Nijo Castle
*World Cultural Heritage Site.
This castle was originally built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Shoguin Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is famous for its ostentatious architectural style and art treasures (Important Cultural Properties). Its garden was designed by well-known landscape architect and tea ceremony master, Enshu Kobori in the 17th century.

Visit to a Kimono studio
You will be introduced to the process of depicting designs on hand made Kimono as performed by skilled artisans, including a hands-on demonstration at the renowned Takahashi Kimono Studio, which produces excellent Kimonos. This unique opportunity is not available to the general public.

Japanese Culture (Flower arrangement and Tea ceremony)
You can experience Sasaoka style flower arrangement and tea ceremony at the house of the head master of Misho-ryu Sasaoka School.

Kinkakuji Temple
*World Cultural Heritage Site.
This temple is one of Kyoto's most famous Zen temples and was originally constructed as a villa for Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga in 1397. The second and third stories of this unique structure are covered entirely in gold leaf and reflect beautifully on the surface of the pond.

Ryoanji Temple
*World Cultural Heritage Site.
This temple is famous world-wide for its abstract 15th century Zen rock garden. This simple garden, consisting of only white sand and fifteen rocks, is one of the masterpieces of Japanese culture. Its beauty inspires philosophical meditation.

Arashiyama
With its verdant bamboo forests, serene river, many temples and striking seasonal beauty, Arashiyama is a delightful place to visit. This area is where the nobility of the Heian era came to spend their leisure time. An elegant traditional lunch will be served on the boat during a leisurely trip up the river.

Zazen (sitting meditation)
Zazen is a unique form of meditation of central importance to Zen Buddhism. By minimizing external thoughts during meditation, practitioners seek to attain the highest possible state of mental concentration, and the inner experience of enlightenment. Zazen is the study of the self.

Kenninji temple
*The oldest Zen temple in Japan.
This temple was founded in 1202 by the priest Eisai who introduced the teaching of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism to Japan. It is one of the top five Rinzai sect temples in Kyoto.

Traditional district
The Higashiyama district is the ideal area for touring on foot. Along the path are many traditional ambience souvenir shops and restaurants.

Kyoto
    For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, the heart of culture and politics. Kyoto is further unique within Japan in that it was virtually untouched during World War II, leaving a myriad of temples, shrines and a castle intact. This legacy has been recognized by UNESCO, which has designated seventeen separate sites within Kyoto's borders as World Cultural Heritage Sites.
    Since Kyoto was the seat of the Imperial household for so long, master artisans gathered here to serve the Emperor and his court. Kyoto pottery, fabrics, tea ceremony, dance, cuisine and calligraphy are still highly regarded throughout Japan.
    The feeling of ancient history being present even now has no means hindered Kyoto's growth into a modern technically advanced city. Kyoto masterfully combines traditional and cotemporary thought, nature and technology, to create a city unique in all around the world.