Tips about how to enjoy Kyoto in summer!
Try and enjoy eco-friendly city Kyoto!
Welcome to Kyoto, an eco-friendly city!
What image do you have of Kyoto?Kyoto Summer Break 2008 is a summer campaign to introduce the new-styled stay in Kyoto during summer.
Message from Kyoto council of Tourism
It's surely hot in the summer in Kyoto! That's why people there have come up with ideas on how to keep cool in hot weather. "Machiya," or a traditional tradesman's house, for example, has a narrow straight path that cuts through its premises, where a small garden is located. Green lawns and a gentle breeze passing by makes you forget you are right in the middle of a city. "(Kawa)yuka," or a platform built out over a river or a river beach, is a special attraction of the summer in Kyoto; it is designed for you to enjoy the cool breeze and a meal over the sound of the stream. Experience the wisdom of our forefathers and try the air-conditioner-free, eco-friendly way to spend summer. But don't worry too much about formalities! Spending time in a casual way is also a special feature of the summer in Kyoto. Enjoy tea in a T-shirt, hang out in Yukata, or a casual kimono, and have some beer on the Kamo River in the evening. This casual atmosphere makes Kyoto in summer a little special and quite different from its usual image of cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in fall. Come visit us and have a great time. The City of Kyoto is really looking forward to seeing you.
Yukata Vacation! Experiece Good Old Japanese lesson with Yukata.
The Outline of the Yukata Vacation
Yukata Vacation, started in the City of Kyoto in 2004, has been carried out in and around the City of Kyoto, and thoroughly enjoyed, even since. With an accommodation reservation under the YUKATA PLAN PACKAGE sponsored by Rakuten Travel, you can enjoy strolling around the townscape of Kyoto in a cool and comfortable Yukata, or cotton kimono. The reservation of the Yukata Vacation comes with a set of Yukata, and a coupon booklet called a Yukata Passport, introducing the many different benefits that you can get at shops and stores around the City of Kyoto, and all you have to do is show your Yukata Passport to enjoy these benefits. This project had an immediate popularity among the Japanese in 2004, when the project was first started. We are very proud to announce that this time we can provide this special project for our valued guests from overseas. Rakuten Travel is the only travel agency that offers the Yukata Vacation to English-speaking guests from abroad. This summer, have a great time in Kyoto in a culturally unique way!
The Details of the Yukata Passport
Make a reservation at a Ryokan (a Japanese-style inn) or a hotel that has YUKATA PLAN PACKAGE under the Yukata Vacation. You will receive your set of Yukata and your Yukata Passport while checking in. The Passport describes in English, Korean, and Chinese how to wear Yukata. You can try on the Yukata yourself in your room after checking in. Then, you are ready to go out to town. With your Yukata Passport you can get discounts at facilities linked with Yukata Vacation, including souvenir shops. (There is no English description on the coupon part of a Yukata Passport. Print out the English description on our website for use.) There is no exact formality in how to wear Yukata, unlike Kimono. (Please enjoy wearing it as you like.)
>> Yukata Passport: Benefit & MAP
Reporter's Yukata Experience
The Yukata experience - trying on the Japanese robe
I was so exited to have my first opportunity to wear a Japanese robe (yukata). For those of you who are not familiar with a yukata, it is a traditional robe type dress that was worn when outside or around the house in daily life dating back centuries ago. It is made of light fabric and can be easily worn, not to mention exceptionally comfy. It comes with a fan (known as an uchiwa), great to cool off with in the summer heat and also the sandals (known as geta). The whole outfit can be bought from your hotel, and with the instructions that come with it, you can easily put it on by yourself in your hotel room.After enjoying a good hearty breakfast we set off to get me suited up. Yukatas are surprisingly cooler than they look and in the Japanese summer you will be extremely grateful to this uniquely Japanese attire. There is an exuberant choice of styles and colors to choose from and you will be sure to find your perfect match.
Save money with discounts galore
Before I tell you more about my yukata experience, I will acquaint you a little more with the Yukata Pass which comes with your yukata. Inside this small handy sized booklet, there are an abundance of places where you can use your Yukata Pass and be entitled to some great discounts. It is wonderfully laid out and not only has directions on how to wear a yukata but has pictures of each discounted place and activity, including opening times, the amount of discount which you can receive and much more.What kind of discounts I hear you ask! Well, the discounts vary from each place. From 10% off in some gift shops to a drink or beer for free at the restaurant. You are even entitled to a 10% discount on a rickshaw (known as Jin-riki-sha). It is a great way to see the neighborhood and allows you to have a guide of the exquisite hidden streets away from the bustling areas. The drivers are extremely fit, and with their stylish, seemingly traditional streamlined clothing, they effortlessly glide and whisk you away with ease.
Not only does this passport allow you to save money but will also allow you to get closer to the traditional Kyoto lifestyle.
Cool, comfy and stylish. Feel at one with the surroundings
Once dressed in my yukata we made our first stop to a traditional Japanese tea house known as machiya. It is really a home that serves as a shop and café for all to enjoy. Placed with careful precision are goods from traditional style hats, bags to jewelry. As I was wearing my yukata and had my Yukata Pass, I could get a 10% discount on all the goods.We then moved onto the stunning area of Arashiyama. This is district of Kyoto that is well known for its tranquility and deep-rooted way of life which is still alive and kicking today. When you arrive you know you are in the real Japan. Along the main street you can find a wealth of shops and restaurants selling traditional delicacies and wares. With the traditional aesthetic beauty of the area and shop facades, I felt very at ease and in-keeping in my Japanese robe.
The locals are tremendously friendly and like nothing more to see visitors experience wearing a yukata. Throughout the day I entered a few places where I had to take my shoes off before entering, such as temples and restaurants. The Yukata made this a pleasure as the sandals slipped on and off with ease and had not to worry about laces each time.
As I walked around the city, I really appreciated my yukata. Not only was it loose and comfortable when I was eating at the restaurant or strolling, but it also combats any hot temperatures with ease. I could think of nothing better to wear especially something that was so fitting with the surrounding beauty.
Important Notice about Yukata Vacation
How to Reserve the YUKATA PLAN PACKAGE•The Yukata Vacation applies to the rooms specified as ″YUKATA PLAN PACKAGE″ of the 14 accommodations shown below.
•The Yukata Plan includes the charge for a Yukata per person. You do not need to pay an additional charge once in Kyoto.
•The Yukata Plan only applies to a two-night stay or a three-night stay, not to a one-night stay. Guests who stay more than three nights can only reserve a Yukata Plan for the first three days; after that the guest must make an additional reservation for a regular plan (this plan does not include a yukata).
If you reserve YUKATA PLAN 2 NIGHT (or 3 NIGHT) PACKAGE only for a night (or 2 night), you may be asked to pay additional charge. (Ex. If you book YUKATA PLAN 2 NIGHT PACKAGE from 18/June to 20/June, please select 18/June for the check-in date and 20/June for the check-out date on the search form.)
•Available sizes of Yukata For Women 155cm -167cm (5.1ft-5.6ft) / For Men 158cm - 180cm (5.2ft.-6.0ft).
•Yukata in other sizes are not available.
•The Yukata Passport coupon booklet does not carry English descriptions. An English translation can be printed out on our website. However, in most cases, all you need to do to receive benefits is simply show your Yukata Passport.
•Enjoy Yukata the way it was meant to be enjoyed, cool and comfortable! Don't worry too much about formalities, since Yukata is simply meant for casual wear in summer after all!
•You need to wear your Yukata and show your Yukata Passport to receive benefits. Only showing your Passport is not enough.
HOTEL KYOTO GARDEN PALACE
HOTEL KYOTO GARDEN PALACE is located in the center of the city, by the Kyoto Imperial palace (Kyoto Gosho). It is convenient for business and sightseeing.
Iyashinoyakata Sakura
Iyashinoyakata Sakura is located at center of the sightseeing spot, near to Kiyomizu temple, Kodaiji, and Gion. Low charge, and hotel with a family atmosphere.
OYADO ISHICHO
OYADO ISHICHO is located close to KAMO river. It is a modern and kyoto traditional Ryokan. You can enjoy dinner with a Maiko and Geiko girls. (JPY76,000/90 min.)
ISHICHO SHOGIKUEN
ISHICHO SHOGIKUEN is located close to KAMO river. It is a modern and kyoto traditional Ryokan.
KYOTO BRIGHTON HOTEL
Located on the west of Nakadachiuri gate of Kyoto Imperial Palace , Kyoto Brighton Hotel with its classic architecture, harmonize Kyoto's beauty.
MATSUI HONKAN
In quiet area, you will feel very calm but be satisfied with very convenient location. Japanese landlady kindly welcomes you. Tasty Japanese food is available.
IKUMATSU (WEST BUILDING)
Old and historical hotel, we use Kyoto's vegetable, fish and seafood of each season, which is set of dishes served on an individual tray for entertaining guests. Convenient for traffic, shopping and sightseeing spot.
Takaokankou Hotel
Situated in Takao City, which you can enjoy the great natural view as it changes from season to season. You'll see the Maiko's dancing when you eat a dinner in Riverbed.
HOTEL SANOYA
Located in front of KYOTO station on the JR line. It is convenient for sightseeing.
GION SHINMONSO
Located in most traditional Japanese town. You can see Japanese style life all around this area. you will be impressed deeply.
HOTEL FUJITA KYOTO
Located by the Kamogawa river. Walking distance to Kawara-Machi, Ponto-Cho, and to Gion.
KYOTO KOKUSAI HOTEL
We have a really beautiful Japanese garden on a premise. You can see Nijojo in front of the Hotel, and dance performance by Maiko. Please enjoy flavor of ancient Kyoto in this hotel.
SAKA-NO-UE RYOKAN
Near Yahata shrine, Kodai temple, Kiyomizu temple. A quiet hotel, you are unnoticeable the noise of the city.
IROHA RYOKAN
We are Japanese-Style inn located in the center of Kyoto. It is close to Sanjo Keihan Station.
William Dallyn (UK)
On the chance that you have not read my previous travel reports, my name is William from the UK. I have now been living in Japan for 18months and I am back with a new report on the delightfully traditional and unquestionably welcoming Kyoto. I am very pleased to be introducing you to a city which has so much deep rooted culture that is still thriving today. From an abundance of old style Japanese buildings, markets, tea houses and temples to Geisha, Maiko and much more. As you may know Kyoto is exceptionally environmentally friendly, so why not take part and try your hand at riding a bicycle through the streets, wearing a yukata (Japanese style robe) while strolling and looking at the breathtaking scenery, not to mention the great discounts you can receive with the Yukata Pass. The beauty of Kyoto is that everywhere you turn, its traditional lifestyle and customary values in some form or another is maintained and is timelessly alive to this present day. Now I hope your sitting comfortably and enjoy reading this report. Once I have wet your appetite, why not come and taste the real Japan in Kyoto for yourself and have a treasured experience that will be forever etched in you mind.
Displayed information is as of June 18th, 2008. and is subject to change without notice.
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