9 a.m. - Head out for some temple viewing, armed with a free bus map from tourist information in front of Kyoto Station.

A good place to start is Sanjusangendo, a vast wooden hall filled with 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The face on each of the faded gilt statues is said to be different.

Another essential is Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, famed more for its gardens than the actual pavilion, which is made of weathered brown wood. Notable are representations of Mount Fuji and the ocean made of sand.

From Ginkaku-ji, walk the "Philosopher's Trail," a stone path lined with cherry trees that winds south past temples and souvenir stores. The walk leads you to Nanzenji, a sprawling complex of temples whose park-like grounds are a good site for a rest and people-watching.

In the photograph: Ginkaku-ji, in Kyoto

Photograph: stock.Xchange