Kyoto needs little introduction. It was the country's capital and the site of the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868, it's the city in which the famous Kyoto agreement was signed, and it's an absolutely treasure trove of Japanese history, culture, architecture and religion. In fact, due to Kyotos massive historical significance, the city was dropped from a list of possible targets for the atom bomb that brought WWII to an end. If you only visit one city in Japan, make that city Kyoto. Try going in the autumn when the leaves turn the city into a fabulous mosaic of oranges, yellows and reds.