Kyoto was the oldest capital in Japanese history with lots of traditional things to see. Especially, Kyoto preserves cultural properties so well that 17 locations were inscribed as the UNESCO world heritage site. Even if you travel these areas only, it will be enough.
1. Kiyomizudera Temple
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Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous temples of Japan and its name literally means "Pure Water Temple". The temple offers travelers a great view of the numerous cherry-blossom and maple trees. Especially, it has fascinating night view of Kyoto, so you must visit here instead of other observation deck.
2. Toji Temple
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In Japanese it means 'East temple' and it is very big, so is its sister temple 'Saji (West temple)'. Toji has 57m high five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan. It has various structures and attractions, so you have to prepare enough time.
3. Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrine
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The Kamo and Shimogamo Shrine are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They hold one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, Aoi Mtsuri (Every May 15th). The Shrine name Kamo means the family of Shinto.
4. Saiho-ji Temple
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Saihoji, more commonly known as Kokedera, means 'Moss Temple'. The temple has not been introduced in any guidebooks, because it is not easy to enter. Before going to this temple, you will need to plan carefully. Firstly, you send a postcard with a return postcard in it and wait for 2 weeks to receive the admittance card. Secondly, you should pay the admission as high as 3,000 yen. Not finished. You should hand-copy a full page of Buddhist script (Heart Sutra). Once everything is finished, you can see an amazing sight. This effort is definitely worth in your life. Don't miss here.
5. Nijo Castle
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Nijo Castle was built in 1603. The castle has three areas: the Honmaru, the Ninomaru and a beautiful garden. There are a lot of cherry blossom trees, so you have to go here in the spring.
6. Nishi Honganji Temple
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The meaning of the temple's name is "Western temple of the original vow". It was built in 1591. There are many religious activities in the temple, so you must take your shoes off and keep quiet. The temple is very peaceful and tranquil inside.
7. Enryakuji Temple
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Enryakuji is located on Mount Hiei in Otsu. The temple is the headquarter of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and one of the most important temples in Japan. The temple has a beautiful forest for pleasant walk. Especially, there are many observation spots where you can have a wonderful view of Lake Biwa.
8. Daigo-ji Temple
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Daigo-ji is a significant temple of Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. The five storied wooden pagoda is a National Treasure and it’s the oldest building in Kyoto. Some people say that "This area is the most beautiful place in the world". It is true and it has a really gorgeous view.
9. Ryoan-ji Temple
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The temple is known for the Stone Garden that was built in 1450. The stone garden has 15 rocks. An interesting feature of the garden's design is that from any vantage point at least one rock is always hidden from the viewer.
10. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
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Officially named Rokuon-ji, or Kinkaku-ji means 'Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. The temple is completely covered in golden leaf and the impressive structure is built overlooking a large pond. This temple is one of the most popular attractions for travelers in Kyoto and you must visit here.
11. Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
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Officially named Jisho-Ji, Ginkaku-ji means 'Temple of the Silver Pavilion'. But the temple was never covered in silver! Although the temple is very simple compared with Golden Pavilion, its simplicity is its beauty.
12. Byodo-in Temple
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Byodo-in was originally built in 998 in the Heian period as a rural villa for nobility. The Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, appears on Japanese 10 yen coin. The temple is not too crowded with people, so you can spend a long time just sitting and admiring the natural beauty.
13. Tenryu-ji Temple
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Tenryu-ji is ranked first among the Kyoto's five great Zen temples and is now registered as a world heritage site. Especially the bamboo forest (Chikurin) is very impressive. It's definitely worth a visit to take a walk around the temple and Chikurin.
14. Kozan-ji Temple
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Kozan-ji temple is a Buddhist temple of Omuro school of Shingon sect. It has numerous national treasures and important cultural properties. But the majority of them are currently on loan to national museums in Kyoto and Tokyo.
15. Ujigami Shrine
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Although Ujigami has no official record of when it was first constructed, it is known as the oldest shrine in Japan. In fact, there is nothing especially exciting apart from annual festival of the Ujigami Shrine held on May 5th.
16. Ninna-ji Temple
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Ninaji is the head temple of Omuro school of Shingon sect of Buddhism. This temple has an amazing rock garden, a fantastic huge wooden pagoda and beautiful cherry blossom trees. Most importantly, it is not crowded with people. If you wanna relax quietly, I recommend this temple.
Why this article has only sixteen items instead of seventeen? Please read again carefully!
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Written by Drunken Whale
Unlike other writers, I was born and grew up in Korea. I can't write English well - not to mention speaking. But I love travelling and writing something - of course in Korean. So if you don't understand anything about my articles, it's purely because of my English.
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