Shinsen-en Garden and Pond, Kyoto

In 794, Emperor Kanmu established his government in Kyoto, and built a massive garden for himself. It was the first of its kind in Japan, and was of course beautiful and special. The current garden, Shinsen-en, is just a remnant of what it once was, but there are still little touches of brilliance: A large pond with carp, a red bridge over the pond, a small temple and a small shrine, statues - all packed into this one fairly compact space. It is just down the road from Nijo Castle, so if you are in the area, be sure to visit both!