Kyoto Mayor Outlines Tourism Plans

Above, the massive Kyoto Station was the battleground for Gamera and Irys in 1999. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is one Japanese city a tourist ought to visit, it is definitely Kyoto. There are plenty of historical places to visit in Kyoto, such as shrines, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and other places.

The mayor of Kyoto has ambitions to boost Kyoto as a tourist destination.

According to InsideJapan News Network:

Known as the former capital - some locals still say the current capital - of Japan, Kyoto already attracts more than its fair share of international visitors. The city's stunning temples, exemplary Shinto shrines and traditional geisha district make for splendid exploration.

But for Daisaku Kadokawa, mayor of Kyoto, it's not enough. Even the city's inclusion in the popular US magazine Travel + Leisure annual Best City listings - where it became the first Japanese city to be included two years ago and has this year conquered the top ranking - has failed to impress him.

Instead of resting on his laurels, the mayor is instead concentrating on creating a more welcoming atmosphere for tourists, with more attractions and an easier environment for them to get around. 

Besides the usual places that draw foreign tourists, kaiju enthusiasts also have reasons to visit Kyoto. There are movie landmarks and locations in Kyoto they can explore:

• Kiyomizu-dera was featured in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993.
• Kyoto Station was featured in Gamera 3: Revenge of Irys in 1999.
• Kyoto Tower was featured (and blasted) in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993.

These places are spotlighted on page 43 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more of the mayor's plans for Kyoto tourism, go here.