Kyoto, where culture and traditions have very strong roots all over Japan, is a city of timeless beauty. Kyoto used to be the imperial capital of Japan for more than a thousand years now, a city of thousands of temples, shrines and gardens. Kyoto is absolutely unique place; it remains the city secretly retaining the air of the ancient time and it is filled with miracles and novelties in the viewpoint of architecture.
It’s the most famous temple in Kyoto; it’s a Zen temple that ‘is actually covered in gold – literally’, Set against the backdrop of a pond, the temple is perfect.
As the shrine which is devoted to the Shinto deity of rice and agriculture and which has thousands of vermillion torii gates which are incredibly well-known. The densely wooded trail past the gates takes one to this god-slated Mount Inari.
The temple is located on Mt. Nichi (Nichimagu), and the terrace of the temple overlooks Kyoto city. The essence of the temple is a wooden stage constructed through a complex system of columns, with over three hundred of them.
Visit the dense forest of the bamboo groves in Arashiyama and be stunned by the height –like fluffy leaves which are gentle to the touch. The Togetsukyo Bridge that stands adjacent to the pond as well as the Monkey Park are also other attraction sites in Kyoto.
Gion which is the most famous geisha area in Kyoto is famed for the wooden machiya houses, teahouses and cramped alleys. Here you might even get to see a real Geisha or Maiko – the trainee Geishas known as apprentices going about her business.
Tea Ceremony: Kyoto: the best destination for lovers of Japanese tea ceremonies. Engage in this rite that has been been taken place for many centuries and dive into the world of Zen that is behind it.
Kimono Wearing: Wear Japanese clothes, in specific, a kimono, and go around Kyoto in some of the oldest parts of the city to take photos while enjoying a truly Japanese atmosphere of the city.
Calligraphy and Ikebana: Get yourself an introduction to the writing of Kanji, the Japanese calligraphy or the Japanese art of ‘Ikebana’, the art of flower arrangement in Kyoto craft classes.
Kaiseki Dining: Take part of Kyoto’s luxurious dining with kaiseki meal, a superb meal comprising of a number of courses prepared to highlight the seasonal food. Many traditional restaurants in Kyoto offer this culinary art.
Yudofu: It is so simple yet tasty; you should take a bowl of yudofu, a local dish of Kyoto and also a part of temple food.
Nishiki Market: Described as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” Nishiki Market is a shopping street of about five blocks of shuttle shops, restaurants and food stores. Here, one will be able to try the aforesaid specialties, fish, seafood, and sweets that are unique for this region.
Ryoanji: Go to Ryoanji temple and see one of the most remarkable examples of a minimalist rock garden that is designed to make the viewers reflect and think.
Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion): Visit Ginkaku-ji temple which is yet another prominent Zen temple which is famous for its garden and the pavilion which was planned to be made of silver plate but up to now is not.
Heian Shrine: This immense complex of buildings has a beautiful vermillion torii gate and gorgeous gardens and is place of worship dedicated to the spirits of the first and the last emperors of Japan who ruled in Kyoto.
Aoi: This is in spring where temples, parks and river sides of Kyoto are beautified with cherry blossom. Places such as Maruyama Park and the Philosophers Lane are especially famous for cherry blossom viewing or Hanami.
Autumn Leaves: During the autumn, the whole view of Kyoto changes its color to red, orange and yellow due to the fallen leaves. The two temples which people can visit early in the season are Tofuku-ji and Eikando Temples are famed for their fall colors.
Nara: Nara is the place that was Japan’s first permanent capital they can be reached merely by train. Take a look at the giant statue of the seated Buddha at Todai-ji temple and explore such an area as Nara Park where deer are free.
Uji: Uji is the home of high quality green tea, Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 10-yen coin as well as the scenic river to enjoy a tea ceremony.
Lake Biwa: Chill out at the shores of the lake Biwa which is one of the largest fresh water lake in Japan with beautiful nature, hiking facilities and water sports.