30. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto feels like stepping into Japan’s storied past at every turn. Ancient temples and shrines hide amid bamboo forests and serene gardens. In spring, cherry blossoms line the Philosopher’s Path in soft pink clouds. Traditional tea houses offer quiet moments of reflection over matcha. Geisha districts, like Gion, glow under lantern light at dusk. Autumn paints temple grounds in fiery reds and golds each year. Kyoto’s kaiseki cuisine delights with seasonal ingredients and artful presentation. The city’s timeless elegance and rituals leave a lasting impression.
