Kyoto Overview Back to all places Whoosh into Kyoto’s futuristic central station on the bullet train and you’ll be greeted by karaoke bars and concrete, not Zen gardens and mysterious shrines. But don’t let that fool you. Connects with Japan OsakaTokyo has size and Kyoto has history — but as anyone will tell you, Osaka has the kind of cool most cucumbers can only dream of. Japan Mount KoyaCome to Koya for age-old mountain temples in mist-wreathed forest; stay to feel close to something deep and old and mysterious. Japan Kumano KodoWith so many temples and shrines squirrelled away in its mountains and valleys, it should come as no surprise that hiking in Japan is almost inseparable from pilgrimage. Japan HiroshimaWhat do you think of when you think of Hiroshima? Delicious, noodle-based layered pancakes? Retro streetcars trundling through the streets? World Heritage shrines and friendly deer?