Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, was constructed as a retreat in 1489 after the destruction of much of Kyoto in the Onin Civil War of 1467. Its rather somber feel contrasts with the dazzling Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, on which it was modeled. Now a Zen temple, the elegant grounds features a peaceful pond, a stone garden with raised cones, again to reflect moonlight, and a moss garden .
Kyoto's most impressive shrine builted in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the city. It is dedicated to the first and last Emperors to reside in the old capital. The main hall is also a scaled down replica of the Heian Period Imperial Palace. Entrance to the extensive grounds will cost you nothing, but there is a JPY500 fee in order to enter the unique landscaped strolling garden with a large ornamental pond, covered bridge and a multitude of delightful cherry trees, azaleas, water lilies and irises. A botanical delight for your eyes!
Kinkakuji is probably Kyoto's most famous temple garden. The three-story Chinese Zen influenced Golden Pavilion has delicately curving roofs and the walls and eaves of the second and third stories are covered with fine gold leaf. The villa is reflected in the mirror pond which lies in front of the building (that happend when the day is clear). The present structure, dating from 1955, is a copy of the original builted in 1397.
The amazing Nijo Castle is an ostentatious display of wealth and power in contrast with the austerity often shown in the buildings of the Imperial nobility. Built in 1606, and rebuilt after a fire in 1788, the huge walls, moats and towers exude military might. Inside, the Kano School of artists depicted tigers and leopards whose ferocity and power were chosen to symbolize Tokugawa strength. As you walk through the castle, you will enjoy the wooden "nightingale floors" that squeak merrily, not as an aesthetic pleasure, but to serve as an alarm against night intruders.
An ideal place for picnics, walking or jogging the Imperial Palace Park located right in the middle of the city houses the buildings of the Imperial Palace. With its wide spaces of grass and small copses of trees, the park provides an excellent refuge of green and fresh air away from the busy streets outside. If you look carefully you will find bullet halls that witnessed the violent past of Kyoto
Kiyomizudera, which means the "Temple of Pure Water," is one of the popular temple among young people who come to pray for success in finding a suitable partner at a Shinto shrine set inside the complex. Built in 798 and set in an historic hillside location, the temple is one of the Kyoto landmarks and a toursim place too. The main hall is set on a big wooden terrace which from where you can have a great view of the city and the pleasant temple grounds and pagoda.
Functional-harmonious architectural style Katsura-rikyu a world famous Imperial Villa
Katsura is located in the southwestern part of Kyoto. Many temples are dotted along the west bank of the gently winding Katsura-gawa River. Katsura-rikyu Imperial Villa was built in Katsura in the 17th century, as a country house for the Imperial Family. It took 35 years to complete the construction. There is the Shoin (study room) consisting of three buildings in sukiyazukuri style, the Koshoin, Chushoin and Shin-goten, which surround a pond created from the water of the Katsura-gawa River pouring into this vast premise with an area of 56,000 sq. meters. There is also a garden with a circular promenade and a tearoom, creating a harmonious beauty with the architecture. All have been preserved in their original style.
It is believed that the imperial people of olden times viewed the moon from a moon viewing deck projecting out onto the water or from a boat floating on the pond and have enjoyed both a moon in the sky and a moon reflected in the water. Katsura-rikyu is known throughout the world since it was introduced in an overseas magazine by Bruno Taut, a German architect. He came to Japan and praised its beauty of sophisticated architecture harmonized with the water that surrounds them.
There are many shrines and temples around the Katsura-rikyu area. The god of sake brewing at the Umenomiya-taisha and Matsuo-taisha shrines attracts many worshippers. Kegon-ji Temple is known for its suzumushi or "bell-ring" insects that chirp all year round, and Saiho-ji Temple is famous for its garden covered with beautiful mosses like a spreading out of green velvet.
Kyoto used to be the Capital of Japan and the emperor's residence until 1868, now days it's the seventh largest city in the country with a population of 1.4 millon people and a much modern look.
Over the centuries the city was destroyed by many wars and fires but due to it's hitoric value Kyoto was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II.
Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless and unique structures still survive in the city and can be appreciate it by all the tourists who wants to be amazed by them.
My personal info:
Name : Mary Kate Campbell
Nick: Sakura
Age: 17
Born in: Windy city, Chicago
Hobbies: Manga, Anime, Japanese Culture
