sightseeing

Sightseeing

Kawaramachi Area

  • Nijo Castle

    Nijo Castle

    • culture

    The Castle was established by the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ieyasu Tokugawa, as his residence when he stayed in Kyoto. It consists of Honmaru(declared as Important Cultural Property), transferred from the Old Katsuranomiya Palace, and Ninomaru Palace (declared as National Treasure).

  • Nishi Hongwanji Temple

    Nishi Hongwanji Temple

    • culture

    The head Temple of The Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Path. This was classified as a World Cultural Heritage Site, being the part of "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto"

  • Higashi Hongwanji Temple

    Higashi Hongwanji Temple

    • culture

    Officially known as Shinshu Honbyo, Higashi Hongwanji is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha Branch of the Jodo Shinshu. This is one of the largest wooden building sites and the "Goeidomon" gate is selected as one of the three major gates in Kyoto.

  • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

    Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

    • culture

    The shrine is famous for its plum trees and autumn leaves. Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and is also known as "Tenjin-san", it is worshiped as "god of academy".

  • Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

    Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

    • culture

    This is the national park managed by the ministry of the environment. This vast green area includes Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sento Imperial Palace, Omiya Imperial Palace and Kyoto State Guest House.

  • Mibudera Temple

    Mibudera Temple

    • culture

    Main Temple of Shingon Ritsu Sect of Buddhism. Its principle image of Buddha is Enmeijijo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) certified as Important Cultural Property. The Mibu Kyogen Performance is gladly held every year.

  • Horikawa Dori

    Horikawa Dori

    • culture

    Horikawa Dori Street used to be Horikawa-Koji of Ancient Kyoto and it is about 7.9 km in total length, stretching from Kamo-kaido in the north to Hachijo Dori in the south and connecting to Abura-Koji.

  • Mikane Jinja Shrine

    Mikane Jinja Shrine

    • culture

    This is the shrine with the golden torii gate, related to money, located quietly in the residential district. It has become secretly popular due to rumors that there are benefits for race tickets, lottery winning, stock trading success and so on.

Kamigamo,Kifune Area

  • Shokokuji Temple

    Shokokuji Temple

    • culture

    This temple is the main of Rinzai Zen Sect Shokokuji-ha and plays the major role of Zen politics and Gozan literature movement. There is also the Jotenkaku Museum, which exhibits many literal works and panel paintings.

  • Hokyoji Temple

    Hokyoji Temple

    • culture

    This temple is known as "Ningyo(doll) dera", the doll exhibition is held every season.

Gion,Higashiyama Area

  • Ginkakuji Temple (Jishoji Temple)

    Ginkakuji Temple (Jishoji Temple)

    • culture

    The awarded World Cultural Heritage Site Ginkakuji Temple was built as the mountain retreat of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate and it turned out to be the temple after his death. Ginkaku (Kannon-den) and Togudo are registered as National treasure.

  • Kiyomizudera Temple

    Kiyomizudera Temple

    • culture

    The main hall with its wooden stage called "Kiyomizu-no-butai" was built without the use of nails. The Otowa waterfall is located at the base of the main hall. The Koyasu Pagoda, to which pray for safe childbirth, is also at the temple grounds.

  • Kenninji Temple

    Kenninji Temple

    • culture

    The very first Zen temple in Kyoto. The famous "Fujin Raijin" painting by Tawaraya Sotatsu is certified as national treasure.

Saga,Arashiyama Area

  • Tenryuji Temple

    Tenryuji Temple

    • culture

    This is the prestigious Zen temple which one become the top of the Kyoto Zen temple hierarchy system. Its garden that features a path around a pond, designed by Muso Soseki is famous.

  • Kinkakuji Temple (Rokuonji Temple)

    Kinkakuji Temple (Rokuonji Temple)

    • culture

    This is the awarded World Heritage temple and its official name is Rokuonji Temple. However, it is better known as Kinkakuji Temple because Shariden, where Buddha's bones are placed, are decorated and covered with gold leaves (=kin).

Hushimi,Uji Area

  • Toji Temple

    Toji Temple

    • culture

    It is one of the East and West public temples which were built when the capital was moved to Kyoto. Its five storied pagoda is rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

  • Sanjusangendo Hall

    Sanjusangendo Hall

    • culture

    It is called Sanjusan (=33) gendo Hall because there are 33 spaces between pillars in the main hall. There are many national treasures and important cultural properties preserved.

  • Byodoin Temple

    Byodoin Temple

    • culture

    In the latter half of Heian Period, Fujiwara Yorimichi turned his father, Fujiwara Michinaga's villa to the temple. Its famous Phoenix Hall was established next year.

Event

  • Gozan Okuribi Ritual Fires

    Gozan Okuribi Ritual Fires

    • culture

    Gozan Okuribi Ritual Fires is held in August 16th every year. One of the most famous summer features in Kyoto as well as Gion Festival. You can overlook this bonfire from the rooftop terrace of the hotel.