Kyoto

Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. Today it is known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. The city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains the cultural heart of Japan, where traditional arts such as tea ceremony, ikebana, geisha culture, and Zen Buddhism continue to thrive. Each season transforms the city: cherry blossoms in spring, festivals in summer, fiery maple foliage in autumn, and serene snow-dusted temples in winter. The Higashiyama district preserves traditional streetscapes, while the Gion district offers the chance to spot geiko (geisha). Kyoto Station is a major hub with shinkansen connections to Tokyo (about 2 hours 15 minutes).