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Category： Nature / sceneryEizan Railway Momiji (Maple Tree) Tunnel The Eizan Train in Kyoto runs through a tunnel of 280 Japanese maple trees. The tunnel of Japanese maple trees is located in the mountain valley in the northern part of Kyoto. Eizan train is a railway that runs around the northern part of Kyoto and connects Demachiyanagi Station and Kurama Station. This tunnel continues for about 820 feet between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station. In this section, you can enjoy the “green tunnel” of fresh green maple leaves during spring and summer, the “red tunnel” of maple leaves brightly colored in autumn colors in the fall, and lastly in the winter, a snow-covered world that spreads as far as eyes can see from the train windows. Train runs in a slower pace to make it easier for its passengers to enjoy the view during these seasons. Trees are lightened up during the season of autumn foliage. The illuminated trees at night shining in a burning, blazing red are also very attractive. Riding on a train on the observatory railway “Kirara” with larger windows may be a good choice too. You can enjoy the scenery along the railway even more!
Category： Shrine / templeArea： Kyoto-shiArashiyama Arashiyama locates right between the Ukyo and Sakyo wards of Kyoto, and is a popular sightseeing district in Kyoto. Togetsukyo Bridge, that connects the Ukyo and Sakyo wards, is known for the beautiful views during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is also a must-see, and there, you can walk through a 400-meter long path surrounded by bamboos. You can also ride the Arashiyama Trolley and take a slow ride throughout the scenic area.
Category： Shrine / templeRurikoin Temple Rurikoin Temple locates in the northeastern area of Kyoto city, right at the base of Mount Hiei. The temple is known for its breathtakingly beautiful fall foliage. The colored leaves reflect off of the temple’s lacquered desks and floors, creating a view that is like an autumn dream. Since the temple is a cultural property and is heavily protected, it is only open during the spring and fall months. Don’t miss the Japanese-style gardens in the temple premise, which you can view from the tearoom on the first floor.
Category： Cafe / SweetsDemachi Futaba Demachi Futaba is a Japanese confectionary shop in Kyoto Prefecture. It is located in the Demachi-yanagi area of the Kamikyo ward, of Kyoto City. Their popular product is the "Mame-mochi" (bean rice cake). The soft texture of the Mame-mochi are often compared to that of a baby's cheeks, and their filling is mixed with generous amounts of lightly salted, chunky red beans. The cakes are filled with a light paste that is neither too sweet nor too bland. The cakes are unforgettably delicious with a sophisticated taste, and keep people coming back from all around Japan. The shop also offers seasonal desserts such as "kuri-mochi" (chestnut rice cakes) in autumn, and "sakura-mochi" (pink-hued rice cakes wrapped in cherry blossom leaves) rice cakes in spring. Demachi Futaba is a famed shop of Kyoto, and is a must-visit for any trip. Masugata shopping arcade and Shimogamo Shrine are located nearby, as well as the Kamogawa River, which is a place for relaxation for Kyotoites.
Category： Shrine / templeRyoanji Temple Ryoanji Temple, in the western area of Kyoto City, is famous for its rock garden. It was built in 1450, and is a Zen Buddhist temple. In 1994, Ryoanji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a “Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto”. The most famous part of the temple is its rock garden, which is made simply of 15 rocks on a white sand surface. Its simplicity gives it its depth, and visitors are left in awe at this serene sight. In the spring, you can see the rock garden surrounded by blossoming cherry trees. In the fall months, colored maple leaves garnish the temple grounds.
Category： Shrine / templeShimogamo-jinja Shrine Shimogamo-jinja is one of the oldest shrines in all of Kyoto, and locates in the northern area of the city. It is related to Kamigamo-jinja, and the two are collectively known as the Kamo Shrines. Officially, the shrine is called Kamomio-jinja Shrine, and enshrines the Kamo clan. The shrine is surrounded by a spacious forest, and is known as a place of healing and comfort. Every year on May 15, the shrine hosts the Aoi Festival, one of the biggest festivals in Kyoto. The festival began in the Heian Period (794 - 1185) as a call to the gods for a successful harvest.
Category： Parks / gardensArashiyama Park Arashiyama Park is a prefectural park in Kyoto that is split into three large areas. Since the Heian period (794 - 1185), the area of the park had been known for its exceptional views, with cherry blossoms in the spring and the fall foliage. The Kameyama area, which is the southeastern portion of the park, is on a hill and has an abundance of nature. In the Nakanoshima area, you can find rows of cherry blossom trees blooming with flowers in the spring. You can enjoy autumn in the Rinsenji area, where maples deck the park with their colored leaves. The area around Arashiyama Park has many restaurants and shops. The park is perfect for a stroll or a break.
Category： Shrine / templeArea： Kyoto city (Gion area)Yasaka Shrine Yasaka Shrine stands in Gion-machi in Kyoto City’s Higashiyama Ward. The shrine is said to be built in 656 and is affectionately referred to as “Gion-san.” The famous "Gion Festival" has its roots in a purification ritual held at Yasaka Shrine to help alleviate Kyoto of the then widespread disease. Today, the festival is counted as one of Japan’s three major festivals, and attracts many spectators and tourists. Walk eastward on Shijo Street and you'll reach an area of Gion that best represents Kyoto. The large vermillion shrine gate towering over the neighborhood is a must-see landmark. The shrine is also known to give blessings of match-making. Japanese style weddings can be seen taking place at the shrine. The shrine is next to Maruyama-Koen Park which is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The areas extending from Gion to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Koen Park are classic tourism destinations of Kyoto.
Category： Shrine / templeArea： Kyoto city (Gion area)Jishu-jinja Shrine Jishu-jinja Shrine locates just north of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto prefecture. The shrine is a famous matchmaking spot. The shrine is said to have been made even before the country of Japan was founded, and is the oldest shrine in Kyoto. In 1994, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Kiyomizu-dera. Jishu-jinja's main hall, prayer hall, main gate and shrine grounds are designated as a national important cultural property. There are many seasonal festival held at the shrine. One of the most popular ones is the Enmusubi Kingan Sakura Festival held in the spring.
Category： Shrine / templeKifune-jinja Shrine Kifune-jinja Shrine locates in the northern portion of Kyoto City, right by the Kamogawa River, and is the main temple of the 400+ Kifune temple branches throughout Japan. This temple has a history of over 1000 years, and is known as a temple of matchmaking. The omikuji, or luck-testing ritual, is a unique one, and involves dropping the omikuji strip into water in order to have the ink show. You can scan the QR code on the omikuji with your phone for a translation in English, Chinese or Korean. The temple lights up every year in July for the Tanabata season, and is perfect for a summer night in Kyoto.
Category： Museum / GalleryArea： Kyoto-shiFushimi Inari Shrine Fushimi Inari Shrine locates on Mount Inari in the city of Kyoto. Fushimi Inari is said to be the temple of grains, agriculture and industry. The temple is well known worldwide for the thousands of vermillion torii gates. The main hall locates at the foot of the mountain, and the torii gates continue upwards to the top of the mountain. To the top of the mountain is about a 2-hour hike. Some of the roads are rockier and harder to climb, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes when hiking up the mountain.
Category： Shrine / templeTofuku-ji Temple Tofuku-ji Temple, located in the southern part of Kyoto city, is the oldest Zen Temple of Kyoto with the history of over 700 years. This temple has a high reputation for cultural value because of the many historic artifacts, such as paintings and documents from the Muromachi period. Out of these, the temple gate, Sanmon, has been designated as a national treasure for its long existence. Inside, you can find the Tsutenbashi Bridge, which is famous for the autumn foliage. During the autumn, you can see the whole grounds that is painted in a bright red color in one scan. Also, don't forget to take a look at the temple's tea garden.
Category： Shrine / templeEnkoji Temple Enkoji Temple was built around 400 years ago by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa government (1603 - 1867). During the time, it was also used as a school. This is the temple where one of Japan’s oldest printed books, “Fushimi-ban”, was printed, along with other books, such as “The School Sayings of Confucius”. Every Sunday morning, visitors can participate in a Zen meditation session, where beginners too can experience meditation at a real Buddhist temple. Enkoji is especially beautiful during the autumn season for the beautiful fall foliage.
Category： Nature / sceneryTogetsukyo Bridge Togetsukyo Bridge, in Kyoto is one of the most famous spots in the Arashiyama area. The bridge measures 155 meters long, and spans over the Katsura River. Both the view from and of the bridge are beautiful. With other famous Kyoto sites around Togetsukyo Bridge, such as Tenryuji Temple and Bamboo Forest Street, the area is constantly filled with tourists from all over Japan and the world. The area is especially picturesque during the fall foliage season and springtime, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. On the river under Togetsukyo Bridge, you can go on a boat tour and see the view from below the bridge.
Category： Nature / sceneryKyoto Tower The Kyoto Tower was built in 1964, with its shape inspired by a lighthouse. Beneath the observatory is a 12-floor building, where there are souvenir shops and restaurants. The tower is 131 meters tall and from the observatory, located 100 meters above ground level, you can see a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. On the fifth floor of the observatory is an observation room that is free of charge. From there, you can see Kyoto's iconic sights, such as Tofukuji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. On clear days, you can see as far as Osaka. Sunset is a great time to visit Kyoto Tower. The orange color of the setting sun hits the orange light emitted from the tower, and creates an orange cast over the city. Kyoto Tower can be accessed directly from Kyoto Station via the underground passage.
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