Sightseeing in Kyoto

If you are interested in Japan's tradition and culture, then Kyoto is a must-see place for you. The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan for innumerable temples, shrines, gardens and other structures of great historical importance. Unlike Tokyo, which is Japan's high tech core, Kyoto constitutes the heart of Japanese tradition. Most of the temples in the city are dedicated to Buddhism, whereas the shrines are devoted to the gods of Shinto.
The list of tourist attractions in Kyoto is given below:

- Kyoto Imperial Palace: Official residence of the Emperors of Japan from 794 to 1868. The palace with its gardens, pavilions and pools forms an oasis of peace in the midst of a very busy city.

- Kiyomizu-dera: Established in 8th century on top of a hill it has a picturesque view of the Kyoto city. The temple itself is spectacular with a large terrace.

- Kinkakuji: It is one of the most beautiful structures in the city of Kyoto. As the name suggests it is the Golden Pavilion, adorned with gold leaf.

- Heian Shrine: Located in Eastern Kyoto, it is a Shinto shrine built in the shape of ancient Imperial Palace.

- Nijo Castle: Built by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu it a popular tourist destination for its decorative sculptures and fine metal works showing a glimpse of the Japan's traditional Momoyama art.

- Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Garden: With its rare collection of 110 different types of bamboo tree, it is one of the few bamboo botanical gardens in the world.

- Arashiyama Park: It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto for its excellent location near the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which cuts across the park.

Other tourist destinations in Kyoto are listed below:

Central Kyoto

- Nijo Jinya
- Toji
- Honganji
- Pontocho
- Nishiki Market
- Kyoto Station

Eastern Kyoto

- Sanjusangendo
- Kiyomizudera
- Kodaiji
- Gion
- Yasaka Shrine
- Chionin
- Nanzenji .
- Path of Philosophy .
- Ginkakuji

Northern Kyoto

- Ryoanji
- Ninnaji.
- Daitokuji .
- Toei Eigamura
- Enryakuji
- Ohara
- Kurama

Western Kyoto

- Tenryuji
- Katsura Villa