Japan
Kyoto: A timeless monument to beauty
The phrase, “a feast for the eyes,” gets thrown about so often in travel narratives, it fails miserably in describing the overwhelming spiritual ambiance and sensory grandeur awaiting in Kyoto, the 1,000-year-old original capitol of Imperial Japan. From the Kinkaku-ji temple covered in gold leaf and the mysterious Ryoan-ji rock garden, to the 1,001 Buddha statues exuding complete serenity in Sanjusangendo Hall, Kyoto offers a one-of-a-kind, bucket list experience.
In fact, Kyoto has so many unique and memorable sites, it’s difficult to know which part of the city to discover first. This is where having a bilingual AutoVenture guide is a huge asset. Not only are guests driven to Kyoto’s most enchanting destinations, they learn the history behind the stunning architecture and landscaping of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In addition to the sites listed above, visitors will enter the Heian Shrine, passing underneath a towering, 80-foot-tall Otorii arch standing outside the Oten-mon (Divine Gate). Built in celebration of the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding, the real attraction is its incomparable gardens. Those who go in the spring will be treated to its blooming cherry trees.
In Eastern Kyoto, the Kiyomizu Temple, built in 1633 without a single nail, offers sweeping views of the city below. AutoVenture guests also will tour Nijo Castle, a 400-year-old wooden structure used by the Tokugawa Shogun that showcases Japanese art masterpieces, most notably its painted screens. Walk softly on the "nightingale floors," which were designed to squeak when stepped on, and alert guards to intruders.
Let AutoVenture guide you through Kyoto’s centuries of splendor to ensure that you have an effortless and dazzling experience.
For those unfamiliar with Japan, an AutoVenture guided tour is the surest way of getting closest to the culture, and of capturing an unforgettable land.
