Here are 10 things to do in Kyoto (Rakunan area), one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.

Kiyomizu Temple

This temple has a history of about 1200 years and is designated as a World Heritage Site.
Within the temple grounds, there are many sights to see, including the main hall, which is the origin of the phrase "jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu," the three-story pagoda "Koyasu Pagoda," a national treasure, an important cultural property, and the power spot "Otowa Waterfall." Sannenzaka, the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, used to be called "Sannenzaka," and is said to be the road to worship at the three-story pagoda. If you climb the steps, you will be able to see the Kyoto cityscape and a magnificent view will spread out before you.

In autumn, there are special evening viewings, when the temple is lit up, making it a spectacular spot from which you can get a panoramic view of the Kiyomizu stage, the autumn leaves, and the night view.

Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, was built over a period of 19 years from 1236 as the family temple of the Kujo family. The Sanmon Gate, a national treasure rebuilt in 1425 by the fourth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, is the oldest and largest Sanmon gate in a Zen temple in Japan, using three different architectural styles: Daibutsu-yo, Zen-yo, and Wa-yo. There are also Sunday zazen sessions where you can calm your mind.

During the autumn foliage season, the temple and the autumn leaves create a Japanese atmosphere. There are special viewings in the fall, and you can see the beautiful scenery until late at night.

Toji Temple

This temple is also a World Heritage Site.
The five-story pagoda, a symbol of Kyoto, is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan at 55m tall. It has been burned down four times by lightning strikes and other reasons, but has been restored each time, and the current pagoda dates back to the early Edo period and was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu.

In spring and autumn, there are special evening viewings, where the approximately 200 cherry trees and autumn leaves are lit up, creating a spectacular view of the five-story pagoda. The five-story pagoda, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the Hyotan Pond are also very atmospheric and popular. The grounds of Toji Temple are also very spacious, so you can take your time to view the temple.

Byodoin Temple

This is a temple and Amida Hall built by Fujiwara no Yorimichi in 1053 during the late Heian period. It is said to be a recreation of the Pure Land. Byodoin is famous for the "Phoenix Hall" depicted on the 10 yen coin and is a World Heritage Site. The golden phoenix shines in this hall, which was built to appear as if it were floating on the pond. The garden is said to represent the Pure Land world on earth, and is known as a Pure Land garden. The nearby Aji Pond is said to represent the Treasure Pond in the Pure Land.

During cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms surrounding the Phoenix Hall create a perfect balance with the red of the surrounding trees. Also, from April to early May, you can see wisteria flowers blooming on the wisteria trellis within the temple grounds.

Yasaka Shrine

It is the head shrine of about 2,300 Yasaka Shrines across the country, all of which enshrine Susanoo-no-Mikoto as their deity. Until 1868, it was called "Gion-sha" or "Gion Kanshin-in", and the name "Yasaka Shrine" came from the fact that the area was once called Yasaka-go. It is also famous for hosting the Gion Festival, and is widely loved as a central tourist spot in Kyoto. It is also famous for being a shrine that can be visited 24 hours a day, and its appearance changes between day and night.

Sanjusangendo

It was built by Taira no Kiyomori at the Hojujiden temple of Emperor Goshirakawa in 1164. It was later burned down, but the current main hall was rebuilt in 1266. It got its name from the 33 spaces between the pillars in the inner sanctuary of the main hall.
The Kannon statues are said to have eleven faces and a thousand arms and eyes in order to save all living beings in distress, and 1,000 life-size standing Kannon statues are lined up on a stepped platform in 10 rows from front to back.

The "East Garden Pond Stroll Garden" on the east side of the main hall is surrounded by seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and water lilies. It is designed around the pond, so you can view them as you walk around the Japanese garden.

Kodaiji Temple (Tea ceremony experience)

This temple was built in 1606 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene, to mourn his father. It is home to important cultural properties such as the "Moon Viewing Platform" which was moved from Fushimi Castle, and the "Otamaya" maki-e lacquerwork. During the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the temple is lit up at night for special viewing. The glittering projection mapping is a spectacular sight.

In addition, eight special tea ceremonies are held throughout the year, allowing you to experience the tea ceremony at the temple. Because it is held at a temple, it is very tasteful and will leave you with fond memories.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha, affectionately known as "Oinari-san," is the head shrine of the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across the country. Its history predates the capital's move to Heian, and it is said to have been founded in 711. It is said to bring good fortune in business prosperity and household safety.

One of the highlights of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the "Senbon Torii". The sight of the rows of vermilion-painted torii gates is overwhelming. It is said that the practice of donating torii gates became widespread after the Edo period, as a way of giving thanks for wishes that had been granted or had been granted. The shrine is also famous for being open 24 hours a day, and its appearance changes between day and night.

Nishi Honganji Temple

There are two Honganji temples in Kyoto: Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji. Nishi Honganji (Ryukokuzan Honganji) is the head temple of the Nishi Honganji sect. It is called "Onishi-san." It was built about 400 years ago during the Edo period and is one of the largest wooden buildings still standing. The Miedo Hall is a sight reminiscent of paradise. The Karamon Gate, a symbol of Momoyama culture, is beautiful with its gorgeous carvings of peonies and Chinese lions. It is also called the "Higurashi Gate" (Sun-dwelling Gate) because you will be so fascinated that you will forget the sun setting. Please take a look at every detail.

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple was founded in 874, nearly 1,200 years ago. The area around Mount Daigo and its foothills covers more than 6.6 million square meters. The five-story pagoda, the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto, is also a must-see and is designated as a national treasure.

It is also famous for its cherry blossoms, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi planted 700 trees and created a garden in 1598. In the spring, various kinds of cherry blossoms bloom, and there are special night viewings when they are lit up, creating a spectacular view. In the fall, the illuminated autumn leaves and the temple are reflected on the surface of the garden's Benten Pond, creating a fantastical sight.

summary

We have introduced 10 things to do in Kyoto (Rakunan area) for inbound tourists. This area of Kyoto is home to many historically old places and temples and shrines, allowing you to fully experience old Japan. Walking through the city will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time. Also, experiencing Japanese food while experiencing Kyoto will be a special memory. Please enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto, where the streets coexist with nature, and the city's various scenery throughout the year.