Where to go in Japan Kyoto by day OSAKA BY NIGHT

UNCOVER THE RICHNESS OF THE KANSAI REGION

- By Belad Al-karkhey.

With so much to see and taste on one island, it's no surprise that Japan is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. But why stop at Tokyo? In the heart of the Kansai region lies charming Kyoto and lively Osaka – two wildly different but equally memorable cities.

KYOTO

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to more than 1600 temples and 400 shrines. Some are more famous than others, but all embody a certain beauty unique to the lush city. At the Ryōan-ji temple, you'll find the country's most iconic rock garden. The site, originally an aristocrat's villa, was transformed into a Zen temple around 1450 but the date of the garden's creation is still unknown.