Place to see: Daigo-ji, Kyōto-fu, Japan

About this place:

All too often I'm a little disappointed with Kyoto's tourist attractions. They tend to be crowded, over-sign-posted, and somehow lacking in soul. But Daigo-ji seems to retain the essence of ancient Japan. It feels peaceful and spiritual.
A large temple complex, it includes the oldest pagoda in Kyoto (and the second oldest in Japan), a picture-perfect tea-house complet with pond and bridge, several buildings rich in interesting and beautiful architectural detail, a museum containing a number of art treasures, and an excellent example of a Japanese rock garden. (I probably don't have enough appreciation and respect for this style of garden. I thought it was interesting rather than beautiful, and couldn't help imagining its creator as a strange man with a rock fetish.)
The temple grounds are a wonderful collaboration between man and nature, not over-controlled, and lovely in every season. And if you're feeling energetic and have a couple of hours to spare, you can climb Kami-Daigo, a small mountain attached to the complex, with more lovely buildings and some sacred springs along the way.
You can reach Daigo temple on Kyoto Subway's Tozai Line. If you're coming to Kyoto I highly recommend this place!