Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years, is the cultural heart of the country, famous for its temples, gardens, geisha districts, and refined traditions. Among its 1,600-plus Buddhist temples are the hilltop Kiyomizu-dera with its wooden stage, the gilded Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the serene Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).
The vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine snake up a wooded hillside, while the historic Gion district preserves geisha culture and wooden teahouses. Kyoto is also the birthplace of the tea ceremony, kaiseki cuisine, and Noh and Kabuki theatre, and the scenic Philosopher’s Path links eastern temples.
The best times to visit are spring (late March to April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (mid- to late November) for fall foliage, both stunning but crowded; summer brings the month-long Gion Matsuri festival.
