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

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

When wandering through Kyoto, what you’re unlikely to seek are towering skyscrapers piercing the sky or fashion boulevards lined with boutique shops. A journey to Kyoto is about pursuing the graceful sheen of time that emanates from everyday life, as well as the unique craft aesthetics that form the proud and distinctive style of the people of Kyoto. Through Kyoto’s architecture, cuisine, railways, vintage clothing, and traditional crafts, we encounter the serene charm of an 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 elements. The temple is surrounded by a pond garden centered around the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), with a borrowed view of Mt. Kinugasa. The three-story Golden Pavilion stands by the pond, with the first floor being the “Hosui-in” (Amida Hall), the second floor known as the “Chouondo” (Sound of the Tide Pavilion), which houses the Goddess of Mercy, and the third floor designed in the style of a Tang Dynasty palace. Atop the roof sits a gleaming golden phoenix, highly eye-catching. On sunny days, the resplendent Golden Pavilion reflects beautifully on the water, its shimmering image gently swaying. In winter, the “Snow-Covered Golden Pavilion” becomes a dreamlike, must-see spectacle. On July 2, 1950 (Showa 25), Kinkaku-ji was tragically burned down in what became known as the “Kinkaku Incident.” The current structure was rebuilt in 1955 (Showa 30), and the gold leaf was reapplied 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 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 Higashiyama area of Eastern Kyoto and was built in 798 during the Heian period, making it a historic structure with a long history. It gets its name from the Otowa Waterfall (“Otowa-no-taki”) within the temple grounds. Having survived multiple fires, the current Kiyomizu-dera was reconstructed in 1633, restored to its original appearance. Its architectural style is quite simple, and when viewed from below, the wooden stage appears even more majestic. It’s awe-inspiring to think that despite enduring centuries, the stage has never collapsed. Walking along the Kiyomizu-zaka path toward the temple, the first thing you see is the vermilion “kirizuma”-style roof of the Niomon Gate. The “kirizuma” roof style features one longer eave side, with the ridge dividing the roof vertically in half — it’s the most orthodox style of Japanese roofing. On the steps of the Niomon Gate are several cherry blossom trees, often attracting visitors to stop and take photos. It’s one of Japan’s famous spots for both cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

 

[Info]

Address: 1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Phone: 075-551-1234

With a history of 280 years, Kyoto’s Ippodo main store remains a traditional wooden Japanese building. The linen curtains fluttering in the wind at the entrance exude the classic charm of an old shop. Inside, rows of aged tea canisters not only entice you to buy tea but also invite you to linger and enjoy the unique aroma of tea and the vintage ambiance. Ippodo also has an attached café called “Kagi,” serving Japanese tea paired with wagashi (traditional sweets) that change with the seasons.

 

[Info]

Address: 52 Tokiwamatsu-cho, Nishinotoin-dori, Naka-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Phone: +81-75-211-3421

Located next to the bus stop opposite Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Awagashi Tsuruya is also one of the famous sweets near the shrine, with a history of over 300 years. “Mugi” means millet, and “mochi” refers to pounded rice cakes. The shop’s signature treat is made from millet and sweet red beans, and unlike many overly sweet confections, it offers a delightful taste that doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness. Instead, it allows you to fully enjoy the fragrances of soybeans, red beans, and millet, along with the pleasant chewiness of the mochi. In recent years, many locals and tourists alike have started buying these sweets as souvenirs. Their delightful flavor and rustic charm leave a lasting impression.