Kyoto is the former capital of Japan, but it remains the cultural capital of the Land of the Rising Sun to this day. The city is located in the Kansai region, in south-central Japan, close to Osaka and Nara. In Kyoto, everything people do is driven by a high degree of originality and elegance. The locals love to distinguish themselves from the rest of Japan.

This land is home to world-famous sites such as Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo)—the ancient stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate featuring its famous "nightingale" squeaking floors, built when Kyoto was still the capital before Tokyo. You will also find the breathtaking Kiyomizudera temple area, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and its counterpart, the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji). It is also well worth mentioning the Imperial Palace gardens, the sacred atmosphere of Mount Koya (Koya-san)—stunning during the autumn maple season—the Arashiyama district with its bamboo forest, and, of course, the world-renowned Kobe beef.

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Personally, when I think of Kyoto, I cannot help but associate it with the concepts of beauty, simplicity, and elegance. From this beauty, iconic living art forms bloom in my mind: the Maiko (apprentice geisha) and Geiko (geisha). I have always shared a deeply intimate and personal connection with Kyoto, both humanly and artistically. It is a city that energizes me. Every time I return to my beloved Kyoto, I discover something new and fascinating. It always depends on the moment, the people sharing the experience with me, and many other elements.

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In addition to beauty, this city brings to mind the cherry blossoms—the famous Sakura of March and April—and its vibrant mountains in October during the autumn foliage season. I adore the delicacy and variety of flavors in the traditional dishes of Heian-kyo (Kyoto), as well as their exquisite presentation. Finally, there is a cultural depth to Kyoto that does not just live within the city itself, but permeates through the rest of Japan.