What to do in Gamo District

Kiyomizu Temple is located in the Otowa Mountain, east of central Kyōto. The city is a hotbed of ancient temples, and this is one of the most enchanting. Millions of people come to see this Buddhist site every year. There's been a temple of some form or other here since 778, when it was affiliated with the Hossō sect. Since 1965, it's been associated with the Kitahossō group.

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.

Founded in 711, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head shrine for up to 32,000 sub-shrines devoted to Inari across Japan. Inari is a Japanese 'kami', a god-like being. Traditionally, worshippers came to pray to Inari for things including a healthy rice harvest, good business and fertility. Of course, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is now enjoyed by non-religious locals and tourists too.

The construction of Nijo Castle was ordered by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1601, and was finally completed 25 years later. Sections of Fushimi Castle were also added as building neared completion. To ensure their security, the Tokugawa Shogunate had two stone fortifications, each with a moat, built around the two palatial complexes.

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.