CONTEMPORARY DINING AT KYO-SUIRAN
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TAWARAYA IS KYOTO ’ S BEST RYOKAN
BONSAI TREES THRIVE WITH EXPOSURE TO ALL FOUR SEASONS
2 D A Y S
KYOTO
ON THE WAY By train , we head to Kyoto , founded in the eighth century A . D . It would serve as Japan ’ s capital city until 1868 . Today , it houses the largest number of national treasures of any Japanese city , including an astounding 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites . It is also among the last Japanese city to host geishas .
THE MODERN SUIRAN HOTEL IS RICH IN HERITAGE
STAY Our recommendations here include Suiran , a fine base from which to explore northwestern Kyoto . Alternatively there are two exquisite ryokans in Kyoto ’ s center , Tawaraya and Hiiragiya .
EXPLORE Visit Daitokuji Temple complex to view one of the world ’ s finest collections of Zen gardens . Kinkaku-ji Temple is a Zen temple with an important garden . Stroll the cherry-tree lined Philosopher ’ s Walk . If you ’ d like , take a lesson in saké brewing and enjoy a tasting . Digging deeper around Kyoto , we visit Fushima Inari Shrine , famous for its vermillion torii gates . At the Miho Museum , created in collaboration with I . M . Pei , we see both a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a rich collection of ancient art within . On to the Sanjusangendo , a temple in town known for its 1,001 statues of the goddess Kannon . Opt for a geisha performance in a restaurant .
ANDREW HARPER TRAVELER ISSUE NO . 2 / 2022
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