Kyoto’s gardens

For lovers of Japanese gardens, there is nowhere quite like the ancient city of Kyoto, says Toby Musgrave in the Daily Telegraph. The seat of the imperial court from 794 to 1868, it is home to 60 exquisite gardens, many of which are "acknowledged as quintessential of their type".

Visitors are often advised to visit Japan in the spring, for the cherry blossoms; but the autumn, when Japan's maple trees are aflame with leaves of vivid red, orange and yellow, is no less spectacular. And at this time of year, Kyoto is cool but sunny – perfect for wandering around the 17-acre "stroll" garden at the Katsura Imperial Villa, with its succession of vistas of idealised landscapes, or gazing in contemplative wonder at the "dry" garden at Ryoan-ji, which consists of 15 rocks set in a bed of white gravel. The rocks are so arranged that you can see no more than 14 at a time. "It was believed that only when spiritual enlightenment was attained would the 15th become visible."

All Nippon Airways (0870 837 8866) flies from Heathrow to Tokyo; it's then a two hour, 20 minute journey by bullet train to Kyoto. ·