Kyoto City is known for its rich cultural heritage, being the former capital of Japan. It is home to numerous historic temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses. Famous for its Kyoto cuisine including kaiseki ryori, the city also hosts the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most significant festivals. It is surrounded by areas such as Uji, famous for its quality green tea, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.