Asia Travel Guide |
嶄猟 |
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 Kyoto |
Kyoto is often called "Japan's heartland", and it is said that it is impossible to know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto.
On the other hand, Kyoto is not simply protecting its old traditions and culture, but is rather building upon the rich traditions of predecessors as a foundation for open domestic and international exchange. It is a city which maintains a revolutionary spirit, a city of ideas and the cultural capital of Japan, constantly creating new traditions. In a partnership of trust with the people, efforts are made to create a "relaxing lifestyle in a vibrant city", as a positive response towards the new era, while simultaneously protecting and developing traditional culture. Kyoto is a true jewel - Japan's asset and the world's treasure. |
| Fact |
| Area Code: |
81-75 |
Time Zone: |
GMT + 09:00 |
Electricity: |
220V, 50HZ |
| Airport: |
Kansai International Airport (KIX) |
Distance: |
40 km from the city center |
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| Average Temperature (oF) |
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 41 |
41.5 |
49 |
57.5 |
66.5 |
73 |
81 |
83 |
75.5 |
64.5 |
54 |
45 |
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| Other Attraction |
| Shopping: |
Kyoto Handicraft Center |
Meidi-ya |
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| Night Life: |
Evening Stroll through Ponto Cho & Gion |
Jumbo Karaoke |
Sent James Club |
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| Ryoanji Temple |
Ryoan-ji belongs to Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It was established in 1450 on the site of the Tokudaiji (also known as Enyuji), dating back to 983. But the temple burnt down during the Onin War (1467-68) and was reconstructed between 1488 and 1499.
The temple owes its fame to its karesansui,a "dry landscape" of 15 rocks amidst a sea of sand. The dry landscape capture the essence of Zen Buddhism's quiet meditation and is considered a masterpiece of Japanese culture. However, the 15th century designer and its interpretation remain unknown. The garden also changes with the seasons and the shadows brought by the branches reaching over its walls. The longer one stares at it and the more fascinating it becomes. Try to come early the morning to avoid the crowds, especially if you visit it during the school trip season or school holidays.
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| Opening Hours: |
8:00am-5:00pm Mar-Nov |
Recommended Time for a Visit: |
2 - 3 Hours |
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8:30am-4:30pm Dec-Feb |
Distance to City Center: |
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| Kyoto Imperial Palace |
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the home of the Emperors of Japan from 794, when Heian (Kyoto) replaced Nara as capital, to 1868, when to capital was moved to Tokyo.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is enclosed by an earthen wall (tsuiji) stretching 450m north-south and 250m east-west. It has 6 gates, including the main gate, Kenreimon. The main buildings are the Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall), Seiryoden (Main Palace), Tsune-Gosho (Regular Palace) and Ko-Gosho (Small Palace). The current buildings date from 1855.
Tours in English are available but reservations are required |
| Opening Hours: |
All Day |
Recommended Time for a Visit: |
1 Hours |
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Distance to City Center: |
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| Kitano Tenmangu |
Kitano Tenmangu, established in the tenth century, is the patron saint of students, who flock here from all over the country to pray for success in examinations
The shrine is a must-see if you are in Kyoto on the 25th of the month when a huge flea market (known as Tenjin-san to the locals) takes over the grounds of the shrine.
Kitano Tenmangu is also famous for its plum blossoms which can be seen in their full glory usually in February or early March. The shrine was built in honor of poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane, who fell out of favor wuth the ruling Fujiwara clan and was exiled to Kyushu. |
| Opening Hours: |
9:00am~5:00pm(Enter by 4:30pm) |
Recommended Time for a Visit: |
2 - 3 Hours |
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| Kiyomizu Temple |
This is Higashiyama-ku's most famous temple, known throughout Japan for the grand views afforded from its main hall. Founded in 798 and rebuilt in 1633 by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the temple occupies an exalted spot on Mount Otowa, with its main hall constructed over a cliff and featuring a large wooden veranda supported by 139 pillars, each 15m (49 ft.) high. The main hall is dedicated to the goddess of mercy and compassion, but most visitors come for the magnificence of its height and view, which are so well known to Japanese that the idiom "jumping from the veranda of Kiyomizu Temple" means that they're about to undertake some particularly bold or daring adventure. Kiyomizu's grounds are particularly spectacular (and crowded) in spring during cherry-blossom season and in fall during the turning of the maple leaves
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| Opening Hours: |
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Recommended Time for a Visit: |
2 - 3 Hours |
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Distance to City Center: |
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| Nijio Castle |
This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.
Nijo Castle (Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate, as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors.
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The palace building now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle"), was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders).
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| Opening Hours: |
8:45am -17:00pm (admission until 16:00) |
Recommended Time for a Visit: |
2 - 3 Hours |
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Closed on Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesdayfalls on a national holiday) during January, July, August and December.
Closed from December 26 to January 4. |
Distance to City Center: |
0 KM |
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