Buzz
Once the capital of Japan for a millennium, Kyoto brims with the glory of its past.
Alongside its UNESCO-recognized collection as a world cultural heritage, the ancient city boasts cultural gems like the geisha district and unique culinary traditions. Kyoto captivates visitors with its timeless elegance, featuring traditional shrines and castles, as well as a touch of modernity in vibrant bars and cafes.
1. The Golden Pavilion - Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, stands as the iconic symbol of Kyoto. The three-story structure, with its top two floors covered in pure gold leaf, reflects a dazzling golden glow across its surroundings, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. Despite its awe-inspiring exterior, the temple and its nearby areas provide visitors with a remarkably tranquil experience.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 400 yen
2. The Silver Temple - Ginkaku-ji
Alongside the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, the Silver Temple, Ginkaku-ji, stands as a source of pride for the people of the ancient city. Despite its name, the Ginkaku-ji, or Silver Pavilion, doesn't bear a trace of silver. The reason is the lack of funds during the Onin civil war, resulting in the temple retaining its original humble, natural brown wooden appearance.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (from December to February, opens from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
3. Ryoan-ji Temple
Located in the northwest of Kyoto, Ryoan-ji Temple was originally owned by the Fujiwara clan before being passed on to a branch of the Hosokawa clan. It stands out as one of the most remarkable examples of Japanese Zen landscape architecture. The main attraction of the temple is the dry rock garden. No one knows who designed it, and the meaning of the 15 scattered rocks on a bed of pebbles is a mystery. Some scholars believe it depicts a tiger with its cubs crossing a stream; others think it represents an ocean with small islands; or it could be the sky with clouds…
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (from December to February, opens from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
4. Toei Kyoto Film Studio Park
Eigamura, also known as Toei Kyoto, is a theme park where television filming activities take place. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the entire process, from on-set filming scenes to behind-the-scenes action.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (from December to February, opens from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Entrance Fee: 2,200 yen
5. Gion Historic District
While not the only remaining traditional geisha district in Japan, Gion is renowned for its collection of quaint streets, wooden houses, tea houses, and exclusive restaurants. At night, under the soft glow of lanterns, the entire district reveals the charm of ancient Kyoto. Every July, the Gion Matsuri festival takes place, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
6. Kyo-Ryori: Kyoto Cuisine
Kyo-Ryori is the epitome of culinary art in Kyoto, showcasing intricate aesthetics and refined flavors. To experience Kyo-Ryori, travelers must engage not only their sense of taste but also all their senses. The dishes of Kyo-Ryori are crafted to highlight the beauty of nature and the seasons. Elegance is achieved through skillful craftsmanship, moderation, and the simplicity of rustic charm.
Some renowned restaurants in Kyoto include Minokou, with a history of nearly 100 years, and the traditional Kinobu.
7. Tea Ceremony
In addition to its unique culinary scene, the tea ceremony is a cultural hallmark of Japan. For the Japanese, the tea ceremony (chadou, sadou, chanoyu) is a form of tea consumption for leisure in a tranquil space where both the host and guest seek mental relaxation and harmony with nature. In Kyoto, visitors can experience the tea ceremony at En, a small tea house located in the historic Gion district.
8. Kyoto Manga Museum
No exaggeration to call this museum a pilgrimage site for Manga enthusiasts. It houses an enormous collection of 300,000 manga and related artifacts. Visitors can comfortably choose any comic from tall wooden bookshelves lining the corridors or in the foyer for a delightful reading experience. Outside the museum, there's a café where guests can find an ideal spot to enjoy reading manga while sipping coffee.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays and New Year)
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
9. Shijo-Dori Shopping Street
Shijo-Dori stands as the central shopping district of Kyoto, beginning from Shijo Station with the 8-story Daimaru building specializing in cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing. Within this area, visitors can find renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Armani, as well as traditional Japanese craft shops and upscale souvenir stores.
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour.
MytourJune 26, 2015
