Kyoto in a word is: great. The sheer number of shrines, temples, and other cultural sites in one place is astounding, and it’s all beautiful. There is too much to do, and I’m not sure you can ever do it all. My favorites definitely included Arashiyama, a western district with bamboo, temples, and monkeys; Fushimi-inari, a 4km torii-lined shrine walk; and visiting nearby Nara, with so many deer and the biggest Buddha in Japan. I was sad to go, but tomorrow I am going to the Studio Ghibli museum, so I’m excited!!