A Stroll Through Kyoto: Discovering the City’s Charm Through the Five Senses

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin

 

When strolling through Kyoto, what you won’t be looking for are towering skyscrapers piercing the sky or fashion streets lined with boutique shops. A journey to Kyoto is about seeking the graceful glow of time that emanates from everyday life, as well as the unique craftsmanship and aesthetics that form the proud style of the people of Kyoto. Through Kyoto’s architecture, cuisine, railways, vintage clothing, and traditional crafts, we encounter the serene elegance of this ancient capital in the 21st century through our five senses.

Kinkaku-ji was built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Its architectural style blends the aristocratic shinden-zukuri style with Zen Buddhist forms. The temple is surrounded by a pond garden centered around the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), with a borrowed view of Mount Kinugasa. The three-story Golden Pavilion stands by the Mirror Pond: the first floor is the "Hosui-in" (Amida Hall), the second floor is called the "Shogetsu-dai" (Wind-Bell Chamber) and houses the Kannon Hall, while the top floor follows the style of Tang dynasty architecture, topped with a striking golden phoenix statue. On sunny days, the gilded Kinkaku-ji reflects beautifully on the water, its shimmering image gently swaying; in winter, the "Snow-Covered Kinkaku" becomes an even more dreamlike and highly sought-after sight. On July 2, 1950 (Showa 25), Kinkaku-ji was tragically burned down in what is known as the "Kinkaku Incident." The current structure was rebuilt in 1955 (Showa 30) and recoated with gold leaf 30 years later. Yukio Mishima wrote his famous novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" based on this incident; perhaps it was after the novel’s publication that Kinkaku-ji gained widespread fame, becoming one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks alongside Mount Fuji.

 

[Info]

Address: 1 Kinkaku-ji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto

Phone: 075-461-0013

Kiyomizu-dera is located in the Eastern Mountains (Higashiyama) area of Kyoto’s Eastern Capital (Rakuyo), built in 798 during the Heian period. It is a historic structure with a long history, named after the Otowa Waterfall (Otowa-no-taki) within the temple grounds. Having survived multiple fires, the current Kiyomizu-dera was reconstructed in 1633 following the original design. Its architectural style is quite simple, but when viewed from below, the stage appears even more majestic. Reflecting on how the Kiyomizu Stage has stood for centuries without collapsing is truly awe-inspiring. Walking along Kiyomizu-zaka toward the temple, the first thing you see is the red “kirizuma”-style roof of the Niomon Gate. The kirizuma roof style features one longer eave side, with the ridge dividing the roof surface vertically — it is the most orthodox style of Japanese roofing. On the steps of the Niomon Gate are several cherry blossom trees, often attracting many visitors to take photos, making it one of Japan’s famous spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

 

[Info]

Address: 1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Phone: 075-551-1234

Ippodo Tea Shop in Kyoto boasts a 280-year history. Its main store in Kyoto remains a traditional wooden Japanese building, with linen curtains fluttering in the wind at the entrance, exuding a strong old-shop charm. Inside, rows of aged tea canisters not only invite purchases but also encourage lingering to enjoy the unique tea aroma and traditional shop atmosphere. Ippodo also has an attached café called “Kagi,” which serves Japanese tea along with wagashi (traditional sweets) that change flavors with the seasons.

 

[Info]

Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-dori Nijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Phone: +81-75-211-3421

Located next to the bus stop opposite Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Awazuku Morishita-ya is also one of the famous sweets near the shrine, with a history of over 300 years. “Awazu” refers to millet, and “kashi” means confectionery. Morishita-ya offers two types of awazuku cakes: long-shaped ones coated with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and spherical ones wrapped in red bean paste. They are not overly sweet and allow you to fully enjoy the aromas of soybeans, red beans, and millet, along with the soft yet elastic texture of the awazu. Inside the shop, two generations of the family work side by side behind the counter, their seamless and efficient cake-making process being truly memorable.

 

[Info]

Address: 838-7 Kamihuzita-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto (inside papermaker’s river district, west of Omote-nishi entrance, Imogawa-dori)

Phone: 075-461-4517