Kyoto

A pair of finely dressed geisha darting between wooden tea houses, cherry blossom petals caught in the breeze, the burble of a water fountain filling the quiet with a serene rock garden... Kyoto represents the Japan of the past and the Japan in your head. From A.D. 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as the capital of Japan, and it has since become a thriving center for Japanese culture, art, and education. It's not surprising that millions of tourists travel to Kyoto every year to get a glimpse of imperial Japan given the city's respect for its past.

But wherever you aim your camera, modern Japan will undoubtedly appear in the shot. In the same city as the corporate headquarters of firms like Nintendo and electronics giant Kyocera are centuries-old Shinto temples and pagodas. Kyoto is a dynamic city that is definitely not stuck in the past because to its blend of the ancient and modern. The Japanese city of Kyoto is encircled by temples, shrines, and castles. You can enjoy the splendor of several eras from these 10 of Kyoto's most stunning locations.

Japan's former capital of Kyoto reigned for more than a millennium. Its name translates as "Capital of Peace" and it was established in 794 AD. As it protects its history while still embracing modern trends, Kyoto combines old world elegance with a modern flair. Numerous international publications, including TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet, have listed it in the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world. It is hardly surprising that Kyoto is a tourist's paradise given its rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Japan
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Asia

Country: Japan