7 March 2016 – Boasting the start of the summer season and two bank holidays, it's no surprise that May is often one of the most popular times of the year for UK travellers to get away. Kyoto CVB is therefore encouraging all those looking for a long-haul destination to choose Japan's capital of culture Kyoto, and experience new dining and accommodation packages at leading boutique hotels, or the major festival taking place and stunning exhibition of Monet's work.

The historic Aoi Festival is one of three major festivals in Kyoto and is set to take place on 15 May 2016. The elegant parade features up to 500 people dressed in classic costumes from the Heian period and sees special carriages called 'Gosho Guruma' and oxcarts paraded through the city for well-wishers to see. The procession starts from Kyoto's beautiful Imperial Palace and proceeds through town to the Shimogamo Shrine and then to the Kamigamo Shrine.

Art fans in Kyoto for the early May bank holiday will be able to visit Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art to marvel at an exhibition of Monet's works from the Marmottan Monet Museum. To celebrate the exhibition, which runs until 8 May 2016, the Kyoto Hotel Okura's Sky Restaurant Pittoresque and The Garden Okazaki, is also offering a special menu of dishes. Inspired by Monet's paintings, chefs will offer colourful dishes made from seasonal ingredients.

To mark the luxury hotel Suiran's first anniversary, the property has launched two special packages for guests.  The 'Shugyoku' package features once-in-a lifetime experiences in Kyoto and Arashiyama including one night in a “Gyokuto” Garden Terrace Suite, breakfast onboard a boat on the Hozu River, rickshaw transfers, guided city tours, spa treatments and a special chef's dinner. Alternatively, their 'Kokoroba' package focuses on activities linked to gratitude. The package includes one night in a “Yuzunoha” Deluxe Room with open-air bathroom, breakfast for two, rickshaw transfers and a first year anniversary special dinner for two with champagne. The packages are available for stays until 30 December 2016 and costs from JPY 49,500 (approximately £318 per person.)

For those looking for late deals, limited availability tour operator packages include:

12 Day Tour Of Japan Including Two Days In Kyoto From £2,595 Per Person
Steppes Travel is offering its Japan Less explored: Tokyo, Kyoto & Shikoku package from £2,595 per person. Package includes all accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, internal flights, international flights as detailed, sightseeing with private guide as per the itinerary and transfers as detailed. For more information, visit www.steppestravel.co.uk.

16 Day Tour Of Japan Including Four Days In Kyoto From £3,649 Per Person
Exodus Travel is offering the Ancient & Modern Japan package from £3,649 per person. Package includes return flights, accommodation, some meals and a Japan Rail Pass. Tour departs on selected dates between 29 April and 14 May 2016. To book, visit www.exodus.co.uk or call 0208 772 3937.

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors
Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: Aoi Matsuri festival procession. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 2: Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 3: The beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is close to the boutique Suiran hotel. Arashiyama will feature in a special anniversary package at the Suiran. Image courtesy of Suiran Kyoto.

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
ME: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk