Kyoto Prefecture

With its 2,000 religious places – 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and architecture intact – Kyoto is one of the best preserved cities in Japan. Among the most famous temples in Japan are Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kinkaku-ji temple, Ginkaku-ji temple, and Ryōan-ji temple, famous for its rock garden. Other sites in Kyoto include Arashiyama, the Gion and Pontochō geisha quarters, the Philosopher’s Walk (famous for its trail of cherry blossoms), and the canals which line some of the older streets. Kyoto is also renowned for its abundance of delicious Japanese foods and cuisine.