Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It’s also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, consisting of multiple courses of precise dishes.

Bustling Shimogyō-ku covers the urban core around Kyoto Station, with city views from the landmark Kyoto Tower. Malls and underground arcades are packed with mainstream shops and dining areas where office workers grab sushi and noodles. Izakaya pubs fill up at happy hour.