Kyoto, the seventh largest city of Japan with a population of nearly 1.4 million people was at one time Japan’s capital as well as the Emperors residence for the period 794 to 1868. Kyoto had to bear the brunt of destruction several times over as a result of many wars and fires. However, at the time of the air raids during the Second World War it was spared being targeted due to its historic value. It is due to this fact the city still has a countless number of priceless structures such as temples, shrines and other buildings surviving today. These hold a lot of importance as far as the city’s contribution towards the country’s tourism industry is concerned.

One of the most often visited tourist attractions is the ‘Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) which was once the residence of the Imperial Family of Japan until 1868. This fantastic palatial building is located in the large and open Kyoto Imperial Park. The palace has a history of being burnt down and moved around the city many a times over the centuries. The present day structure as it stands was reconstructed sometime in the year 1855. A long wall encloses the palace complex. One will be amazed and surprised to find innumerable gates, halls and gardens in one complex.

Emperors Taisho and Showa had their respective enthronement ceremonies held in the Palace’s main hall. One has to take guided tours which are held by the Imperial Household Agency to visit the palace. Foreign visitors need to take prior permission by showing their passport at the agency’s office which is located in the Kyoto Imperial Park. The agency keeps an up to date schedule regarding the English tours conducted which is at present held twice a day on weekdays and on some Saturdays. Travelers should note that no tours are held on Sundays and on national holidays.

Another attraction worth a look is the “Toji” which literally means “Eastern Temple”. The temple was founded in the year 794 as the city’s guardian temple. It was the same year when the city was named Japan’s capital. The five storied pagodas of Toji are what the temple is renowned for. The five storied pagoda is the tallest in Japan with a height of 57 meters. The Buddhist sculptures displayed in the temples large main hall is an attractive feature of the temple complex. Toji has been named as a UNESCO world heritage site. In case you happen to be visiting the temple complex on the 21st of any month you will be able to move around the lively flea market which is held around Toji in the early morning to around 16.30 hours. One can leaf through numerous goods which include clothes, shoes, tableware, sculptures, food as well as plants which are put on sale.

To enjoy the city’s slow pace which is a welcome departure from the hustle, bustle and never ending concrete of Tokyo, one can make advance room reservations in some excellent Kyoto hotels situated throughout the city. Stays in Kyoto hotel Okura is worth every penny and gives one an opportunity to comfortable gauge and make a better informed understanding of Japanese art, architecture and culture.