Kyoto

The most iconic image in all of Japan — 10,000 vermilion torii gates donated by businesses and individuals wind up the forested slopes of Mount Inari over 4 kilometres of trails. The lower section (to the first summit at Yotsutsuji, approximately 30 minutes) is the most photographed and most crowded. The full circuit to the summit and back takes 2–3 hours and passes through increasingly quiet forest with spectacular views over Kyoto. Arrive before 7am for empty gates and golden morning light — the shrine is open 24 hours and free to enter.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the most atmospheric natural experiences in Japan — a narrow path through towering bamboo that filters the light into something otherworldly. The grove is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Immediately adjacent is Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with one of the finest garden landscapes in Japan — the borrowed scenery of the Arashiyama mountains beyond the pond is a masterclass in Japanese garden design. The Arashiyama district also offers the Iwatayama Monkey Park, Jojakko-ji moss temple, and the Togetsukyo bridge over the Oi River.

Kyoto's most famous geisha district — a preserved neighbourhood of wooden machiya townhouses, ochaya (teahouses), and stone-paved lanes where maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (fully qualified geisha) can still be seen walking to evening appointments. The best time to spot geisha is between 5:30pm and 7pm on Hanamikoji Street and the lanes around Shirakawa Canal. Gion Corner offers a 75-minute cultural performance covering tea ceremony, ikebana, koto music, and a geisha dance — a good introduction for first-time visitors. The Gion Matsuri festival in July is one of Japan's three great festivals.

The most visited site in Kyoto — a three-storey Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflected in the Mirror Pond below. The current structure is a 1955 reconstruction of the original 14th-century pavilion (burned down by a novice monk in 1950, an act immortalised in Mishima's novel). The garden circuit takes approximately 30 minutes. Arrive at opening time (9am) to beat the crowds — by 10am the viewing area is extremely congested. The pavilion is at its most beautiful in winter snow and autumn foliage.

A 2-kilometre stone path along a canal lined with cherry trees, connecting Nanzen-ji temple in the south to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) in the north. Named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who walked this path daily in contemplation. During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), the canal becomes a tunnel of pink blossoms reflected in the water — one of the most beautiful walks in Japan. The path passes several small temples, cafes, and galleries. Walk south to north (Nanzen-ji to Ginkaku-ji) for the best light in the morning.

Kyoto is the home of the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) — a ritual preparation and presentation of matcha green tea that has been refined over 500 years. Several venues offer authentic experiences for visitors: En tea ceremony in Gion (intimate, English-speaking host, 45 minutes), Urasenke Foundation (the most prestigious school, advance booking required), and Camellia Tea Experience in Higashiyama (highly rated, includes kimono rental option). A genuine tea ceremony is one of the most meditative and memorable experiences available in Japan — not to be confused with the tourist-oriented 'tea ceremony' performances at some hotels.

A narrow 400-metre covered market in central Kyoto with over 100 stalls selling Kyoto's distinctive food culture — pickled vegetables (tsukemono), fresh tofu, yuba (tofu skin), grilled skewers, matcha sweets, and dashi stock. The market has operated for over 400 years and remains a working food market used by local restaurants and households. Must-try: fresh yuba at Yubahan, Kyoto pickles at Nishiki Tsuruya, and grilled skewers at the stalls near the Teramachi end. Best visited on a weekday morning before the lunch crowds.

Kyoto is one of the best cycling cities in Japan — flat in the city centre, with dedicated cycling paths along the Kamo River and through the eastern temple districts. Renting a bicycle for a full day (approximately RM 25–40) is the most enjoyable and efficient way to cover multiple sites. A classic route: rent from Arashiyama in the morning, cycle through the bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji, follow the river path south through Nishiki Market and Gion, and finish at Fushimi Inari for the late afternoon light. The full route is approximately 20 kilometres and takes 5–6 hours with stops.