When visiting Kyoto, where you stay can make all the difference. If you are based in the heart of the city, on Oike Street or nearby, you will find yourself within walking distance to some truly fascinating attractions. Forget about long commutes and get ready for a journey of discovery you will never forget!
Nijō Castle
One of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks, Nijō Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that instantly transports you back to the era of samurai and shoguns. Only around an 8-minute walk from Park Hotel Kyoto, this site was built in 1603 for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tour its Ninomaru Palace, known for rooms with painted sliding doors and decorated ceilings, not forgetting “squeaky” nightingale floors designed to catch intruders!
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Whether you are a lifelong manga fan or just manga-curious, this museum is a must, and it can be easily reached on foot from an Oike Street-based luxury hotel in Kyoto. The towering “Wall of Manga” alone will leave you wide-eyed, while the Manga Expo showcases translated works from across the globe. You can also watch manga artists at work, catch a traditional Kamishibai storytelling performance or even have your portrait drawn… go with an anime-style one, of course!
The Museum of Kyoto
Also known as “BUNPAKU,” this museum offers a fascinating introduction to Kyoto’s culture and heritage, perfect for your first visit. Expect exhibitions that cover everything from traditional crafts to the daily lives of locals in centuries past. Film buffs can check out what’s playing at the onsite theatre, since it’s known for screening classic movies from the Kyoto Prefectural Collection, adding to the site’s allure.
Kunjyukan
For something a little different, enter the sweet-smelling world of Kunjyukan, created by Shoyeido, the masters of Japanese incense. What’s great is that this is an immersive hidden gem which lets you experience fragrances in wonderfully quirky ways, from standing under scent-filled boxes to squeezing tester bottles that release delicate aromas. It’s calming, a bit playful, and utterly unique… who knew incense could be this interactive?