Kyoto, the capital from 794 to 1868, is the Japanese center for traditional culture. Many palaces and temples were built in Kyoto and preserved over the years. kyoto was spared bombing attacks during World War II, so much of its
pristine beauty still exists. Today's visitor will be met by a more westernized, modern, urban city center, but tradition still abounds. Kyoto has a fairly large foreign population and many English schools.
Population 1,500,000 Location
Southwest of Tokyo Weather Mild for most of the year; humid in summer, occasional snow in winter, wet in spring Transportation The shinkansen, or rapid express Japanese Railway (JR) train, can be taken to Kyoto from any major city. Inner-city transportation is by JR, Hankyu, subway, and buses. Places of Interest There are too many cultural attractions in Kyoto to fully list. Sights that are
definite "must-sees" are Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji (Zen rock garden), Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace), and Higashi Honganji. Ex-pat Hangouts The Pig & Whistle is a British-style pub with darts and pint glasses of beer, and a regular ex-pat crowd. It's in the Shobi building, across the street from
the Keihan-Sanjo subway station. Teddy's is a popular dance bar with ex-pats, as are Cock-Hoop and Rag.
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