Places to visit in Kyoto

A must see in Kyoto, it is a lovely spot that includes a nice walk uphill and the Tori Gates which is very unique and special.

The Japanese wooden architecture, especially the religious ones, the art of the Japanese gardens are all illustrated in this beautiful city but the historic monuments of historic Kyoto have outstanding universal value.

The 17 buildings that are recognized by UNESCO forming the center of Japanese culture:

Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Toji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Hieizan, Enryakuji Temple, Daigoji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, Kozanji Temple, Kokedera/Moss Temple, Tenryuji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple/Golden Pavilion, Ginkakuji Temple/Silver Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, Nishi-Hongwanji Temple and  Nijo Castle.

The tickets for this magnificent journey can be pre-booked and you get to witness the lovely autumn colours in an entertaining 25 minutes journey costing 620 yen one way.

An unimaginably beautiful walk through the way to Kiyomizu-dera where you catch a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Kyoto. There a traditional wooden houses on the sides of the streets and quaint restaurants and coffee shops. If you find fun in aimlessly wandering and getting lost then this is the place for you.

If you want a view of the autumn foliage, you must see this place at night for a magnificent look. There is also a statue of Amida Buddha and it’s an amazing place with great history.

When you want to take a break from temples viewing do visit this art complex for a local performance which is breathtaking. Since its a silent but an energetic performance, it touches the hearts of people who don’t understand Japanese as well.

Located behind the Yasaka shrine this again is a very popular place for cherry blossom viewing or “hanami” and is a lovely place to take a casual stroll. Maruyama Koen became a public park in 1871.

It’s the oldest botanical garden in the entire country and houses more than 12,000 plants. The Garden has both European and Japanese styles incorporated and the cherry trees in full bloom during spring are an awesome sight. The glass houses contain orchids, cacti, tropical and carnivorous ad tropical plants.

In the hills north of Kinkakuji Temple is this private garden well known for its cherry blossoms in spring drawing thousands of visitors. Other plants and flowers that can be seen are apple, azaleas, dogwood, and rhododendron.

There is a very attractive permanent exhibition about the history of the city.

Mainly focuses on the traditional art of Japan featuring a permanent collection and many temporary special exhibits too.

Museum of Modern Art: here the works on display in the permanent collection changes every two months. The building itself is a modern edifice and was completed in 1986.

Established by Emperor Kameyama in 1291, this is a Zen Buddhist Temple, later became the most important of the Rinzai temples of Japan.

The Silver Pavilion Temple was intended to be covered in silver and thus the name but it is made of plain wood. Therefore though the building was intended to be a monument to pretension, at present it exemplifies Japanese enhancement and self-control.

Another day can be started at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the most amusing temple for children and adults too. It’s effortless to get here. At the temple, you must visit the Tainai-Meguri, Jishu-jinja and Otowa-no-taki Spring. 

Sannen-Zaka/ Ninen Zaka: when you exit this temple and make your way downhill to Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka slopes, the scenic lanes are filled with restaurants, souvenir stores and teahouses and most of it will be of some interest to children, particularly the teenagers.

Begin your day at this green island located in the middle of Southern Higashiyama Sightseeing District. In the park, enjoy looking at the turtles and carps in the pond and walk up to the greener sections at the ascending end. When the hike tires you relax with drinks and snacks in the cafeteria.