Caleb Falcon
Renowned as Japan's City of Temples Kyoto is a Tokyo's tranquil cousin with a distinct identity of its own. Littered with engaging attractions here are the must-see highlights in captivating Kyoto.
Regarded as one of the must-have experiences on a tour of Kyoto a stroll across the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is no run of the mill encounter with a Japanese icon. Tucked away within the outskirts of Kyoto town a visit to this verdant patch of paradise is akin to no other experience in Kyoto. From the Central Station a ride on the JR line takes visitors to this tranquil prefecture full of towering bamboo trees. The pathway is a mere 500m long while the atmosphere with towering bamboo trees flanking either side of the walking trail is nothing short of magical. Mysterious and peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the largest bamboo groves in the country and is accessible free of charge to visitors. Festival days in the area sees an increased influx of visitors to the renowned horticultural highlight while those who wish to uncover the tranquil beauty of a classic Japanese bamboo grove should venture here on non-festival days when the surrounding landscapes are less congested with tourists and locals.
Tipped to be one of Kyoto's most breathtaking temple structures the Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Pavilion is no ordinary religious edifice in Japan. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site this captivating edifice with a pure gold leaf facade is also one of the most spectacular sights one encounters in all of Japan, let alone Kyoto. Frequented by visitors all year long this enigmatic temple overlooking a lake houses a number of Buddha sculptures with each storey of the pavilion showcasing different architectural elements. Surrounded by a picturesque garden visitors can experience the majesty of this pure gold structure from every direction. The best time to visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple is during the late evening hours as the setting sun creates a magical atmosphere around the edifice.
Another equally captivating religious institution in Kyoto is the towering Kiyomizu-dera Temple. A popular UNESCO World Heritage Site the chief attribute of this temple in the hills is undoubtedly its elaborate main auditorium. Made of wood in its entirety the central hall has been built without the use of a single nail according to local legend. Towering above the surrounding landscape on the summit of a hill the venue's massive veranda is flanked by a number of equally impressive columns. Offering visitors panoramic views of the city below as well as a waterfall located in the vicinity the locale dates back to the Edo era when residents in the area believed jumping from the 13m high hill on which the temple is located brought good fortune.
Immortalized in film thanks to the Memoirs of a Geisha motion picture the sacred Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is the site on which the Hollywood film and the book that inspired the franchise are both based. Complete with an impressive 10,000 Torii gates of varying scale a visit to the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is an experience one is not likely to forget. Forming a make shift railing up the mountain the yellow hued gates serve as a barrier as well as a ceiling with each Torii gate inscribed with the names of those who gifted the item to the temple. Devoted to the worship of the God of Rice, Inari who is also the patron deity of enterprise the venue is open to visitors free of charge.
As the city's iconic observation deck Kyoto Tower affords the most panoramic views of the city. Towering above the metropolis at a height of 328 feet the venue is known as the highest structure in all of Kyoto with its cloud piercing spire reaching 430 feet in height. The 800 ton weighing tower is actually a 9 storey steel structure with a futuristic design. Located near the Kyoto apartments complex Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto the locale is easily accessible to visitors staying in the CBD.
