Kyoto's oldest Zen temple sits right on the border of the boisterous Gion nightlife district, creating a perfect counterpoint between the worldly and the sacred. Step through the gate and the karaoke bars vanish, replaced by an expansive kare-sansui dry landscape garden and profound silence. The painting of twin dragons on the Hodo hall ceiling is a masterwork that seems to breathe and writhe overhead. Most visitors bypass Kennin-ji for Kyoto's more famous temples, which means you'll often have this peaceful island of contemplation almost to yourself.