Having the highest concentration of cultural treasures in the entire country this historic

city is a must-see destination for travellers hoping to get a glimpse of old Japan.

A little over 2hrs west of Tokyo by bullet train, Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on

three sides and is located 40km inland from Osaka.

Laid out similarly to the contemporary Tang capital from China, Kyoto was the home of

the emperor and the capital of Japan for over 1000 years.

And as a result, it developed into the center of high culture, politics, and craftsmanship.

Although the city suffered damage many times in the past due to wars and natural disasters,

fortunately it was spared during World War II.

Today, Kyoto's main attractions include countless temples, shrines, gardens, and other

historic buildings, many of which are part of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

The city is also renowned for its cuisine and crafts.

Even if you stayed in Kyoto for a month, it would be difficult to see everything it has to offer.

So, here are our Top 5 Recommendations in Kyoto.

Number Five: Kyo-Kaiseki

Kaiseki is traditional Japanese style high-class

(or haute) cuisine which is served in multiple courses.

Kyo-kaiseki is the Kyoto style of kaiseki which is particularly refined, and focuses

on highlighting the subtle flavors found in Kyoto's local seasonal ingredients.

Each dish is carefully designed by a chef are presents a different aspect of Japanese cuisine.

Usually the meal takes between one to two hours, will include 8-12 courses, and will

finish with a shokuji course consisting of rice, miso soup

and pickled vegetables followed by dessert.

One of the best places to enjoy a kyo-kaiseki meal is while staying at a ryokan in Kyoto.

Usually a stay at one of these Japanese style inns includes this multi-course dinner which is

served to you right in your room.

If you're not staying at a ryokan, kyo-kaiseki can also be

enjoyed at numerous specialty restaurants throughout Kyoto.

And during summer, many restaurants in Kyoto, including some that offer kyo-kaiseki

will provide terrace dining experiences where guests are served outside

on platforms built over flowing water.

Two popular locations for terrace dining are along the Kamogawa River in central Kyoto,

and in the scenic Kibune valley to the north of the city.

Although kyo-kaiseki meals can be a bit expensive, we think this traditional culinary experience

is well worth the price when visiting Kyoto.

Number Four: Arashiyama/Sagano

On the outskirts of western Kyoto lie the districts of Arashiyama and Sagano

which have much to offer.

This area was a former retreat for emperors,

and the Saga Emperor especially enjoyed taking retreats here.

Although it has become somewhat touristy, it's still very pleasant both in the center

of town and in the more rural-feeling Sagano area.

Some of the main attractions of this area are:

The beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge, especially during autumn

Tenryuji Temple which is ranked first among Kyoto's great Zen temples and is part of

Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Site

The famous bamboo grove which is located directly

next to Tenryuji Temple.

And the monkey park on the hill across the bridge.

In the wooded hills north of the bamboo forest there are many smaller temples to explore as well.

To see more of this area in a unique way, there is also the Sagano Scenic Railway.

This is a 25 minute sightseeing train ride which will take you through the beautiful

Hozugawa river valley. This ride is often combined with a Hozugawa River cruise back to Arashiyama

in a traditional Edo era boat ride which takes about two hours.

Number Three: Kinkakuji & Ginkakuji

On the north side of the city stands one of

the most recognizable buildings in Kyoto, Kinkakuji (also called the Golden Pavilion)

whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf.

It is one of the sites that make up Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Site

and was originally built as a retirement villa by the highly influential shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

In accordance with his will, after his death in 1408 it became a Zen temple which it remains today

Now visitors explore the well manicured grounds on paths that wind around the main building

and past other attractions such as a tea garden and a few other temple halls.

Interestingly, on the East side of Kyoto stands Ginkakuji (or the Silver Pavillion) which was

built several decades later as a retirement villa by Yoshimitsu's art obsessed grandson,

Ashikaga Yoshimasa and which also has become a UNESCO site.

Although never covered in silver, Ginkakuji became the base for contemporary Japanese

culture known as “Higashiyama culture” which had great impact on Japanese society

nationwide and spawned many of the traditions that represent Japanese culture today

such as the tea ceremony, poetry, and garden design.

Number Two: Kiyomizudera & the Higashiyama District

Perhaps Kiyomizu's most eye catching feature is the 13m tall wooden stage which projects

from the front of the main temple building.

During the Edo Period, tradition held that if you survived leaping from this stage to

the ground, your wish would be granted.

However, now this practice is prohibited.

Near the stage you'll also come across the iron spear of legendary strong-man warrior-monk

Benkei which visitors are encouraged to try and lift.

At the bottom of the temple grounds runs the Otowa Waterfall whose famously pure waters

are split into three streams.

Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school, and

fortune in love.

However, drinking from all three is considered greedy.

Kiyomizu-dera is located in the Higashiyama District which is one the country's best

preserved districts with numerous outstanding temples, traditional streets, and photo opportunities.

Aside from the numerous shops, a few specific highlights are Kodaiji temple, Yasaka pagoda,

Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park to name a few.

Many tourists will make a half-day out of seeing Kiyomizudera and exploring this atmospheric district

Number One: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Perhaps one the most awe-inspiring places

to explore in all of Japan is the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is located only two train

stops from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara line.

Although it is the head shrine dedicated to the rice Goddess Inari of over 30000 Inari

shrines across the country, this location is internationally famous for the thousands

of vermillion gates which cover the mountain trails behind the main shrine building.

Each gate was donated as an offering by an individual or business.

The larger the gate, the larger the donation.

The most iconic section of trail is found where the path splits shortly after the entrance

and is called the Senbon Torii which literally means “one thousand gates."

As visitors continue up the mountain there are various rest areas, vendors, and side paths to explore.

About half-way up is the Yotsutsuji Intersection which has multiple restaurants and also provides

the best view of the city on the whole hike.

Hiking all the way to the summit takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

Kyoto is full of many more worthwhile locations

and we hope this Top 5 list helps you planan enjoyable trip.

For more information about any of the places mentioned in this video or to explore another region

click the links on the screen now, or head over to japan-guide.com,

your comprehensive, up-to-date travel guide, first-hand from Japan.

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Happy travels.