Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto (22)

A rectangular bed of gravel raked into wave patterns might not be everyone's idea of a garden. This, however, is Japan, and I am standing in a garden ... more

For many people, Arts and Crafts means John Ruskin and William Morris. However, the movement, which flourished in the UK, Europe and America from ... more

The one-time Japanese capital - it was the seat of government from the ninth to the 19th century - draws huge numbers of foreign tourists every year.

Two of Japan's top ryokans happen to face each other over the same street, Fuyacho Street: the Hiiragaya (2) (00 81 75 221 1136; www.hiiragiya.co ... more

One could stay weeks in Kyoto without exhausting its cultural attractions. A night in a traditional Japanese inn, Ryokan Hiiragiya, was a memorable ... more

Start in Kyoto's heart at the Imperial Park (open daily, dawn to dusk, free) where there are perfect expansive lawns and the austere Imperial Palace ... more

One could stay weeks in Kyoto without exhausting its cultural attractions. A night in a traditional Japanese inn, Ryokan Hiiragiya, was a memorable ... more

One of the most historic of Kyoto's ryokan is the Hiiragiya Ryokan (00 81 75 221 1136; www.hiiragiya.co.jp/en), which offers the ultimate in tatami-mat ... more

Every visit should include a stay in a ryokan. One of the finest is the elegant Hiiragiya Ryokan, Anekouji agaru, Fuyamachi (00 81 75 221 1136; ... more

Two of Japan's top ryokans happen to face each other over the same street, Fuyacho Street: the Hiiragaya (2) (00 81 75 221 1136; www.hiiragiya.co ... more