Kyoto

Japan's ancient capital is a city of moss gardens, wooden machiya houses and more than a thousand temples. Early mornings at Fushimi Inari, lantern-lit evenings in Gion and seasonal kaiseki dinners make it endlessly rewarding.

I balance a contemporary hotel with at least one night in a traditional ryokan, schedule the famous sights at quiet hours with a private guide, and add experiences like a tea ceremony or a day in Nara. Kyoto fits naturally into a Tokyo, Hakone and Kanazawa itinerary.

Late March to May and October to November