Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years, during which time it became a repository of the best achievements of Japanese art, culture, religion and thought. Pavilions with curved roofs are reflected here in the motionless surface of the ponds, coniferous trees grow neatly, it seems, straight from the rocks, and there are more than enough attractions for more than one eastern country. Among other things, Kyoto is an extremely urban, lively and youthful city with a lot of entertainment.
The city of Kyoto attracts millions of Japanese and foreign tourists every year, attracted by its traditional culture. The Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji temples, as well as other temples and shrines, are always full of visitors, as are the bamboo groves of the Arashiyama area. Stay in a traditional ryokan, take a hot bath in a healing onsen, and admire the cherry blossoms or colorful autumn leaves. The magical world of Kyoto is easily accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo. The prefecture has many beautiful rural areas. The Amanohashidate sandbar in the north is considered one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan. The mountain town of Miyama is one of the last to still have thatched residential buildings. Try delicious local vegetables and the famous green tea from the Uji region.
Tourists should definitely visit the Gosho Imperial Palace (founded in 794, the current building was built in 1855) with the Shishinden ceremonial hall, Sannaiden Palace, the living quarters of Emperor Seiryoden and the adjacent courtyard. Also very interesting is Nijo Castle (1603) with the inner palace of Ninomaru, famous for its unique system of “singing floors”, which at one time was a kind of security system, as well as with the classical Japanese gardens of Ninomaru and Seiryu-en.
“Golden Pavilion” of Kinkaku-ji (1397) with a roof covered with the thinnest gold plates and a unique sand garden, located on the shore of a picturesque lake, Rokuon-ji Temple, two-tiered “Silver Pavilion” of Ginkaku-ji (1489).
Tofuku-ji (“Temple of the Treasures of the East”, 1236), the temple complex of Kiyomizu-dera (“Temple of Pure Water”, 798, rebuilt in 1633) with a ritual waterfall. The oldest temple in the city is Yasaka-Jinja (10th-16th centuries) with a large park, the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa with a unique landscape park (1624, limited entry).
The famous rock gardens of Ryoan-ji and Sambo-In, the magnificent moss garden of Saiho-ji Temple (entrance is limited), the Katsura palace ensemble (17th century), To-ji temples (7-17th centuries), Heian-Jingu (1895) .), Nishi-Higashi, Nishi-Honganji (1272), Sanjusan-gedo (1164) and Tenryu-ji (16th century), as well as numerous imperial tombs, gardens and parks.
Kyoto can be reached by bullet train from most major cities in Japan. The closest airports are Itami (1 hour) and Kansai International (1 hour 20 minutes), both in Osaka Prefecture.