Kyoto Regions Guide - excursions

Katsura Imperial Villa
Considered to be the finest example of pure Japanese architecture and garden design, Katsura Rikyu, built in 1645 by Prince Toshihito, is beautiful in its simplicity. The buildings are constructed of entirely natural materials and consist of a moon-viewing pavilion, an imperial hall, teahouse and the wooden villa itself. The garden is designed for leisurely strolls with surprises around each turn of the path, from stone bridges and lanterns to ponds and manicured trees.

Nara
The city of Nara, 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto, could be regarded as the place where Japan's culture was formalised. The city, originally called Heijo, became the first permanent capital of the country in 710. Although its capital status only lasted for 74 years, they were years that entrenched and enshrined Japan's arts, crafts and literature. Nara flourished as a political and cultural centre and thus was blessed with numerous temples, shrines, pagodas and palaces, which today attract locals and foreigners intent on glimpsing historic Japan. Most of Nara's historic treasures are contained in a vast park which has been designated a World Heritage Site, making sightseeing easy and pleasurable. Highlights are Todaiji, the huge temple that contains Japan's largest Buddha statue, and Horyuji, the temple containing the world's oldest wooden structures.

Osaka
Japan's third largest city, the industrial metropolis of Osaka, lies just 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto. It is worthwhile visiting the city just to see its magnificent castle or to watch a show at the Bunraku puppet theatre. Osaka's castle dates back to the 16th century, built by the powerful lord, Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was rebuilt in 1931, renovated in 1997, and is today a national treasure. Osaka is one of the few places left where visitors can watch the fascinating art of Bunraku, traditional puppet theatre, which, like kabuki, was a rare form of entertainment designed for the common people rather than nobility. Other attractions in Osaka include an impressive aquarium, a spa with a bathhouse that can accommodate 5,000 people, and Universal Studios Japan, a theme park focusing on the American movie industry.