Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 - (Page 26)

DESTINATIONS PACIFIC/ASIA Nijo Castle on the west side of Kyoto KYOTO WHILE TOKYO ENJOYS A LONG-LASTING LOVE AFFAIR WITH ALL THAT IS MODERN, Kyoto invites the visitor to slow down and absorb Japanese culture in a setting steeped in history. Ancient Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan, and the city reigned as the cultural and artistic center of the nation from 794 to 1868. Seventeen of the city’s historic sites are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Cultural sites. On the east side are such draws as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and the Kyoto National Museum. On the west side are Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and Nijo Castle. In Kyoto, most buildings are no more than three stories high. This means the mountains and hills surrounding the city are always visible, adding to its caught-in-time ambiance. It’s a wonderful walking city, with a river running through its center and green hills to the east, making it almost impossible to get lost. 26 | TravelAgent May 26, 2008 This former imperial capital of Japan blends culture and history in a serene city setting BY MARK ROGERS March through April is cherry blossom season in Kyoto and is the busiest time of the year. Book at least six months ahead, earlier if possible. During the season, people picnic under the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park, and stroll along the tree-lined banks of the Kamo-gawa River. Cherry blossom season raises the romance level in Kyoto, making it a particularly good time for honeymooners to visit. Kyoto’s historic Gion District is a fascinating neighborhood of narrow streets lined with antiques shops and small restaurants. You can actually see real geishas and maiko (geishas in training) walking the streets in the evening, en route to private parties. It’s a great district to explore on foot, with the added attraction of being fairly close to a number of Kyoto’s major temples and shrines. Gion Corner is an entertainment venue that makes it easy to experience an assortment of traditional Japanese arts. During a single performance, the audience will see Kyoto-style dances, an

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Las Vegas: New Luxury Lounges and Gourmet Restaurants Lure Non-Gambling Vacationers Europe: Bettoja Hotels Provide a Personal Touch in Italy Pacific/Asia: Kyoto Blends History and Culture in a Serene City Pacific/Asia News and Notes Mexico: Food and Service Entice at Four All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Hotels Special Supplement: The Best of Portugal with Pestana and Pousadas Mexico Deals Caribbean: Region Makes Great Strides in the Ecotour Niche Caribbean News and Notes Cruises: A look at the Swiss Sapphire River Cruiser from its Christening and Inaugural Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something new Cover Story: Selling Golf Hotels: Golf Resorts with the Budget Golfer in Mind Resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast Offer Getaway Deals for Summer and Fall Going for Gold: Hertz Incentive Program Encourages Agents to Book Car Rentals Tours: Summer Tour Packages Make the World Affordable for Your Clients Agent Profile: Connie Majors Goes the Extra Mile Members Know: American Express Joins the Networking Bandwagon Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar What Makes a Professional Agent? Hawaii Tourism Adjusts to Changes Asia is the Hot New Cruise Destination The Latest Caribbean Trends In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

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