It is one of the oldest cities in Japan, the former Japanese capital. Though it has experienced numerous firebombings, earthquakes and wars during the eleven centuries in which it was the capital, it still stands the test of time. It is one of the most well-preserved olden Japanese cities. Welcome to Kyoto, a city steeped in Japanese culture and history.

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor. This was from 794 until 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration. During the many centuries that it was the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion, it accumulated an astounding collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, and monks. Kyoto is also known as Japan’s “Most Beautiful City”, though its beauty is rooted to the history and culture of most of its tourist attractions. Sites that stand the test of time.

Kyoto has numerous attractions for tourists. So many, that a whole day is not sufficient to fully enjoy all the sights that Kyoto has to offer. In fact, the Japan National Tourist Organization suggests an itinerary which contains which places to visit. As was said before, Kyoto contains numerous tourist attractions, with the Kinkaku-ji being the most popular. Kinkaku-ji or The Temple of the Golden Pavillion is a temple that is paved with gold leaf from top to bottom. This garish temple, combined with its superb landscaping and the its reflection upon the lake is quite a sight to behold. Though because it is a very popular attraction, getting an isolated picture of the temple itself is quite a challenge. A short walk from Kinkaku-ji is Ryoan-ji. With its dry and earthy atmosphere, Ryoan-ji is a striking contrast to Kinkaku-ji. No garish decorations, the temple’s simplicity is a sight among itself. Another one of the top attractions in Kyoto is Nijo Castle. Particularly famous for its nightingale floors (floors that make bird-like sounds when stepped on), this ornately decorated castle houses magnificent reception rooms and a good view of the the city. One site that I would definitely recommend is Kiyomizu. With its great view from the temple veranda to the various other things that can be done inside the temple (such as walking the “love-walk“), it’s no wonder that it’s a very popular tourist attraction.

These are just some of the sites that Kyoto has to offer. But Kyoto is a very picturesque city by itself and days could simply be spent idling and taking walks. From Gion to the tree lined Imperial Park. An idle day in Kyoto would not be considered wasted, in the face of such beauty and magnificence.

Posted in Attractions, Japan

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