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Kyoto
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Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is now one of the most beautiful cities in the country with its many palaces, temples, and shrines. This is where visitors come to experience the traditional side of Japan and, if lucky, get a glimpse of a real geisha.
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Kinkakuji Temple
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An icon of Kyoto, this “Temple of the Golden Pavilion” is fully covered in glimmering gold and is a UNESCO World Heritage site must-see.
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Kyomizu-dera Temple
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Jutting out of the mountain side is the temple’s platform, supported by huge wooden columns and was built without the use of any nails. One can enjoy a beautiful sunset from this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
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Walk through the seemingly unending path of red “torii” gates to the shrine dedicated to “Inari” the Japanese fox goddess. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also the head shrine to thousands of Inari shrines throughout Japan.
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Ryoanji
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This UNESCO World Heritage site is a Zen temple famous for its rock garden. Visitors come here to enjoy its serenity and simple beauty.
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Nijo Castle
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Built as the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns, the complex is ornately decorated and contains several masterpieces of Japanese art. The palace contains the famous “nightingale floors,” designed to squeak when stepped on, alerting guards to any intruders.
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Nara
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Walk through Nara Park, also known as Deer Park for all the deer that live there, to many UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Todaiji Temple which houses the largest Buddha statue in Japan.
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