Holiday lettings & accommodation in Kyoto

The city's foodie scene is nothing short of legendary. Yudofu, a type of tofu cooked in a steaming broth, is a particular local favourite. Japanese staples such as ramen and sushi are also widely available and don't miss the opportunity to sample some Kyo-wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet from the Kyoto vicinity. Another must is the local matcha tea, which you can find used in various scrumptious desserts too.

For some of Kyoto's best moderately-priced sushi head to Sushisei, a city-centre restaurant with an English menu. If you're interested in experiencing a traditional neighbourhood eatery, take a ride to Azuma Sushi in Higashiyama for an excellent and unpretentious dinner. Izakaya is a casual style of pub-restaurant where you can tuck into small plates of food, washed down with local beer. Kikkoya, Suiba and Jojo are three of the best in town.

A city of imperial museums, lush gardens and Buddhist temples, Kyoto is culture lovers' paradise. Kinkakuji Temple, Kifune Shrine and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are three of the city's most beautiful religious sites. Located a little to the east of the centre is Yasaka Pagoda, an iconic Kyoto landmark and the most famous attraction in the area. Kyoto also boasts several museums which are well worth visiting. The National Museum is a must for history lovers while the Museum of Modern Art and the Hosomi Museum offer an intriguing portrait of contemporary Japan.

Spend an afternoon in Gion, a small area in Higashiyama famed for its geisha and maiko dancers. You'll see them wandering around the neighbourhood but they often congregate close to Hanamikoji Street and Tatsumi Bridge. For sweeping views of the city head to the top of Kyoto Tower and spend the afternoon walking down the Philosopher’s Path as you reflect on the majesty of this enchanting city.

Kyoto's vibrant nightlife is one of the city's top draws and there's plenty to keep you busy from after dinner to the small hours of the morning. Gion Corner is a fabulously curated show which includes everything from puppetry to a tea ceremony - an excellent cultural evening out in Kyoto. The Minami-Za Theatre also hosts daily shows featuring classical Japanese arts. It's also worth checking out the events calendar of the concert hall, which hosts traditional performances of all genres.

For something a little more hedonistic head to World, the largest club in Kyoto, located close to Kawaramachi Station. Miyagawacho and Gion are the city's two premier nightlife districts where you'll find an array of bars and clubs which are open late. For a more informal affair, Pontocho is an ancient alleyway which comes to life in the evening and has a range of bars and karaoke venues which are popular with the local Kyoto crowd.

Just over an hour by train from Kyoto is the old imperial capital of Asuka. The small town is populated with palaces and ancient burial sites. Highlights include the Stone Burial Mound, one of the biggest burial sites ever discovered in Japan, and Asuka-Dera Temple, thought to be the country's first Buddhist temple.

Also less than an hour's train ride from Kyoto is Kurama, famed for its magnificent hot springs where you can spend the afternoon basking in warm waters surrounded by Japan's lush countryside. Experience another of Japan's great cities, Osaka, by hopping on the bullet train. It takes just 30 minutes to arrive in the country's third-largest city where you can spend the day taking in sights such as the architecturally impressive Umeda Sky Building and the grand Osaka Castle.