4 January 2016 – Valentine's Day tradition in Japan means it is the females' responsibility to gift the gentlemen in her life with chocolates, and not only is it lovers that receive gifts - friends, colleagues and family members are also likely to be presented with a sweet treat. This Valentine's Day, treat a loved one to the ultimate Valentine's Day break with a trip to cultural Kyoto to discover the city's traditional and modern Japanese charms and find out what makes it one of the most desirable cities in the world for travel lovers.

Whether visitors are looking to treat their Valentine to a romantic meal in one of Kyoto's Michelin- star restaurants or spend the day finding their inner zen together through tranquil meditation practices, Kyoto is certain to make this Valentine's Day unforgettable. Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) is encouraging all lovers to choose the former capital of Japan this February and experience a series of romantic pursuits.

Michelin-Star Dining At Street Food Prices During Kyoto Restaurant Winter Special
If your loved one is a foodie, indulge in the Kyoto Restaurant Winter Special during February, when Michelin-star cuisine can be found at street-food prices. Over 180 of the city's restaurants are involved in the month-long promotion, which showcases the delicious seasonal cuisine on offer in the city. For example, visitors can enjoy restaurants specialising in Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) which was registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2013. A host of international cuisines are also on offer. For more information, visit www.krws.jp/eng.  

Relax In The Warmth Of A Japanese Onsen
'Onsen' are hot springs, usually found in mountainous regions throughout Japan. No couples' trip to Kyoto would be complete without a visit to one of the traditional onsens, and for the ultimate experience, spend the night in a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan. A typical visit begins with a bath before a beautiful dinner, which is often served in the guests' room. Many guests then also like to take another bath before drawing the day to a close and then again before breakfast the next morning. Onsen waters are heated up to 44 degrees and by soaking in the hot water, the hot springs are often credited for their nerve and muscle healing powers. For more information, visit kyoto.travel/en/thingstodo/entertainment/108.

Find Your Inner Zen With A Meditation Class
Couples can say goodbye to pressures from the outside world with a visit to one of Kyoto's stunning temples.  The Shunko-in Temple is home to many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and also offers 90-minute Zen meditation classes and temple tours in English with the temple's American-educated vice-abbot, Rev. Takafumi Kawakami. Through sitting and focusing on breathing, visitors are able to stay in the moment and detach themselves from every day cares. For more information, visit www.shunkoin.com.

Sip Sake With A Loved One
For those couples that enjoy nothing more than relaxing over a tipple together, discover more about Japanese sake or 'rice wine' as it is sometimes known, with an intimate master class and sampling session. Learn the history behind the alcoholic tipple before moving on to sample five of the finest sakes, all whilst enjoying homemade snacks as the sommelier guides guests through the different variations on offer. The 80-minute experience starts from £22 per person. For more information, visit kafu.co/sake.

For those looking to spend Valentine's Day in Kyoto, see below:

11 Night Tour of Japan Including Four Nights in Kyoto
Jacada Travel is offering its Art, Gardens and Temples: A Luxury Cultural Tour of Japan package from £7,182 per person.  Package includes four nights in Kyoto as well as visits to Tokyo, Yamashiro and Yamanaka, Naoshima Island and Hakone. Price is based on two people sharing and includes international flights on selected dates in February 2016.

To find out more about Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors: Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: One of the many dishes on offer during Kyoto Restaurant Winter Special. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 2: A monk is pictured meditating in Kyoto. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 3: Japanese sake. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk