Why Kyoto was chosen the best city in the world: 23 photoproofs

Kyoto — the Imperial capital of Japan for over 1000 years. The city has many temples, parks and markets that attract tourists from around the world. In these photos you can see why Kyoto was named the best city in the world. Twice!

1. Kyoto is full of incredible temples, such as byodo-in Buddhist temple, listed as world heritage by UNESCO.

2. One of the most amazing temples is Kinkaku-JI (Golden pavilion) the 14th century with a shimmering Golden façade reflected in the lake on which stands the temple.

3. Travelers love thousands of bright red torii (temple gate), which stretch for nearly 4 km up the mountain to the main temple of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Inari is the patron of business, so all these gates were built at the expense of some Japanese companies.

4. The Nishiki market, also known as "Kyoto's kitchen", is a 400-year-old market, stretching for five blocks. Here you will find over a hundred shops and restaurants. It is a veritable storehouse of rare delicacies and unusual products.

5. For example, here you can find octopus stuffed with quail eggs. Many stores offer free tasting, so come hungry.

6. Japan is famous for its Sakura, and Kyoto is full of these wonderful trees.

7. Spring Hanami festivals in Maruyama Park especially delightful.

8. Although autumn in Kyoto is no less amazing.

9. To admire the autumn foliage in all its glory, go down the OI river in the Arashiyama district.

10. The kiyomizudera temple is a great spot to enjoy views of the city.

11. And to photograph mount Fuji while traveling by train "Shinkansen" (the bullet train). By the way, it accelerates 321 km/h.

12. Also in Kyoto's many stunning natural attractions such as bamboo grove, Arashiyama unearthly beauty. It is famous not only for its dense bamboo thickets, but the squeaky sounds that are heard here.

13. And here is the whole live colony of monkeys, some of which hang out in the monkey Park Iwatayama.

14. But especially Kyoto does what is a big city with the atmosphere of a small village.

15. Here not so much feeling the tension between the old and the new.

16. Kyoto has preserved its traditions and architecture. For example, at the beautifully restored street Ninenzaka, which descends to the temple kiyomizudera. It was founded in ancient Imperial era.

17. But Kyoto is also a modern city. In the Central shopping district of Shijo-Dori you will find almost all the same as in Tokyo.

18. To meet a geisha — a common occurrence on the streets of Kyoto.

19. No, seriously, they are everywhere.

20. Especially in Gion — one of the few remaining areas of Japan with geishas. Winding streets with old wooden buildings reminiscent of old Kyoto and literally full of traditional tea houses and exclusive restaurants.

21. Every dish in Kyoto is a work of art. And Kyo-ryori ("Kyoto cuisine") is actually a whole culture of the meal, which includes small portions of food laid out on the beautiful, seasonal plates.

22. One of the best places where you can taste local dishes, is the Shirakawa area which runs along the homonymous channel, not far from Gion. There are a lot of restaurants and bars.

23. In Kyoto, there are practically no streets, not that it would be to watch.