KYOTO Central Kyoto Explore Japan's rich history and cultural traditions in the heart of Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the emperor's residence for over 1,000 years. It is now home to some of Japan's most popular attractions. Many of these attractions, including Kyoto Gosho and Nijo Castle , are located right in the heart of the city. You can spend several hours exploring the center of Kyoto and see some of Japan's most iconic heritage sites.

Central Kyoto is easily accessed by train or bus from Kyoto Station.

Most of Central Kyoto is accessed conveniently by the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line or the private railway Keihan Line from Kyoto Station. To visit Kyoto Gosho, Kyoto Goen and Sento Gosho parks from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station. To get to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Station , take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma-Oike Station. Switch to the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line and get off at Nijo-jo-mae Station. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is on the Keihan Line toward Demachiyanagi Station. It's a 10-minute walk from there. The Nishijin District is best accessed by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the number 9 bus to Horikawa Imadegawa bus stop.

The first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, had this extravagant complex built in 1603. He intentionally built close to the Imperial Palace as an expression of his power, and to protect the Emperor.

The elaborate gilded architectural detail of Nijo Castle is in stark contrast to the bare minimalism of the Imperial Palace; the castle is covered in intricate wood carvings and extravagantly painted panels, and features double moats and a high wall for protection. One fascinating feature is the "nightingale" floors, named for the birdlike sound they emit when you walk across them. This was an ancient security system, alerting guards to intruders.

The huge palace complex is comprised of five main buildings, all with numerous chambers. You can peek your head into these and see the impressive screen paintings by famed artists Kano Tanyu and Naonobu. The grounds contain a spectacular example of a traditional Japanese landscape garden as well as an ornamental plum orchard and many maples that turn brilliant hues in autumn.

Kyoto Gosho is the former residence of the Japanese imperial family. It has been vacant since 1868 when the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

The palace you see today is surrounded by a high wall on all sides and within its grounds the historic architecture of Kyoto can be seen.

Guided tours and access to the interiors of the buildings can be applied for at the Imperial Household Office inside the Imperial Palace Park, or directly in front of the palace buildings.

The Imperial Palace and the Sento Gosho palace grounds are both located within the grounds of Kyoto Gyoen.

During the Edo period (1603-1867), emperors came to Sento Gosho to relax. Only two buildings remain, but the garden is splendid in its own right. It features a walled garden dotted with serene ponds. Well-trodden pathways meander past magnificent trees and an array of impressive plants and flowers. Sento Gosho is accessible only by guided tour. You can apply for the tour in front of the palace.

The Kyoto State Guest House is also open to the public and is to the east of the Gosho.

Kyoto's answer to New York's Central Park, Kyoto Gyoen is an oasis within the city and is perfect for an afternoon stroll. It's a great spot to people-watch, as locals come here to jog or have a picnic. No application is necessary to enter Kyoto Gyoen, which surrounds Kyoto's Imperial Palace.

Kyoto Gyoen has some good flora to see. A plum grove blooms in early March and a grove of weeping cherry trees bloom a bit earlier in the spring.

Dating back to the sixth century, Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Together with Kamigamo-jinja Shrine , it is one-half of the pair of Kamo Shrines built to protect Kyoto from evil.

Shimogamo-jinja is one of Kyoto's most sophisticated shrines, with splendidly detailed architecture. The complex includes many small shrines in a beautiful setting in the northeastern part of Central Kyoto, tucked within a large forest that contains 600-year-old trees. Many events are held at Shimogawa-jinja, most importantly the Aoi Matsuri held in May, one of Kyoto's three great festivals.

The traditional textile district of Kyoto, Nishijin, is in the northwest of central Kyoto. Come here to learn about the history of Japanese textiles and to wander the historic streets lined with old wooden houses, or machiya, and dotted with small temples.

Visit the Nishijin Textile Center to learn more about the ancient art of weaving. A workshop-museum hybrid, it's a great way to see some truly remarkable kimono first-hand.

The center also features live weaving demonstrations and a gallery of extravagant kimono from long ago.

Hands-on activities include weaving classes and the chance to dress up in a kimono and get your photo taken and/or stroll the streets of Kyoto in style.

You can also visit the Orinasukan , a somewhat smaller, quieter museum. Here you can find exhibits on the history of the area as well as live weaving demonstrations. There are some truly remarkable Japanese textiles on display, including some intricate Noh theater costumes.