Introduction Ryoan-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 from a villa that had been donated by Hosokawa Katsumoto of the Daitoku-ji family. The temple features an east-west rectangular garden. Its grounds are covered with white sand and arranged with 15 stones of varying sizes, forming a famous karesansui (dry landscape) garden. The unique placement of the stones is such that, no matter from which angle you view it, one stone always remains hidden from sight. The temple teaches the Zen principle of finding contentment in simplicity. Transportation
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in Kamigyō Ward in the center of Kyoto. Originally built during the Heian period, it has suffered multiple fires and wars following a conflagration in the year 60. The current Kyoto Imperial Palace was reconstructed in the 11th year of the Bunmei era (1479 AD) after the Ōnin War. During the Azuchi–Momoyama period, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu carried out renovations and expansions in…
Introduction The concert hall features a shoe-shaped design with a novel and unique structure. It can accommodate over 1,800 people and houses the largest pipe organ in the country. The smaller concert hall is suitable for small-scale concerts, lectures, and other events. There is also a European-style restaurant on the premises. Transportation Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, Kitayama Station. | Japan, Kyoto…
Introduction Built in 1964 and standing in front of Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower is 131 meters tall and shaped like a candle. It offers an excellent vantage point to view the city. Rather than using a steel frame, it was constructed using a method of stacking steel rings. From here, you can take in the entire streetscape of Kyoto, with shrines, temples, and the 36 peaks of Higashiyama all in view. Today, Kyoto…
Introduction Nishi Hongan-ji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1272, the daughter of Shinran Shonin moved his remains to Higashiyama Hongan-ji, marking the beginning of Nishi Hongan-ji. In 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi donated funds to relocate it to its current location. The Shoin (study hall) and Karamon (Chinese-style gate), both built in the style of Fushimi Castle ruins, are designated National Treasures. …
Introduction Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1339 as the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai sect. It was constructed by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo. During the Muromachi period, it was ranked as the foremost temple among the Kyoto Five Mountain temples. However, due to repeated fires, the original grand structure has not been preserved. The current main halls...
Introduction Daigo-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 874 as the head temple of the Daigo branch of the Shingon sect. With the exception of the five-story pagoda, the entire temple complex was once destroyed by war. In 1598, it was rebuilt on the occasion of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s flower-viewing party. The temple houses many national treasures, including Kyoto’s oldest wooden structure—the five-story pagoda—and the silk scroll painting of the Five Wisdom Kings. Every year on the second Sunday of April, the “Toyotomi Hideyoshi Flower Viewing Parade” is held here, recreating the grandeur of Hideyoshi’s historic flower-viewing event. Transportation
Introduction In 1164, Emperor Go-Shirakawa ordered the construction of Sanjusangendo by Minamoto no Yoshiie. Stretching 125 meters from north to south and divided by pillars, it is one of the longest wooden structures in the world. The main hall features a central seated statue of the Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon, surrounded by 1,001 additional seated statues of the same deity. Flanking these are 28 standing statues of deities such as wind and thunder gods. …
Introduction This is a temple of the Tendai sect, one of the Buddhist schools, built in 1118. The principal image of Amida Nyorai and the attendant statues on both sides are national Important Cultural Properties. The garden is thick with moss and shaded by tall cedar trees. In the natural forest at the rear, there are about 3,000 hydrangeas. When the rainy season arrives, the flowers bloom brilliantly, creating an enchanting scene...
Introduction Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was commissioned in 886 by Emperor Kōkō and completed in 888, taking its name from the era. Successive emperors, including Emperor Go-Uda and various imperial monks (hōshō), took monastic vows here, gradually establishing it as an imperial temple. The temple’s “Niomon Gate” was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu; the “Golden Hall” was relocated from the Imperial Palace’s Shishinden; and the “Gohōden Hall” was built using materials from the former Seiryōden. The Treasure House displays the Amida Triad, the Peacock King (Kujaku Myōō) statue, and 30 volumes of lacquer paintings by Kōbō Daishi. The temple’s residence hall (Honbō no Gosho) has a strong imperial style and features magnificent, luxurious murals. The temple is also famous for its over 200 "Omuro Cherries," which grow to about two meters tall. These blossoms bloom later than most cherry varieties, making late April the best season for viewing. Transportation
Introduction Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built on Mount Otowa and serving as the head temple of the Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism. Legend has it that the monk Enchin founded the temple here in 778, and it was later constructed by the great general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 798. Most of the current structures were built in 1633, and the main hall, designated as a national treasure, is supported by 139 pillars and resembles a giant stage, also known as the "Stage of Kiyomizu." Below the main hall is the famous Otowa Waterfall, along with the Koyasu Pagoda, which is prayed to for safe childbirth and is listed as an important cultural property. The temple grounds are surrounded by other famous historical sites in Kyoto, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. Transportation
For over a thousand years, Ancient Kyoto has been Japan’s cultural hub, not only witnessing the development of Japanese wooden architecture—especially religious buildings—but also showcasing the evolution of Japanese garden art. Today, Japanese garden design has had a profound impact on landscape gardening worldwide. Kyoto is the world’s...
Introduction Zhenru Hall’s official name is “Shinshoji Temple.” The temple grounds are spacious and tranquil, with structures such as the main hall, a three-story pagoda, and the Kannon Hall standing within. The principal image, the Amida Buddha of Welcoming Descent, is one of Kyoto’s Six Great Amida Statues. Transportation City bus stop: Zhenru Hall-mae.
Introduction Located at the foot of Mount Higashiyama and running alongside an artificial canal, this approximately 1.5-kilometer walking path stretches from Wakaoji Shrine, passes by Ryoan-ji Temple, and ends at Ginkaku-ji Temple. It has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful roads. The path earned its name because the philosopher Kitaro Nishida often walked here contemplating life’s philosophies. The cherry blossom trees along the path were a gift from the wife of painter Hashimoto Kansetsu...
Introduction Maruyama Park was established in 1886, making it one of the oldest parks in the area. Located to the east of Yasaka Shrine, it covers an area of approximately 90,000 square meters. The park centers around a stroll-style pond garden and is dotted with snack stalls and teahouses. The scenery is beautiful throughout the year, and it is one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Its expansive weeping cherry trees, some over 200 years old, are a rare and precious variety. The “Cherry Blossoms at Night at Maruyama” event is the highlight of the blooming season, which is why the park has been designated as a national scenic spot. Every summer on Saturdays, there are special music concerts held at the outdoor music hall. Transportation
Introduction Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1489 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a villa modeled after Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the temple grounds house both the Silver Pavilion and Tōgu-dō, both designated National Treasures. The two-story Silver Pavilion features the Shinkūden (Hall of the Void) on the first floor, modeled after the Shariden hall of Saihō-ji Temple; the second floor, called Chōondō, houses a statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon). The exterior of the Silver Pavilion is not actually covered in silver leaf but is painted with white plaster. The Silver Pavilion, Tōgu-dō, and the Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond) form the temple garden, where white sand symbolizes calm waves. The garden also features two sand mounds, Tsukimi-dai (Moon Viewing Platform) and Ginshadan (Sea of Silver Sand), which reflect moonlight when the moon rises over Mount Tsukimachiyama, illuminating the garden. Transportation
Introduction Shimogamo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main hall was built in 1863, while the other shrine buildings date back to 1628. It is one of the oldest shrines from before the Heian period and among the oldest in Kyoto. During the annual “Aoi Matsuri” festival held on May 15th, the imperial procession passes through Shimogamo Shrine, making it one of Kyoto’s three great festivals along with the Jidai Matsuri and Gion Matsuri. It is said that during the “Mitarashi Festival” held in July, inserting your hands into the waters of the Mitarashi River can protect you from illness. The shrine is open to the public free of charge. Transportation: Keihan Electric Railway to Demachiyanagi Station; City bus to Shimogamo Jinja-mae Stop.
Introduction Saiho-ji Temple was established during the Nara period and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of Japan’s oldest gardens. The garden is covered with moss, featuring over 120 varieties, hence its nickname “Moss Temple.” In front of the heart-shaped Golden Pond is a pond-and-stream corridor. Shonan-tei is where Iwakura Tomomi, a statesman of the late Edo period, lived in seclusion. A prior application is required for visiting, …
Togetsukyo Bridge is located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is a vehicle and pedestrian bridge spanning the Katsura River. The area to the north of the bridge, Sagano, belongs to Ukyo Ward, while Arashiyama to the south is part of Nishikyo Ward. Crossing the bridge from the north and passing through Nakanoshima (Sagano Nakanoshima-cho) leads to the foot of Arashiyama, which is a popular spot in western Kyoto...
Kōdai-ji is a temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Its mountain name is “Crested Peak Mountain,” and its principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha. According to legend, after the death of the formidable warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536–1598) during the Warring States period, his wife, known as “Kita no Mandokoro,” became a nun to pray for her husband’s…