Kyoto

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　■　WORLD HERITAGE

Kyoto

Kyoto was designated as the capital of Japan in 794 when the Heiankyo Castle was built as the center of politics and prospered also as the center of culture.
The numerous historically important religious heritage that still remain today have made this ancient city one of the main tourist spots in the world.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple)
It is an architect covered with gold foil that was designated World Cultural Heritage in 1994 as an important cultural asset of the ancient city of Kyoto.

Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Temple)
It is a symbolic Buddhist temple of the Higashiyama Culture.
The real name of the temple is Jishouji of the Zensou Rinzai sect but is now widely known as the “Silver Temple” as opposed to the “Golden Temple”.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple
It is a temple that appears in many famous literatures.
The proverb meaning to gather all the courage you have to make an important decision is worded, “Do it as if you were jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu”.

http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

Sanju-san Gendo Temple
It was first completed in 1165 including a five-story pagoda and other architects but was all burned down.
Only the main temple was rebuilt in 1266. 1001 statues of Buddha lie there.

Nijou-jo Castle
The whole castle is designated the Nation's Historic Site, the Ninomaru Goten Main Building as National Treasure, the building and pictures on partitions as Important Cultural Asset, and the Ninomaru Goten Garden as National Scenic Site.
In 1994 it was also registered as a World Cultural Heritage.

Arashiyama Mountain
Arashiyama Mountain is located in the western part of Kyoto.
During the Heian Period, it used to be a villa area for the aristocrats.
It is a famous spot where you could enjoy watching the beautiful cherry blossoms and autumnal leaves.
The Togetsukyo Bridge built over the Katsuragawa is undeniably the symbol of Arashiyama.

Gion Street
It is the famous street where the Maikos, traditional hostesses dressed in elaborate kimonos are found at night, and the good old days of glamorous Kyoto could be found.

Aoi-Matsuri Festival
It is a traditional festival held every year on May 15th at Kamo Shrine.
The participants in the parade all wear Heian (Period) outfits, and the women and young boys put on thick make up that is a distinct feature of the period.

Gion Festival
It is one of the Three Main Festivals in Japan.
The festival lasts throughout the month of July, but the main events take place in mid-July at the Yamaboko Junkou and Yoiyama.
At the Yamaboko Junkou, magnificent cultural assets parade through the city, so it is considered a moving art museum.

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages)
The festival is held every year from October 15th to 23rd.
Around 2000 people participate in the parade that becomes 2 kilometers long and takes about three hours long to show the traditional costumes and tools of the different eras.

*You could enjoy Kyoto all year round, but we recommend visiting especially during the cherry blossom season and autumn when the leaves of the deciduous trees turn into flaming red. The cherry blossoms are usually in bloom around the end of March until the beginning of April. The autumn maple viewing is usually good from October to November.
*There is a convenient one-day bus ticket for 500 yen.

Website:

http://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/ssd_kyoto/frame_english.htm

http://www.kyotojoho.co.jp/english/index.html#