Until 1868, Kyoto Imperial Palace was the seat and home of the ruling Emperor of Japan. The palace is located in Kyoto Gyoen, a park complex which encompasses the Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace. The park and outdoor area of the palaces are open to the public at no charge. Visitors can apply for …
Kyoto Railway Museum is a modern train museum where visitors can learn about the development of the train network in Japan, and how it contributed to the country’s modernization. Kyoto Railway Museum opened in 2016 right in the middle of the historic city of Kyoto. With 53 full-size trains on display, train lovers will need …
Ginkaku-ji, meaning “silver pavilion temple“, is a buddhist temple in the northern part of Kyoto. Despite being named “silver pavilion” it isn’t actually decorated with silver. For many tourists it sounds like a perfect combination to visit both the Golden Pavilion Temple and the Silver Pavilion Temple. And it sure is a great combination, but …
Kiyomizudera temple is located on a hill side on the eastern side of Kyoto. This Buddhist temple, which was founded in 778, is well known for it’s waterfall and unique terrace which sticks out over the hill side. Kiyomizudera Main Hall Just a 10 minute walk south of the famous Gion District are the well-preserved …
Kyotos Gion District is one of Japans most well-known “Geisha districts”. Visitors travel to Gion for a chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha (or Geiko as they are called here), enjoy the well preserved, historic entertainment area and to learn about traditional arts and crafts. In this centuries old district of Kyoto, old …
Tenryu-ji temple is a Rinzai Zen buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The temple is the highest ranked of the 5 Zen temples of Kyoto and is famous for its incredible Japanese garden. BOOK Tour of Tenryu-ji and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove In the town of Arashiyama, near the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, lies Tenryu-ji temple. The …
Nijo Castle is a beautiful and well preserved castle, built in Kyoto between 1601 and 1626 by the Tokugawa clan. It features two palaces and numerous gardens. The complex is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Nijō-jō, as the castle is called in Japanese, is a flatland type castle. That means it’s not built …
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main shrine for Inari, one of the most prominent gods (kami) of the Japanse Shinto religion. The shrine is especially known for it’s thousands of red/orange torii gates lining the paths up the mountain behind the shrine. On the edge of Kyoto, with its back against mount Inari is Fushimi …
Kamakura is a historic city located a 1 hour train ride south of Tokyo. It is a popular side trip from Tokyo due to its relaxed ambiance and beautiful buddhist temples and shinto shrines. Kamakura was the power center of the Kamakura Shogunate from around 1200 to 1300. When walking around the city it’s clear …
In the 13th century Japan was ruled by the Kamakura Shogunate, centered in Kamakura. As a result thereof many important, strategic and valuable constructions were made in the area. A significant event was the establishment of the Kamakura Gozan. Gozan translates to “5 mountains”, where “mountains” should be understood as temples. It is a hierarchical …
