Spend the day exploring Kyoto's ancient and sacred sites. Your first destination is Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of Golden Pavilion. Built in 1397 as a shogun's retirement villa and converted to a Zen temple upon his death, it sits in the center of a magnificent garden with a wooden pavilion that extends over a reflecting pond. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its most notable feature is the glimmering gold leaf that gilds the upper two stories. Continue on to Arashiyama for scenic walk to Nonomiya Shrine, situated at the edge of a bamboo forest path. For seven centuries, maiden Imperial princesses visited the shrine to purify themselves before serving at the Great Shrine of Ise. After soaking up the natural splendor, you'll drive to Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Enjoy time to shop, sightsee, relax with a cup of tea in a teahouse and purchase lunch.