Secrets of Kyoto

Experiencing the cherry blossom season in Kyoto from the end of March until the beginning of April should be on everyone’s Japan bucket list. For 3 weeks the city turns into a fairy tale landscape with thousands of happy people enjoying the scenery. Join one of the Hanami parties in the evening under a blooming tree and have some fun. Check out my handpicked list of the best spots in Kyoto.

Kyoto, a former capital of Japan, has a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are grouped under the label Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Take your time to explore these 17 outstanding temples, shrines, and one castle. The World Heritage status was given to the city in 1994.

The Five Great Zen Temples (Five Great Mountain Temples) of Kyoto and above them all the Nanzenji Temple had a huge influence on Japanese culture over the centuries. These gozan temples contributed to tea ceremonies (sado), calligraphy, painting, literature, garden landscapes, martial arts, and architecture. They were first established in Kamakura and later five other temples were appointed in Kyoto by order of the Ashikaga shogunate (1338 - 1573).

I like to explore flea markets in Kyoto and there is always something interesting to buy:) Three major flea markets happening every month in the city. The largest one can be found at the temple grounds of Toji. In second place is the flea market at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the smallest of the three at Chionji Temple. These flea markets attract large crowds of tourists and locals alike.

Three war memorials, Ryozen Kannon War Memorial, Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, and Ryozen Rekishikan, can be found within the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. The history of Japan saw many wars and political changes and the three memorials let you honor the people who lost their lives.

Capturing some unique moments during my long walks through the city is a hobby of mine. Kyoto will always be my number one destination in the world. The city is also changing a lot through the seasons. Enjoy the image gallery and keep exploring.

In the center of Kyoto within the Shimogyo Ward you will find two large temples with the names Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji. Both temples form the headquarters of the Jodo-Shinshu (Pure Land Buddhism) sect. The temples are dating back to the 16th century. Nishi Honganji has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main hall (Goei-do) of the Higashi Hinganji is the largest wooden building in in the city and one of the largest in the world.

The number of Shinto shrines in Kyoto can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, as there are a total of 2000 of them located all over the city. Therefore I created a top 10 list with the most popular shrines. You have to start somewhere right:)

The amount of Buddhist temples in Kyoto can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. There are in total 1600 of them. To make your life easier I picked the top 10 of the most popular temples for you. It is possible to see them all within 2 or 3 days.

Millions of tourists come here every year for sightseeing and shopping. To make your life easier I picked the most popular shopping areas/streets in Kyoto. It covers department stores, shopping malls, traditional and modern stores, and flea markets. There is something for every budget.

Wooden pagodas are architectural masterpieces and usually belong to large Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. During my visits to Kyoto, I was fascinated by these huge structures. Some pagodas have a history of over 1200 years, and some have the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Important Cultural Properties, and National Treasures.

There are moments you would like to share with friends, family and the world. The following top ten list of the best Instagrammable locations in Kyoto should give you inspiration for your own photo tour. Many tourists have only a short amount of time and these suggestions are a pretty good start to capture the essence and beauty of the city.

The term Kamo Shrines is used to describe the two most important and oldest Shinto sanctuaries in Kyoto called Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine located at the riverbanks of Kamogawa.

Walking through temple and shrine grounds in Kyoto with beautiful illumination at night gives these places a nearly mystical atmosphere. These light-ups usually happen during the cherry blossom season in spring or autumn when the maple leaves turn yellow and red. Enjoy my handpicked list of the most beautiful spots in the city and there is one bonus destination included.

The Top 5 Hidden Gems of Kyoto is my handpicked list of unique Buddhist temples, shrines, lookouts, and river cruises for you, which are a bit off the beaten track. Kyoto has amazing spots to offer and there is something to discover on every corner:)

Experiencing the autumn foliage season in Kyoto from mid to late November till the beginning of December should be on everyone’s Japan bucket list. During this time of the year, the colorful leaves of the maple and ginkgo trees create a wonderful scenery, which is enhanced by the illumination at night by some of the temples and shrines.

I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
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