Kyoto

The ceremonial rooms are embellished with paintings finished with gold, exemplary works of the Kano school, lavishly decorated coffered ceilings and superb tokonoma, altars which honour the ancestors. — Michelin Guide

Breathtakingly modern though half a millennium old, its sculpted sand garden would transport anyone into a Zen state (if not for the crowds). — Concierge

The present structure dates from 1855. It's hardly palatial, though fine in its way; the ingenious cypress-bark roof is particularly attractive. — Fodor's

Kodai-ji, a temple founded in 1606 by the widow of a high-ranking nobleman, was partially destroyed by fire. — Michelin Guide

This museum displays sculpture, Japanese paintings, ceramics, clothing and kimono, lacquerware, metalworks, and other treasures, most of which were once in Kyoto's many temples. — Frommer's

The harmony and beauty of Katsura Imperial Villa arises from its austere layout, which was to inspire Bauhaus architects as well as Le Corbusier. — Michelin Guide

Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. — Lonely Planet

The riverside 685-year-old Zen monastery has 24 temples on the property. — Travel + Leisure

Possibly the world's most ostentatious retirement cottage, the magnificent gold-sheathed Kinkaku-ji was built by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1358–1409). — Fodor's

One of Kyoto's most awe-inspiring spectacles, this 400-foot-long hall holds 1,000 golden statues of the many-limbed Kannon. — Fodor's

One of Kyoto's oldest temples, Koryu-ji was founded in 622 by Kawakatsu Hata in memory of Prince Shotoku (572–621). — Fodor's

The solemn stones set into the sand at Ryoan-ji's rock garden has become one of Japan's quintessential images. — Fodor's

This shrine's thousands of red gates may well be the quintessential image of Japan. — Fodor's

Nanzen-ji is an awesome sight, and has played a significant part in popularising Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. — Time Out

Goju-no-to, the five-story main pagoda of the Daigo-ji temple complex, dates from 951 and is reputed to be the oldest existing structure in Kyoto. — Fodor's

The immense Sanmon Gate at the west entrance of Tofuku-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple, is the oldest gate in Japan and one of three approaches to this medieval complex of 24 temples. — Fodor's

Facing the Higashiyama range, this imperial residence built in the 16C on the site of the Shugaku temple is made up of numerous villas and teahouses. — Michelin Guide

The massive vermilion torii gate of Heian Jingu is one of Kyoto's best-known symbols. — Fodor's