The former capital until 1867 and long regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and innumerable temples and shrines. It is also famously home to the historic geisha district of Gion.
Kyoto holidays - perfect for...
Explore the evocative geisha district of Gion with its charming wooden merchant houses and traditional tea houses
Incredibly, there are over a thousand temples in Kyoto. Highlights include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – a Zen temple adorned with gold leaves, and the 15th-Century Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) which is set in tranquil wooded gardens
Visit Nijo Castle which dates from 1603 and is a designated national treasure with splendid architecture and interior design
Take a tour of the Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's royal family
The Philosopher's Path bursts into colour in April and follows a canal lined with cherry trees to the Heian-jingu Shrine
