Medlock English Magazine

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Wednesday February 22nd 2012

Top 5 Things To See In Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1000 years. Although no longer the seat of government, it is still the cultural capital of Japan. Let’s have a quick look at the top 5 things to see in this amazing city.

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji)

This three-story building gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. Although it looks old it is actually a replica of the 14th century original, which was accidentally burned down in 1950. It is probably the most well recognized image of Kyoto. The original purpose of the building was as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It was converted into a Zen temple after his death. As well as the splendid gold leaf covered building you can also enjoy the mirror lake, the surrounding gardens and a tea house.

Ryoan-Ji

The Ryoan-Ji temple houses Japan’s most famous rock garden. The origins of the garden and the meaning of its design are a mystery. Some people believe that the 15 rocks represent a tiger carrying its cub across a stream. Others believe that the rocks are islands in an ocean. An interesting feature of the design is that from wherever you view the garden one of the rocks is always hidden from view.

The Goin district

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3902.html

This is the city’s most famous geisha district. The old wooden buildings, tea houses and fabulous restaurants and charming shops make the Goin district a must on every tourist agenda. The wooden merchant’s houses are a particular attraction for visitors. These houses have a style of architecture unique to Kyoto. The style came about because merchants were taxed on the size of their storefront. In order to reduce their tax bills the merchants build shops with narrow fronts but extended the building back a long way.

One of the best times to visit the Goin district is in July when you can see the Gion Matsuri festival. This is Japan’s most famous festival and includes a procession of enormous beautifully decorated floats.

The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-Ji)

Although it is called the Silver Pavilion was never covered with silver, even though that was the original plan. It was built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa and it is modeled after his grandfather’s retirement villa, the Golden Pavilion. Again like his grandfather’s Golden Pavilion it became a Zen temple after he died.

The grounds of the Silver Pavilion are an outstanding example of Japanese landscape gardening. The sand garden and moss garden are of particular interest to visitors.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

http://www.kyotomm.jp/english/

Kyoto isn’t all about ancient culture; modern culture has its place here, too. In November 2006 the Kyoto International Manga Museum opened. This is one of the world’s largest collections of manga related materials. Of course most of the collection is Japanese however there is plenty of manga in other languages on display. The big draw for manga aficionados is the Wall of Manga; 140 meters of shelving containing 50,000 manga books!

What about where you live?

What are the top five places that you would recommend a visitor to your country, region or city visit?

Why should they go there and what should they do once they get there?

Staying in Kyoto

http://www.kyoto-okoshiyasu.com/en/stay/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g298564-c2-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki-Hotels.html