The complex of Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most remarkable sights in southern Kyōto. The impressive complex was dedicated to a Shinto god (Shinto gods are known as 'kami') by the Hata family in the 8th century, and encompasses five shrines. Curiously, the deity the entire complex is dedicated to – Inari Ōkami – is one of the principle Shinto kami, whose circle of influence includes foxes, rice, sake, agriculture and industry, and even general success and prosperity. The spotlight here goes to the 5,000 of vermilion gates (known as Senbon torii), that lead up to the summit of 233m Mt. Inari-san. The Romon Gate at the shrine’s entrance was donated in 1589 by the samurai warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Stone foxes also play an important role here, as they are considered to be messengers of Inari.

For the golf-addicted, Sherry Golf Jerez is well worth a visit. It opened in June 2004 and since then, it has hosted multiple tournaments and championships, featuring spacious golf fields and outstanding surroundings.

Locals call it La Manquita — 'the one-armed lady' — because only one of its towers was ever finished. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral mixes Renaissance design with a Baroque front. It actually sits on the site of a former mosque, and you can still spot a few traces of that. There's a long-running rumour that money meant for the second tower went to support the American War of Independence — not confirmed, but it’s part of the local lore.

Just outside the city, this 19th-century garden was once the private estate of the Loring-Heredia family. Today it’s open to the public, with winding paths, tropical and subtropical plants, a huge collection of palms, and even a Roman aqueduct tucked between the trees.