Attractions
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Guided tours of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace give you an idea of how Japan’s imperial family lived from 1331 until 1868, before they moved to Tokyo. The tours, which last an hour, explore the furniture and beautiful decorations of the palace. You need to reserve the tour at least 20 minutes ahead of time, earlier depending on your group size. You can request a pass in person or online. You will need to show your passport before the tour starts.
Getting There: From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway line. Get off at Imadegawa Station.
Hours of Operation: Tours operate Monday through Friday, and Saturdays in March, April, May, October and November. Closed Sundays, for official functions and from 28 December to 4 January.
Admission: Free.
To-ji
To-ji Temple is known for its five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan. Although the temple was originally founded in 794 to guard the capital city, the famous pagoda was rebuilt in the middle of the 17th century. The complex is now home to a remarkable collection of statues, calligraphy and paintings gathered over the centuries. The six-metre-tall Senju Kannon (thousand-arm Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) statue, which was carved in 877, is a notable treasure. The temple complex is an easy, 10-minute walk south of Kyoto Station.
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku.
Telephone: (0)75 671 9612.
Hours of Operation: Daily, 8:30am–5:30pm, Closes at 4:30pm mid-September to mid-March.
Admission: ¥500 for the Main Hall and pagoda.
Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
Kinkakuji is a glittering, three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf and nestled in a calm pond. One of the city’s most popular attractions, the pavilion was built in 1397 for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who lived there in luxurious retirement. After the shogun’s death in 1408, the pavilion was converted into a Zen temple. A disaffected monk burned the temple down in 1950. It was rebuilt five years later. Just around the corner from the pavilion is Ryoanji, the country's most famous Zen rock garden. Walk onto the veranda to see the 15 rocks which were arranged among raked white pebbles in the 15th century.
Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho Kita-ku.
Telephone: (075)461 0013.
Email:Office@shokoku-ji.or.jp.
Website:www.shokoku-ji.or.jp.
Getting There: From Kyoto Station, take Bus 101 or 205 or the subway to Kinkakuji-michi stop.
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9am–5pm
Admission: ¥400.
Sanjusangendo Hall
Sanjusangendo Hall, which is also known as the Rengeoin Temple, is the longest wooden building in Japan and houses 1,001 life-sized statues of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. The statues were carved from Japanese cypress in the 12th and 13th centuries and now sit in row after impressive row surrounding the large central statue of a seated Kannon.
Address: Shichijo Dori.
Telephone: (075) 525 0033.
Getting There: From Kyoto Station, take bus 100, 206 or 208, get off at Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae.
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9am–4pm. From April to mid-November open 8am–5pm.
Admission: Adults - ¥600, Children - ¥300.
Gion
The Gion geisha district is one of the most famous in the country, where traditional white-faced women in kimonos learn how to entertain men. The neighbourhood is composed of plain, wooden buildings, but thousands of geishas once walked through the streets. Even though the number of practicing geishas has dropped significantly, you’re bound to see a few walking passed teahouses and restaurants on Hanami-koji Street. Take note that geisha houses are off limits, unless you’re invited. Additional attractions in the area include Minamiza Kabuki Theatre and the paper lanterns at the Yasaka Shrine.
Getting There: From Kyoto Station, take bus 100 or 206, get off at Keihan Shijo station.
Kiyomizudera
Kiyomizudera, the “pure water temple,” has wonderful views of eastern Kyoto’s wooded hills, making it one of Japan’s favourite temples. The Nara Buddhist temple, which was founded in 780, gets its name from a spring that bubbles up beneath its terrace. The water is thought to have healing powers and visitors can taste a sample. Nearby sights include a three-story pagoda, Otawa Falls and the Shinto Jishu Shrine. Steep streets such as Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka lead up to the temple, where shops sell sweets, pottery and souvenirs.
Telephone: (075) 551 1234.
Getting There: From Kyoto Station, take bus 100 or 206 to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka stop. It’s just a 15-minute ride.
Hours of Operation: Daily, 6am–6pm. Closes at 6:30pm in the summer.
Admission: ¥300.
