Once the capital city of Japan, Kyoto has retained the beauty of centuries past. From shrines and temples to one of the country’s last remaining geisha districts, Kyoto embraces all the glory of historic Japan. If you’re coming to Kyoto to take in the sights, here are seven must-sees for your visit.
Kiyomizu Temple
Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to the grand and ancient Kiyomizu Temple to see the bronze statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of Mercy. Built into Otowa Mountain in 778, Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic pagodas, gates and prayer halls. During your visit, you can buy a small charm or get your paper fortune (omikuji).
Golden Pavilion
The gold leaf-coated Kinkakuji is better known as the Golden Pavilion, and it’s truly a sight to behold. The scenic golden temple is surrounded by lush trees and a reflective pond, and you can sip green tea in a traditional tea garden after strolling through the Buddhist grounds.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Mountain trails and thousands of red torii gates lead the way to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the head shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The shrine itself is home to a number of stone foxes, thought to be Inari’s sacred messengers. After visiting the shrine and walking through the thousands of torii, plan on spending a few hours exploring the mountain trails beyond Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Nijo Castle
Originally a haven for the Tokugawa shogun, this medieval Japanese castle continues to ooze with the opulence once afforded to Japan’s shogunate. Walls painted with Japanese masterpieces, gardens filled with cherry blossom trees and nightingale floors (which were designed to squeak like birds to detect intruders) are just a few of the sights to behold at Nijo Castle.
Ryoan-ji
This temple is best known for its grand Zen garden, filled with white gravel and 15 meticulously placed rocks that symbolize balance. You can view the garden and get your Zen from the wooden deck; then, don’t miss the tea gardens or Kyoyo-chi Pond.
Gion
Gion is home to one of the only geisha districts left in Japan, and certainly one of the most notable. As you walk through the streets filled with teahouses and traditional wooden buildings, you’re sure to come across a number of geisha and their apprentices, or meiko, along your way. If you’ve got the budget, you can reserve a geisha-hosted dinner; otherwise, the daily performance at Gion Corner is a more affordable way to experience geisha culture.
Arashiyama
The Arashiyama district is where you can spend an afternoon reveling in Kyoto’s natural beauty and tranquil temples. Bamboo forests, Togetsu Bridge and a rickshaw ride should definitely be on your must-do list. Arashiyama is also one of the best places in Kyoto to view the cherry blossoms, something to keep in mind if you visit in the spring.
(Main image: alexbrn)
