Message from KVG

All you miss about Kyoto is still here, vibrant and unchanged

Research about the history and interesting sightseeing spots, choose comfortable accommodation, check out the local food and must-not-miss gift items, then, pack and go! Yes, we once believed we are always free to travel. We never doubted that it’s always our choice when and where we choose to go. Now we are in pain knowing how it feels to lose that freedom. All over the world, those who love to travel and who know how invaluable it is have been sharing this hurt together. 

In its long history over 1200 years as the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto has experienced a number of crisis: epidemics, riots, famine, floods, changing of reigns and power and more. It means that this never-defeated city and her people have faced and overcome so many difficulties, and in the process have become resilient and confident in their ability to do so. 

Indeed, the origin of Kyoto’s most important festival, the Gion Festival held throughout July every year, lies in the time when a terrible epidemic ravaged the city in the 8th century. And in 2020, another page of difficulty was added to Kyoto’s history. 

Until a little while ago, Kyoto attracted so many visitors from all around Japan and the world and never failed to enchant them. Some said that Kyoto had become too crowded and touristic but nevertheless, she was a city full of vigor.  Today, she appears totally different and many of her famous places and streets lie almost empty and silent.

But, in fact, Kyoto itself hasn’t changed at all. All what we love and miss about Kyoto is still here unchanged. The history of Kyoto is not divided into “before” or “after” COVID-19 though present-day human beings have to find a new style of life to live with this virus and remain conscious about how to keep ourselves and people around us safe. This also has given us a chance to consider the many ways we can live more considerate, responsible and sustainable lifestyles.

Thanks to the extraordinary dedication and hard work of people in the front line of every field,

we are able to hear or see a light of hope for the near future. However, it is still too early to be

optimistic, of course. Yet, it shouldn’t be tinged with guilt if we enjoy thinking of our next travel plan or dream of flying to visit our long-awaited destination.

Contemplating traveling to Kyoto will definitely uplift your heart. Kyoto is waiting to once again welcome people from all around the world – with her philosophical gardens, dignified temples and shrines, energetic festivals, unbeatably delicious food, traditional art and crafts born from the legacy of craftspeople, and those who respect their tradition though never stop being innovative, are all here.

The day that we will be once again free to enjoy traveling will return. KYOTO VISITOR’S GUIDE believes so, and will continue to share stories about this beautiful, resilient city and her people but with our renewed central concept and promises. As always, Kyoto awaits your return and is ready to welcome you once more.