By Saskia O’Donoghue with AP Kyoto, a city that whispers tales of the past through its well-preserved streets and ancient buildings, has long been a magnet for those seeking to immerse themselves in its rich history and cultural beauty. Yet, with the charm and allure of its famous geisha district, Gion, comes a challenge that many heritage… Read More Kyoto is Not a Theme Park: Preserving the Soul of a Historic City
Introduction: A Tale of Two Temples Imagine strolling through the streets of Kyoto, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the modern world. Here, every temple tells a story, whispering secrets of the past. In this post, we’ll explore the dichotomy between Kyoto’s most celebrated temples and its hidden gems – the famous versus the underrated.… Read More Exploring Kyoto’s Temples: A Journey Through the Famous and Hidden
Are you ready to embark on a cultural adventure? Look no further than Kyoto, Japan. As one of Japan’s most historically significant cities. Kyoto boasts a unique culture you won’t find anywhere else. Temples and Shrines Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, each with its own unique history and architecture. Some of… Read More Exploring the Unique Culture of Kyoto, Japan
Myoshinji (妙心寺, Myōshinji) is a large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto. That includes about 50 sub-temples in addition to its main buildings. While a few temple halls can be entered, most sub-temples are closed to the public. However, visitors are free to wander along the walking paths. In several ways, the temple complex resembles Daitokuji… Read More Temple Stay At Myoshin-ji
Kyoto’s Kitchen—thriving for 400 years. Nishiki Market today differs from its origins as an open-air fish market 400 years ago. Nishiki Market has an astonishing 130 vendors packed into a narrow passageway approximately 400 meters long and 3.9 meters wide. It continues to thrive, attracting not only visitors but Kyoto locals too. How to Get… Read More Nishiki Market 錦市場
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and a prominent tourist attraction globally, is a city rich with Buddhist temples, castles, and Shinto shrines.But, did you know that Kyoto Prefecture boasts a variety of off-the-beaten-path hidden gems in addition to the capital city of Kyoto?Here are the top 10 of my personal favorites! Kameoka (亀岡) The Must-Visit City… Read More The Top 10 Hidden Gems in Kyoto
The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868. When the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen). An attractive park in the center of the city. That also encompasses the Sento… Read More Kyoto Gyoen Garden, Kyōto-shi, Japan
Maruyama park is one of Kyoto’s most visited places during the sakura season. Since it is so close to the Kyoto downtown area. The park has many wonderful cherry blossoms, including the famous weeping cherry of Gion. After the park, we take quite a hike up into the back mountain temple of Chion-in.
Daimonji Yaki, also commonly known as Daimonji Gozan Okuribi, is a festival that forms part of the Obon celebrations in Kyoto. Enormous bonfires are set alight on five mountains in Kyoto in the shape of Chinese characters and other symbols to help guide our ancestors back to the spiritual world after Obon. It is believed… Read More Kyoto Gozan Okuribi 京都五山送り火
Walk the Philosopher’s Path at this Kyoto temple that proves all that glitters truly isn’t gold. The brother temple to Kyoto’s famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) doesn’t actually have any silver applied to its exterior. It’s precisely this lack of adornment that makes it special. In its understated elegance, Ginkaku-ji embodies the Japanese… Read More Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple) 慈照寺（銀閣寺)