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The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. KYOTO Butoh-kan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Butoh is an avant-garde dance that was born in Japan in the 1950s. Expressing a Japanese physicality and spirituality, the unique style of Butoh was a fresh challenge to the dance aesthetics of the time, undermining them from the ground up. Since then, Butoh has had a lasting impact on the world of dance. Even now, Butoh enjoys especially high recognition abroad, but within Japan, information relating to Butoh is hard to come by, and the fact is that there are few venues where one can experience Butoh. Art Complex has revived an ancient Japanese storehouse-an intimate space limited to eight seats-which will be devoted to long-run Butoh performances, so that Kyoto becomes "the place" to see Butoh dance. Furthermore, we are creating a Butoh Web Portal that will serve as an international resource for information about Butoh.
Reviewed By aaronc191
I almost didn't blink the entire time. So intimate, so intense, so vivid, I've never seen anything like it. Really worth it if you enjoy the arts - especially for cutting edge and provocative tastes. What you don't realize is that this is a show for not more than 10 people - at all times we are just a few feet away from the actors and you are so close you can even see their sweat and hear their breath. It adds a whole new intense dimension to an already intense experience. Loved it.
2. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Encounter the beauty and technique of Kyoto traditional crafts We feature the history, processes etc.of each of the 74 kinds of traditional crafts, which have conveyed the history and culture of Kyoto with products and videos. Kyoto, the old capital, was established in 794 as Heian-kyo, and developed as the center of politics, culture and industry. Throughout history, Kyoto has kept taking in new ideas, while at the same time keeping the old ones, and has created various kinds of crafts by utilizing the advantage of a sophisticated design sense coupled with an advanced local economy. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design is the place where many people discover the industry and culture of Kyoto as well as being introduced to the beauty and technique that have been inherited here.
3. Nijo Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,979 reviews
This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.
Reviewed By EllenW707 - Philadelphia, United States
We’ve been to a few castles in Europe and have come to feel that most of them are about fortifications, stables and canons. This one was so much better. Granted, this is our first visit to Asia, so everything is exotic and fascinating. First, Nijojo-mae, as the home of the Shogun, also contains elaborate palaces and gardens. So the purpose was not just military. The architecture and art are beautiful and inspiring. The history and insights into Japanese culture you get here are mind expanding. Secondly, as with everything we’ve experienced in Japan so far, your tour through the castle grounds is perfectly orchestrated and organized by the audio guide - available in several languages. Be sure to spend the extra yen to rent one. Then enjoy. By the way, it’s very easy to get here by subway.
4. Konchi-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
We happened upon this temple walking back to the subway from Nanzen-ji and decided to stop because it cost only about 400¥ each to get in. It looked peaceful and something was drawing us here. You follow the path going around the shrine in a circle, starting at a pond with koi fish in it. The gardens all around here are beautiful and the path is clearly marked. Make sure to wear bug spray. We got bit a bunch of times as it was muggy and the vegetation was thick in here. You come to the main shrine and it seems to be very historic. The trees open up to a huge zen garden and we just took off our shoes and sat here enjoying the peace and quiet. There was one other small group of people here at the time who were very quiet and respectful, so we basically had the place to ourselves. We sat for a good 20 minutes.
5. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By DellaG_12 - Coquitlam, Canada
Once again a magnificent garden surrounds the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately we did not check in advance to see the procedure required to take a tour of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and we were not able to view the palace grounds. Fortunately, the surrounding gardens were opened to the general public. As always, the imperial garden is an expansive garden space with attractive walkways, special shrines located away from main traffic areas and offers a quiet respite for prayers or private contemplation. It is beautiful in late autumn and the deciduous trees are at its best displaying their fall colors. Beautiful walks by the lake and small bridges to cross over. Such a wonderful reprieve from the major city area, just a lazy afternoon observing nature, couples and young children at play.
6. Shimogamo Jinja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,027 reviews
Reviewed By Kupitdom_2019
Today I spent almost three hours at one of the nicest shinto shrines in Japan I prayed boughtbtraditional EMMA (?wooden blessed by shrine) and you can write your own wishnifvyou believe it Emma from this shrine
7. Murinan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Murin-an is a Japanese villa, a Western building and a garden built between 1894 to 1896 by Aritomo Yamagata, an Elder Statesman (advisor to the emperor) from the Meiji and Taisho Period. Jihei Ogawa VII (7th) created this garden under Yamagata’s instructions and to this day it is a favorite one of both Japanese and visitors from abroad. Its central point being Higashiyama Mountains with a spacious and bright open lawn area creates a naturalistic scenery, unique for its time. Also,the water of the flowing stream is taken in from the Lake Biwa Canal, a pioneer in such water construction in the villa cluster of the Okazaki neighbourhood. Today, we offer a variety of workshops to enjoy Japanese culture in the beautiful environment of a Japanese garden, ranging from Japanese tea to Noh theatre. Also, the gardeners invite to learn about the garden and its artistry as well as are avaialable for guidance (Reservation required). Murin-an is the spot to enjoy and learn about Japanese gardens. Why not enjoy your holiday afternoon with a cup of matcha tea at Murin-an?
Reviewed By E881EMlisac
The Murinan tea house and garden were the place I enjoyed the most in Kyoto for the relaxing atmosphere and the traditional architecture and landscapes. I went early enough to be the only visitor for a while. You can enjoy a cup of tea on a tatami overlooking the breathtaking view of the garden, which is much nicer than any touristic tea ceremony to my opinion...
8. Shinnyodo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By gungho-traveller
Shinnyodo is often bypassed by tourists in favor of Eikando & other popular temples so its less crowded even in peak autumn season. you can stroll through the garden leisurely, sip Jap tea and dessert & admire surrounding autumn colours without mass crowd blocking your view or path. Best to go on weekdays between morning to 3pm on a sunny day, sunlight makes the leaves glow in vibrant red, yellow, orange & green, a stunning sight. Shinnyodo has the most vibrant red colors of all temples I visited and best of all, its FREE (note: only inner temple & zen garden require a fee)
9. Keage Incline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By junnd2016 - United Arab Emirates, null
I can say that this spot is one of the best Sakura viewing during April. It may be crowded during the season but it's really worth it going there. I think it's an unused railway with tons of cherry blossoms along the way and it's really near from Keage Station. Directions: from Keage Station 1)Take exit 1 2) When coming out of the station onto the street, turn right and walk about 80 meters down the street until you come to a small pedestrian tunnel on your left 3) pass the tunnel (it is only about 10 meters long) 4) immediately after the tunnel, turn left and walk up a small slope for about 80 meters 5) you are now at the top of the Incline and enjoy the Sakura
10. Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Rodwilde - Guam, Mariana Islands
On a side street near a subway station, the museum offers a small exhibit of all kinds of different styles of kaleidoscopes, and a short video while we were there. The kids enjoyed it a lot. There is an excellent gift shop, and a coffee shop (which also serves a limited food menu). The coffee shop seating area also doubles as a workshop, and for around $5 our kids were assisted to make their own kaleidoscope in about 20 minutes. We purchased gifts for fields back home, and a signature kaleidoscope for our home. Most enjoyable.
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