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Shūgakuin Imperial Villa
官方网站A beautiful villa commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno-o in 1655 and completed four years later. The area is separated into three separate villas. In the lower villa, you'll find a lovely garden with a stream running through it and the Jugetsukan, where the emperor relaxed before making his way to the upper villa.…
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The middle villa is home to the Rakushi-ken, princess Akinomiya's home, and the Kyaku-den, which was also given to Akinomiya when the consort that is was built for died prior to its completion. These buildings contain some particularly beautiful artwork, and an interesting flat pine tree. After seeing all of that, you will finally be escorted to the upper villa. Upon entering the villa, you will ascend the stairs to discover a gorgeous view of the garden and Yokuryū Pond. The tour ends with a stroll along the outer edges of a pond, past a waterfall and the bridges. Princess Diana was once a guest here, a fact the tour guides love to share with visitors. The best time to visit is said to be the autumn when the leaves are changing. If you plan to visit, make your reservation 3 months in advance for the best chances. One-hour tours (in Japanese) start at 9am, 10am, 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm.
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Yogen-in Temple
官方网站The original temple was built by one of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's concubines in honor of her father, but the temple was destroyed by a fire. When rebuilding the temple, the floorboards of Fushimi Castle in Southern Kyoto were used to construct the ceiling.…
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Since Fushimi Castle was the site of quite a bloody battle, when you look at the ceiling, you can still see blood stains and body outlines from soldiers who committed seppuku. The artwork in the temple is also very famous, particularly the elephant paintings. Non-Japanese visitors have mixed success trying to enter the temple. You may be shown an English write-up that states that only those who understand Japanese are able to enter because everyone who enters will be greeted by a guide who will walk you through the temple. It ends with something like, "This is why you are not allowed to enter the temple." Alternatively, the staff may refuse you entry and ask you to leave. Try not to let this deter you if you really want to enter but don't know Japanese. Simply agree to the tour, pay the fee, maybe lie about your Japanese ability, and then politely pay attention to your guide as they walk you through the temple.
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Nijō Castle
官方网站Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto, with fine gardens and splendid centuries-old structures. The castle was originally built by the Tokugawa shoguns to serve as the shogun's residence in Kyoto. After the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as an imperial residence before being converted to a museum and opened to the public.…
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The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru Palace complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on so as to give advance warning when someone was approaching. From the empty base of the donjon that once overlooked the innermost section of the fortress (known as the Honmaru), you can get good views over parts of the castle compound and the wider city beyond. The donjon and original honmaru palace burnt down in two separate fires, and the existing honmaru palace was constructed in the early Meiji period (late 19th century). Unlike the ninomaru palace, the honmaru palace is not open to the public, though visitors may walk in the honmaru garden and view the exterior of the palace up close.
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Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Despite being omitted from virtually all guidebooks, it's one of the true unknown gems of Kyoto. It was founded in the eighth century, and went through an unlucky patch for a millennium or so; by turns it was destroyed by flood, fire and typhoon, and had to move location a few times.…
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Today, it sits a short distance from the end of Saga Toriimoto, one of Kyoto's three historic preservation districts. Two fierce statues guard the entrance. Once you're through the gate, though, you'll find over 1200 small (knee-to-waist high) statues, each with its own unique character - you'll see a cheerful boxer near the entrance, but you could spend hours checking out the rest, and you'll do it in relative seclusion, since this is well away from the tourist trail. The statues were carved in 1981 by amateurs under the direction of master sculptor Kocho Nishimura. Moss and forest have begun to reclaim the area, and if you've ever wondered what Angkor Wat would look like crossed with Japanese kawaii, this is your chance.
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Kokedera
Kokedera, also known as Saiho-ji, is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites famous for is beautiful moss garden. In the past, visitors could come and go freely, like most temples however, due to tourists stepping on and killing the moss, the temple had to limit the number of visitors and now requires a reservation in order to visit. The only accepted method is by mail.…
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You need to send a letter giving them your name, the number of people in your party, and the date(s) you prefer to visit along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for them to send their response back to you. Here is the temple's address: Saiho-ji Temple 56 Jingatani-cho, Matsuo Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan If accepted, you will pay on arrival. While the price is quite steep, keep in mind that along with a tour of the garden, you will also listen to a monk recite sutras and even get to copy the sutras yourself. For those lucky enough to be accepted for a visit, it is often one of their best memories.
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Kinkaku-ji Temple
官方网站The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji (鹿苑寺), is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it.…
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(The story became the basis for Yukio Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.) The beautiful landscaping and the reflection of the temple on the face of the water make for a striking sight, but keeping the mobs of visitors out of your photos will be a stern test for your framing abilities. Get there early if you can to beat the school groups. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops. It's only a short walk from Ryōan-ji (below), making for an easy pairing (and study in contrasts).
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Kyoto International Manga Museum
官方网站Housed in an old elementary school building, the museum holds over 300,000 manga-related items ranging from rare Meiji-era publications to the works of contemporary artists. One of its main attractions is the so-called "Wall of Manga": a vast collection of some 50,000 volumes arranged on shelves running along the building's corridors.…
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Much of the collection is in Japanese, but there is a sizeable selection of manga translated into various foreign languages (including English) on the ground floor. Visitors are welcome to pick out and read anything they choose from the "Wall of Manga" (although the books can't be checked out for offsite reading), which explains the large numbers of children and young adults that throng the museum - and the large Astroturf field just outside where people can read the manga of their choosing. The museum also hosts special temporary exhibitions and other manga-related events. Closed Wednesdays and national holidays.
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Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
官方网站The famous Priest Kūkai established this temple for the purpose of saying prayers for Arashiyama's dead. The temple grounds are filled with approximately 8000 Buddhist statues, each representing an unknown or forgotten person.…
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Although it is famous for its statues, just like Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a spiritual place and a graveyard, so it has greater historical and spiritual significance, as well as impressive and beautiful. If you take a walk through the small bamboo-lined path to the upper area, you'll find actual grave sites instead of the statues in the lower area. There is also an area similar to the purification spots found at most temples however, at this one, you are supposed to pour water on each of the statues as you walk around it. This is a form of reverence and worship, and the Japanese who enter (particularly those who come to the upper area) come to pray, so while it may be fun, try also to be respectful.
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Daitokuji Temple
A large temple complex, boasting many smaller sub-temples within its grounds. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto, and if you visit it at the start of the day, you could virtually have it to yourself. Eight of the twenty-four sub-temples are open to the public (most days 9AM - 5PM), and each charges an admission fee (around ¥400).…
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The most popular sub-temples are Daisen-in (大仙院), located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden, along with delicious cinammon sweets that only this temple has rights to sell/produce (you can sample one if you get the tea or buy a pack for ¥700), Kōtō-in (高桐院) particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn, if you don't mind the crowds, and Hōshun-in (芳春院) which features the same architectural style as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples as a backdrop to the elegant bridge over a pond.
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Daigo-ji
官方网站Daigoji is a large temple complex consisting of the garan (main complex), Sanbōin Garden, and Reihōkan Museum. The size and position of the temple, slightly removed from the city, creates a more peaceful, serene setting. As a registered World Heritage Site, the temple has a lot of history, with the oldest remaining structure being the five-story pagoda built in 951.…
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The Sanbōin is the temple's garden, and despite being rather pricey is truly beautiful. The museum houses many of the temple's treasures. Daigoji Temple is famous for being one of Kyoto's best places to view cherry blossoms in the spring and the leaves in the fall. Although the main temple complex is always worth visiting, those visiting in the autumn should consider paying the extra fee to see the Sanbōin garden, as it becomes especially beautiful with the vivid colors of the leaves (sadly pictures are not allowed in the Sanbōin).
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Suzumushi-dera
官方网站"Suzumushi-dera" means "cricket temple", and as you might guess, there is a large case of crickets all along the wall inside the temple. Ever since the temple was featured on the NHK, Japan's national television station, it has received quite large crowds of people waiting to enter, but don't let the crowds scare you away.…
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The purpose is to enjoy the crickets chirping, so upon entering, visitors are treated to tea, a snack, and a speech by one of the temple's priests (in Japanese, of course) lasting roughly 20 minutes. He talks about the crickets and makes a shameless plug for the charms sold at the temple and then the next group is allowed in. The temple seats a large amount of people, so even those waiting on the steps should be able to get in for the next session. In order to keep the crickets chirping, they have to keep the temple warm, making it great for winter travellers.
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Ryōan-ji
官方网站Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water.…
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Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond.
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
官方网站The Palace is a reconstruction (dating from 1855), though the Emperor doesn't actually spend much time there, and the guided tour doesn't actually enter the Palace buildings, only peeking at them from the outside, but nevertheless, it provides interesting insight into the lives of the Imperial Court and it's the only Imperial site in Kyoto that offers English guides.…
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Show up an hour before the tour at the Imperial Household Agency building (west of Kyoto Imperial Palace), and they'll let you join if there's space, or make a booking for another day if there isn't. If you don't want to chance it, advance bookings can also be made online through the Imperial Household Agency's official website [http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/].
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Fushimi Inari Taisha
官方网站Another of Kyoto's often-overlooked jewels, located just south of Higashiyama in the Fushimi area. Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, Fushimi-Inari-taisha is the head shrine (taisha) for 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates).…
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A visitor 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. Countless stone foxes, also referred to as Inari, are also dotted along the path. Watch your fingers as you go - the fox spirits are said to be able to possess people by slipping through their fingernails.
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Kitano Tenman-gū
官方网站Kitano Tenmangū Shrine was built to appease the soul of Michizane Sugawara, who was a respected member of the Heian Court until he was exiled to Kyushu after falling into disfavor with the Emperor. He died while in exile, and soon after his death, a series of natural disasters mysteriously began plaguing Kyoto.…
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Many suspected that it was the soul of Michizane seeking vengeance, so in order to console his spirit, he was made the God of Learning, and Kitano Tenmangū was built to honor him. Many plum trees were planted within and around the grounds of the shrine, because they were Michizane's favorite flowers, so this shrine is especially beautiful during the plum blossom season from mid-February to mid-March.
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Ninnaji Temple
官方网站Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the grounds is free, allowing visitors to view the 17th century five-story pagoda, and the plantation of dwarf cherry trees (which are always the last to bloom in Kyoto, in early-mid April).…
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Inside the former palace building (which admission is charged to enter) some beautifully painted screen walls are featured, along with a walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, which takes an hour or two (rather than a month or two). This can provide a delightful end to a day of looking at tourist attractions.
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Shimogamo Shrine
官方网站Originally built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital, Shimogamo is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, they are known as the Kamo Shrines. These shrines were one of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who made often made offerings here.…
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The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. Shimogamo is also a great place to experience Japanese festivals, as many special events are held here, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's top three festivals.
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Sanjusangen-do
官方网站Founded in 1164 by Taira-no-Kiyomori, a warrior-politician, and reconstructed in 1266 after the original building was destroyed in a fire. It is famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in 33 bays (sanjusan = 33, gendo = bays) in the main hall, which is 120 meters long and designed in the Wayo style of architecture.…
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The temple also includes a giant Buddha statue in the center as well intricate lacquered statues from the 12th-14th centuries of other gods and guardian deities. Shoes must be taken off before entering and photography is prohibited in the temple.
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Jingo-ji
An overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto. Jingoji Temple was established by Priest Kukai as the head of the Shingon Sect during the Heian Period.…
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Make sure you walk all the way to the back of the temple ground to a commanding view of the Kiyotaki River below wedged between two hills; here you can buy clay disks, which you throw down the mountain after making a wish. The temple is especially lovely in the fall, when the leaves all turn colors.
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Myōshin-ji Temple
官方网站A large Zen temple complex famous for its large collection of famous artwork. To enter the main hall of Myōshin-ji, you must pay for a tour (tours typically operate every 20 minutes). Inside the main hall you'll find the temple's large dragon painting on the ceiling and the bell. Myōshinji's bell was made in 698, making it one of the oldest in Japan.…
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As one of the head Zen temples, there are many sub-temples on the temple grounds, each with its own sites and separate fees. Some of the sub-temples are even available for overnight stays and meditation (see "Sleep" section).
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Nanzenji Temple
官方网站Features a distinctive two-story entrance gate (san mon) and aqueduct. San mon is the two-story main gate to Nanzenji Temple and offers pleasant views over the surrounding area of the city. Nanzen-in Zen Temple is a small, but relaxing temple and moss garden behind the aqueduct, dating back to the 13th century, and is probably only worth it if you have a particular interest in Zen Buddhism.…
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Hojo is the abbot's quarters, a more interesting building, with a small raked gravel garden and some impressive paintings on the sliding doors of the buildings.
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Jōnan-gū Shrine
官方网站Although Jōnan-gū Shrine is rarely visited by foreign tourists, it is a beautiful shrine with extensive history. It was originally established by Emperor Kammu when Kyoto became the nation's capital. At the end of the Heian period, it became home to retired emperor Goshirakawa. As a result, the beautiful Rakusui-en Garden was constructed.…
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As a former Imperial Villa, Jōnan-gū Shrine is a great alternative for those who are unable to secure reservations to Shugakuin or Katsura Imperial Villas, because no reservations are required to enter Jōnan-gū Shrine's garden.
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Katsura Imperial Villa
官方网站A real cultural treasure, renowned for its magnificent gardens and fine classical architecture. You can obtain permission to join a tour of the property either through the Imperial Household Agency's official website (which also contains a detailed list of instructions [http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/]) or by applying in person at the agency's Kyoto office (near the Imperial Palace).…
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Be sure to apply well in advance of your visit: slots are extremely limited and the much sought-after online permits are rationed out through a lottery selection process.
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Tenryū-ji
官方网站One of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the main temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism in Kyoto; it's also considered one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Tenryu-ji was founded in 1334, but the current buildings all date from the last century: pleasant, but unremarkable.…
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However, there is a lovely garden and pond, designed by the Zen master Musō Soseki, that is worth a look - and well worth taking a leisurely stroll around. After your walk, head out the back way and through the splendid bamboo forest to reach the Ōkōchi Sansō villa (see below).
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Kyoto Station
官方网站Even if you are not travelling by train, it is worth spending an hour or so wandering around the station, which is an outstanding example of modern architecture. The station, with its futurist architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara, opened in 1997 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,200th anniversary. There are two tourist information centers in the building on the 2nd and 9th floors.…
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Take the main escalator or stairs to the top where there is a rooftop garden with views over the city, and if you have a head for heights, walk across the skywalk on the 11th floor.
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Eikandō Temple
官方网站A large temple said to have been originally constructed by Priest Kūkai. The temple features a unique statue of Amida Buddha, Mikaeri Amida, that looks to the right rather than facing forward; there's a charming legend attached to it. The temple grounds also feature a Tahōtō pagoda and a lake. Particularly pleasant in November, when the leaves are changing colors.…
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During November, the grounds close at 16:00 and reopen at 17:00 for an additional viewing session (¥900) where the trees, buildings and paths are illuminated by hundreds of lights.
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Higashi Honganji
官方网站Higashi Honganji was established in 1602 by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu when he split the Shin sect in two (Nishi Honganji being the other) in order to diminish its power. Today it is the headquarters of the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shin-shū. The Founder’s Hall (Goei-dō) is said to be the second-largest wooden structure in Japan. With a capacity for 5,000 people, it's majestic.…
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Check out the massive coil of hair rope, donated by a group of female devotees and used to haul the massive timbers for the reconstruction of the temple in the 1880s.
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Umenomiya Shrine
官方网站This shrine is oddly dedicated to gods of both easy delivery and sake, because it is believed that the goddess Saketokekono was so delighted at the birth of her son that she made and drank sake.…
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In addition, the stone to the right (upon entering) is believed to ensure pregnancy to any woman who steps over it, as a former Empress originally who was originally thought to be barren got pregnant after stepping over this stone. Along with a plethora of folk beliefs, the shrine is also a popular place to view flowers in the summertime.
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Rokuharamitsu-ji
官方网站While the temple itself may not seem so special, the trip is made worthwhile by the amazing Kamakura Period artwork housed in its museum. In particular, the statue of Kuya is quite a unique piece of artwork depicting Kuya Shonin reciting the nenbutsu. To depict the words, the artist Taira Kiyomori, sculpted six miniature figures of Kuya Shonin walking out of his open mouth.…
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Each figure represents one syllable in the nenbutsu. This temple is also the 17th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
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Toei Kyoto Studio Park
官方网站An active film studio built by the Toei Company, one of Japan's largest entertainment companies. The highlight is the backlot with recreated Edo-period streets, where many period dramas (時代劇 jidaigeki) were filmed, and continues to be in active use so you may catch a filming session going on if you're lucky.…
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Also has many shows and exhibits about filming techniques, as well as plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, provided of course they can speak and understand Japanese.
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Kyoto Botanical Garden
Japan's first botanical garden, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is quite large and houses a wide variety of plants. It is a popular place for plum blossom viewing in February and early March and cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in early April. The indoor garden has a wide variety of tropical plants, desert cactuses, and other plants.…
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The entrance fee only covers the outside gardens, but the additional fee to see the garden is quite nominal, so it is well worth it.
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Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
官方网站Much like its golden counterpart Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond.…
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Unlike its counterpart, however, the Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver; only the name had been applied before the plans fell apart. Be sure not to miss the display of Very Important Mosses!
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Iwatayama Monkey Park
A great place for those looking to get away from the abundance of temples and shrines in the city, feeding the macaque monkeys atop the mountain is worth the entrance fee (and the demanding climb!). Don't bring food up with you, though - peanuts are on sale inside the shack on top of the mountains, and the monkeys are well aware of it.…
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There's a pond next to the shack, and the monkeys seem particularly fond of the keeper's motorcycle, which is usually parked there.
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Senkō-ji
This temple was built as a memorial temple for those who died while working on dams and other projects under Suminokura Ryōi. There are a variety of monuments and statues on the temple grounds, and a haiku from the famous poet Matsuo Bashō was written about the cherry blossoms on the temple grounds.…
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The walk along the Hozu River leading to the temple is arguably more enjoyable than the temple itself, as the water often displays quite vivid blues and greens.
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Ōkōchi Sansō
A splendid mountain retreat, previously occupied by Japanese silent screen legend Ōkōchi Denjirō. The grounds have something beautiful to offer each season but are probably at their best during autumn, when the trees explode into fiery shades of red and gold. Take a long, leisurely walk through the villa's beautiful gardens and savour the fine views of the city below.…
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There is a small museum on the grounds dedicated to the former owner's life and work.
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Ōharano Shrine
官方网站The shrine is believed to have been moved to Nagaokakyo at the bidding of Empress Kammu, who made it the shrine of the Fujiwara family's guardian god. The Imperial Court made annual offerings at this shrine. The pond within the shrine precincts was once a popular place for writing poetry.…
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Because the area is removed from the inner city, the shrine is quite peaceful; it is not unusual to have the entire place to yourself.
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Daikakuji Temple
官方网站While it is a temple today, originally, it was the villa of Emperor Saga. It is well-known by those who practice Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, as it is the birthplace of Saga Goryu, a school of Ikebana. Often, there are examples of Saga Goryu near the entrance to the temple. The temple itself is reasonably large, with some artwork inside.…
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The view of the Osawanoike Pond is quite relaxing.
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Maruyama Park
官方网站One of the most popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, and can get extremely crowded during cherry blossom season. The park's star attraction is a weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura), which offers an ethereal vision lit up in the night. Outside of the season, a nice spot to rest yourself during travelling around the Higashiyama area.…
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Main entrance to the park is through Yasaka Shrine.
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Kamigamo Shrine
官方网站Collectively, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they were highly favored by the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. The shrine is most famous for the tatesuna, the two large sand cones. Their origins and original purpose are unknown, but it has been speculated that they represent nearby mountains.…
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Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites.
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Nijō-Jinya
官方网站A private residency, Nijo-Jinya is a former samurai house. Tours discuss the roles of samurai and the dangers experienced during that time period. The house features unique trap doors and escape routes used by samurai and former residents to escape fires and attacks. Guided tours are available in Japanese by a family member of the current residents.…
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You are welcome to bring an interpreter.
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Shōren-in
官方网站Once associated with the head Tendai Buddhist sect temple, Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, Shōren-in is considered to be one of the top five Tendai sect temples. During the Tokugawa period, it served as temporary lodging for a retired emperor after the Imperial Palace burned down.…
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Those who come during November may be able to practice a tea ceremony (See "Do" section of the guide).
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Matsunoo Taisha
官方网站A shrine that's rarely visited by foreigners, Matsuo Taisha (as it's more commonly known) is a popular place for sake brewers to pray. The shrine existed prior to the establishment of Kyoto as Japan's capital and later received offerings from the Heian court.…
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The shrine is famous for its water, said to be pure, as well as its interesting gardens and landscape.
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Tōfuku-ji
官方网站A large temple complex with many small and beautiful gardens nearby. Hordes of Japanese tourists visit during the fall months, when the leaves show a dazzling array of colors, but it's not as well known to foreigners. A pleasant side path through the woods connects it to the Fushimi Inari grounds.…
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Provides beginner Zen meditation sessions on Sunday mornings.
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Shōseien Garden
官方网站Shosei-en Garden was commissioned by Prince Minamoto no Tōru. He created the Ingetsu Pond was designed to look like the Shiogama coast in Miyagi Prefecture. During the Tokugawa Period the garden was given to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, restoring the old sections and adding on to the garden.…
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It's a stroll garden with buildings dating back to the 19th century.
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Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art
官方网站An interesting museum featuring works from famous, as well as up-and-coming modern artists. Exhibits change frequently, so its best to call or visit the website to see exactly what will featured during your visit.…
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You may also want to make sure they will not be changing exhibitions, as they often close an entire floor of the museum during the transition.
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Nison-in Temple
A large temple complex that houses two ancient sculptures of Buddha; one of Shakamuni Buddha and the other of Amida Buddha. It also houses the graves of some famous Japanese people.…
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Unless you have interest in visiting one of the graves, the complex seems expensive compared to other temples of the same price with much more interesting sites and history.
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Tō-ji
官方网站An impressive complex of Buddhist temple buildings, this site features the tallest pagoda in Japan. Bright colors decorate the interior of many buildings on the site, and Buddhist sculptures compliment the color choices. The grounds include a relaxing garden, and cherry blossoms.…
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The Kōbō-san market fair is held here on the 21st of every month.
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Heian Shrine
官方网站Built in 1895 in commemoration of the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto, the shrine was designed as a scaled-down replica of the original Imperial Palace. The Shin'en Garden encircling the backside of the shrine is one of the city's most beautiful gardens and a popular place for hanami, particularly for those who prefer pink…
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blossoms.
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Kenninji Temple
官方网站Japan's oldest Zen temple, has handsome halls and sand and moss gardens, and is of particular interest to art lovers. Sōtatsu's famed Edo-period screens of the Wind and Thunder Gods are on display.…
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And on the high ceiling of the Hatto Dharma Hall writhe Koizumi Junsaku's splendid Twin Dragons, painted and installed in 2002.
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Kyoto National Museum
官方网站Has a large collection of ancient Japanese sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, painting, and other artifacts. It is quite similar to the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo/Ueno. The museum building is fairly grand, but the statue of Rodin's The Thinker out front is a bit out of place, as there's no Western art inside.
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Saimyōji Temple
A former sub-temple of Jingoji. While it is not worth making a special trip to see this temple, those touring the Takao area might as well visit, as it is located on the path connecting Jingo-ji to Kōzan-ji. The bridge leading to the temple and the lanterns outside the entrance are quite nice.
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Imamiya Shrine
官方网站Although the current structure dates back to 1902, the original was built during the Heian Period. At the time, the city was being plagued by illness and disease, so Imamiya Shrine was built to appease the gods. Even today, many visitors come to pray for good health and to ward off illness.
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Myoman-ji
官方网站For anyone looking to see something slightly different from the standard Japanese temple, Myōman-ji offers a replica of Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha obtained Enlightenment. The rest of the complex is quite Japanese, but still very beautiful, with artwork and a garden.
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Sanzen-in
官方网站As the top attraction in the Ohara area, this temple is well worth the visit. Housed within the temple are three ancient Buddha statues. Outside, there is a lovely moss garden and a variety of buddhist statues ranging from the typical spiritual statues to adorable, animated statues.
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Hōsen-in
Like Yogen-in in Higashiyama, the ceiling of Hosen-in was built using the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where a bloody historic battle took place. As a result, you'll notice blood stains on the ceiling. Outside, there is a charming garden containing a famous 700 year old pine tree.
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Kyoto Tower
官方网站A source of bitterness of locals due to it's futuristic feel, which counteracts the historic feel the city is known for, the Kyoto Tower is an overpriced viewing tower where you can observe Kyoto's urban sprawl at it's finest. There is also a hotel and banquet hall at the tower.
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Kōzan-ji
Registered as one of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kōzan-ji is a small temple dating all the way back to the Kamakura period. Inside the temple you'll find a famous painting of rabbits and monkeys acting as humans, considered to be the world's first manga.
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Ryozen Gokoku Shrine
官方网站This shrine was built to house the souls of all those who died in the Pacific War, from the Meiji Restoration uprisings and the Russo-Japanese War to the end of World War II. It is the first shrine in the nation to be officially recognized as a shrine for war dead.
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Zuishin-in
官方网站According to legend, this is where Ono no Komachi, one of Japan's famous femme fatales, resided. She made Prince Fukakusa agree to court her for 100 days before she would agree to marry him, but on the 99th day, he died, leaving her single and her beauty to fade.
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Chion-in Temple
官方网站The head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The Sanmon gate at the entrance to the temple is the largest of such gates in the nation. Visitors can walk freely around the complex and inside the buildings, except for those that house the temples "Seven Wonders".
Japan其他城市的景点
常见问题
Kyoto必看的景点有哪些？
Kyoto has 60 documented sights including Shūgakuin Imperial Villa, Yogen-in Temple, Nijō Castle. Use the list above to plan your itinerary.
How many days to see Kyoto?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days in Kyoto to cover the major sights. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared itinerary.
Is Kyoto good for solo travelers?
Yes. Kyoto is popular with solo travelers. Download Nomax to find sightseeing companions in Kyoto so you never have to explore alone.
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