Capital of the prefecture of the same name, Kyoto lies towards the south of Honshu Island and is one of the three major cities belonging to the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Metropolitan area. This city escaped any major bomb damage during World War II, and so features a delightful array of well-preserved gardens, villas, palaces and monuments, many of which contribute to a city-wide UNESCO site. Nijo Castle is a popular attraction for tourists, consisting of a complex of stately buildings and gardens dating back to the beginning of the 17th Century.