KYOTO
Nijo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights. It shows the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors throughout the Edo Period With huge stone walls surrounded by deep moats, Nijo-jo Castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded over Japan for much of its history. Unlike the more famous Himeji-jo Castle in Himeji, which soars skyward, somewhat in the manner of European castles, Nijo-jo Castle is characterized by low but nonetheless imposing and grand structures, all of which are surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a holy place where the deity Kannon’s great compassion prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes. History books and literature describe how large numbers of people have enjoyed visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple throughout its history. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is abundantly blessed with nature. It provides landscapes to match each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snows capes in winter.
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
Sagano Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine in southeast Kyoto is one of Japan's best known Shinto shrines, and a World Heritage Site. Fushimi Inari is famous for its tunnels of more than 10,000 closely-spaced orange torii gatesthat wind over the hills of Mt. Inari beyond the entrance to the shrine.