Kyoto flourished as Japan’s imperial capital for about 1,000 years and is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
Kyoto showcases all the elements of ancient Japan that one could imagine- fine architecture, stunning gardens, world-class cuisine, vibrant festivals, tea rooms and sake breweries, elegant geisha, and rich arts & crafts.
Like most large cities in Japan, the beauty of Kyoto lies in the details and on the surface, the city looks surprisingly modern.
Over 40 million visitors visit Kyoto every year. Its must-see sights include the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji- one of the most important Zen temples in the city.
Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera and the shops of Higashiyama District, Sanjusangendo and its landscape garden, Nishiki market with its incredible food shops and restaurants, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Shrine with its incredible torii gates and traditional geisha district of Gion.
A short journey by train from Kyoto brings you to the historic ancient capital of Nara, one of the friendliest and greenest cities in the country. The main attraction, Todai-ji Temple is the world’s largest wooden building, housing the mighty Daibutsu bronze statue of Buddha.
Another famous feature of Nara is the sacred deer, approximately 1,200 of them, who the locals believe are the messengers of the gods. They are therefore protected by city law and allowed to wander freely. The city is best explored on foot and can be visited as a day trip from Kyoto.
Further popular excursions from Kyoto are to Mount Koya, also known as Koya-san in Japanese. One of the holiest mountains in the country, Mount Koya is home to more than 100 temples and monasteries and is the centre of the esoteric Shingon sect of Buddhism.
For those interested in Buddhism, an overnight stay in a simple temple lodging would offer a profoundly spiritual experience along with an opportunity to savour delicious vegetarian cuisine prepared by the monks. The village has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Client testimonials
The holiday was so enjoyable – lots to chat about. Tikli Bottom is a gem and we were the only guests for our short stay. We loved it there – peaceful and luxurious, and the staff were a delight – especially the cook!
Holiday to India
What an absolutely wonderful time we had in India. Your planning was perfection. Our favourites were Siana (you told us that!) and Kanker Palace…both families were wonderful in totally different ways. Welcomed with open arms we felt as though we were indeed royalty ourselves!
Holiday to India
Just a line to thank you for arranging such a fantastic trip to India for us. It was the experience of a lifetime which we will relive as we sort out our 1000 or so photos! Thank you again. P.S. We saw 4 tigers!
A holiday to India - tiger safari
The trip was a huge success and we saw our Tiger in Chitwan, a long relaxed sighting, sitting in the undergrowth washing his face, quite unperturbed by us.
A holiday to Nepal
I did just want to drop you a note to thank you and your team for looking after us so well over the past couple of weeks.
Holiday to India
Thanks for organizing our Nepal Trip – everything was wonderful. I soon realized why we had to go on these dates as GUN was an excellent guide and naturalist, I don’t know what we would have done without his assistance.
A holiday to Nepal
Just to say thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday for us. It has been a fascinating experience. Everything worked perfectly and I can say that you gave us more than what you promised on the tin! We will definitely return and will be in touch.
A holiday to Borneo
The trip was overwhelmingly successful in all respects for every one of us. It was a trip of a lifetime and certainly one that will be in our memories forever.
A holiday to India - Rajasthan and wildlife
I just wanted to thank you so much for organising an absolutely amazing trip. We both loved it all and cannot wait to get back to India.
A holiday to Rajasthan
The kids loved Dubai but then when we reached Maldives - Banyan Tree was absolutely marvellous. The spa was fabulous , one of the best massages we have ever had.
Family Holiday to India and Maldives
Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing the trip was. First of all, the arrangements you made went perfectly. We were picked up and dropped off at every city without any glitches.
Family wildlife holiday to India
Thank you for arranging a faultless and memorable holiday in Bhutan. Having travelled quite a lot elsewhere, I can’t think of any holidays where the pluses so greatly exceeded the minuses.
A Holiday to Bhutan
Thanks so much for arranging a holiday which ticked all of the boxes, and which I think did feel appropriately special to my father given the occasion. Very memorable indeed.
A holiday to Bhutan
We had such a wonderful time in India, from the moment we landed in Mumbai we were captivated by the sights and smells.
Safari in India
I'm home safe and sound and finally adjusting to my time zone. Thank you SO much for the bottle of wine in Kathmandu and the gorgeous flowers that arrived today. How very thoughtful. No other tour company has ever done something like this before!
Holiday to India and Nepal
All in all, a fantastic trip. Thank you very much for all your help in making this happen – much appreciated!
Tiger & Photgraphic Safari in India
Take the first step on your extraordinary journey to Japan
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
100% Tailor Made
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
Priceless Knowledge
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
Making a difference
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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