|
On
foot area place of scenic beauty & historic interest
|
admission
|
|
|
|
|
opening
hours
8:45-16:00
closed
- Tuesday
Charge
Adult-JPY600
13 to 18 years old-JPY350
7 to 12 years old -JPY200
* Those with organization rate influence.
|
5
minutes on foot
|
Nijo Castle
(Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate,
as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors.
The palace building now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle")
was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It
survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture,
decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when
someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders).
Iemitsu also added the Honmaru ("main castle") including
a five storied castle tower to Nijo Castle. However, the original
honmaru structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century, and
the present building was moved there from the Imperial Palace in 1893.
Nijo Castle is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites. |
|
|
admission
free
|
10 minutes on foot
|
Kyoto Imperial
Palace (Kyoto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial
Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto
to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park.
The palace burnt down and was moved around the city several times
over the centuries. The present reconstruction dates from 1855. The
palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and consists of several
gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors
Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall, but the
present Emperor's ceremony took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
The palace can be visited only on tours held by the Imperial Household
Agency, which has an office in the Kyoto Imperial Park. In order to
join a tour, you need to apply for permission at the agency's office
in advance (usually 30 to 60 minutes in advance is okay) and bring
your passport. English tours are currently held twice a day on weekdays
and on some Saturdays. No tours are held on Sundays. Check with the
agency for an up to date schedule. |
Shinsen-en
Garden
|
admission
free
|
7
minutes on foot
|
This garden
was part of the original Kyoto imperial palace and was used as a relaxation
area for the imperial family. Today, only a small pond with a tiny
island linled to the mainland by a beautiful orange-red bridge remains.
The bridge is sad to grant wishes made when crossing. |
|
|
free
|
|
A god of
success. |
The
ruins of the Daigokuden Palace
|
free
|
3
minutes on foot
|
The Daigokuden
palace was used to hold important imperial ceremonies in the early
Heian period (794 - 1185). It was completed in 794, but burned down
several times. Today, only a stone monument to the memory of the palace
remains. |
evidence
of an air raid on Nishijin area
|
free
|
2
minutes on foot
|
Demizu
area was bombed around 9 am on 26 June 1945. About 600 ares was damaged
and 50 persons were killed. A piece of the bomb was shown at Yamanaka
abura ten the oil store. |
|
|
|
13
minutes on foot
|
|
ichijomodoribashi
|
|
13
minutes on foot
|
|
|
|
admission
free
available Nishijin
textile experience
|
13
minutes on foot
|
|
|
|
admission
free
there is a fair on
25th every month
|
20
minutes on foot
|
Sugawara
no Michizane (845-903) was an exceptional scholar of the Heian period
and rose in the state hierarchy to the powerful position of Minister
of the Right. Michizane's envious political rival, Fujiwara Tokihira
(871-909), succeeded in having Michizane demoted to the position of
Dazai no gon no sochi (administrative head of Daizaifu in Kyushu)
and exiled to Kyushu. Michizane died there shortly after being exiled
due to unfortunate circumstances. Immediately after his death, various
natural disasters and epidemics struck the capital and befell Tokihira
and other members of the court nobility, extending even to the close
associates of Emperor Daigo (885-930). In order to propitiate his
spirit, the Kitano Tenman Shrine was built in Kyoto where he was worshipped
as the deity Tenman Tenjin.
Tenjin is originally a god of thunder related to agriculture, but
since Michizane became a Tenjin, this deity has been worshiped as
the patron god of study, poetry, calligraphy, and the performing arts. |
Nijo Jinya
......Web
town kyoto (Nijo Jinya, photo) [Japanese] |
|
|
Nijo Jinya
is a former inn used by feudal lords (daimyo) who were visiting Kyoto
during the Edo Period. In order to guarantee the safety of the important
guests, the building has been equipped with secret pathways, trap
doors, hidden escape routes and various other security gadgets.
Tours of the intriguing house are held in Japanese only. If you do
not understand Japanese, you are asked to bring a Japanese speaking
friend or guide for your own and the owner's interest.
Several tours are held daily and take about one hour. Appointments
are supposed to be made at least one day in advance by phone (075-841-0972)
in Japanese. The admission fee is a proud 1000 Yen. |
|
others
place of scenic beauty & historic interest
|
admission
|
*link
to each site.
|
|
|
opening
hours
9:00-17:00
|
Kinkakuji
(Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji.
In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new
residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was
converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408.
The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of
the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates
from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950. |
|
|
opening
hours
Summer
8:30-17:00
Winter
9:00-4:30
|
Ginkakuji,
the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama
("eastern mountains"). The temple is formally known as Tozan
Jishoji.
In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the
grounds of today's temple. A few years later, the Silver Pavilion,
modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), was constructed. Plans
to cover the pavilion in silver were never realized.
The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death
in 1490. |
|
|
opening
hours
10:00-16:00
|
|
| Toji |
|
Toji (lit.
"Eastern Temple") was founded as the city's guardian temple
in the year 794, the same year in which Kyoto became Japan's new capital.
Toji is well known for its five storied pagoda, Japan's tallest with
a height of 57 meters, and the Buddhist sculptures that are displayed
in the temple's large main hall (kondo) and lecture hall (kodo). Toji
is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites.
On the 21st of each month, a lively flee market is held around Toji
from the early morning hours until around 16:30 in the afternoon.
Various goods including clothes, shoes, tableware, sculptures, foods
and plants are on sale. |
Honganji
...Higashi
Honganji
...Nishi Honganji |
|
Nishi Honganji
and Higashi Honganji are two large temples in the center of Kyoto.
As headquarters of the two factions of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land
Sect), one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects, they are a place to
experience a certain atmosphere of contemporary Japanese Buddhism.
Nishi Honganji (West Honganji) was built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi,
after the former Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka had been destroyed by
Oda Nobunaga. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction
of Jodo-Shin Buddhism with over 10,000 subtemples across the country
and 200 temples overseas.
Nishi Honganji houses several national treasures, has been designated
an UNESCO world heritage site and is considered the more spectacular
of the two Honganji temples. However, its main hall is currently being
renovated until the end of 2008. |
Sanjusangendo
......JR
(Sanjyusangendo) [Japanese] |
|
Sanjusangendo
is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which
is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The
temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266.
The main hall, which houses the statues, is with over 100 meters Japan's
longest wooden structure. In its center sits one large Kannon, flanked
on each side by 500 smaller statues, standing in neat rows side by
side, each as tall as a human being. |
| Kiyomizudera |
|
Kiyomizudera
("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples
of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso
sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the
temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers
visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace.
Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the
temple its name and which is said to have healing power.
Behind Kyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated
to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed
several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one
to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your
love live. |
| Kodaiji |
|
Kodaiji
is one of the many outstanding temples in Kyoto's Higashiyama district.
It was constructed in 1605 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by the
great political leader's wife. Besides fine temple halls, Kodaiji
features a small bamboo grove and a landscape garden with tea houses,
designed by leading, contemporary masters.
Beautiful, Zen style illumination shows are held in Kodaiji's garden
during certain times of the year. |
| Chionin |
|
Chionin
is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Japanese Buddhism.
The Jodo sect was founded by Honen in the year 1175, and due to its
relatively simple teachings, attracted large numbers of followers
among the commoners and remains one of the largest Buddhist sects
today.
Chionin was built in 1234, but the currently oldest buildings date
from the 17th century. Among them is the Sanmon gate, Japan's largest
temple gate, standing 24 meters tall. Another record breaking property
on the temple grounds, Japan's largest bell weights more than several
city buses combined. |
| Nanzenji |
|
Nanzenji
is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's eastern hills. As head temple
of the Rinzai sect's Nanzenji school of Zen Buddhism, it is one of
Japan's most important Zen temples.
Nanzenji was first built as an imperial villa in 1264, and became
a temple in 1291. Its main building, the Seiryo-den, is famous for
a beautiful rock garden and sliding doors (fusuma), which are decorated
by paintings of the Kano School.
The temple's large entrance gate, completed in 1628, is called Sanmon.
Several subtemples and a water aqueduct, which is part of the Lake
Biwa Canal dating from 1890, can be found in the vicinity of Nanzenji's
main buildings.
Among the subtemples open to the public are Nanzenin, directly behind
the water aqueduct, whose small but pretty garden is particularly
spectacular with autumn leaves (usually best in the second half of
November), and the scarcely visited Konchiin, standing southwest of
the Sanmon gate. |
| Ginkakuji |
|
Ginkakuji,
the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama
("eastern mountains"). The temple is formally known as Tozan
Jishoji.
In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the
grounds of today's temple. A few years later, the Silver Pavilion,
modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), was constructed. Plans
to cover the pavilion in silver were never realized.
The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death
in 1490. |
| Ryoanji |
|
Ryoanji
is a Zen temple in northwestern Kyoto.
The temple's main attraction is its rock garden, the most famous of
its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks,
moss and neatly raked gravel. The meaning of the garden's arrangement
is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation. |
| Ninnaji |
|
Ninnaji
is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, featuring a large variety
of different buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. It belongs
to Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites.
Ninnaji was founded in the year 888 as an imperial residence, but,
like most historic buildings in Japan, suffered repeated destruction
in wars and fires over the centuries. |
| Daitokuji |
|
Daitokuji
is the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school within Japanese
Zen Buddhism and is considered one of the best places to experience
Zen in Japan.
Daitokuji is surrounded by many subtemples, which together form a
kind of temple village. The main temple and some of the subtemples
are open to the public and display Zen architecture and design, including
gardens and tea ceremony rooms. |
| Enryakuji |
|
Enryakuji
on Hieizan, a wooded mountain northeast of Kyoto, has been one of
the most significant monasteries in Japanese history. It is the headquarters
of the Tendai sect, the Buddhist sect that served as foundation for
a number of later evolving sects including the Pure Land (Jodo), Zen
and Nichiren sects.
Saicho, who introduced the Tendai sect to Japan, founded Enryakuji
in 806. At its peak, Enryakuji had as many as 3000 subtemples and
a powerful army of warrior monks who were not seldomly engaged in
power struggles with other monasteries and political leaders.
On his way to remove all potential rivals and unite the country, Oda
Nobunaga attacked and destroyed most of Enryakuji's buildings and
monks in 1571. |
| Tenryuji |
|
Tenryuji
is a Zen temple in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. It has been ranked
first among the city's "Five Great Zen Temples".
The temple was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt
down several times over its history. The current buildings date from
the Meiji Period. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous
garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike
the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one
of the oldest of its kind.
Tenryuji has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995.
|
| Daigoji |
|
Daigoji
is a temple complex in southeastern Kyoto, which has been designated
an UNESCO world heritage site.
Sanboin is a large wooden building constructed in 1115 as the residence
of Daigoji's archbishop. It includes a beautiful Japanese garden which
was built for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famous hanami (cherry blossom viewing)
party of 1598.
In the Shimo-Daigo area of Daigoji stand most temple halls and structures
including Kyoto's oldest building, a five storied pagoda dating from
951, and the Bentendo, a much photographed small temple hall to the
goddess Benten.
If you want to see more, you can hike up to Kami-Daigo, the place
where Daigoji was originally founded. |
| Tofukuji |
|
Tofukuji
is a Zen temple, which was constructed in 1236 with the aim of building
a temple in the style of Todaiji and Kofukuji, the two great temples
of Nara. Note that the name "Tofukuji" is a combination
of the names of the two model temples.
Each autumn, Tofukuji becomes one of Japan's most spectacular (and
crowded) spots for autumn leaf viewing. The second half of November
is usually the best time to view the ocean of colored trees in combination
with the traditional temple architecture.
Tofukuji belongs to Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites. |
| Byodoin |
|
Byodoin
features the most beautiful of Japan's few remaining Pure Land Gardens,
a garden type which was popular during the Heian Period. The Phoenix
Hall was built in 1053 by a member of the Fujiwara clan. It is one
of Japan's most famous temple buildings and depicted on the 10 Yen
coin.
On the temple grounds stands the Hoshokan which exhibits an assortment
of the temple's treasures including dozens of designated important
cultural properties and national treasures. |
Yasaka
Shrine
...JR
(Yasaka Shrine) [Japanese]
|
|
Yasaka
Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is famous for its Gion Matsuri,
one of Japan's largest festivals. It is located at the eastern end
of Shijo-dori and is one of the city's most popular shrines. The many
lanterns that decorate the shrine's stage are lit after dark and bear
the names of their sponsors, mostly Kyoto businesses.
Located just next to shrine grounds is Maruyama Park, Kyoto's most
popular spot for enjoying cherry blossoms in spring. |
| Heian
Shrine |
|
Heian Shrine
was built relatively recently in 1895 on the occasion of the 1,100th
anniversary of the Heian Capital foundation. It is dedicated to the
first and last emperors that reigned from Kyoto, Emperor Kammu and
Emperor Komei.
The shrine buildings are a partial replica of the Imperial Palace
of the Heian Period, but only about two thirds of the original buildings
in scale. Several events are held on the shrine's spacious inner court
occasionally.
A nice garden is located behind the shrine's main buildings. A visit
is most beautiful in April, when the garden's many weeping cherry
trees are in full bloom. |
| Fushimi
Inari Shrine |
|
Fushimi
Inari Shrine is the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated
to Inari across Japan. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and foxes
are thought to be his messengers. Therefore, many fox statues can
be found at Inari shrines.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is also famous for the countless torii gates,
offerings by worshippers, that cover the hiking trails of Inarisan,
the wooded mountain behind the shrine's main buildings. It takes about
two hours to walk along the whole trail.
Kitsune Udon ("Fox Udon"), a noodle soup topped with pieces
of aburaage (fried tofu), a favorite food of foxes, is served at small
restaurants along the hiking trail. |
|
others
place
|
admission
|
*link
to each site.
|
Pontocho
...JR
(Pontocho) [Japanese] |
|
Pontocho
is one of Kyoto's traditional nightlife districts where you might
be able to spot a geisha apprentice at night. It is a narrow street
running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo
River.
In the evenings, the narrow street offers a great atmosphere and lots
of restaurants and teahouses, ranging from inexpensive yakitori stores
to highly exclusive establishments which require the right connections
and a fat wallet. |
| Kyoto
Station |
|
The new
Kyoto Station building was built on the occasion of the 1,200th anniversary
of the Heian Capital foundation. It was opened to the public in 1997
and stands in perfect contrast with many foreign tourists' image of
Kyoto as the capital of traditional Japan.
A department store, hotel, theater, game center, shopping mall, government
offices, various restaurants and an observation deck can be found
on the facility's 15+ floors. |
| Gion |
|
Gion is
Kyoto's most famous geisha district. To experience the traditional
Gion, stroll along Hanami-koji, a street lined by beautiful old buildings,
teahouses and restaurants. In the evenings, you may be able to spot
a geisha apprentice.
Yasaka Shrine and the Minamiza kabuki theater are some of Gion's other
attractions. |
Path
of Philosophy
...JR
(Tetsugaku no michi) [Japanese] |
|
The Walk
of Philosophy (Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant path besides a canal
that connects Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) with the vicinity of Nanzenji.
Cherry trees are planted along most of the over one kilometer long
path, making it one of Kyoto's most popular spots for hanami (cherry
blossom viewing) in spring. The trees are usually in bloom in the
beginning to mid April.
In addition, several smaller temples and a few restaurants can be
found along the way. |
| Arashiyama |
|
Arashiyama
is a pleasant, touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Its landmark
is the wooden (now partially concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge with forested
Mount Arashiyama as backdrop.
There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area. Tenryuji,
a leading Zen temple, shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the
district's busy center around Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama
Station.
North of the central area, there are bamboo groves and a residential
district with several small temples, scattered along the base of the
wooded mountains. The area with its rural feel is best explored on
foot, by rental bicycle (around 700 Yen per day) or on a rickshaw
(around 8000 Yen for 30 minutes and 2 persons).
Another pleasant thing to do is taking a two hour boat tour down Hozu
River. The river flows through an idyllic, forested valley before
reaching urban Kyoto at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Alternatively, you
can enjoy views of the valley from the Sagano Romantic Train.
Arashiyama is particularly beautiful and busy during the cherry blossom
and autumn leaf seasons. |
| Nishiki
Market |
|
Nishiki
Market is a narrow, shopping street, lined by more than one hundred
shops. Various kinds of fresh and processed foods including many Kyoto
specialties, such as pickles, Japanese sweets, dried food, sushi,
and fresh seafood and vegetables are sold.
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", Nishiki Market has a history
of several centuries, and many stores have been operated by the same
families for generations.
Opening hours and closing days depend on each individual store, however,
most stores are open between 9:00 and 18:00 and close on one day of
the week, typically Wednesday or Sunday. |
| Ohara |
|
Ohara is
a rural town in northern Kyoto City, about one hour north of Kyoto
Station. Ohara's main attraction is Sanzen-in Temple.
Sanzen-in's principal object of worship, a golden statue of the Amida
Buddha, is displayed in the Ojo-Gokuraku-in, the temple's much photographed
wooden building in the moss covered garden. Sanzen-in is particularly
attractive (but also crowded) during the autumn leaf season, which
usually peaks in mid November.
The pleasant road from the Ohara bus stop to Sanzen-in leads along
a small river and is lined by numerous souvenir shops. Among the local
specialties offered are various pickles, including "Ice Kyuri",
Japanese cucumbers mildly pickled in seaweed flavored ice water. |
Kurama
...JR
(Kurama,Kibune) [Japanese] |
|
Kurama
is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than
one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple
Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible
hot springs from Kyoto.
Outdoor and indoor baths can be enjoyed at Kurama Onsen, a ryokan
located at the upper end of the town of Kurama. It can be reached
in a 10 minute walk from the train station along the town's only road
or along a nature trail following the river.
Guests, who are staying at the ryokan, can use the baths for free,
while daytrippers pay 2500 Yen per person to use all of them or 1100
Yen per person to use the outdoor pool (rotemburo) only. |
| Cherry
blossoms in Kyoto |
|
Below is
a list of some of Kyoto's most popular (and most crowded) hanami spots.
See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.
-Maruyama Park...JR
(Maruyama Park) [Japanese]
-Yasaka Shrine...JR
(Yasaka Shrine) [Japanese]
-Philosopher's Trail...JR
(Tetsugaku no michi) [Japanese]
-Ginkakuji
Temple
-Heian Shrine
-Arashiyama
-Nijo
castle
-Kamogawa
-Daigoji Temple
-Okazaki Canal
-and more..... |
|
other
information
|
|
|
The
tourist information center of Kyoto-city
|
Registration
time : 8:30-19:00
TEL : 075-343-6655
Location : The second floor of Kyoto station building. |
|
|
Registration
time : 9:30-18:00
TEL : 075-371-2226
Location : The nineth floor of Kyoto station building. |
|
Arashiyama
Kyoto sightseeing corner
|
Registration
time : 10:00-17:00
Location : Saga Tentyu-ji, ukyo-ku |
|
|
|
|
Tango
sightseeing information center
|
Registration
time : 9:00-18:00
TEL : 0772-22-8030 |
|
|
|
|
Kyoto
hall sightseeing corner (in Tokyo)
|
Registration
time : 11:00-20:00
TEL : 03-5562-0041
Location : Akasaka minato-ku,Tokyoto(Mori building) |
|
|
OKOSHIYASU
Kyoto committee |
|
|
Kyoto sightseeing
culture information system |
|
|
Kyoto sightseeing
association
TEL : 075-752-0227 FAX : 075-752-5999 |
| Kyoto
-- thoroughly -- sightseeing [Japanese] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Traffic
guidance
|
|
|
JR
WEST [Japanese]
|
JR WEST information
center (6:00-23:00)
TEL : 078-382-8686
Telephone reservation
center
0088-24-5489(Phonecall charges are no charge)
078-341-7903
|
|
*Central
Japan Railway Company [English]
*Central
Japan Railway Company [Japanese]
|
TEL : 06-6452-3730
(6:00-24:00) |
|
|
TEL : 03-3516-1950
(10:00-22:00) |
|
|
TEL : 0724-55-2500 |
|
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