As the former capital of Imperial Japan, Kyoto is a city rooted in tradition and preservation, with 3,000 Shinto and Buddhist temples that tell of its rich cultural and religious past. Many of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and exploring the ornate temples and their carefully manicured gardens provides an insight into Japan’s strong sense of tradition and cultural pride. Make time to relax for a moment in one of the Zen Gardens to reflect before continuing your cultural exploration of Kyoto.