Each spring, thousands of tourists visit the ancient capital of Kyoto to enjoy what, for many, is the quintessential Japanese experience of viewing cherry blossoms in the cradle of the nation's traditional culture.
During this time, as well as when the leaves turn in the autumn and at New Year's, Kyoto's 17 World Heritage properties, 207 nationally designated national treasures and more than 1,800 important cultural properties draw huge crowds.
This officially recognized cultural heritage includes ancient temples and shrines, traditional homes and brick buildings erected from the late 19th century onward, as well as paintings, scrolls, ancient manuscripts and folding screens.