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Here is a glimpse of the many tourist spots and events in Kyoto.
Visit these sights to feel the rich history of Kyoto.
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Heian-jingu Shrine Heian Jingu was built in 1895 on the occasion of the 1,100th anniversary of moving Japan's capital to Kyoto. It mirrors the flamboyant atmosphere of the era, with its towering bright red gate and the main building. There is a huge stroll-type garden, Shin'en, which is particularly noted for its beautiful drooping cherry trees. |
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Nijo Castle Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu built this castle as his accommodation for when he visited Kyoto. The buildings, as well as the sculptures and painting decorating the buildings, show the extravagance of the Momoyama era. Nijojo Castle is full of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties and has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The features of the beautiful garden change in each of the four seasons. |
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Yasaka-jinja Shrine Affectionately called "Yasaka-san" by the people of Kyoto, this shrine is the head shrine of all Gion shrines in Japan. People worship the god at this shrine to expel bad luck and to bring prosperity to their businesses. This shrine is also at the center of sacred festivities in Kyoto such as Gion Matsuri, which is one of the three major festivals of Japan, and Okera Mairi, which takes place on New Year's Eve. |
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To-ji Temple（Religion king Gokokuji） A fine temple of vajrayana Buddhism founded by K?kai (K?b?-taishi). Toji has been inscribed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Besides its five-story pagoda which is a symbol of Kyoto, the temple boasts a number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. On the 21st day of each month, the temple is filled with many lively outdoor flea market stalls for an event affectionately called K?b?-san. |
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Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum This museum is dedicated to steam locomotives and houses 18 representative steam engines from the Taisho and Showa eras. A one-km return trip on a steam train attracts many visitors.The old Nijo Station has been relocated to this Museum to serve as its exhibition hall with a nice old-fashioned atmosphere. This Museum is for everyone, whether you are a railway fan or not. |
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Kyoto Station Building and Kyoto-Gekijo Theater Gateway to the ancient capital, the Kyoto Station Building is one of the largest complexes of its kind in Japan. There are a variety of shops connected directly to the station for your convenience and enjoyment, such as JR Kyoto Isetan department store, Art Gallery "Eki" KYOTO and a collection of specialty stores, The CUBE. The Kyoto-Gekijo Theater runs popular musical and hit plays such as ones presented by the Shiki Theatre Company. |
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Aoi Matsuri Festival Counted as one of three major festivals in Kyoto, Aoi Matsuri is noted for its elegance and age-oldatmosphere. People parade dressed exactly the way nobles did when Kyoto was the capital of Japan, introducing spectators to the gorgeous world of the aristocrats of the Heian period. |
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Gion Matsuri Festival This gorgeous pageant, which is counted as one of three major festivals in Japan, heralds the arrival of summer in Kyoto. Although the Parade of Floats is best known, the festivities actually last for the entire month of July with a variety of events. |
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Daimonji Flames on Mountain Kanji characters and figures are formed by flames on the mountainside in Kyoto on the night of Aug 16. Lights on high-rise buildings are turned off for the occasion, as five patterns are lit, starting with "Daimonji", the character for "great. Spritual serenity prevails in Kyoto that night. |
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Jidai Matsuri Festival Two thousand people parade, wearing historical costumes representing each period of the 1,100 year history of Kyoto. This is the primier festival in the fall, the last of the city's three major festivals. |
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