The sites and scenes of Kyoto, Japan's
former
capital, are still one of the most recommended and
admired in Japan. The streets and buildings of Kyoto
resonate differently from other major cities in the
country. In fact, Kyoto’s main attractions usually focus
on the nostalgic sensation from shrines and temples
aside from the famous geisha district in Gion. The
different seasons change the beauty at each of these
sites, so visiting once per different season is a must.
Known as the cultural center and
heart of Japan, Kyoto is located in the Kansai region of
Japan. It was once the capital of Japan before Edo,
modern-day Tokyo, was made the new capital. As a
formal capital, it is no wonder that it has much history
and just as many shrines as one can imagine. Their
World Heritage Sites are also prominent, there are
three
that can be mentioned as must-see locations; The Nijo
Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Kinkaku-Ji Temple.
There are many other places that are noted as World
Heritage Sites, however, these are usually at the top
of
the list for most visitors. The Gion Geisha District is
also
quite known for being a main zone to spot Geisha on
their way to work. Though there is a chance of seeing
a
geisha along the streets of Gion, there may be some
that are not real trainees or Geisha at all. Real geisha
or
their trainees have a tight schedule to adhere to on
their
way to visit their patrons or when going to events.
Though Kyoto is traditionally known as a place where
geisha train and practice, there are still Geisha
practitioners in other parts of the country not just in
Kyoto.
Another part of Kyoto that is known for its beauty is the
Ryoan-ji Rock Garden. The art made from the careful
placement of structures and shapes to create a
peaceful
environment is admirable. This is particularly
recognizable when all the stones can be seen at the
same time no matter the angle the viewer takes
around
the garden. The designer or the date of the garden is
not known, however, the Ryoan-ji Temple has a history
that dates back to 1450, when Daimyo Hosokawa
Katsumoto was deputy of the Ashikaga shoguns. It
was
Daimyo Katsumoto who ordered to transform the once
villa into a temple. However, it was later burned down
and rebuilt once after the fire was extinguished.
Kyoto’s
Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen) is also known for
its
beauty particularly during the cherry blossom season
that takes place in spring. Most hanami (cherry
blossom
viewing) is done in the park of Maruyama. Although
most other parks also have hanami, they are not as
popular as Maruyama’s views. Originally the park had
many temples, but like many other structures in
Japan,
they were burned down. Eventually, it was established
as a park in 1871 (Meiji Period), then it was opened as
a
public park around ten years later. The history and
beauty of the area makes the trip to Maruyama worth
a
visit.
For textile history and displays of kimono fashion,
Kyoto’s Nishijin Textile Center is available to the public
for their daily fashion shows. There are also activities
where one can practice weaving with the guide of an
experienced textile weaver. The center also displays
the
type of silk worms that produce the threads needed for
colorful kimonos, ties, handkerchiefs, and other
accessories that can be made in a textile factory. The
many kimono shown can vary depending on the
season,
particularly for the cherry blossom season when they
add extra accessories on some of the models who
wear
the seasonal kimonos during the shows. In the end,
Kyoto has a variety of locations and sites worth visiting
for different people and their interests.
Please see below for tours
that include Kyoto:
