I'm from Kyoto, and it's a shame that everyone only visits Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple), so I'm leaving this post. Real Kyoto people go to the "Kamo River North Promenade" with a cup of tea. If you sit on a bench by the river at sunset, all you hear is busking music and the sound of the wind, and you can truly feel what Kyoto's tranquility is all about. Be sure to try the Vienna coffee sold at the old kissaten (traditional tea house) nearby!