A famed Kyoto landmark, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is an eccentric, exhilarating, and unmissable Japanese attraction. The striking site features thousands of sacred, bright orange Shinto gates known as torii, which line the hillsides and create spectacular tunnels. It was established in 711 AD as a headquarters for shrines dedicated to the fox deity, Inari, who was believed to bring agricultural prosperity. Modern businesses now sponsor the building and the upkeep of its large wooden torii to bring about continued success.
With origins dating back more than 1200 years, Kiyomizu-dera is a timeless shrine to the Buddhist faith associated with the Hosso School. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the larger Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple complex has a rich cultural and historical legacy that's tied to the city of Kyoto. The Main Hall with its tall pillars and pagoda roof is a beautiful example of traditional temple architecture and soars above the grounds overlooking the verdant hillside. The temple's Shinto Jishu Shrine is very popular for those seeking love who come to pray for success in finding a suitable partner. Translating as 'Temple of Pure Water', the complex also features a waterfall revered for its sacred health-giving waters.
Surrounded by lush foliage and overlooking a tranquil pond in the heart of Kyoto, the stunning Kinkaku-ji is an iconic Zen shrine built in the 14th Century. Originally constructed as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the gilded villa became an iconic religious entity after the former's death. Part of a larger complex, the gleaming shrine is the only surviving element of this former retirement estate. Despite being ravaged by fire twice during the destructive Onin War and later having suffered a fiery fate at the hands of a schizophrenic monk, the temple was restored to its former resplendent glory in 1955. The most striking part of this serene shrine is the upper gold-paneled floors that shine in the mellow sun, and the ethereal reflection of its form in the pond below. The first floor promises the utmost calm, an almost palpable aura that radiates from the statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu that are placed here. The second floor is a secret sanctum shielded from the eyes of the common public, where the Kannon Bodhisattva rests in peaceful meditation, encircled by idols of Four Heavenly Kings. Designated a National Special Historic Site, the vivid beauty of the Kinkaku-ji attracts scores of visitors from both Japan and the world.
Light filters through towering bamboo stalks and casts a fey glow and moving shadows over the path that winds uphill through the forest. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto's most famous sights and people breathe in the crisp air and walk through the verdant tunnel to appreciate the peace and serenity as the world fades away. At the end of the path, at the crest of the hill lies the Okochi-Sanso Villa, an elegant home that once belonged to Okochi Denjiro, a famous actor. Nestled amidst the undulating slopes, this villa and garden are spectacular.
Sanjusangendo stands out among the temples of Kyoto. The rectangular hall is filled with numerous carved and gilded statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, and dates back to 1164 although the present building was reconstructed in 1266. The multi-armed Kannon figures are arranged in ranks, each revealing subtle differences in expression and accouterments in a testament to the originality and skill of the Momoyama wood carvers. In the days of Edo, Sanjusangendo also hosted an archery contest outside the temple every January. Visitors to this historic treasure can enter it for a modest fee, but must note that photography is prohibited in the hall.
Byōdō-in, the temple pictured on the back of the JPY10 coin, is one of the few remaining edifices dating back to the eleventh-century Heian period. It was built to resemble a phoenix and a bronze pair of the mythical birds, thought to offer protection to the Buddha, perched in the central hall. Regarded as a masterpiece of religious architecture, the temple also houses a stunning seated image of Amida, the Buddha of the Western Paradise or Pure Land. Indeed the temple reflecting in the pond before it is meant to symbolize the Western Paradise of Amida, a form of Buddha.
A journey to Japan and immersion in its culture is not complete without a first-hand witnessing of the holy tea ceremony. The Tea Ceremony Room Ju-An in Kyoto gives you the opportunity to partake in this traditional practice, along with a small educational workshop that teaches you about the principles and rules of the same. The ceremony takes place in a stark, serene room within a Japanese garden, replete with a fish pond and soothing environs. Reserve your presence today and experience this blessed practice in true Ichigo Ichie (once-in-a-lifetime experience) style.
Established in 1826 and located at the foot of Ikoma mountain range, Daimon Shuzo is known for making some of Japan's finest sakes. Its sakes are sold in the markets under the brand names Rikyubai and Mukune. There are no guided tours to the brewery, but you can just drop in and stroll around the place on your own. And if you are tired and hungry after the long walk, visit the restaurant on the brewery's second floor for a quick bite.
Shunkō-in Temple dates back to 1590 and holds centuries of historic artifacts within its tranquil premises. Although it is a Zen Buddhist temple, it also has several Christian objects such as the famous Bell of Nanban-ji crafted in the year 1577. This bell historically hung in Nanbanji Church until it was lost due to anti-Christian laws in Japan and then reappeared at this temple. During the anti-Christian legislation era, other objects like the Kirishitan Lantern were also hidden here and still exist today. This temple features beautiful sliding doors with paintings and inscriptions revealing Confucian messages. The beautiful temple garden called Sazareishi-no-niwa (The Garden of Boulders) mirrors the Ise Grand Shrine and has a forest and shrines dedicated to the Japanese agriculture and sun goddesses. The unbiased nature of Shunkō-in can be seen in the mix of Buddhist, Christian, Shintō and Confucian relics in the temple and its garden. Its lack of prejudice was also evident when it allowed same-sex weddings to be performed within the temple premises.
The Kamo River is a famous tourist attraction, because of its beautifully created walkways, and greenery surrounding the river. There are some stepping stones on which you can climb, and cross the river for certain distance. The water level of this place is comparatively low, but during the monsoon, the pathways area also flooded with water. The source of this river is from Mount Sajikigatake, located in the northern region. Tourists flock to this river to experience countryside living and relax from their daily routine.
Surrounded by lush foliage and overlooking a tranquil pond in the heart of Kyoto, the stunning Kinkaku-ji is an iconic Zen shrine built in the 14th Century. Originally constructed as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the gilded villa became an iconic religious entity after the former's death. Part of a larger complex, the gleaming shrine is the only surviving element of this former retirement estate. Despite being ravaged by fire twice during the destructive Onin War and later having suffered a fiery fate at the hands of a schizophrenic monk, the temple was restored to its former resplendent glory in 1955. The most striking part of this serene shrine is the upper gold-paneled floors that shine in the mellow sun, and the ethereal reflection of its form in the pond below. The first floor promises the utmost calm, an almost palpable aura that radiates from the statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu that are placed here. The second floor is a secret sanctum shielded from the eyes of the common public, where the Kannon Bodhisattva rests in peaceful meditation, encircled by idols of Four Heavenly Kings. Designated a National Special Historic Site, the vivid beauty of the Kinkaku-ji attracts scores of visitors from both Japan and the world.
With origins dating back more than 1200 years, Kiyomizu-dera is a timeless shrine to the Buddhist faith associated with the Hosso School. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the larger Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple complex has a rich cultural and historical legacy that's tied to the city of Kyoto. The Main Hall with its tall pillars and pagoda roof is a beautiful example of traditional temple architecture and soars above the grounds overlooking the verdant hillside. The temple's Shinto Jishu Shrine is very popular for those seeking love who come to pray for success in finding a suitable partner. Translating as 'Temple of Pure Water', the complex also features a waterfall revered for its sacred health-giving waters.