The first thing that comes to mind at the word Kyoto is the famous golden temple, bright autumn and spring landscapes, a huge number of shops. This city rightfully deserves the title of one of the pearls of Japan, because it was the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun for almost 900 years.
Kyoto Temples
In Kyoto attractions, a large number of unique Japanese and Buddhist temples were built, some of which are more than a thousand years old.
1. Golden Temple.
This is the most famous temple in Kyoto. It got its name due to the fact that its second and third floors are completely gilded. Real gold sparkles and reflects in the surface of the Mirror Lake, around which there is a garden with centuries-old pines. The entrance to the temple is paid. The place is very popular, especially after the publication of Murakami’s book The Golden Temple. Not far from the temple is a tea house where you can enjoy Japanese tea overlooking the temple.
2. Byodo-in Temple
This is a unique Shinto shrine dedicated to Japanese gods and goddesses. Inside the temple there are several halls, each of which is dedicated to the gods and the Buddha. The most spectacular place of the temple is the Phoenix Hall, located in a special way, because of which from the facade the hall looks like a big bird, spreading its wings. The hall has a large number of sculptures, ancient paintings on bamboo cloth and antiques.
3. Silver Temple
This is a small temple, also called a pavilion, located on the shore of a lake surrounded by gardens. The temple has only two floors, but they, like the golden temple, have silver-plated outer walls that are reflected in the smooth water. There is a rock garden in the back of the temple.
4. Toji Temple
This is a unique five-tiered temple, rising to 57 meters. The temple is completely black in color with a beautiful spire and an elegant roof, located on a lake with a flowering garden. Inside the temple, in the main hall, are the oldest Buddhist texts that constitute the intellectual treasure of Japan.
Kyoto Museums
1. Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum is dedicated to the art of Japan, China and Korea during the period of isolation from Europe. In the museum you can see amazing paintings, statues, vases and other antiques. Entrance fee for an adult is 520 yen, visiting time: from 9:30 to 17:00.
2. Samurai and Ninja Museum
Those who wish to learn more about the art of ancient Japanese warriors can visit the Samurai and Ninja Museum. The armor of warriors, their personal belongings, weapons, documents and the code of the samurai are presented there, as well as guides will tell you about the most famous warriors of their time.
3. Railway Museum
Japan is famous for its high-speed trains as well as its convenient transportation system. In Kyoto, you can visit the railway museum, where real trips are presented in closed pavilions – both modern and old, which went to Japan at the end of the century before last.
4. Manga Museum
One of the most specific museums is the Manga Museum. Manga are Japanese comics, elevated in the Land of the Rising Sun to the level of a cult. For those who are familiar with Japanese animation, this museum will be of great interest.
Kyoto Parks
1. Iwatayama.
One of the most unusual parks in Japan is Iwatayama, the Japanese monkey park. It is located in the mountains of Arashiyama, where trains run. Several dozens of monkeys, accustomed to people, live in parks. For a fee, you can buy food from the caretakers and feed the snow monkeys.
2. Sagano Bamboo Grove
Visiting Kyoto in the summer, it is worth looking into the bamboo face. Tall bamboo stalks line both sides of the alley, creating an amazing view. Other trees alternate with bamboo. It is pleasant to walk in the park in the evening hours – it is always clean and cool there.
3. Kyoto Botanical Garden
The park is divided into several thematic zones, which are inhabited by special plants that need a certain climate. The park is worth a visit in the summer – more than a hundred thousand plants of all kinds and forms bloom in it.
