12 Nights in Japan, Kyoto

For over a millennium, Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it's likely the best preserved of all its cities. It's a stunning, lively city where modern life intersects with old traditional Japan. The city is nestled amongst the mountains of Western Honshu and serves as an ideal base for exploring the Kansai region. The city is steeped in heritage sites and culture, boasts a wide variety and number of eateries and is relatively easy to get around. Its rich culture and heritage seep from every piece of architecture and tradition. Kyoto is home to thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more serene Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, you'll find the famous Bamboo Grove. A fantastic thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect atmosphere. Kyoto is one of the world's greatest historical cities, brimming with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage and is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.