Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It's also famous for its formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, consisting of multiple courses of precise dishes, and a variety of arts and crafts, including the renowned Kyoto ceramics, textiles, and the tea ceremony. Kyoto is considered the cultural heart of Japan and a major tourist destination. It is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Kiyomizu-dera, a monumental temple founded in 778, and the Fushimi Inari-taisha, the head shrine of the god Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The Gion district, known globally, is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district and is representative of the city’s traditional culture. Kyoto's bamboo forests, especially the one in the Arashiyama district, have gained worldwide popularity, thanks to the serene and stunning walking paths among the towering bamboo. Geographically, Kyoto lies in the Kansai region, surrounded by mountains on three sides, contributing to its distinct seasons, hot summers, and cold winters. Historically, it was established in the 8th century and remained Japan’s capital for over a millennium until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the Meiji Restoration. This long history as a capital is reflected in its abundant historical artifacts and archaeology. Culturally, it’s the heart of traditional Japanese crafts, practices, and foods. Demographically, Kyoto is a medium-sized city in Japan with a population of about 1.5 million people and hosts a large number of students owing to its many universities. It has a diverse population in terms of age, with a mix of students, working-age individuals, and an increasing number of elderly residents, reflective of Japan’s aging population trend. The city has long been admired for its harmonious blend of modernity with tradition, particularly evident in areas like Kawaramachi, which feature contemporary shopping centers just a few blocks away from centuries-old temples. Kyoto's economy is diversified, with strong sectors in electronics, textiles, and education, with tourism playing a vital role as well. Its transportation system is highly efficient, with multiple railway lines, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train), city buses, and subways efficiently connecting Kyoto with other major cities in Japan. The dialect spoken in Kyoto, known as Kyo-kotoba or Kyoto-ben, is considered classic and is different from the Tokyo dialect, which is standard Japanese. Kyoto residents are known for their pride in their city’s history and culture, which they work diligently to preserve and showcase to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Kyoto each year to experience a piece of Japan’s heritage that has been meticulously maintained and cherished.