Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
This magnificent shrine is the most important and impressive of the many tens of thousands of Inari shrines in Japan. It is devoted to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and it is guarded by statues of foxes, thought to be Inari's messengers. There is a 4km (2.5 miles) long path up the hill behind the shrine, and it is straddled by no fewer than 10,000 orange-painted Torii gates standing very close to each other, making the path at times feel like a corridor.

Fushimi-ku Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho
Tel: (075) 641 7331.
Website: http://inari.jp/ (Japanese only)
Free admission.

Kiyomizu Temple
One of the Japanese nation's most beloved temples, Kiyomizu Temple is perched, seemingly precariously, on a steep hillside to the east of the city centre. The temple was founded as early as 798, although most of the present buildings date from 1633. It is an impressive site that offers sweeping views of the city, but it can get a bit crowded in the summer season, so it's a good idea to get there early.

Higashiyamaku Kiyoumizu
Tel: (075) 551 1234.
Website: www.kiyomizudera.or.jp
Admission charge.

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan's imperial family until 1868, when Tokyo became the imperial capital. The current palace, located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park, is a reconstruction dating from 1855 (because the old palace burned down). Visitors must fill in an application form (and show their passport) at the Imperial Household Agency's office in order to join a guided tour of the palace. There are no restrictions on the use of the surrounding grounds, which are very pleasant. A short walk to the southwest takes you to Nijo Castle, which was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate. Famous for its Momoyama architecture, ornate interiors, beautiful decorations and floors that squeak like ‘nightingales' when walked upon (thus alerting guards against intruders), this castle is one of Kyoto's several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto Gyoen-nai, Kamigyo-ku
Tel: (075) 211 1215.
Website: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html
Admission free (but only by application).

Nijo Castle
541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori, Horikawa nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku
Tel: (075) 841 0096.Website: www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo
Admission charge.

Ginkakuji Temple and the Path of Philosophy
Ginkakuji Temple is not among the most imposing temples in Kyoto, but it is definitely among the most charming and is widely considered a masterpiece. The temple and the lovely moss garden surrounding it combine to create an atmosphere that is both calm and gentle, offering a vision of natural harmony. The Path of Philosophy, which leads along the tree-lined Sosui Canal from Ginkakuji Temple to Eikando Temple, offers a pleasant walk in peaceful surroundings.

Ginkakuji Temple
2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku
Tel: (075) 771 5725 (Japanese only).
Website: www.shokoku-ji.or.jp
Admission charge.

Gion and Gion Corner
Gion is the central culture and entertainment district in Kyoto. Here the past is alive in the arts and entertainments on offer as well on street level where rickshaws and geisha can still be seen. Gion also features Gion Corner, which is a theatre where tourists can experience a variety of traditional Japanese arts, such as Kyoto-style dance, tea ceremony, puppet play, Japanese harp and flower arrangement.

Gion Corner
Yasaka Hall, Shijo Sagaru, Hanamikoji, Higashiyama-ku
Tel: (075) 561 1119.
Admission charge.