If Kyoto in Japan is not on your New Year’s trip, you should definitely put it now! This wonderful city is characterized by being a gathering of more than 1000 years of history with many distinctive landmarks that are worth a visit. Follow us today with the best sights in Kyoto and prepare for a trip that will not be repeated much.
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Nijo Castle
If it is in your mind that the old huge palaces are made of stones, you should know that this palace is made of wood and has an unusual design. The palace was built during the seventeenth palace to be a government residence. The palace contains a group of buildings that include an important collection of artwork. The most important of these buildings is the Ninomaru Palace, which consists of several buildings with a cycle connected to the galleries and is characterized by stunning interior decoration. When touring the palace, do not forget to look at the ceiling, which sometimes consists of breathtaking golden mosaics.
Arashiyama Forest
On the city limits lies this distinctive bamboo forest. And to visit this forest means an exceptional experience where you will find yourself near millions of tall bamboo trees, as the forest is home to a large number of monkeys that are not harmful at all but are friendly to man and you will find them welcome when visiting the forest.
Kinkaku-ji Gold Wing
The “Golden Pavilion”, which was built mainly in the fourteenth century as a summer residence for one of the region’s elders and then became a Buddhist temple, is one of the most beautiful monuments in Kyoto. The pavilion is famous for its two upper floors completely covered with gold leaf and each part was built differently to show the engineering diversity that was present in this region of Japan. After seeing the temple from the bridge, you can pass through the former headquarters of the monks, then move to the gardens that are characterized by its traditional nature, then Sekkatei, where it serves traditional tea.
Philosopher’s Walk
This pedestrian walkway runs along a canal in Kyoto, on one side you will find famous cherry trees as you will pass on the other side a number of important temples and landmarks in Kyoto. He was named by this name because the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro was making this trip daily as part of his routine of reflection, but of course you do not need to be a philosopher now to enjoy the distinctive landmarks along this path!
Gion
This part of Kyoto has always been an iconic landmark in it and today this region on the banks of the Kamo River remains one of the few regions in Japan where you can participate in tea house ceremonies or see geisha girls. But remember that participating in these activities requires a prior reservation to live this traditional Japanese experience.
Ginkakuji
If Kinkakuji is the Golden Wing, Ginkakuji is the Silver Wing! Likewise, it was supposed to be a kind of villa for those who wish to recover after retirement, but after the death of its owner it turned into a temple. As for why it was named after the silver? The reason is because there were plans to decorate the outside of the temple with silver, but it was not implemented, but the name remains the same today!
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine may be the most important landmark in Kyoto, in fact it is not a single shrine, but it is the main shrine among more than 32 thousand shrines in Japan. You can spend hours wandering around and get wonderful sights of Kyoto, especially in the afternoon. The shrine forms a set of basic religious beliefs for the local population and maintains a high position among them.
The National Museum of Kyoto
Besides the Kyoto temples embrace wonderful artistic monuments, there is a distinguished collection of museums that deserve your visit, the most prominent of which is the National Museum, which is considered as an amazing art gallery opened in 1987. The museum focuses on contemporary Asian art and was recently updated where you find many examples of contemporary applied art to Aside from ongoing exhibitions. Another important museum is the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art.
The golden wing
Jeon
Arashiyama Forest
Nijo Palace
Kyoto Art Museum
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Jinakoki Temple
The Philosopher’s Walk
From the royal palace in Kyoto
From Nijo Palace
From the shrine of Fushimi Inari.
From the Kyoto temples
Gion area
