Kyoto has more temples and shrines then perhaps any other city on the planet. Japanese and foreigners alike flock to view the various wonders. |
| Kinkakuji (金閣寺) temple is probably the most famous temple in all of Japan. Gilded with pure gold, it was burned down in 1979 by a devotee who thought it too beautiful for existence. Now, the gilding is twice as thick as before, and the pond and gardens surrounding the Golden Pavilion are nothing to be dismissed either. Take bus 12 or 59 about 45 minutes from Kyoto Station, and you’ll be there. |  |
| Ryoanji is home to a quintessential Japanese rock garden. It is said that the 13 stones are arranged in such a way that one can never see all of them at once (there is a spot though, see if you can find it). Aside from that, the rock garden seems to pull one into a meditative place, the raked patterns of the sand sending one into contemplative bliss. Ryoanji is not to be missed. |
| Nijojo is an ancient castle located on the west of the city, at the end of Nijo Avenue. You’ll get a chance to see how the emperor received visitors, and a small taste of the luxury his lifestyle afforded. |
| Ryouanji Temple (龍安寺) is located in Kyoto, Japan (京都) and contains Japan's most famous Zen garden. |  |
| Heian Jingu, just north of nijo to the east of the Kamogawa River, is a replica of Beijing’s Forbidden Palace built to a 1/3 scale. The initial grounds are stunning enough, but the huge gardens in back – complete with an old steetcar from the earlier days of Japan – make Heian Jingu a must-see in a city of must-sees. If you come at the right time, outdoor concerts and noh theater events are... |
| Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, isn’t silver at all. It was supposed to be, but its patron ran out of money before work could be completed. Instead, the highlight of Ginkakuji is its gardens, containly some 40-odd varieties of moss arranged in the most spectacular natural way. The sand sculpture of Fujisan is another highlight, along with a small collection of bonsai trees hidden in various... |
| Kodaiji Temple is south on Higashiyama from Yasaka. This was a capital temple for a sect of Buddhism and is perhaps the most beautiful location in the world during the periods of the year when it is open and lit at night. |
| Kiyomizudera is another of the most famous temples. It was founded when Kyoto was distant from its Higashiyama home, when a noble wandered upon a hermit monk who helped his wife conceive with the clear water of the mountains, after which the temple is named. |
| Tofukuji Temple is a large complex that offers a bit of everything. The view from the bridge is shown every year during fall, the buildings and grounds are as good as any, the gardens and creek picturesque, and the rock gardens marvelously designed. Tofukuji is lesser known than many other temples in Kyoto, but it is as good as the best. |
| Fushimi Inari is a shrine that contains thousands of red torii gates which stretch from Kyoto all the way through the mountains of Higashiyama to the neighboring town of Yamashina. Approximately 4000 gates in all, the walk brings you past brooks and ponds, shops and shrines. Reach the top of the mountain around sunset and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of the Kyoto... |
| Near Kiyomizudera, mixed in amongst the numerous souvenir and traditional shops, you can take 15 minutes to craft your own Japanese pottery with the help of an expert craftsman. Located in the Utsuwa ceramics shop, the Kashogama Pottery School will allow you to feel like a pro without all that messy practice. The pottery you create will cost 1500-3000 yen, depending on the piece, and can be... |
| A good representation of the emperor’s day can be found in the huge Gosho Palace complex. Now a massive park, the interior palace is available for tours, with an English language one every day at 10 am (arrive at the administrative center at least 15 minutes in advance to make a same-day reservation). A few other palaces are located in the same park area, but they require bookings far in... |
| At the eastern edge of Shijo you’ll find Yasaka Jinja Shrine, a meeting place for thousands of Kyoto lovers. In the back is Maruyama Koen (or Park), a small scenic locale that is one of the focal points of Hanami (spring cherry blossom viewing). Also the central places for numerous celebratory events – including New Year’s and the large Gion Festival in mid-July – Yasaka Jinja is a central... |
| On the western edge of the city is the Arashiyama area, most famous for its fall foliage. Innumerable temples aren’t far from the eastern edge of the large dammed pond which marks the center of Arashiyama, and restaurants and shops are plentiful. On the western side of the pond is a lovely picnicking park, a museum for music boxes, and even Saruyama (Monkey Mountain), with a number of Japan’s... |
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