Kyoto was the former capital of Japan and was home to the Emperor from the Heian Period through to the early Meiji Period. It is rich with cultural and historical sites such as Buddhist Temples, traditional Japanese gardens, the Imperial Palace, Shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Kyoto is famous for its multi-course kaiseki cuisine, and for the Geisha of the Gion district. Kyoto is the destination of many first time visitors to Japan.