Got lucky at Seigan-ji - we happened to catch the prayer service, which made this little temple visit extra special. While it might not be as famous as some of Kyoto's heavy hitters, there's something fascinating about its connection to Japanese performing arts.

Hard to believe this modest temple is actually considered the birthplace of rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling), with over 400 branch temples across Japan. The fact that performers still come here to pray for success in their art makes it feel like a living piece of Japanese cultural history.