The traditional center of art and culture Map of the Kinki region Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years, from 794 AD, when the capital was relocated from Nara, to 1868 when the capital again relocated (this time to Tokyo) following the Meiji Restoration. For over ten centuries, Japanese culture centered on and evolved around the reigning Kyoto based Emperors with magnificent results. Spared the ravages of WWII, (Kyoto fortunately avoided the fires that swept other cities) so many ancient temples and shrines remain standing and have been thus able to retain their true character. This slice of fortune has lead directly to Kyoto retaining some of Japan's best sightseeing spots with many of them only enhanced by the changes in the seasons that seem to envelop them throughout the year. Various traditions and works of art were initiated and developed in Kyoto over the centuries and over 70 kinds of high-quality craft products are still made in the city today. These include the renowned Nishijinori, Kyoyuzen, Kyoningyo and Kyosensu works among others with all associated production techniques being passed down to the artists of today by the experts of yesterday. Another side effect of the magnificent history, culture and climate of Kyoto is the unique local cuisine. Elaborate and seasonal, Kyoto's finest cuisine always offers that perfect culinary journey along the avenues of Japanese food of days gone by.

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Kyoto Arashiyama Music Festival 2008 - Arashiyama / Sagano, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City - September 20th (Sat)-23rd (Tue), 2008 The annual music festival held in the Arashiyama / Sagano area provides concerts of various genre including classical music, jazz, Hawaiian and pop. Venues will be at Nakanoshima Park, Nomiya Jinja Shrine, Randen Arashiyama Station, Tenryuji Temple Yu-un-an Hall, Akamamma (cafe) etc. Have a relaxing time with great views and a variety of enjoyable music to choose from. http://www.arashiyamaongakusai.info/

Senbon Kuyo at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple - Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City - August 23rd (Sat)-24th (Sun), 2008 17:30-20:30 Lighted candles are offered to the 8000 tombstones and stone images of the Buddha in this famous temple so often associated with death. Candles lit by both visitors and locals lend themselves to the feel of the area and make the Senbon Kuyo memorial service one of the most famous summer festivals in Sagano, Kyoto. http://www.nenbutsuji.jp/ (Japanese version only)

Kamogawa Noryo-Yuka (A terrace on which to eat and be seen above the Kamogawa River) - From Nijo to Gojo, (west bank of the Kamogawa River), Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - May 1st (Thur)-September 30th (Tue), 2008 It is said people can sometimes feel the approach of summer as early as May and Noryo-Yuka is a summertime feature of Kyoto that duly starts each May when some 80 restaurants and Japanese-style hotels run a terrace above the west bank of Kamogawa River from Nijo to Gojo. When the cool Kyoto winds blow along the river, and as the temperatures soar, it is a popular family destination both during the day and also at night. http://www.kyoto-yuka.com/ (Japanese version only)

Sagano Sightseeing Tram start of operations - In the valley of Hozukyo; from Sagano in Kyoto City to Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture - March 1st (Sat)-December 29th (Mon), 2008 The Sagano Sightseeing Tram operation, not in service during the mid-winter (December 30th-February 28th), restarts operations as the days become longer and spring is just around the corner. This 7.3km, former Sanin-Honsen line between Saga and Kameoka enables passengers to enjoy the beautiful Hozukyo Valley with its 8 tunnels and ever changing views. http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/index.htm

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