KYOTO

Kyoto stretches between the southeast and northwest of the central and northern Kansai Region (Midwest Japan). It has three geographical features, including the sawtoothed coast area around Maizuru Bay in the northwest, the Tamba Mountains in the centre and the Kyoto Basin in the southeast.
Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century. It flourished as the centre of Japanese politics, economy and culture for some 1,100 years until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the mid 19th century. The city retains many temples and shrines that were built during this long period. Seventeen historic sites, including the Kiyomizudera Temple and the Nijo-jo Castle, have been designated as World Cultural Heritage sites.
Kyoto’s highl ight s include Maiko, young dancing enter tainers who wear kimonos with long hanging sleeves; the townscape in the Gion, characterised by its popular 19th century latticework and Nishijin, where weavers create Nishijin-ori textiles with vivid coloured threads. The three major festivals are Aoi-Matsuri Festival in early summer, Gion- Matsuri Festival in summer and Jidai- Matsuri Festival in autumn.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kinugasa and Omuro

Northwestern Kyoto, near Mt. Kinugasa, and the area between Kinugasa and Omuro flourished as a home of aristocrats and the imperial family in the Heian Period of the 8th centur y. World Cultural Heritage sites are dotted throughout this district, including the fascinating villas that were once home to aristocrats. Many temples and shrines were built along the road known as Kinukake-no-michi, including the Kinkaku-ji Temple or Golden Pavilion, a World Cultural Heritage site. The Kinkaku-ji Temple is a three-storied structure covered with gold foil, restored to its full effect in 1988. The stone garden at the Ryoan-ji Temple represents Zen philosophy, consisting merely of 15 stones of different sizes placed in white sand representing an image of the expanding sea and islands.

Sagano and Arashi-yama

Sagano and Arashi-yama are located in the western part of Kyoto. In the 8th century, aristocrats often came to this area of rice fields and bamboo woods to enjoy the scenery, or go boating. The Sagano area has a number of temples including the Daikaku-ji Temple, the Jojakko-ji Temple with Taho-to Tower, the Nison-in Temple with the statues of Buddha Shaka-nyorai and Buddha Amida-nyorai, Jikishi-an and its statue of Buddha Shaka-nyorai, the Seiryo-ji Temple and statue of Buddha Shaka-nyorai and the Adashi-no- Nembutsu-ji Temple. Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which retains its 17th century quality, spans the Hozu-gawa River at the foot of Arashi-yama. Every August, people write their wishes on “toro” lanterns and let them float away on the Hozu-gawa River. This beautiful sight is called “manto-nagashi” or ten-thousand lanterns.

Higashiyama Area

Higashiyama is located at the west end of the Higashiyama Mountain Range. As early as the mid 14th century, many shrines, temples and aristocrats’ villas were built in this area, and architecture, gardens, and many cultural practices, including painting, crafts, flower arrangement (ikebana), the tea ceremony (sado) and Noh performances, flourished and developed there. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is located in southern Higashiyama. It is built halfway up a steep cliff and the main hall projects over a precipice. Yasaka-jinja Shrine, built around the 7th century, is well known as the central site of the Gion-matsuri summer festival. Heian-jingu Shrine is located in the city’s north, and is where the Jidai-matsuri (Festival of the Ages) autumn festival, which features a costume parade, is held. This graceful red-painted shrine is coloured with Hekiruri, an earthen roof material with a green glaze. Nanzen-ji Temple, which flourished in the Momoyama Period in the late 16th century, includes many attractions, such as the 22 metre-high San-mon Gate (main gate), the 124 fusuma (sliding door) paintings by the Kano Family and the Ho-jo (the abbot’s living quarters). There is also a dry garden which is often referred to as “the Crossing of Tiger Cubs” as the formation looks like a mother tiger holding her cubs and crossing a river.

KYOTO ATTRACTIONS

Ryoan-ji Temple

Ryoan-ji, which houses Japan’s most revered Zen garden built in 1450, is sure to be a blast for art enthusiasts. The simplicity, tranquillity and stark asymmetry of the rocks carefully positioned in the raked gravel garden is remarkable. After pondering the garden’s “sermon in stone”, visitors can check out the temple’s serene pond and larger greener gardens. Hours vary seasonally. Admission ¥500.

Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is one of Kyoto’s many UNSECO heritage site s and rightly so. This opulen t f or t res s with ornate gateways and understated elegance was built in 1626 to awe guests. Don’t miss the palace’s special floorboards called “nightingale floors,” which creak (or chirp!) when trod upon. The paranoid shogun had them made to alert him of intruders. Open: 8:45-17:00. Admission ¥600.