Kennin-ji

Japan loves to rank its attractions, and Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple has been deemed the city’s third greatest (Nanzen-ji, enjoys the top spot). Among its highlights are a karesansui (dry Zen) garden, a 179sq m dragon ceiling and an art collection that features 60 screens by Kansetsu Hashimoto. There’s a kindergarten within shrieking distance of the Zen garden, so it’s not always peaceful.