Japan | Kyoto Prefecture Travel Photos
Kyoto Overview
The imperial city of Kyoto (aka Heian-kyo, or "tranquility and peace capital") was the capital of Japan and the residence of the Imperial family from 794 AD to 1867. Kyoto is located in the central-western part of the island of Honshu. It is said that the "soul of Japan" dwells in 'Kansai,' the imperial region that encompasses Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
Destroyed by the great fire of Tenmei 8 in 1788, and rebuilt from the ashes, Kyoto has endured as a national symbol of pride and power for over a thousand years. Kyoto was nearly a target for the atomic bomb in WWII; thankfully it was spared due to its many historic treasures.
The city is surrounded by the bamboo-forested Kitayama, and Higashiyama mountain ranges on its northern, western, and eastern sides, making it one of the most picturesque and historical locations in Japan. This page explores some of Kyoto's most significant travel destinations, including its many temples, shrines, and other scenic locations.
Kyoto Attractions
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Between late March and early April, the Cherry Blossoms, or "Sakura" are in full bloom. This is a favorite time of the year for the locals, and for people from around Japan to witness one of nature's miracles. There are many locations that are known for their spectacular Sakura displays.
Sakura Cherry Blossom Photos
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The historic geisha-districts of Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi are situated to the east of the Kamo River, at the foot of Yasaka Shrine and the Higashiyama mountains. Gion is the ideal place to take in the ambiance of 'Old Kyoto,' with its traditional architecture and Geisha culture. Gion is known for its well-preserved 'Machiya,' or "merchant houses."
Gion Kobu Photos
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Mysterious and inigmatic, the Geisha of Gion have been deemed "living national treasures" by the Japanese government. Although Gion's "flower town" is both the home and workplace of the Geisha, they can be difficult to spot because they quickly make their way through the streets and back alleys to their appointments.
Gion Geisha Photos
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The Ginkakuji Temple, or "Temple of the Siver Pavilion" was one of the fist traditional teahouses (cha-shitsu) in Japan, built for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the 1400s. The temple backs up to the bamboo-forested Higashiyama mountains, with hiking paths that offer a great view of Kyoto's northern section.
Ginkakuji Temple Photos
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The Rokuon-ji, or Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" is a gold-leaf covered Zen Temple that was originally a residence built for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1937. The Golden Pavilion is located in the Kita-ku ward in the north-western part of Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji's gardens have an ethereal and surreal look that is more art than landscape.
Golden Pavilion Photos
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The Heian Jingu Shrine is a re-creation of the original Daigoku-den or 'Palace of the State Hall' which was destroyed by fire in 1177. The Shrine is marked by the 24 meter high torii gate, and is surrounded by 33,000 square meters of traditional Japanese gardens. The Heian Jingu Shrine was erected as a memorial in 1976.
Heian Jingu Shrine Photos
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The Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine llocated in the south-eastern ward of Fushimi-ku, that was founded in 711 AD. The path to is lined with hundreds of traditional vermillion Japanese gates called torii. The shrine, dedicated to the spirit of ine-nari or "growing rice," was featured in the film 'Memoirs of a Geisha.'
Fushimi Inari Shrine Photos
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The Kaiseki meal is ritualistic culinary experience that is distinctive to Kyoto, having its roots in Zen Buddhism. In the Buddhist tradition, Kaiseki is typically a tofu-based vegetarian meal, containing many beautifully presented courses, served at choreographed intervals. Modern interpretations may contain some fish and chicken.
Kaiseki Meal Photos
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The Kiyomizu-dera, or "pure water" Temple is one of Kyoto's most important and beautiful temples, and a major pilgrimage site for the Kita Hoso sect of the Buddhist faith. The shrine, built in 778 AD, overhangs and meanders along the base of the bamboo-forested Higashiyama mountains in southeastern Kyoto.
Kiyomizu Temple Photos
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The Kodaiji Temple is situated along the Higashiyama Path, between the Yasaka Shrine and Ninen-zaka. The temple was built in the 1500s by the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan. Master landscape architect, Kobori Enshu, designed many of Kodaiji's beautiful gardens.
Kodaiji Temple Photos
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The 'Kyoto Gosho,' or Kyoto Imperial Palace, was built in 1855, after fire destroyed the earlier version. The palace, located in the civic center's Kamigyo-ku ward, was the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. The palace grounds are surrounded by Kyoto Imperial Park.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Photos
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Nijo Castle was built in 1626 by the founder of Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Destroyed by the city-wide 'Great Fire of Tenmei 8' in 1788, the castle was not rebuilt until 1862. Nijo Castle is located in the Nakagyo-ku or 'central capital ward,' west of the Imperial Palace.
Under Construction
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the Higashiyama Path connects with Ninenzaka street, forming a continuous link between the temples of eastern Kyoto's Higashiyama-ku. Together, they create a several-kilometer walking path that stretches from Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the south, joining together at the Ryozen Kannon memorial.
Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Photos
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The so-called "Philosopher's Walk" or "Path of Philosophy" is a favorite weekend strolling path along the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. The path connects Ginkakuji Temple to the north, with Kumano Nyakuo-ji Shrine to the south. The path is especially beautiful during sakura season in April and May.
'Path of Philosophy' Photos
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Ryozen Kannon, the 'Goddess of Mercy' is a Buddha-like 24 meter tall hollow statue that was built as a memorial to the Japanese victims of World War II. The Ryozen Kannon is situated along the Higashiyama Path, between the Yasaka Shrine and Ninen-zaka.
Ryozen Kannon Photos
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The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or Sado, is a ritualistic method of preparing and drinking a unique powdered tea called matcha. The Sado tea ceremony has its roots in Zen Buddhism and the Samuri culture, and is performed by Geisha or a host in a private residence.
Chado Tea Ceremony Photos
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The Kikoku-tei, or "Orange Grove" Shosei-en Garden is located in the heart of the city, and is one of the most historic Heian-period gardens in Kyoto, dating back to the 1600s. The garden was designed by the legendary landscape architect Kobori Enshu.
Shosei-en Garden
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Yasaka is a Shinto shrine located in Higashiyama-ku that was built in 656 AD. The shrine and surrounding Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto's most popular destinations, and is a favorite spot for viewing cherry-blossoms. Yasaka Shrine is also known for its Gion Matsuri festival in July and its New Year celebration.
Yasaka Shrine Photos
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This page features an odd assortment of random photographs that could not be categorized with a particular sightseeing location. These photos show Kyoto's urban and suburban life, as well as a humorous collection of oddities and curiosities from around the city.
Miscellaneous Photos of Kyoto
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Detailed map of Kyoto's major gardens, shrines, temples, and other significant sightseeing attractions, as well as walking paths and hiking trails.
Kyoto City Map
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