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Katsura Rikyū
Katsura Rikyū, one of Kyoto’s imperial properties, is widely considered to be the pinnacle of Japanese traditional architecture and garden design. Set amid an otherwise drab neighbourhood, it is (very literally) an island of incredible beauty. The villa was built in 1624 for the em
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Saihō
Saihō-ji, one of Kyotos best-known gardens, is famed for its superb moss garden, hence the temples nickname: Koke-dera (Moss Temple). The heart-shaped garden, laid out in 1339 by Musō Kokushi, surrounds a tranquil pond. In order to limit the number of visitors, one must apply to vi
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Daihonzan Eihei
In 1244 the great Zen master Dōgen (1200–53), founder of the Sōtō sect of Zen Buddhism, established Eihei-ji, the Temple of Eternal Peace, in a forest outside Fukui. Today its one of Sōtōs two head temples, a palpably spiritual place amid mountains, mosses and ancient cedars. That
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Shūgaku
Lying at the foot of Hiei-zan, this superb imperial villa is one of the highlights of northeast Kyoto. It was designed as a lavish summer retreat for the imperial family. The gardens here, with their views down over the city of Kyoto, are worth the trouble it takes to visit. Constr
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Nishi Hongan
A vast temple complex located about 15 minutes walk northwest of Kyoto Station, Nishi Hongan-ji comprises five buildings that feature some of the finest examples of architecture and artistic achievement from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600). The Goei-dō (main hall) is a marve
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Tō
One of the main sights south of Kyoto Station, Tō-ji is an appealing complex of halls and a fantastic pagoda that makes a fine backdrop for the monthly flea market held on the grounds. The temple was established in 794 by imperial decree to protect the city. In 823 the emperor hand
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Higashi Hongan
A short walk north of Kyoto Station, Higashi Hongan-ji (Eastern Temple of the True Vow) is the last word in all things grand and gaudy. Considering its proximity to the station, the free admission, the awesome structures and the dazzling interiors, this temple is the obvious spot t
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Yōkaichi Historic District
Uchikos picturesque main street has a number of interesting buildings, many now serving as museums, souvenir stalls, craft shops and charming teahouses. The old buildings typically have cream-coloured plaster walls and wings under the eaves that serve to prevent fire spreading from
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Gion
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary visitors to Yasaka-jinja (a neighbourhood shrine), by the mid-18th century the area was Kyoto’s largest pleasure district. Despite
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Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace grounds occupy the site of the original Edo-jō, the Tokugawa shōgunates castle when they ruled the land. As its the home of Japans emperor and some of the imperial family, the palace is off limits. You can take a free tour of some of the surrounding grounds. If
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Gion District
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary visitors to Yasaka-jinja , by the mid-18th century the area was Kyoto’s largest pleasure district. Despite the looming modern arch
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Sanjūsangen
This superb temple’s name refers to the 33 sanjūsan (bays) between the pillars of this long, narrow building. The building houses 1001 wooden statues of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy); the chief image, the 1000-armed Senjū-Kannon, was carved by the celebrated sculptor Tanke
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Jakkō
Jakkō-in sits on the opposite side of Ōhara from the famous Sanzen-in. It’s reached by a very pleasant walk through a quaint ‘old Japan’ village. It’s a relatively small temple and makes an interesting end point to a fine walk in the country. The history of the temple is exceedingl
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Byōdō
Byōdō-in is the star attraction in the Kyoto suburb of Uji. Its home to one of the loveliest Buddhist structures in Japan: the Hōō-dō hall, which is depicted on the back of the Japanese ¥10 coin. Perched overlooked a serene reflecting pond, this recently refurbished hall is a stunn
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Kurama & Kibune
Only 30 minutes north of Kyoto on the Eiden Eizan main line, Kurama and Kibune are a pair of tranquil valleys long favoured by Kyotoites as places to escape the crowds and stresses of the city below. Kuramas main attractions are its mountain temple and its onsen (hot springs). Kibu
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Tsukiji Market
Fruit, vegetables, flowers and meat are also sold here, but its seafood – around 2000 tonnes of it traded daily – that Tsukiji is most famous for. The frenetic inner market (jōnai-shijō ) is slated to move to Toyosu by late 2016; the equally fascinating outer market (jōgai-shijō )
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Ise
Dating back to the 3rd century, Ise-jingū is Japans most venerated Shintō shrine. It’s in two parts: Gekū (外宮; Outer Shrine) and the more impressive Naikū (内宮; Inner Shrine), several kilometres away. According to tradition, shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years, with exact im
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Peace Memorial Park
Housing Okinawas most important war memorials, in the city of Itoman on the southern coast.
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Daigo
Daigo-ji is a sprawling temple complex located in the Daigo district of Kyoto, which lies on the east side of the Higashiyama mountains, accessible by the Tōzai subway line. Outside of the cherry-blossom season (early April), its not a high-priority destination, but it makes a good
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Yakushi
This temple houses some of the most beautiful Buddhist statues in all Japan. It was established by Emperor Temmu in 680 as a prayer for the healing of his wife. With the exception of the East Pagoda, which dates to 730 (and is due to be under renovation until 2018), the present bui
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