Kyoto Brighton Hotel official website
The Imperial Palace area of Kamigyo is the oldest and most central part of Kyoto.
Its history began about 1,200 years ago, in 794, when Heian-kyo was established as the capital, and it has developed into a political, cultural, and economic center. Traditional culture and modernity blend seamlessly together, and the streets, where Kyoto townhouses stand side by side with elementary schools, give off a nostalgic vibe. Locals visit long-established soy sauce and miso stores that have been in business for hundreds of years to do their daily shopping, and students jog around Kyoto Gyoen National Garden... The Gosho area of Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a place where you can get a glimpse of the real Kyoto.
At the center of the city is the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
For about 500 years until the Meiji Restoration, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Emperor. The palace is surrounded by a wall marked with five lines, signifying the highest rank, and is open to the public all year round without the need for prior reservations. There are many things to see, including buildings that use Heian-style architectural techniques and sliding door paintings by famous artists. The space, where many historical events have taken place, is tranquil and solemn, and gives a sense of Japanese beauty.
Enjoy the cool evening air at Kyoto Gyoen, a place of relaxation for local citizens and rich in nature.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is open 24 hours a day, and is home to approximately 50,000 trees that add color to all four seasons, and many living creatures. In the summer, we recommend spending time here by going for an early morning jog or stroll, or enjoying the cool evening air in the shade of the trees. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a popular "free" spot where you can enjoy Kyoto as if you were living there, and is a familiar place for local residents, and is just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Brighton Hotel.
If you want to enjoy shopping at long-established stores, head to the "Gosho-Nishi" area.
Within walking distance of the hotel, in the Imperial Palace West area, there are many long-established stores that have long been associated with the Imperial Palace, and we recommend walking around and visiting the historical storefronts. In a town blessed with abundant and delicious water, you can find products that are carefully made using traditional methods, such as miso, soy sauce, sake, Japanese sweets, and tofu. Many of the products have a long shelf life, making them great souvenirs. You can enjoy the taste of Kyoto even after you return home.
Experience making traditional crafts.
Kamigyo Ward is the birthplace of many traditional cultures, including the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh, and Kyogen, and is home to many long-established "traditional craft" stores that support these cultures. There are many casual experiences that can be enjoyed in about 1-2 hours, such as making bamboo baskets that can also be used as flower vases, making Kyoto braided strings, and making your favorite incense. These are activities that allow you to experience Kyoto in a cool building even in the hot summer.
If you want to enjoy summer in Kyoto using the hotel as your base, head to Kyoto Brighton Hotel.
Kyoto Brighton Hotel has many attractions within walking distance or just a few minutes by taxi. Even on a hot summer day, you can return to the hotel and take a break before enjoying sightseeing or shopping. Please feel free to ask our concierge, who is well versed in Kyoto, for recommendations on places to visit. We will suggest the perfect Kyoto trip for you.
