Showing 1-19 of 19 results
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Chion-In
The most impressive single sight in Southern Higashiyama, Chion-in is a must-see for those with a taste for the grand and glorious. It was built by the monk Genchi in 1234 on the site where his mentor, Hōnen, had taught and eventually fasted to death. Today it is still the headquarters of the Jōdo school, which was founded by Hōnen, and it's a hive of religious activity.
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Daigo-Ji
Daigo-ji was founded in 874 by Shobo, who gave it the name Daigo (meaning 'the ultimate essence of milk'). This refers to the five periods of Buddha's teaching, which were compared to the five forms of milk prepared in India - the highest form is called daigo in Japanese.
The temple was expanded into a vast complex on two levels, Shimo Daigo (lower) and Kami Daigo (upper). Kami Daigo is atop Daigo-yama, behind the temple.
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Daikaku-Ji
Daikaku-ji was built in the 9th century as a palace for Emperor Saga, who then converted it into a temple (one of Kyoto's less-commonly visited temples). The present buildings date from the 16th century and are palatial in style; they also contain some impressive paintings. The large Osawa-no-ike pond was once used by the emperor for boating and is a popular spot for viewing the harvest moon. Located a 25-minute walk northeast of Nison-in
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Daitoku-Ji
Daitoku-ji is a separate world within Kyoto - a world of Zen temples, perfectly raked gardens and wandering lanes. It is one of the most rewarding destinations in this part of the city, particularly for those with an interest in Japanese gardens.
Daitoku-ji, the headquarters of the Rinzai Daitoku-ji school, contains an extensive complex of 24 subtemples - including Daisen-in, Kōtō-in, Obai-in, Ryōgen-in and Zuihō-in. If you want an intensive look at Zen culture, this is the place to visit.
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Eikan-Dō
Perhaps Kyoto's most famous (and most crowded) autumn foliage destination, Eikan-dō should probably be avoided in November, but is worth a visit at other times of year.
This temple is made interesting by its varied architecture, its gardens and works of art. A fabulous spot for viewing the autumn colours, the temple was founded as Zenrin-ji in 855 by the priest Shinshō, but the name was changed to Eikan-dō in the 11th century to honour the philanthropic priest Eikan.
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Fushimi-Inari-Taisha
With seemingly endless arcades of vermilion torii (shrine gates) spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this vast shrine complex is a world unto its own. It is, quite simply, one of the most impressive and memorable sights in all of Kyoto.
The shrine was dedicated to the gods of rice and sake by the Hata family in the 8th century. As the role of agriculture diminished, deities were enrolled to ensure prosperity in business.
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Ginkaku-Ji
With a sublime wooden hall overlooking an impressive stroll garden, Ginkaku-ji is easily one of Kyoto's most beautiful sights. Unfortunately, the beauty of the place guarantees that it is almost always swamped with bus loads of visitors from all over the world. We recommend visiting just after it opens, ideally on a weekday morning. Failing that, try coming just before it closes, as the setting sun casts its golden light over the hills above the temple.
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Hiei-Zan & Enryaku-Ji
A visit to 848m-high Hiei-zan and the vast Enryaku-ji complex is a good way to spend half a day hiking, poking around temples and enjoying the atmosphere of a key site in Japanese history.
Enryaku-ji was founded in 788 by Saichō, also known as Dengyō-daishi, the priest who established the Tenzai school. This school did not receive imperial recognition until 823, after Saichō's death; however, from the 8th century the temple grew in power.
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Hōmotsukan Treasure House
The Hōmotsukan Treasure House contains the original temple bell and door paintings and the original phoenix roof adornments. Allow about an hour to wander through the grounds.
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Kamigamo-Jinja
Kamigamo-jinja is one of Japan's oldest shrines and predates the founding of Kyoto. Established in 679, it is dedicated to Raijin, the god of thunder, and is one of Kyoto's 17 Unesco World Heritage sites. The present buildings (more than 40 in all), including the impressive Haiden hall, are exact reproductions of the originals, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.
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Kennin-Ji
Founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It's an island of peace and calm on the border of the boisterous Gion nightlife district and it makes a fine counterpoint to the worldly pleasures of that area. The highlight is the fine and expansive karesansui garden. The painting of the twin dragons on the roof of the Hōdō hall is also fantastic; access to this hall is via two gates with rather puzzling English operating instructions (you'll see what we mean).
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Kinkaku-Ji
Second only to Mt Fuji as Japan's most famous sight, this temple is famous for its dazzling gold-covered main hall, which floats like an apparition over its surrounding pond. It's a stunning vision and most people find it to their liking, although some prefer the more subdued appearance of its counterpart, Ginkaku-ji. Needless to say, the temple receives masses of visitors; as usual, we recommend an early-morning or late-afternoon visit.
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Kyoto Station
The Kyoto Station building is a striking steel-and-glass structure - a kind of futuristic cathedral for the transport age. Unveiled in September 1997, the building met with some decidedly mixed reviews. Some critics assail the building as not keeping with the traditional architecture of Kyoto; others love its wide-open spaces and dramatic lines.
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Kyoto Tower
If you want to orient yourself as soon as you arrive in town, this is the place to do so. Located right outside the Karasuma (north) gate of the station, this retro tower looks like a rocket perched atop the Kyoto Tower Hotel. The tower provides excellent views in all directions and you can really get a sense for the Kyoto ' bon-chi '. There are free mounted binoculars to use, and these allow ripping views over to Kiyomizu-dera and as far south as Osaka.
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Manshu-In
Manshu-in was a popular retreat of former emperors and a great escape from the crowds. The temple was originally founded by Saichō on Hiei-zan, but was relocated here at the beginning of the Edo period by Ryōshōhō, the son of Prince Hachijōnomiya Tomohito (who built Katsura Rikyū).
The graceful temple architecture is often compared with Katsura Rikyū for its detailed woodwork and rare works of art, such as fusuma-e sliding doors painted by Kanō Eitoku, a famed artist of the Momoyama period.
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Nanzen-Ji
This temple is one of the most pleasant in Kyoto, with its expansive grounds (that can be entered for free) and numerous subtemples, including Nanzen-in, Tenju-an and Konchi-in.
Nanzen-ji began as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama but was dedicated as a Zen temple on his death in 1291. Civil war in the 15th century destroyed most of the temple; the present buildings date from the 17th century. It operates now as the headquarters of the Rinzai school.
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Nijō-Jō
For those with an interest in Japan's feudal past and an eye for magnificent interiors, Nijō-jō is a fascinating destination. Keep in mind, though, that the castle is on the itinerary of every foreign and Japanese tour group and it can be packed. If you're after peace and quiet, try an early-morning or late-afternoon visit.
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Ninen-Zaka & Sannen-Zaka
This is one of Kyoto's most lovely restored neighbourhoods. The name refers to the two main streets of the area: Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, literally 'Two-Year Hill' and 'Three-Year Hill'. These two charming streets are lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants. If you fancy a break, there are many teahouses and cafés along these lanes. Located just downhill from and slightly to the north of Kiyomizu-dera,
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Sanjūsangen-Dō
The sheer number of Buddhist images at this temple make it among the more interesting and visually arresting sights in Kyoto. It makes a logical starting point to a full-day exploration of Southern Higashiyama.
The original temple, called Rengeō-in, was built in 1164 at the request of the retired emperor Go-shirakawa. After it burnt to the ground in 1249, a faithful copy was constructed in 1266.
The temple's name refers to the 33 sanjūsan (bays) between the pillars of this long, narrow building.
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Showing 1-19 of 19 results
