ABOUT KYOTO
ABOUT KYOTO
In terms of historical significance, there is no better place to visit than Kyoto.
With an overall more serene atmosphere than it's modern counterpart, Japan's former capital attracts visitors from all around the world.
Take a stroll to the ancient Kiyomizu temple where locals and tourists alike flock together to appreciate its beauty and the awe-inspiring
view of the city below.
With over 2000 temples and shrines, there's more than enough to satisfy the curiosity of enthusiastic historians.
With an overall more serene atmosphere than it's modern counterpart, Japan's former capital attracts visitors from all around the world.
Take a stroll to the ancient Kiyomizu temple where locals and tourists alike flock together to appreciate its beauty and the awe-inspiring
view of the city below.
With over 2000 temples and shrines, there's more than enough to satisfy the curiosity of enthusiastic historians.
PLACES TO VISIT
Kiyomizu Temple (Main Image)Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and was built at the end of the 8th century. The main hall was constructed in the 17th century and is famous for its location overhanging a cliff. The platform of the main hall, which is supported by 139 giant pillars, gives a spectacular view of the town of Kyoto. It is designated a National Treasure. The three-storied pagoda in the temple precinct, which was rebuilt during the 17th century, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The shining Kinkaku-ji is a symbol of Kyoto. This temple has been burnt down many times in the flames of war and other fires and more recently by arson, which incident has been made famous by Yukio Mishima's novel, Kinkaku-ji (The Temple of the Golden Pavilion). However, it was restored in 1955, with major improvement work being done on it in 1987, so that all of the gold leaves have been replaced. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, Kinkaku-ji is one of the historical buildings that is most representative of Japan.
JR Kyoto Station is the starting point for sightseeing in Kyoto, a city where the old and new exist side by side. The station building, a new landmark of the old city of Kyoto, opened in 1997 and boasts of a concourse with an impressive 60-meter-long atrium, a 45-meter-long raised glass passageway connecting the eastern and western parts of the station, and a large 171 step set of stairs.
Impressive in its modern appearance this complex is in stark contrast to Kyoto's generally traditional backdrop.