Living in Kyoto

In the Kansai region of Japan lies Kyoto Prefecture, home to Japan's original capital, until the year 1869. Kyoto is considered the cultural center of Japan, and is a must-see for Japanese and international tourists alike. Within Kyoto, over 2,000 shrines and temples can be visited, and numerous Edo-period structures can be found in tact. Many annual festivals occur in Kyoto, some dating back over 1,000 years. Important spots to visit in Kyoto include the original Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resided until Japan's capital moved to Tokyo, and To-ji, a five story Buddhist pagoda, considered both a symbol of Kyoto and of Japan as a whole.