ABOUT KYOTO

From 794, when the capital was moved from Nagaoka to Kyoto, Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan until the Meiji Restoration. It is a historical city with many shrines, temples, and other historical heritage sites that continue to preserve the landscape, and the entire city continues to maintain the serene atmosphere unique to an ancient city. There are approximately 300 nationally designated important cultural properties (buildings) in Kyoto Prefecture, making it no exaggeration to say that this is the land where one can feel the most Japanese history, culture, and traditions.

- Famous tourist spots in Kyoto -

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple on Mount Otowa, registered as one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites “Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994, was founded in 778, about 1,200 years ago. The stage, which extends out in front of the main hall, is one of the most famous structures in Kiyomizu Temple, and is the origin of the saying, “Jump off the stage at Kiyomizu.
Kiyomizu Temple, which is visited by 20% of Kyoto tourists, is always crowded with tourists, with special nighttime viewing during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Gion

When one thinks of Gion, many people think of maiko (apprentice geisha) and geisha. The present Yasaka Shrine, where Susanowo-no-mikoto is enshrined, was called Gion Shrine before the Meiji era, and the area came to be known as Gion. Hanamikoji Street is lined with teahouses and ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), and buildings with lattice doors and other traditional Kyoto-style features can be seen.
There are many places where visitors can experience traditional performing arts and temples and shrines, making it a popular destination not only for Japanese tourists but also for foreign tourists.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The Ninomaru Goten garden is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and six buildings of the Ninomaru Goten, with its corridors lined with Japanese nightingales that squeak when walked upon, are designated as National Treasures. 22 buildings and a total of 1016 paintings on the walls of the Ninomaru Goten are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Events deeply related to the history of Japan, such as the conference between Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori in 1611 (Nijo Castle Conference) and the return of the Great Government by Tokugawa Yoshinobu in 1867, were held at this Nijo Castle.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan, and was granted the highest rank of Shoichi (Shoichi) in 942. TripAdvisor’s “Travel Lover’s Choice! Japan’s Top Sightseeing Spots for Foreigners 2018” and is the most visited tourist destination in Kyoto.
Inari, located at the southernmost tip of the 36 peaks of Higashiyama, is said to have more than 3,000 red torii gates, and is also famous for the “Oyama Meguri,” a 4-km pilgrimage course with spots along the way where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City.

Kinkakuji

The official name of Kinkakuji, one of Japan’s most famous scenic spots, is Rokuonji, named after the Buddhist name of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The Shajinden (Golden Pavilion), which gave rise to the temple’s name, is a gorgeous building with gold leaf inside and out. It is a rare structure consisting of three differently constructed levels: Hosui-in (a sleeping quarters style), Choon-do (a samurai style), and Kukkyo-cho (a Zen Buddhism-style building).
Kinkakuji Temple, with its seasonal beauty, is one of the sightseeing spots in Kyoto that should not be missed. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994.

Arashiyama / Sagano

Arashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, known for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The area around the Togetsu Bridge over the Ooigawa River is called Arashiyama, and the area behind Arashiyama is called Sagano. The area is famous for the Hozu River rafting, the trolley train, and the Arashiyama Momiji Festival.
There are many places of interest such as Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site with a pond garden named “Sogenchi” (Sogen Pond), Shoryuen Garden, and the Bamboo Forest Trail, where you can enjoy eating and walking.

Kyoto Station Area

As soon as you exit Kyoto Station, you will see Kyoto Tower, the symbol of the Kyoto Station area. Kyoto Tower also has an observation deck, restaurants, and a large bathhouse, making it a surprisingly enjoyable spot.
There are many places around Kyoto Station that can be visited on foot, including Higashi Honganji Temple, which underwent a major renovation in 2008, Nishi Honganji Temple, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Ichihime Shrine, which is highly beneficial for women.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, also known as “Kyoto’s kitchen,” began as a fish market and has approximately 130 stores lining its 400-meter arcade.
The shopping street on Nishiki-koji Dori, which runs east-west through the center of Kyoto City, has become popular in recent years as a “tourist spot for eating and walking.

Ginkakuji

Jishoji Temple, also known as Ginkakuji Temple, belongs to the Shokokuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, the same sect as Kinkakuji Temple. It has architecture and gardens representative of the Higashiyama culture that flourished in the late Muromachi period (1333-1573) and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike the gilded Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion is not covered with silver.
Philosopher’s Path, located on the approach to Ginkakuji Temple, is one of the most popular walking paths in Kyoto, selected as one of the 100 best paths in Japan.The area is crowded with many tourists during the cherry blossom season and the season of autumn leaves.

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