Although the most famous temples and shrines are listed, you are bound to come across many others that are of equal architectural and historical interest.
A variety of tours of varying length of time are plentiful in Kyoto itself and from Osaka or Tokyo with English speaking guides. But whichever way you choose to view the treasures of Kyoto, you will never see enough - and never be disappointed.
Notes: Museums, unless otherwise noted, are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday falls on a national holiday; and at the year end/new year holiday. Many temples and shrines request a modest admission to contribute to their upkeep. It is usually included in tour packages.
- CENTRAL KYOTO
- Higashi-Honganji Temple is the largest wooden building in Kyoto. Founded by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1602, the present buildings date from 1895.
Nishi-Honganji Temple, called one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture in Kyoto, was founded in 1272 in Higashiyama but moved to its present site in 1591. Along with Higashi-Honganji, it is the fountainhead for Jodo-Shinshu Buddhism, one of the largest sects in the country.
Shokoku-ji of the Gozan (Five Great Zen temples of Kyoto) was founded in 1392, and was once a famous painting academy. Jotenkaku Museum is located within its precincts.
The Museum of Kyoto is the most recent and a highly significant addition to the many attractions of Kyoto. A large building of coherent displays, it depicts and defines the traditions of Kyoto as they were to what they are, and continue to be, today. Incorporating every spectrum of society and as many facets of it as possible, this museum examines an aspect of Kyoto's history not fully covered until now Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed 3rd Wed. monthly.
Nijo Castle was built by the Tokugawa shogun in 1603, although Tokugawas rarely stayed there. Gorgeous details and a specially constructed 'nightingale' floor to warn of approaching visitors.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is noted for its striking simplicity. The present site was chosen in 1790, and the present palace was completed in 1855, after the former one was destroyed by fire. The style reflects as closely as possible the original styles. Check for visiting conditions with the Imperial Household Agency. (See Note for Imperial Palace and Villa Visitors.)
Shimogamo Shrine, in the dense Tadasuno-Mori Forest, is well-known for its hollyhock Aoi Matsuri (Festival) and is located near the confluence of the Kamo and Takano Rivers. Along with its sister Kamigamo Shrine, it was founded long before Kyoto.
Nishijin Textile Center, at Horikawadori Imadegawa, is named ;after the district that was and still is famous for weaving the superb Nishijin silk. Nishijin products are exhibited and Kimono shows are held. Open daily.
Kitano Temmangu Shrine, southwest of Daitokuji Temple, was founded in 947 to honor the wronged 9th century scholar Michizane Sugawara. Among the shrine's treasures are two sets of scrolls in the Treasure Museum, considered the best of their kind, illustrating the history of the shrine. Open monthly on the 25th if the weather is fine.
- EASTERN KYOTO (Higashiyama)
- Kiyomizu Temple. perched daringly on a steep hillside, is possibly the most beloved temple in the nation. Founded in 798, its present buildings date mostly from 1633, and it is entered from 'Teapot Lane', so-called because of the numerous shops lining the approach that sell Kiyomizu ceramics.
Sanjusangendo Temple features 1,001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy: the main one carved by the master sculptor Tankei at age 82. First built in 1164; rebuilt in 1266. The rear archery field is still used for special occasions.
Kyoto National Museum, under the aegis of the Imperial Household, was erected in 1897. More than 10,000 choice art works deposited by temples, shrines and individuals are housed in this invaluable collection. Closed Mon. and from Dcc. 26 Jan. 3.
Kawai Kanjiro's House presents an excellent opportunity both to visit a traditional Japanese house and view pottery created by the late, world-famous Kawai Kanjiro (1890 - 1967).
Maruyama Park, just a little east of Yasaka Shrine, is known for its beautifully landscaped garden and its magnificent cherry blossoms ill spring. Yasaka Shrine, affectionately called 'Gion-san' by the throngs of regular devotees, features one of the tallest Torii gates (1666) in Japan, and an unusual main hall built in the residential 'Gion zukuri' style (1654).
Gion Corner provides an interesting selection of various traditional arts - from the tea ceremony to ancient court music. 7:40 and 8:40 every evening, March through November except Aug.16. Tickets, Y2,500, available at hotels, travel agencies and at the Gion Corner itself.
Heian Shrine, a scaled-down replica of the first Imperial Palace in Kyoto built by Emperor Kammu in 794 and dedicated to him, was constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The rear garden is outstanding.
Kyoto Municipal Museum of Traditional Industry, near the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, gives a fascinating insight into the traditional arts of Kyoto. Elaborately dyed silks, embroideries, porcelain, lacquer ware, dolls, cloisonne, folding fans (invented in Japan), Buddhist altar fittings, damascene ware, bamboo handicrafts, hand made Japanese paper and so forth. Many of these arts and crafts are demonstrated.
Chion-in Temple, at the north end of Maruyama Park, is one of the largest and most famous temples in the nation. Headquarters of the important Jodo sect, it was founded in 1234. The present buildings date mainly from 1619 to 1641.
Shoren-in Temple, north of Chion-in, was long the resident of the head abbots of the Tendai sect, who were invariably imperial princes. Founded in 1144, the modern-day structures were erected in 1895. The garden, considered one of the finest in Kyoto, was designed by the masters Soami and Enshu.
Nanzenji Temple, originally a detached palace of Emperor Kameyama in the 1 3th century, became the headquarters of the great Rinzai sect in 1293. In spite of fires, an eclectic collection of notable structures remain. Ginkakuji Temple, or Silver Pavilion never was covered with silver as was intended. The Ashikaga-era shogun who had it erected in 1489 died before this could be realized. However, the exquisite pavilion and its accompanying matchless garden are perennial favorites with visitors.
- NORTHERN KYOTO
- Shisendo Temple was originally the private retreat of Jozan Ishikawa, a renowned Edo period poet and scholar. A delicate, diminutive structure, it flows naturally into an exquisitely microscopic garden that is a masterpiece of landscaped art.
Daitokuji Temple, embodying the precepts of Zen-style architecture on a grand scale was, with its carefully landscaped gardens, built up between the 15th and 17th centuries.
- WESTERN KYOTO
- Kinkakuji Temple, or Golden Pavilion, is an exact replica of the 15th century structure that was burned down in 1950. Rebuilt in 1955, it still exudes an impression of timelessness.
Ryoanji Temple, justly famous for its exquisite garden of 15 judiciously placed rocks and raked sand, was designed by Soami in 1473. Ideal for contemplation, with its Zen influence.
Koryuji Temple, south of Movieland, houses, amongst various priceless Buddhist statues, the famed Miroku-bosatsu (early 7th century) with its enigmatic smile. It was founded in 622 for the repose of Prince Shotoku's soul. The Lecture Hall is the second oldest building in Kyoto.
Toei Movieland consists of an outdoor set of a feudal age town still in use for period movies. Actors in costume for shooting heighten the historical mood. Miniature castles, houses and shops for filming in the Film Art Hall on the grounds are displayed along with a brief history of Japan's film industry.
Yuzen Cultural Hall, with its beautiful display of Yuzen technique silk kimono, also demonstrates the 300-year-old dyeing technique. Closed Mon.
Tenryuji Temple ranks foremost among the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Although the handsome buildings are mostly late 19th century, the spacious garden from the Muromachi period (14th to 16th centuries) is exceptional.
- SOUTHERN KYOTO
- Toji Temple was founded in 796. Repeated fires failed to claim a variety of treasured art objects. The five-storied pagoda, rebuilt in 1644, is the tallest in Japan (184 ft.). A monthly flea market on the 21st.
Tofukuji Temple includes rare examples of early Zen architecture. Founded in the mid-13th century, its many gardens, ranging from one of cultivated moss to one of skillfully placed stones and raked sand have always been much admired.
- SIDE TRIPS
- Katsura Imperial Villa is another jewel worth taking the time to obtain permission to view. The 'stroll-type' exquisitely landscaped garden is dotted with delicately constructed tea houses. Mostly 17th century. (See Note for Imperial Palace and Villa Visitors.)
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is more than worth the prior permission necessary to view this breathtaking example of landscaping art. Constructed in the 17th century by a Tokugawa shogun for a retired emperor, it is the largest garden in Kyoto. (See Note for Imperial Palace and Villa Visitors.)
Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, north of Kyoto, has an unusually relaxed Amitabha trinity and beautifully natural gardens. The maple leaves in November are considered among the best.
Jakkoin Temple is a secluded Buddhist convent to the west of Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara. It was here that the Empress Dowager Kenrei-mon-in became a nun in 1185 after the death of her infant son, the Emperor Antoku, in the sea battle of Dannoura.Her tomb is on the hillside behind. The beautiful views of the maple trees are also worth admiring.
Mt. Hiei, in the northeastern part of Kyoto, is as equally famous for its spectacular vistas from the summit as it is for prestigious Enryakuji Temple. The temple has been a major influence in the Buddhist world since it was founded in 788. Set in a deep cedar forest, it at one time numbered 3,000 buildings in its three precincts. Most of its present buildings date from the mid-17th century.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is very close to either Keihan's Fushimi-lnari Stn. or JR Inari Stn. The head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land, it was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities. The more than 10,000 red painted Torii gates straddling the four-kilometer path up the hill behind it were donated by the faithful, as were the many stone statues of foxes, messengers of the Inari Taisha Shrine.
Byodoin Temple, in Uji City, center of the famous tea-growing district, is also known for the Phoenix Hall Temple with its gracefully upswept eaves and two bronze phoenixes on the gables of the main roof. Built in the early 11th century as a pavilion for a Fujiwara noble, it was converted to a temple by his son.
Note for Imperial Palace and Villa Visitors: Those who want to visit the Imperial Palace and Villas mentioned here must have a pass issued by the Kyoto Office, Imperial Household Agency at Kyoto Gyoen Nai, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto. Phone: (075) 211-1215. The office is open 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays.Kyoto Imperial Palace: Apply for a pass with your passport, 20 min. before the 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. tour. Closed on Saturday afternoons, all day on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays and the year end/new year holiday.
Katsura & Shugakuin Imperial Villas and Sento Palace: Applications in advance are accepted from three months before your intended day of visit, either in person, by phone or by mail. Then visit the Agency to pick up a pass a day prior to your visit. Your passport should be presented. Limited to those 20 years old and over. Admission free.
This WWW version of the guide is brought us by courtesy of Japan Window project.
