Kyoto rewards slow exploration. The eastern hills (Higashiyama) contain some of Japan's most beautiful temple districts — walk from Kiyomizudera down through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka without a map. Fushimi Inari's 10,000 vermilion torii gates are iconic; hike beyond the crowds to the upper trails for solitude.
The Arashiyama bamboo grove is a must but arrives early or late to beat tour groups. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji's Zen rock garden are UNESCO sites. Nishiki Market is Kyoto's covered food street. In autumn, Tofuku-ji's maple garden is one of Japan's finest foliage views.