6 June 2016 – The value of the Japanese Yen is continuing to rise against the value of the Pound, ensuring 2016 is one of the best times to plan a trip to Japan. The lure of the destination's rich culture has also helped drive UK visitors to the country up by 18.6% from January – April 2016 (YOY).*

Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is therefore encouraging UK travellers to experience why this year is an opportune time for a value for money trip to Japan's cultural capital Kyoto. In autumn 2016, the ancient city is set to unveil the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto and has recently welcomed the likes of new sushi making schools and in keeping with its rich anime culture, a brand new Pokémon store.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Due To Launch In October 2016
Set in an 800-year-old traditional garden in Japan's historic imperial capital, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is due to open its doors on 15 October 2016. The hotel will boast an enviable location at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain in the city's temple district with numerous historic landmarks surrounding it, plus close access to Kyoto's tech industries, creative arts and leading educational institutions.  To celebrate the opening, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is also offering an introductory offer, which includes 12,000 JPY / £75 (approximately) hotel credit per room, per stay, for dining in their new Brasserie.

New Pokémon Store Opens For Anime Fan
For lovers of Japan's traditional anime and manga traditions, a new Pokémon Center opened in the heart of Kyoto in March 2016, marking the 10th Pokémon Center in Japan. The store provides a series of unique and special Pokémon goods designed specifically for tourists including the likes of 'Maiko Pikachu', a collaboration of two of the most popular characters. The store is open from 10am -8pm daily. 

New Sushi Making School Opens Its Doors
Kyoto has also recently welcomed a brand new sushi school called Umemori Sushi School. The principals of the sushi school are founded on the idea that it's important to provide guests with the chance to craft sushi whilst having fun at the same time. When the lively class comes to an end, visitors also have the chance to enjoy their handmade delicacies with the likes of traditional miso soup as an accompaniment.  The 90-minutes classes for between two and 20 students cost from JPY 2,800 per person (£17 approximately.) 

For those looking to experience Kyoto, tour operator packages include:

Japan in Autumn: Art, Temples & Gardens from £4,390 per person
Ace Cultural Tours is offering a 17-day trip to Japan featuring four nights in Kyoto. Starting in Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this tour looks behind the mask of contemporary Japan to uncover the nation's artistic, religious and cultural heritage. The tour departs on 21 October and returns on 6 November 2016. For more information, visit www.aceculturaltours.co.uk/tours/japan-in-autumn-art-temples-&-gardens-japn-16.

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

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors
*According to Japan National Tourism Organisation, available at: www.seejapan.co.uk/Libraries/PDFs/Visitors_to_Japan_by_Country_-_April_2016.sflb.ashx

Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: The new Four Seasons Kyoto is due to open in October 2016. Image courtesy of Four Seasons.
Image 2: Umemori Sushi School opened in Kyoto in March 2016. Image courtesy of Umemori Sushi School.
Image 3: A new Pokémon store opened in Kyoto in March 2016. Image courtesy of Pokémon and is available on an individual request-basis only.

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 / Libby Hughes
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk