Category: Kansai
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Nijyo Castle
Nijyo Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto. It was built as a Shogun’s residence in 1603. It is not a heavily fortified castle but is actually a lavish palace. The castle consists of many buildings and beautiful gardens. There are many artistic paintings and objects inside the buildings. Unfortunately, no…
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Ginkakuji Temple
The Silver Pavilion The Ginkakuji Temple was originally a vacation home for Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga (1436–1490). After his death, it became a Rinzai Buddhist temple. The temple’s architecture and garden represent the Higashiyama culture. Yoshimasa spent his life trying to express his aesthetic sensibilities, creating a grand villa that reflected the beauty of simplicity which…
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Hieizan, Enryaku-ji
Temples of historical significance Hieizan (Mt. Hiei) is located between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. A Buddhist named Saicho created a temple near the top of Mt. Hiei in 788 A.D. Then he traveled to China to study Tendai sect of Buddhism. After returning, he spread the teachings of Buddhism he had learned in China, and…
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of the best travel destinations in Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, was originally established in 778. The buildings have burned down many times, and most of the current structures were rebuilt around 1633. Many people used to jump off the stage in front of the main hall in the belief…
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Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
The Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in the 14th century as a vacation home for Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. The temple has beautiful gardens and a pond that reflects the pavilion. On top of the pavilion sits a golden phoenix statue. It is believed that the phoenix protects the city…
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Fushimi Inari Taisya Shrine
Travel guide to the Fushimi Inari Taisya Shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in the southern part of Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its thousand torii gates. The torii and other structures are painted a brilliant shade of vermilion. Many people come here to pray for business prosperity, the safety of…