Hi, nice to meet you. I think (as far as I recall) this is the very first English blog post that our company has posted. Figured we should make a blog targeted for all of our guests, not only our Japanese guests. I hope I could bring some tips about travelling in Kyoto or just general updates on the city.

Jumping straight to some updates about the city… It is finally spring in Kyoto! The weather has been very stable and the temperature has been around 20°C (about 68°F). The sakura (cherry blossoms) are all blooming and many Japanese and international tourists are spotted taking photos or having picnics under the sakura tree. Personally, I would recommend for a walk along the Kamogawa river, or take a stroll along the Kiyamachi street (which is in front of one of our facility, Kyotoya Sakura-an).

There is a huge temperature difference from morning to day to night, so it is very hard to dress in the morning. But, at least in the daytime, there are many who are out wearing T-shirts and shorts. I guess it’s time to change your closet from winter clothes to summer.

Other places I would recommend to visit during the sakura season would definitely be Nijo castle. From 18:00 to 21:00, the sakura trees are lit up, creating a fascinating, breathtaking scenery. A must-go. (BTW, we have a facility close by to Nijo castle, if interested).

I, myself, am very much enjoying the sakura season as well. The other day, I went out on a stroll with my beloved African Grey (his name is Benjamin) to see the sakura trees. Unfortunately, our facilities do not allow pets but why not go out on a long walk underneath the sakura trees with your loved ones?

-Werner