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The Top 10 Sights Of Kyoto Japan
hen people first down to your tastes in
consider the idea of a sightseeing. Outside of the
holiday in Japan, their shopping and purely commercial
thoughts usually turn to Tokyo. aspects of the town the main
Now, there’s nothing wrong with sights are almost entirely made
Tokyo – its soaring skyscrapers up of by cultural sights such as
perfectly contrasting with its Buddhist temples and Zen gardens.
sombre temples – but there is a Because of the quantity of
lot more to Japan than the bright historical and cultural sights,
lights of its world famous it is very easy to overdo Kyoto
capital. sightseeing if done too quickly.
Thankfully, walking from sight to
Take Kyoto, for example. The city sight through the marvelous city
is the historical and cultural tempers this nicely and allows
capital of Japan – a fine mix of visitors to enjoy the rich
urban sprawl and cultural gems. contrasts a Japanese holiday in
Indeed, Kyoto was home to the this region can offer. Still, if
Japanese Imperial family from 794 you only have the time or energy
all the way up to 1868 when the to visit 10 of Kyoto’s cultural
Emperor decided to relocate to and historical treasures, these
Tokyo. Kyoto is one of the few are what I’d recommend (in no
major Japanese cities to avoid particular order)
the destruction of aerial raids
during World War 2, and aside Heian Jungu
from anything else that makes it
a fascinating part of any holiday This Shinto shrine is famous for
in Japan. having the largest torii in the
whole of Japan. The shrine was
How much time you wish to spend built in 1895 to celebrate the
in this amazing city is mainly 1100th anniversary of Kyoto
(formerly Heiankyo), and is To clarify a popular
dedicated to Emperor Kammu and misconception – geishas are not
Emperor Komei. If you happen to prostitutes, and Gion has never
be on holiday in Japan on October been a red light district.
22nd, you will have the chance to
see the ‘Festival of Ages’ (Jidai Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion
Matsuri) which takes place here Temple)
and celebrates the day when Kyoto
became Japan’s capital. The The most striking feature of
festival includes a huge Kinkakuji (and where it gets its
procession of around 2,000 people name) is from the gold leaf that
which stretches for several entirely covers the top two tiers
kilometers. of the pavilion. It is a stunning
site and one that Japanese
Gion holiday makers cannot help but
associate with Kyoto. The temple
Gion is the district of Kyoto is placed next to a pond,
renowned for its geisha houses allowing a shimmering mirror
and is the best area of the city image of the structure to be
to see geisha and maiko going viewed by all who visit, creating
about their everyday business. a powerful image of a connection
Gion was built in the middle between heaven and earth.
ages, but due in part to some Although the gold leaf covering
areas being declared a national makes the temple extremely
historical preservation district, valuable, its value is not
some of the architecture and entirely monitory, but also
entertainment remains similar to spiritual: within its walls it
how it was when first houses relics of the Buddha.
established.
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion
Temple)
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Listing this directly below the
Golden Pavilion Temple is Kyoto’s Imperial Palace (Kyoto
slightly misleading, because Gosho) was once the home of
while the aforementioned temple’s Japan’s Imperial family, but when
golden covering makes it the capital shifted to Tokyo in
something of an ostentatious 1868, the rulers followed. The
monument, this temple is structure has burned down on many
comparatively minimalist. This is occasions and the present
because while the original plan reconstruction was only built in
was to make this temple a silver 1855.
accompaniment to its golden
cousin, the plan was never The complex itself is encased in
carried out and it remains a a long wall and is made up of
delightful example of minimalism several halls, gardens and gates.
and restraint. Although the enthronement
ceremonies of Emperor Taisho and
The temple itself is a simple Emperor Showa were held within
two-story building, but its this palace’s main hall, the
beautiful appeal is found in the current Emperor was inaugurated
surrounding serenity of the two in the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
gardens. The first is a pond
garden composed of rocks and Kiyomizudera
plants – the aim being to grant a
different perspective from every Kiyomizudera (or “Pure Water
angle. The second garden includes Temple”) is one of the most
two carefully sculpted sand famous temples in Japan with both
mounts which offer a sense of tourists and locals. Founded in
perfect serenity. 780 by one of the oldest sects in
Japanese Buddhism (the Hosso), Tenryuji Temple is considered the
the temple is a UNESCO world most important Zen Temple in
heritage site. Kyoto, and the literal
Located in the wooded hills in translation of its name is
eastern Kyoto, the temple offers “heavenly dragon temple”. The
a fabulous view over the city building started out its life as
from its wooden terrace. The a private villa of Emperor Go
spring below said terrace is said Daigo, and was later converted
to have water with healing after his death to a temple in
properties and is the reason the his memory. Legend has it that a
temple has its name. Buddhist priest had an uneasy
dream where a dragon rose from a
Fushimi Inari nearby river, making him believe
that Go Daigo’s spirit was uneasy
Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and that a temple should be built
and foxes are supposed to be his to appease him.
messengers. For that reason, the
Fuhimi Inari shrine is dotted The temple has been damaged by
with many fox statues. The many fires an unlikely eight times,
tori gates make for an though the last instance was over
unforgettable experience, but if 150 years ago. As a result, the
you can manage it, visiting the current incarnation of the
shrine in the evening is a must – building is only 100 years old,
the dim lights and sounds of the but the garden is one of the
wildlife make for a delightfully oldest in the country, dating
atmospheric walk through the from the 14th century.
shrine’s tori gates.
Ryoanji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
The Ryoanji temple has been
designated as a World Heritage is regarded as one of the most
site by UNESCO. The name means pure examples of Japanese
‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ culture. Perfect in its
and it belongs to the Myoshinki simplicity, the garden consists
school of the Rinzai branch of of clay walls, raked sand and 15
the Zen sect. The garden itself rocks.
About the Author:
Alastair Donnelly is the Director of Inside Japan Tours. The independent Japan holiday company boasts over 15 years collective experience of living and working in Japan, and endeavor to pass on this passion and expertise to their customers.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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