 |
KYOTO |
| Gion District |
Gion is one of the main districts of Kyoto, and for many people it is the Gion district that comes to mind when they think of Kyoto. The area developed as a town near the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, and is considered the most prestigious entertainment district in Japan. Wooden lattice windows made of thin wooden beams in a grid pattern create a lace effect that is in perfect harmony with the elegant maiko (apprentice geisha) dancers. The streets boast stores selling traditional Kyoto crafts, such as kanzashi or ornamental hairpins, incense and kimono accessories. |
|
| Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater |
 |
The Miyako Odori (the cherry blossom dance) takes place throughout the month of April. Gion geisha give traditional music and dance performances in this theater. Seductive silk kimonos, opulent obis, magical music and spectacular stage sets abound.
The routines are performed by Kyoto geisha and maiko. The show includes bunraku (puppet shows), gagaku (courtly music), koto and music performances, ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), kyogen (classic comic dramas), tea ceremony and dance, the full gamut of Japanese stage arts with interesting settings and brilliant costumes. 250-seat venue.
|
| Gion Corner - Kyoto Traditional Musical Theatre |
| Gion Corner is a popular venue where tourists can experience an overview of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment in a single setting. |
| |
| Yasaka Shrine |
Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is famous for its Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's largest festivals. It is located at the eastern end of Shijo-dori and is one of the city's most popular shrines. The many lanterns that decorate the shrine's stage are lit after dark and bear the names of their sponsors, mostly Kyoto businesses. |
 |
|
Maruyama Koen is a public park next to Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama district. In the first half of April, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, Maruyama Koen becomes Kyoto's most popular and most crowded spot for cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami). The centerpiece of the park is a tall shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which gets lit up in the night. |
Maruyama Park |
 |
|
| Chionin Temple Chionin is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Japanese Buddhism. The Jodo sect was founded by Honen in the year 1175, and due to its relatively simple teachings, attracted large numbers of followers among the commoners and remains one of the largest Buddhist sects today. |
 |
Chionin was built in 1234, but the currently oldest buildings date from the 17th century. Among them is the Sanmon gate, Japan's largest temple gate, standing 24 meters tall. Another record breaking property on the temple grounds, Japan's largest bell weights more than several city buses combined. |
|
| Fushimi Inari Shrine |
 |
Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous shrine dedicated to Inari across Japan. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and foxes are thought to be his messengers. Therefore, many fox statues can be found at Inari shrines. The Shrine is also famous for the countless torii gates, offerings by worshippers, that cover the two-hours hiking trails of Inarisan, the wooded mountain behind the shrine's main buildings. Kitsune Udon ("Fox Udon"), a noodle soup topped with pieces of Aburaage (fried tofu), a favorite food of foxes, is served at small restaurants along the hiking trail. |
| Sagano and Bamboo Groves |
Sagano is a tranquil and peaceful district at the outskirts of Kyoto. There are many places to see and do in the area including Tenryuji, a leading Zen temple, bamboo groves which are found behind the temple and leads to the Okochi Sanso which is famous for its sophisticated garden. Small beautiful temples scattered along the base of the wooded mountains are also the attraction of the area.The area with its rural feel is best explored on foot.The bamboo is still used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, mats and pieces of art at workshops in the Sagano area. |
 |
Nijo Castle
Once a residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, the castle is famous for its architectural beauty and interior decoration. Tiptoe along the mysterious "Nightingale Floor". |
 |
|
 |
Golden Pavilion
Serenity surrounds the gold-leaf covered pavilion designed by a feudal lord as his personal retreat. Walk though its picturesquely laid out garden and set aside the tensions of modern life. |
|
Kiyomizu Temple
A quaint old lane with pottery shops leads to the temple. Enjoy panoramic views of the city of Kyoto from the famous "stage of Kiyomizu", a wooden veranda, and standing on a cliff, which was built without using a single nail!! |
 |
|
 |
Ginkaku-Ji
It was built as a villa in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa (8th shogun of the Muromachi period: 1331-1573), but later converted to a temple. Constructed in 1489, the pavilion (a National Treasure) is a 2-story structure with a pyramidal roof. In contrast to its golden counterpart (Kinkakuji Temple), it was never covered in silver. Yoshimasa died before this was accomplished. Togudo (a National Treasure), in the northern part of the garden, is the only structure untouched by fire. It contains a 4.5-tatami mat Tearoom that is believed to be the prototype of Japanese Tearooms. The lower garden, with its impressive sand mounds, is a Place of Special Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. In December 1994, Ginkakuji Temple was registered as part of the World Cultural Heritage. |
|
| Honen-In
An independent temple of the Jodo sect, founded in 1681 by the 38th abbot of Chionin Temple, on the site of a temple where Honen (1133-1212: founder of the Jodo sect) and his disciples trained. The paintings on the sliding screens in the head priest's quarters are attributed to the Kano school of painters. |
This temple has an attractive pond garden. Sculpted sand formations can be seen near the temple gate. The graveyard holds memorial stones for a number of authors, such as Tanizaki Junichiro, and other well-known people. |
 |
|
|
