Over a thousand temples, red torii gates winding up a mountain, bamboo groves and wooden teahouse streets in Japan's old capital. Here's what Kyoto is like, when to go and how long to stay.
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short stays. Japan plans to bring in an online pre-travel registration, so check GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
Late March to early April brings cherry blossom, and mid-November brings red autumn leaves, the two most beautiful and busiest times. May and October are pleasant and slightly calmer. June is the rainy season, and July and August are very hot and humid, though July has the huge Gion Matsuri festival. Winter is cold, quiet and good value.
Thousands of red torii gates up a forested mountain. Go early, and climb past the first section to lose the crowds.
A wooden temple on stilts over a hillside, with views across the city.
The bamboo grove, riverside walks and a monkey park on the hill.
The Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf and reflected in its pond.
Wooden teahouse lanes where you might glimpse a geiko or maiko in the evening. Don't take photos on private lanes.
A covered market of pickles, skewers, sweets and street snacks.
A giant Buddha and hundreds of friendly deer, under an hour away by train.
Four or five days lets you see the main temples at a gentle pace and add a day trip to Nara. Three days is enough for the highlights.
Late March to early April for cherry blossom, or November for autumn leaves. Both are busy, so book early. May and October are calmer alternatives.
Start early, as the big sights are much quieter before 8am. Visit the smaller temples in the north and east, and spend evenings away from the main Gion streets.
Fly into Kansai International near Osaka and take the Haruka express train, about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Tokyo, the shinkansen takes just over 2 hours.
Kyoto if you want to be close to the temples and quiet evenings, Osaka for nightlife and food. They're only 15 to 30 minutes apart by train, so either works as a base.
Put Kyoto on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.