Just a little north is the National Art Centre, a magnificent venue which hosts a range of temporary exhibitions.

Insider tip: - Videogame fans should head to Super Potato, a huge store crammed with retro games and goodies. Hidden away on the top floor is an arcade featuring countless retro classics.

Walk there in 40 minutes from Arashiyama Station, via the equally lovely Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, a scenic route lined by Meiji-era style machiya (town houses).

Kenninji Temple is located right in the heart of Gion, at the southern end of Hanami-Koji street, but despite it being one of Kyoto’s most interesting zen temples, many tourists seems to pass it