Kyoto, like a beauty in a bright and colorful kimono*, delights tourists throughout the year. In spring, romance is in the air as the city is filled with a sea of pink cherry* blossoms1. In summer, green leaves can be heard rustling* in the wind and seen sparkling in the sunshine. Maple* leaves in autumn set the landscape* on fire with orange and red colors. Then, when winter comes, white snow turns the whole city into a magic, silver kingdom.　　Apart from its natural splendor2, Kyoto has so much more to feast one’s eyes on. Having previously3 been the capital4 of Japan for over a thousand years, the city boasts5 a large number of historic6 shrines* and temples. No visit to Kyoto would be complete without seeing one of the most photographed landmarks: the Kinkaku-ji*, or the Golden Pavilion Temple* in English. With giant, leafy maple trees leading up to its main entrance7, what comes into view is this magnificent8 three-story pavilion. Rising up behind a crystal-clear* pond, it is covered in sparkling gold leaf and crowned with a large bronze* phoenix* on its shimmering* roof. The reflection of the pavilion on the glassy surface of the pond is a breathtaking9 sight. Visitors can take a leisurely10 walk through the surrounding gardens and enjoy many stunning11 views of this beautiful structure.　　Another unforgettable Kyoto sight involves coming face to face with one of the old capital’s very special “persons of art,” or geishas*. These are women dressed in delicate12 kimonos with silk sleeves. Their distinctive13 white makeup, bright red lipstick*, and graceful14 hairpins* also make them easy to recognize. And it’s not just their unique appearance15 that makes geishas stand out from the crowd. These highly skilled entertainers spend years mastering different musical instruments16, songs, and literature17. Of course, no “person of art” could be a true geisha without being able to perform the traditional kyomai* dance. This ancient art combines slow music with very deliberate18 movements, and often expresses very deep emotion.　　In Kyoto, culture and natural beauty flow together like the graceful motions of kyomai. Regardless of the season, the city is a must-see* destination19 for tourists seeking an authentic local experience. Those who visit are likely to end up falling in love with the heart of Japan.