68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture

This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8361 Kyoto Prefecture

One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.

1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture

This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.

Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.

541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8301 Kyoto Prefecture

This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.

Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007 Kyoto Prefecture

Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Nakauoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8054 Kyoto Prefecture

With a 400-year-old history, Nishiki Market is a downtown covered pedestrian arcade lined with 135 open-fronted shops selling seafood, produce, souvenirs, crafts, and Japanese snacks.

2 Ginakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8402 Kyoto Prefecture

Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion.

901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216 Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Station Building is a train station and popular tourist spot, with a department store, The Cube selling souvenirs and fashion, Asty Road and Asty Square shopping areas, a mall, and restaurants.

Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8394 Kyoto Prefecture

657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0941 Kyoto Prefecture

Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Sakyo-ku between Ginkakuji and Nyakuoji-jinja, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture

This scenic path follows cherry-tree lined canal and is named after a Kyoto University philosopher, Kitaro Nishida, who used it for his daily walk.

8 Genrokuyamacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0022 Kyoto Prefecture

13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8001 Kyoto Prefecture

3 Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto 602-0881 Kyoto Prefecture

This location was the home of the Imperial Family until 1868 when the formal residence was relocated to Tokyo. Free, guided tours are given daily but only to those who have made reservations in advance.