Kyoto is where you will understand why Japan is different from the rest of the world.

For more than 1,000 years - from 794 to 1868 - it was the imperial capital of the country. It was here that Japanese culture, religion and aesthetics were shaped, which we admire today in photographs from shrines and temple gardens.

To this day, there are over 1,000 Buddhist temples, more than 200 Shinto shrines, several imperial palaces and an important castle. Seventeen of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kyoto's hilly surroundings are also a magnet for outdoor excursions. To see all the sights in and around Kyoto, you would need to spend at least 5 full days.

View the top-rated hotels in Kyoto

Today's Kyoto has a population of around 1.5 million and is part of Japan's second largest conurbation, along with the cities of Osaka and Kobe.

However, most tourists only head to Kyoto for 1 or 2 days, so it's a good idea to plan in advance what you actually want to see in Kyoto.

Planning a visit? Below you will find detailed chapters on sights, transportation, accommodation and practical tips.