My favorite city in Japan. I really suggest visiting the eastern side temples by bike, so look for a rental near your lodging. Follow list: https://foursquare.com/fluying/list/kyoto-and-mount-kurama
The hub with the rest of Japan, from here you can do day trips to Himenji, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima. Be sure to buy a JR pass before entering Japan.
Don't miss the followings : 1.Golden Kannon 2. the stone Budhas 3. The views of Kyoto 3. The pagoda
Totally underrated, this temple is a summary of Kyoto, a zen garden, a worship hall, a couple of tea ceremony rooms, a bamboo forest, a beautiful garden and two memorial halls. A totally must see.
If you go in the late afternoon just before sunset you will finds lots of girls wearing traditional clothes. If you are polite probably they will love to smile for your picture.
Not so crowed and really beautiful rooms, praying halls and gardens. Lots of art works.
Although it's nice, for sure its not the most attracting temple. I would suggest skipping it if you are short on time.
Beautiful all year long, specially in spring and autumn. If you rent a bike even better, it's a beautiful ride.
In the temple shop, you may ask to be served a tea prepared according the tea ceremony procedures. Love it. 500 yen.
the new wing itself is a displayed masterpiece..designed by yoshio taniguchi..a pure beautiful simplicity that you can't help but appreciate that such piece of work exists..
Ears and noses of thousands of Koreans victims were buried in this place during the XVI century. In those times, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, invaded China and Korea a couple of times.
Toyokuni Shrine is the official tomb and shrine of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who died September 18, 1598 in Kyoto. Regarded as Japan's second "great unifier", Hideyoshi, was warrior, samurai, and politician
Nembutsu: One never fails//To reach the Pure Land if one calls,//Just Once, //The name of Amida
A large stone marks the tomb of Eisai Zenji (栄西禅師), who brought Rinzai Zen Buddhism and green tea to Japan.
Cool little street to walk down, but restaurants and bars all seem like tourist trips. Worth it to sightsee, not sure I'd eat here.
The best way to get to know a city is through its markets! Nishiki Market is a combination of new and old. Traditional ware and modern boutiques. Skip the departmental stores and come here.
As it's popular among young people, it's common to find buskers performing here.
The Kamo-gawa (Kamo River), running thru Kyoto. West bank = restaurants with open-air balconies. East bank = excellent biking/walking/running trail away from traffic. I biked it for several miles.
The Tokugawa stronghold, Nijo Castle is another great stop in Kyoto, it depicts most of the dominant culture of Japan in the olden days, and is well-kept. Prepare to immerse in a wave of Japanese cult
Enjoyed the local festival here called "Mitarashi festival" where the locals walk through ice-cold river stream, praying for health during summer... Magical atmosphere! :-)
Probably not the best but one of he most famous temples. Anyway is a good idea to visit together with Ryoan-ji.
Zen gardens are about the beauty, happiness and love you feel inside by just being there, watching. So there is no photo with this tip.
After leaving Okochi Sanso, follow the bamboo forest path back in the direction you came from and you will soon come to Nonomiya Shrine where the wind often rustles musically through the bamboo leaves Read more.
Beautiful place if you need a break from Kyoto temples. Come early as it can get very crowded. The visit won't take too long so later you can head to Arashimaya town and have a nice lunch there.
No es imprescindible pero al estar al final del bambusal se ve rápido. El jardín mejor en otoño
More than 10k vermilion torii gates frame a 4km path.The gates are replaced every 10 yr, by companies looking for success.Check the black letters on each gate 2 know which company made the donation.
Tofukuji Temple is a bit of a walk from the JR Tokufuji station. A slightly uphill walk, but well worth it as this temple has some of the best views. Come during Autumn for the changing leaves.
the only way to visit it through a complex pre booking. So google it way in advance before travelling or you won't get in. Visit includes chanting, calligraphy and moss gardens. Nice!
Beautiful mountain, and for many people a spiritual magical place. Great as day trip (or day and half) from Kyoto. Check this map to understand the full trail.
Temple on top of Mount Kurama. It's marvelous. You get there through a small trail, with even more temples and Torii. If you are luck y enough you will catch the monks singing.
Both the ryokan and the onsen offer an incredible experience. If you plan to sleep one night in Kurama or if just did a day trip, don't miss ending the day in their calming hot waters.
