In the heart of Japan is a city called Kyoto. It is a place of sun and rain, of wind and snow, of shrines and tranquillity, of people and wildlife, of nights and days, of bustling streets, gardens walking sticks and pretty sights. Here is a place of landmarks, of history, of tea, and wonderful lanes. Here is a flowing river of rice wine along with the intoxication of the sakura. Join me to explore Kyoto, and journey back in time. TOC CTY A journey through the historic district in Kyoto offers three things: history, culture and an indulgence in the country’s natural beauty. Winding your way through the streets, you’ll come across homages to past glory in the form of temples and shrines dotted across the city. You’ll also find some fantastic peaceful gardens, like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Philosopher’s Path where you can take a saunter up some ancient stone steps and just enjoy being in the present moment, during what is already being classed as one of the more cultured periods of your life. You’ll find the old centre of town at Gion, the heartbeat of the city, the lantern district, where you can find traditional tea and explore out of the way places on side streets, away from the crowds at the main Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji landmarks. To experience Kyoto you’re going to have to work for it, walking along some cobbled lanes under the baking sun, but your efforts will always be rewarded. It doesn’t really matter what you did before or set out to do, because the overriding experience is about definitely being in the moment.