Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today, and roughly one out of four of Japan's national treasures can be found in Kyoto.

Nijo Castle (Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate, as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors. The palace building now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle") was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders). Iemitsu also added the Honmaru ("main castle") including a five storied castle tower to Nijo Castle. However, the original honmaru structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century, and the present building was moved there from the Imperial Palace in 1893. Nijo Castle is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites.

Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park. The palace burnt down and was moved around the city several times over the centuries. The present reconstruction dates from 1855. The palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall, but the present Emperor's ceremony took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Heian Shrine was built in 1895 on the occasion of the 1,100th anniversary of the Heian Capital foundation. It is dedicated to the first and last emperors that reigned from Kyoto, Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei. The shrine buildings are a partial replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian Period. There is a nice garden behind the shrine that features many weeping cherry trees.

Sanjusangendo Hall is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto, which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266. The main hall, which houses the statues, is over 100 meters long. In its center sits one large Kannon, flanked on each side by 500 smaller statues, which stand in neat rows side by side, each as tall as a human being. In the back of the hall, additional celebrated Buddhist statues are on display.

Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple) is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with Nara Buddhism, the oldest sect within Japanese Buddhism. The temple stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view of the city from its famous terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water which gave the temple its name and which is said to have healing power.