Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto

The Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is counted as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, these are 17 locations around and in Kyoto. Most of these 17 places are temples. When visiting Kyoto you should try and have a chance to visit some of these sights. These include, Kamo shrine which is Kyotos oldest Temple, Kiyomizu-Dera which is considered Kyotos biggest tourist attraction and Nijo Castel which is a old Japanese style Castle.

Kōzan-ji

This Temple was made around 1100 – 1300 some of the buildings have burned and been build again but the oldest of the buildings is said to date back around that time. The temple is surrounded by forest giving it a feel of nature and tranquility. The Temple is also known for having numerous National treasures. All these truly make it a sight to see.

Address:

8 Umegahata Toganoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8295, Kyoto

Opening hours:

8: 30 - 17: 00

Cost:

800 yen

Website http://www.kosanji.com/

Ujigami Shrine:

The shrine is from around 1100 it has known as oldest example of nagare-zukuri style building as well as the oldest standing Shinto shrine in Japan.

Address:

59 Uji Yamada, Uji 611-0021, Kyoto

Cost:

Free

Byōdō-in

Unfortunately, most of the buildings at the Temple have been burned in wars. The Remaining building that is called the Phoenix hall. Picture of the bell tower at the Temple is displayed in a 10 yen coin.

Address:

116 Uji Renge, Uji 611-0021, Kyoto

Opening Hours:

Garden: 8:30 to 17:30 (LO 17:15)

Museum: 9:30 to 17:00

Inside of Hoo-do 9:30 to 16:10

Cost:

Adult 600yen, Juniorhighschool and high school students 400 yen and Elementary school student 300 yen

Website http://www.byodoin.or.jp/en/index.html

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji was established in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji is known for the dazzling appearance of its reliquary hall in the middle of the pond, decorated with gold leaf.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history among the temples of Kyoto and it is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, constructed in the Edo period, is a registered National Historic Site. Ninomaru Palace is designated as a National Treasure, and other buildings and wall panel paintings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. (Ninomaru is the area that defends Honmaru, the control center in times of war.) Nijo Castle is also a United Nations World Heritage site.

Ginkakuji (Higashiyama Jisho-ji)

Ginkakuji was built in 1490 by Yoshimune Ashikaga, the Eighth shogun, who prospered in the Muromachi period. The first floor section is built in a domestic style, and the second floor section is built in the style of a Buddhist temple.

Ninna-ji Temple

This temple was built in the year 888 by Emperor Uda. Ninna-ji, built in the style of Heian Era nobility residences, was recognized as a National Treasure and has also been registered as a World Heritage site. It is also a famous place to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple once possessed all of the Arashiyama area. It has a garden which hasn’t changed in 700 years and an ink painting 9 meters in diameter titled “Unryu-zu” that is a splendid World Heritage asset.

Ryoan-ji

Hosokawa Katsumoto established Ryōan-ji in 1450 during the Muromachi period, when Zen sects flourished. “Karesansui” or dry landscape gardens represent water using stones and sand. The rock garden of Ryōan-ji is famous for this. The garden is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Enryaku-ji Temple

Mount Hiei is worshiped as the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism and as the headquarters of the Tendai sect. Enryaku-ji Temple is divided into 3 areas, the East Pagoda, the West Pagoda, and Yokawa.

Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera)

This is a moss garden that is a lush green thanks to the rainy season. The contrast of red leaves and the green moss during fall is beautiful. Reservations are necessary to see Koke-dera, a place which has been said to have been visited by Steve Jobs many times incognito.

Toji (Kyo-o-gokokuji)

Roughly about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Surrounded by modern buildings of the city center, Toji exudes an atmosphere as though time stopped flowing at some point. Established 1,200 years ago, it is the first Esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan. Experience the unusual and distinctive world views expressed at this temple

Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji Temple was reconstructed so that Hideyoshi Toyotomi could hold the most gorgeous cherry blossom-viewing parties there. In spring, 1000 cherry trees blossom and the fall foliage that Hideyoshi couldn’t see is also breathtaking in its beauty.

The Kamo Shrines

Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine continue on a lineage that has lasted from ancient times. They boast a popularity among the young since the shrines’ gods represent success in love and prayers for beauty. The Shikinen Sengu ritual is practiced every 21 years when the shrine buildings undergo restoration.

Hongan-ji Temple

Hongan-ji Temple is a National Treasure where you can easily drop in and view Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall. It is a popular tourist spot within easy walking distance from Kyoto Station.