Introduction
There are many places to visit in Kyoto. In this post, I’ll show you the sites not to be missed: 5 popular ones and 5 underrated ones. The underrated ones are so overlooked you might not know even the names of them. On the latter part, you can see popular annual events in Kyoto. Enjoy the ones you would like. 合掌
Popular Sites
#1 Kiyomizudera temple
#2 Kinakakuji temple
Kinkakuij is a golden pagoda glitters in an extraordinary garden. It was constructed in the 14th century. It was caught by fire in 1950 and rebuilt 5 years of the incident as designed in the 14th century.
#3 Ryoanji temple
Ryoanji has the most famous Karesansui garden in the world. The meaning of it remains secret but it tells you the way to live in the moment-by-moment basis.
#4 Ginkakuji temple
Ginkakuji is also known as the silver pavilion though it has been never plastered with silver. It shows us Wabi-Sabi extravaganza in simplicity.
#5 Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushijmi Inari Tasisha is famous for its Senbon Torii gates. It’s pure fun to have Oyama Meguri hike there.
Underrated sites
#1 Saihoji temple
Saihoji is not an “overlooked” place but it is not easy to get there. We can visit there without reservation in Japanese. The garden has a great influence on the that of Kinakkuji and Ginkakuji.
#2 Komyoin temple
Komyoin is a masterpiece of Mirei Shigemori, the most prominent garden artist in the 20th century. Enjoy the Karesansui avant-garde.
#3 Tenjuan temple
Tenjuan is a small sub-temple of Nanzenji temple. It has fascinating 2 gardens with tranquility.
#4 Rurikoin temple
Rurikoin is not open to public. Only spring and fall, we are allowed to visit there to admire amazing the “reflection” on the lacquered table.
#5 Rengeji temple
Rengeji is a small temple with a garden that tells us what calmness is.
The 3 great festivals in Kyoto
Aoi Matsuri festival
Gion Matsuri festival
Jidai Matsuri festival
Always remember Kawaii
The next page is a gist of annual events in Kyoto.
