Kyoto may be famous for the ancient Kennin-ji Temple, shrines dating back to the 8th century, and traditional teahouse ceremonies – but there are many more sides to the city. From exploring 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple to walking the wood-built streets of storybook-esque Higashiyama to glimpsing geishas in twinkling Gion, you could see the areas that narrate Japan’s history.

Or, you could get a taste of modern Kyoto – an exciting world of late-night karaoke bars, draft beers in intimate izakayas, and 100-yen sushi in fluorescent restaurants. Share in local pastimes with your host, like eating Kaiseki at Kamo River or jostling through Nishijin Market for the freshest street food. 

You could walk the perfectly preserved streets of Higashiyama for a birds-eye city view from Yasaka Pagoda, or amble eight minutes north to Gion, Kyoto’s famous lantern-lit geisha district and nightlife hub. Maybe you’ll sample street food at centuries-old Nishiki Market or perhaps head one mile west for green tea and pastel-colored wagashi confections in Sanjo-dori Shopping Street, a foodie’s paradise.

In central Kyoto, history buffs can visit the old sake brewing district, Fushimi, or shop for beautiful textiles in the Nishijin weaving district. Outdoors, explore any number of famous temples set in tranquil gardens, or watch the sunset a 30-minute train ride north in Kurama – a natural hot spring nestled in pine tree-blanketed mountains.