If You Have 1 Day If you have only a single day to spend in Kyoto and want to see its most famous attractions, take a bus or a taxi to Gojo-zaka and then walk uphill past pottery and souvenir shops to Kiyomizu Shrine. Back at Gojo-zaka, board another bus (the no. 100 Chin-Chin bus) for Heian Shrine, where you should be sure to stroll the garden. Behind Heian Shrine is the Kyoto Handicraft Center, the best place in town for one-stop souvenir shopping. From here, take bus no. 204 to the stunning Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) and, if time permits, take bus no. 12 to Ryoanji Temple, with the most famous rock garden in all of Japan. In the evening, dine at a traditional Japanese restaurant serving Kyoto cuisine, and follow your meal with a stroll through Gion and along the Kamo River.

If You Have 2 Days Spend the first day in eastern Kyoto, following the walking tour through Higashiyama-ku, be sure to include a visit to Heian Shrine and a shopping trip to either the Kyoto Handicraft Center or the Kyoto Craft Center in Gion. In the evening, dine at a restaurant specializing in Kyoto cuisine, and follow the meal with a stroll along the Kamo River and Pontocho.

On the second day, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle in central Kyoto, Ryoanji Temple with its famous rock garden, and Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) in northwestern Kyoto. End the day with visits to the Museum of Kyoto and to the Shijo-Kawaramachi shopping district, followed by a stroll through Gion and an evening performance at Gion Corner with its cultural demonstrations.

If You Have 3 Days Spend the first 2 days in and around Kyoto as outlined above. On the third day, head for Nara, Japan's ancient capital, and its many temples and historical attractions. If it's summer, spend the evening in Arashiyama, where you can board a wooden boat and observe cormorant fishing.

If You Have 4 or 5 Days (Or More) Spend the first 2 days in eastern Kyoto, following the two strolls described later. On the third day, add Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Ryoanji Temple, and Temple of the Golden Pavilion as outlined in "If You Have 2 Days," above. Spend the fourth day in Nara. If you have more time, visit the Katsura Imperial Villa, Saihoji Moss Temple, or one of the other recommended destinations close to Kyoto -- or spend more time exploring Kyoto, visiting the museums you haven't had time for, shopping, or pursuing your own interests.