| Japan is a picturesque and meditative country. | | | | Temple highlights |
| Despite the giant billboards you often see in | | | | Kyoto may be known as the city of a thousand |
| depictions of Tokyo, and the fact that the | | | | temples, but in fact there are over 1500 temples |
| country occupies one of the leading positions in | | | | to explore. As the former capital and residence of |
| the global economy, it is a country replete with | | | | the emperor until 1868, the city was expertly |
| traditional architecture and customs, perfect for | | | | oriented and meticulously designed as a virtual |
| the honeymoon couple who wish to enjoy culture, | | | | Garden of Eden of the East. Even if you are not |
| tradition and history. | | | | Buddhist, you will feel the Zen overcoming you as |
| Long before Tokyo became the capital city, | | | | you walk through the magnificent structures and |
| Kyoto, Japan, nestled in the mountains of | | | | listen to the divine chanting of the monks. Just to |
| Western Honshu, was the imperial capital of the | | | | name a few of the temples you cannot miss are |
| country. As the city was spared from bombing | | | | the Buddhist Chionin Temple, which boasts the |
| during WWII, there are still hundreds of historical | | | | largest gate and the heaviest bell in Japan, the |
| monuments and artifacts intact today. But this | | | | Kinkakuji Temple, painted in gold, or |
| country is not just about the preservation of | | | | Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden temple in |
| customs - this is a place where tradition is vibrant | | | | Japan which houses the infamous 1001 Kannon - |
| and alive in everyday experiences. Honeymooners | | | | these Buddhist goddesses of mercy stand in rows |
| are able to step back in time in the romantic and | | | | upon rows and will have you and your new |
| Zen atmosphere of Kyoto, a great destination | | | | spouse feeling blessed and inspired by the time |
| any time of the year. | | | | you walk the length of the temple. For more |
| There are literally too many monuments and | | | | information on the temples of Kyoto and |
| special spaces in Kyoto to visit, but here are | | | | associated Buddhist events, visit: |
| some top highlights to wet the palate. | | | | Monument highlights |
| The District of Gion | | | | There are over 400 shrines, 4 palaces, and an |
| Gion is not only the home of Kabuki theatre and | | | | unparalleled amount of museums, gardens and |
| Ochaya (Japanese teahouses) but is also the city | | | | other monuments. Kyoto boasts more UNESCO |
| of Geishas, the infamous female artisan | | | | World Heritage Sites than any other city in the |
| entertainers dating back to the late 1500's. | | | | world. One suggestion for couples on their |
| Walking through this labyrinthine district will feel as | | | | honeymoon, to ensure that a good amount of |
| though you've have stepped back in time as you | | | | monuments are covered, is to join a walking tour |
| peruse the intimate tea shops and drinking rooms | | | | of the city. It may not be the most private of |
| hoping to catch a glimpse of a kimono-clad maiko | | | | honeymoon experiences, but you will have a lot |
| or geisha on her way to entertain her clients with | | | | to talk about and many treasured experiences to |
| singing, dancing and good conversation. In the | | | | remember of your honeymoon. One highly |
| summer, enjoy a dinner along the Kamogawa | | | | recommended walking tour company is that of |
| River, or at any time of the year, visit the | | | | Hajime Hirooka, better known as Johnnie |
| shopping districts with shrines and altars tucked in | | | | Hillwalker, one of the oldest and most |
| between shops and in alleyways. | | | | knowledgeable guides of Kyoto. Check out his |
| Ryokans | | | | website at: |
| Experience the Zen of Japanese luxury in | | | | Garden highlights |
| traditional Ryokans, a type of inn dating from the | | | | Kyoto is just gorgeous and simply romantic in |
| Edo period (1600s). Upon opening your ornate | | | | springtime, when their famous cherry blossoms |
| wood doors, you will see floors expertly fitted | | | | are in full bloom and many locals celebrate their |
| with Tatami mats. Open the closets and find a | | | | arrival with festivals, parties and picnics. Alongside |
| cushy Futon and incredibly soft and plush satin or | | | | Ikebana flower arrangements and sculptured |
| silk comforters. On your honeymoon, there will be | | | | Bonsai trees, you can enjoy a traditional picnic of |
| nothing more romantic that soaking in a traditional | | | | healthy fish and rice with vegetables under a |
| wood bath together and donning silk kimonos | | | | Sakura tree. |
| before laying out your bedding. In the morning, | | | | If you feel up to it, travel just outside Kyoto, |
| slide open your Shoji paper doors for a traditional | | | | where you will also find many Onsens, or natural |
| breakfast provided by the Ryokan. To find a | | | | hot springs where you can enjoy a mineral bath |
| traditional inn that suits what you're looking for, | | | | for honeymoon, baby-soft, skin. |
| check out: | | | | |