23 Best things to see & do in Kyoto

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, from 710 to 794. Today, it’s revered for eight locations making up the ‘Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara’ World Heritage site.

The blossoms of ornamental cherry trees – Japan’s national flower – beguile and dazzle, both visitor and local alike – when the spring wave turns Japan pink.

The traditional tea ceremony, practiced for centuries, combines all the formality and ritual of traditional Japan, capped by a cup of thick green tea.

Japan oozes tradition and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than a night at a ryokan, a traditional inn.

One of Japan’s oldest art forms, shodo calligraphy is part aesthetic pursuit, part mindfulness. Experience and appreciate the art form for yourself in a special calligraphy workshop.

Kyoto’s unique, historic (Buddhist) temples and (Shinto) shrines are breathtakingly beautiful to the visitor, and play a pivotal role in local life – from birth to death.

The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, this traditional dinner features a succession of up to 12 dishes, artfully presented and culinarily sublime. Tastes range from the familiar to the wonderfully indecipherable.

One of Japan’s biggest festivals, the traditional parades and rites of the Gion Matsuri have been held for more than 1,000 years.

Stretching along five shop-lined blocks, Kyoto’s oldest food market immerses visitors in Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Over 100 stalls and restaurants offer all and anything food related.

The place to see Japan’s mysterious and enigmatic geisha – colourful kimonos, elaborate hairstyles and oshiroi make-up.