"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." - David Mitchell

• Avg Flight Prices: $850 - $1,200 round-trip (from major US cities)

• Avg Cost of Hotel Prices: $120 - $250 per night

• Avg Food Prices: $30 - $60 per day, per person

When you should go:

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March - Early April): This is an annual event celebrating the arrival of cherry blossoms (sakura) in Kyoto. Parks, temples, and shrines are adorned with these beautiful pink flowers, creating a magical atmosphere. Various events, such as tea ceremonies, picnics, and light-up events, are held to celebrate this lovely time of the year.

What You Need To Experience:

1. Visit Temples and Shrines: Kyoto is home to numerous temples and shrines that showcase the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Some must-visit locations include:

   • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.

   • Fushimi Inari Taisha: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates leading up the sacred Mount Inari.

   • Kiyomizu-dera: A historic temple with a large wooden terrace offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

2. Stroll Through Traditional Districts: Kyoto's well-preserved historic districts offer a glimpse into Japan's past. Wander through the narrow streets, explore traditional wooden townhouses, and enjoy the atmosphere. Some popular areas include:

   • Gion: Known for its geisha culture, teahouses, and traditional architecture.

   • Arashiyama: A picturesque district featuring the iconic bamboo grove, temples, and scenic views along the Oi River.

   • Higashiyama: A beautiful district filled with temples, shrines, and charming streets lined with shops and cafes.

3. Participate in a Tea Ceremony: Kyoto is famous for its matcha green tea and tea ceremonies. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony to learn about the history, rituals, and etiquette of this centuries-old Japanese practice. Many tea houses and cultural centers offer tea ceremony experiences for visitors, such as Camellia, En, and Ju-An.

Food to try:

Kyoto, which is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, often called "Kyo-ryori" or "Kaiseki-ryori"

1. Kaiseki: A traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, usually consisting of a variety of seasonal dishes, including appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled dishes, and a rice course. Kaiseki is often served at high-end restaurants and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).

2. Kyo-wagashi: Traditional Kyoto sweets made from ingredients such as bean paste, rice flour, and sugar. Some popular Kyo-wagashi include yatsuhashi (a soft, triangular-shaped confection), warabi-mochi (a jelly-like sweet), and nama-choco (a creamy, truffle-like chocolate).

3. Matcha: Kyoto is famous for its high-quality green tea, especially matcha, which is a powdered green tea used in traditional tea ceremonies. Be sure to try a matcha-infused dessert or a bowl of matcha during a tea ceremony.

Hidden Gem:

:See You Next Week Happy Travels 🌎✈️: