Traveloka PH
17 Oct 2018 - 5 min read
Designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994, Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence the shoguns of the Edo Period. The castle is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The main attraction of the castle is TheNinomaru Palace which served as the residence and office of theshogunduring his visits toKyoto. The palace is made up of multiple buildings that are connected by corridors with "nightingale floors" (floors that squeak when you walk on it, this was a security measure against intruders).
Also built in 1630, the Sento Imperial Palace was built as the residence forretired Emperor Go-mizunoo. Throughout the years, the palace was burnt down and rebuilt over and over again, but currently, only the gardens and its tea-houses stand. Nowadays, visitors are given tours of the palace though they can't actually enter the building themselves and can only see them from the outside.
Located in Southern Kyoto,Fushimi Inari Shrine was dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and sake by the Hata Clan during the 8th century. Made famous by the movie adaptation of Memoirs of a Geisha, the tunnels of torii gates are not only widely photographed by tourists, but also lead guests to several trails that opened-up to the forest of sacred Mount Inari.
Overlooking a calming pond, this Zen temple was originally a retirement villa forshogunAshikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure has three floors: the first floor was built in the Shinden style (wood pillars and white plaster walls) and the second and third floor exteriors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Founded in 888, this World Heritage Site is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Due to the many several fires and natural disasters Kyoto's gone through, none of the buildings built during the ninth century have unfortunately made it. Currently, the oldest buildings on the temple's grounds date back to the sixteenth century.
Located along the outskirts of western Kyoto, this popular tourist destination is home to several small shops, restaurants, temples and more. Tourists flock here particularly during fall or cherry blossom seasons for the gorgeous colors - but more importantly for the Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo groves.
The Higashiyama district is the best place to experience old Kyoto with narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden shops and restaurants. Guests can spend half a day or more walking through the district, enjoyingKiyomizudera Temple,Kodaiji Temple,Yasaka Pagoda, and more along the way.
Kyoto City in partnership with Kyoto Seika University founded this museum to collect, preserve and exhibit manga materials. The highlight of the museum is the "Wall of Manga" which houses around 50,000 publications from the 1970s. Spread across three floors, guests can find shonen (boys) manga on the first floor, shojo (girls) manga on the second and seinen (young adults) on the third.
Known as Kyoto's Kitchen, this five-block shopping street is lined with shops and stalls that sell everything from fresh seafood, produce, Japanese pickles, sushi and other Kyoto specialties. The owners of the shops are usually families that have spanned several generations. The market first opened-up around 1310 as a wholesale fish market, and along the way has transformed to what it is today.
Considered one of Japan's oldest and most distinguished museums, Kyoto National Museum was opened in 1897 and is currently home to rotating permanent exhibits and temporary special exhibitions. The permanent exhibits include relics, sculptures, calligraphy, costumes and more.
Check out the best of what Kyoto has to offer. Book your Osaka flight here! ]]>