Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto has now entered the pantheon. A sanctuary city with traditional features, it embodies the portrait of a country rich in history and heritage.
Kyoto alone contains the country's most fabulous UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Nearly 2,000 temples (including the equally famous Kinkaku-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji) and over 200 gardens adorn this stunningly beautiful destination.
A city of eternal youth, Kyoto has managed to preserve an almost divinatory authenticity while modernizing itself, between urbanism and industry.
Spend an hour wandering around the area and you're likely to spot a geisha or two passing by in their heavy zori sandals and pretty kimono.Each July, their charms are overshadowed by the Gion Matsuri, a festival that attracts more than a million visitors for its parade of floats and traditional musical performances.