Kyoto

Elect's take

"Kyoto is the most culturally rewarding city I have ever visited anywhere in the world. The density of extraordinary temples, gardens and cultural traditions creates an experience that I find genuinely moving and one that rewards multiple visits of increasing depth."

The temples of Arashiyama including Tenryu-ji and its magnificent garden, the bamboo grove and the monkey park provide an extraordinary morning. Fushimi Inari with its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain provides one of the most iconic experiences in Japan. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is simply one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The geisha district of Gion retains a living traditional culture that can be glimpsed on evening walks along Hanamikoji Street. The kaiseki cuisine of Kyoto, the most refined expression of Japanese cooking, is available at outstanding restaurants across the city. The ryokan experience, staying in a traditional inn with tatami rooms, onsen and elaborate kaiseki meals, is best enjoyed in Kyoto.