Travel

Exploring unmissable places in Kyoto, Japan

You are interested in Exploring unmissable places in Kyoto, Japan right? So let's go together Newhealthz.com look forward to seeing this article right here!

Kyoto is served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the largest cities in Japan with a population of 1.5 million people. When traveling to Kyoto, visitors will be extremely impressed by the ancient temples and shrines as well as the charming streetscape of the old town. Here are unmissable places in Kyoto, Japan.

1. Nijo Castle

destinations in Kyoto

 

The first must-visit destination is Nijo Castle. It was built in 1603 with well-preserved walls, towers, and a moat and later served as the seat of government. The complex has several buildings containing many significant works of art and is famous as the location chosen by the emperor to issue the rescript abolishing the country’s once-powerful Shogunate.

Highlights include the castle’s East Gate as well as the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork. Beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose is another must-see. The castle’s fine gardens are also fun to explore.

The site’s most important building is Ninomaru Palace. Consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, it boasts exquisite interiors decorated with many paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils.

2. Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion

 

One of the most famous buildings in all of Japan is the Golden Pavilion, better known to locals as Kinkakuji. This Zen Buddhism temple was originally a privately owned structure, but toward the end of the 14th century, it was converted to a temple. The temple has three stories, and they seamlessly incorporate three major Japanese styles of architecture: Samurai, Zen, and Shinden. Yellow and gold coloring, not to mention the bright bronze phoenix ornament on the apex of the roof, helps give the Golden Pavilion its name. Surrounding the temple are beautiful, manicured gardens, some of which are designed to show the harmony between heaven and Earth.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

places in Kyoto

It is possible that the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most impressive landmark in all of Kyoto. In reality, it is not just one shrine, but the head shrine for 32,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters (750 feet) up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates). You could easily spend several hours walking up the hillside, taking in the beautiful views of the city of Kyoto and walking through the torii, which appear luminescent in the late afternoon sun. This shrine still holds incredible religious and personal significance to local residents. During the Japanese New Year, millions will come to pay their respects.

4. Gion District

 

Gion District

As far back as the middle ages, Gion District has been an iconic, historic place in the heart of Kyoto. Today, on the banks of the Kamo River, it is one of the few remaining places in Kyoto, and indeed in Japan, where you can participate in the traditional teahouse rituals or even see geishas. Gion is the place to make reservations for a full traditional tea service or even a meal because you can arrange for a private audience with maiko or geiko, the two types of Japanese hostesses and entertainers known commonly as geisha.

5. Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple

 

It is impossible to miss the Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the unmissable places in Kyoto. It is one of the most important and oldest historic monuments in Japan, which was built in 780. The temple has a massive wooden terrace surrounded by nature, and it displays pleasant scenery in each season. Especially in autumn, it attracts many visitors since the night light-up event is held during the peak season of autumn leaves.

6. Philosopher’s Walk

places to visit in Kyoto

 

The Philosopher’s Walk is a simple pedestrian trail that runs alongside a canal in Kyoto. On either side of the walkway stand cherry trees, giving the route a mystical and particularly scenic appearance. The Philosopher’s Walk is shorter than two miles, but it passes by a number of important shrines and temples. An iconic Japanese philosopher named Nishida Kitaro used to walk along this stretch daily as a form of meditation, which is where the name Philosopher’s Walk originated. However, you don’t have to be a philosopher to admire the views, get great photos of the cherry trees, and see a number of tourist attractions in Kyoto within an hour’s walk.

7. Yasaka Pagoda

Yasaka Pagoda

 

Yasaka Pagoda is located at Hokanji Temple in Higashiyama District in eastern Kyoto City. It’s the famous landmark of the district and one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. Visitors can actually enter inside the pagoda, too.

8. Arashiyama bamboo forest 

unmissable places in Kyoto

 

 Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of the city, and it is where you can find an array of temples and landmarks. One of the district’s most popular attractions, however, is undoubtedly the famed bamboo forest. This is an amazing, almost surreal experience where you can stand next to thousands, or perhaps millions, of green bamboo stalks growing straight up into the sky. To top it all off, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is home to a number of monkeys who are quite friendly and will come greet you as you stroll along the grove.
In conclusion, this is a list of unmissable places in Kyoto you should make a visit. Besides, you can take a trip to other great destinations in Japan.

Conclusion: So above is the Exploring unmissable places in Kyoto, Japan article. Hopefully with this article you can help you in life, always follow and read our good articles on the website: Newhealthz.com

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button