Sights

kyoto

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Kyoto is loaded with UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites, including Shrines, Temples and Palaces.

Kinkakuji is the famed Golden Pavilion. Be prepared for massive crowds, even if you arrive early (before the gates open at 9am). Since the pavilion shines in all weather, it might be a good option to visit in the rain, when fewer visitors tend to be there. Raku Bus 101 takes you from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji.

Ginkakuji was supposed to be the silver analogue of Kinkakuji. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the silver-gilding never happened. The zen-temple is a wonderful sight though. Raku Bus 102 takes you from Kinkakuji to Ginkakuji.

Ninnaji is another classic zen-temple. Formerly a palace, it was converted to a temple. Bus 59 goes from Kinkakuji to Ninnaji, passing Ryoanji along the way.

Ryoan-ji houses what must be the most famous and photographed zen garden in Japan. Be prepared for the crowds of people that throng the site, and it is more likely that you find inner solitude in the surrounding gardens, than at the famed zen garden.

If you have time for it, don't miss Kiyomizu, pretty, set in large grounds and lots to see. Don't miss the shrine with the Rabbit, if you can walk from one stone to another, you'll find the person you're going to marry. The main temple is nice but the views are truly awesome. On Route 101.

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Ryoanji

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Ryoan-ji temples what must be the most famous and photographed zen garden in Japan. Be prepared for the crowds of people that throng the site, and it is more likely that you find inner solitude in the surrounding gardens, than at the famed zen garden. You can take Bus 59 from Kinkakuji to Ryoanji.

type:	Fountains and statues
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Kiyomizu Dera

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This temple is perched on a hillside, overlooking much of Kyoto. Of note is the huge platform (where you get a great view of Kyoto on a fine day), supported by hundreds of wooden struts. Sharing the same compound, are a number of smaller shrines. Try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. The temple is open early, so you can make this your first stop of the day. The area surrounding the temple is sprinkled with shops selling crafts and foodstuff.

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Ninnaji

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Ninnaji is another classic zen-temple. Formerly a palace, it was converted to a temple. Bus 59 goes from Kinkakuji to Ninnaji, passing Ryoan-ji along the way.

type:	Hotspots
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Kinkakuji

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Kinkakuji is the famed Golden Pavilion. Be prepared for massive crowds, even if you arrive early (before the gates open at 9am). Since the pavilion shines in all weather, it might be a good option to visit in the rain, when fewer visitors tend to be there. Raku Bus 101 takes you from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Ginkakuji

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Ginkakuji was supposed to be the silver analogue of Kinkakuji. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the silver-gilding never happened. The zen-temple is a wonderful sight though. Raku Bus 102 takes you from Kinkakuji to Ginkakuji.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Heian Shrine

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The Heian Shrine was built in a classical Chinese style. More of note, are the gardens in the shrine. Classic Japanese strolling gardens, which are pretty in all seasons, since they exude a different character with each change of the seasons.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]