It would be difficult not to love Kyōto, the emperor's residence and Japan's capital from 794 until 1868 - just try not to turn up at the same time as everybody else! Try to avoid the big 3 holiday weeks and long weekends because it’s going to be crowded. If you can, midweek is a good time to go.

Kyōto is actually part of the Kansai region, but there’s so much to do here that we’ve given it its own section.

Keep in mind that its possible to base yourself in any of Kyōto, Osaka, Kōbe and Nara and visit any or all of the others on day trips - they’re all part of the giant Kansai metropolis.

Here are my picks in Kyōto of things not to be missed:

• a stroll on the Philosopher’s Path
• the endless torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
• sampling local delicacies at Nishiki Market
• gazing at the views from Kiyomizu-dera
• wandering around the streets of Gion and Ponto-chō