sites (pictures, descriptions etc.) will be provided while locations of iPad installation will be increased at the same time. Also, iPhone application will be released when completed.
2. Original locations for iPad installation
• Kyoto International Manga Museum
• Kyoto Hana Hostel
• Kyoto Handicraft Center (to be placed on 12/24)
• Gojo Guest House
• J-Hoppers Kyoto
• Daimaru Kyoto
• Takashimaya Kyoto
• Kyoto Utano Youth Hostel (to be placed on 12/24)
• Kyoto Tourist Information Center (to be placed on 12/24)
For more information...
(URL for web)
(Questionnaire site)
download PDF ↓↓↓↓↓
Bus-Route Guidance Service.pdf
December 15, 2010
...
Hanatouro Photo Collection is now available!!! http://www.kyoto.travel/hanatouro_photo.html
October 29, 2010
...
"APEC JAPAN 2010 Finance Ministers' Meeting" will be held in Kyoto on November 5th and 6th. Due to the security reason, baggage lockers at train stations including Kyoto Sta. will not be available during the period. We ask for your kind understanding.
September 29, 2010
VISIT KYOTO PRIZE CAMPAIGN
We are running a prize campaign from September 2010 to February 2011!
for more detail, visit our campaign site!!
September 13, 2010
Kyoto Winter Special website is now available to visit!!! http://kyotowinterspecial.com/
September 13, 2010
Visit us on Facebook. Visit Kyoto: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Visit-Kyoto/124856540900245
July 12, 2010
"What's on" information has been updated.
June 25, 2010
"What's on" information has been updated. "Let's Try Yukata!"
June 8, 2010
"What's on" information has been updated
May 25, 2010
"Hot Event" information has been updated
December 3, 2009
New Release: Kyoto Travel Guide
The newly revamped Kyoto Travel Guide website is now available to visit
October 30, 2009
New Release: Kyoto Luxury Tour
Kyoto Luxury Tour website is now available to visit
September 30, 2009
New Release: Kyoto Winter Special
Kyoto Winter Special website is now available to visit
