Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, remains a spiritual center with more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the gold-covered Kinkaku-ji, the vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. The city's meticulously preserved gardens, like Ryoan-ji's zen rock garden, showcase Japanese aesthetics at their finest. Kyoto is also where you can experience traditional cultural practices including tea ceremonies, geisha performances in the historic Gion district, and kaiseki multi-course dining that celebrates seasonal ingredients and artful presentation.