Kyoto, Japan

Climate

Four distinct seasons, each with its own logic — humid summers, brief blazing autumns, winters cold enough to matter, and the week in April when the whole city reorganizes itself around cherry blossoms.

Best season

Late March to early April for the sakura, or November for the maples — both are crowded and both are worth it; if you want Kyoto to yourself, come in February.

Atmosphere

• urban-midsize
• old-world
• spiritual
• culinary
• artsy
• literary
• design-forward
• walkable
• early-rising
• lush