Kyoto Prefecture, ancient capital flourishing as Japan's capital for approximately 1,000 years from 794 to 1868, represents Japanese cultural center housing World Cultural Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Seventeen temples, shrines, and Nijo Castle are registered as World Heritage, with 234 national treasures as cultural heritage treasure trove.

"Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" (registered 1994) includes 17 component assets: Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji), Ginkaku-ji (Jisho-ji), Tenryu-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, Kozan-ji, Nishi Hongan-ji, To-ji, Daigo-ji, Enryaku-ji, Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Byodo-in, Ujigami Shrine, Kozan-ji, and Nijo Castle.

Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji Shariden), three-story pavilion national treasure built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, creates Japan's representative scenery with gold leaf-covered beautiful building reflecting in pond. Symbolizing Muromachi period Kitayama culture architecture, it attracts numerous tourists.

Kiyomizu Temple main hall, masterpiece of suspended construction known for "Kiyomizu stage," was built using traditional methods without single nails. Beautiful scenery through four seasons - spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn colors, winter snow - attracts approximately 5 million annual pilgrims.

Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, Amida hall built by Fujiwara Yorimichi in 1053, is known as architecture expressing Pure Land paradise in present world. Graceful form depicted on 10-yen coins represents masterpiece conveying Heian period aristocratic culture.

Ryoan-ji stone garden (abbot's quarters garden), masterpiece dry landscape garden created in late Muromachi period, features simple composition of 15 stones allegedly expressing "beauty of nothingness." Visited by tourists worldwide, it serves as place for encountering Zen spirit.

Nijo Castle, castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu for Kyoto Imperial Palace protection and shogun accommodation, has Ninomaru Palace designated as national treasure. Interior barrier paintings represent Kano school masterpieces with gorgeous decorations demonstrating Edo Shogunate authority.

Gion Festival, Yasaka Shrine festival held in July with over 1,150 years history, ranks among Japan's three great festivals. Yamaboko Junko procession features 32 floats parading through Kyoto City, enjoying gorgeous decorations called "moving museums." UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration occurred in 2009.

Kyoto food culture, refined as "Kyoto cuisine" representing Japanese cuisine pinnacle, features delicate seasoning emphasizing seasonal sensations. Kaiseki cuisine, yudofu, Kyoto vegetable dishes, and wagashi developed emphasizing visual beauty. Famous items include Kiyomizu Temple yudofu, Arashiyama yudofu, and Gion teahouse cuisine.

Maiko and geiko culture also represent Kyoto's signature traditional culture, with traditional performing arts inherited in five hanamachi districts: Gion, Pontocho, Miyagawa-cho, Kamishichiken, and Shimabara. Maiko's glamorous appearances serve as Kyoto tourism highlights.

Matcha and wagashi culture also greatly developed in Kyoto, with numerous tea ceremony practitioners and artisans active as tea ceremony birthplace. Long-established wagashi shops including Toraya, Tsuruyayoshinobu, and Suetomi offer seasonally rich Kyoto confections.