Kyoto, Historical Capital 2: World Heritage

Since the emperor "Kamu Tenno" moved the country's capital in 794, Kyoto has been the capital and the emperor's residence for over 1000 years (till 1867). Now, there are a lot of temples and shrines which you can feel the history of this country. Atlthough a number of historical buildings and houses were burn down by a series of battles took place in Kyoto over the centuries, you may find them a lot to see. In 1994, the World Heritage status was granted to seventeen temples and shrines in Kyoto. Those are:

Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺）

"Kinkaku-ji in snow, February 2006"


"With Linda and her husband, Tso Lin"

Built in 1397 by Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu during the "Muromachi Era, the second Samurai government" The temple is historical very important and a good example of Kitayama Culture". Unfortunately, you must watch it from the distance. The entrance of 400 yen is a little expensive.

Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺)


Built in 1482 by Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa and he enjoyed the tea ceremony here. This temple is also important and the symbol of "Higashiyama Culture". For someone who has studied "Japanese history and culture" may be interested. It is also expensive. 500 yen for the entrance fee.


Shimogami Jinja Shrine (下鴨神社)
Free entrance except special exhibition. Very historical wooden buildings. Well I would say it is very good. It worths visiting before going some place where you are charged. If you go to visit more than 10 temples and shrines in six days, you may be bored. (That's what happened to my friend, Nuno.)




Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
One of the highly visited spot and it is also nice to walk around this area.


Nishi Honganji Temple (西本願寺)
This is also good place to visit. It is "free". There is also "air-conditioned" lounge with "free tea". It is good place to rest. Moreover, you can go inside the temple.



Toji Temple (東寺)
The Five-story pagoda is the symbol of Kyoto. It is nice but we did not go inside as I knew that we can not go into any building.



"Do not cross! This is what we do all the time, play with rules!"