Travel Eye on Kyoto (Japan)

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Overview:

Kyoto is an ancient city, where the Imperial Palace existed for more than one thousand years from the end of the eighth century. The city has many temples and shrines as well as historical highlights, such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Katsura Villa. It is also famous for Kiyomizuyaki chinaware, Nishijinori textiles, and Kyoto dolls. Blessed with a rich natural environment, the city abounds with beautiful scenery in the Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor 's residence from 794 until 1868 . It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II . Countless temples , shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Locality:

Kyoto is situated on the W coast, one third of the way up Japan.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Because Kyoto has so many worthwhile sights, you must plan your itinerary carefully. Even the most avid sightseer can become jaded after days of visiting yet another temple or shrine, no matter how beautiful or peaceful, so be sure to temper your visits to cultural and historical sights with time spent simply walking around. Kyoto is a city best seen on foot; take time to explore small alleyways and curio shops, pausing from time to time to soak in the beauty and atmosphere. If you spend your days in Kyoto racing around in a taxi or a bus from one temple to another, the essence of this ancient capital and its charm may literally pass you by.

Popular attractions include:

• Costume Museum
• Ginkakuji (The Temple of the Silver Pavilion)
• Heian Shrine
• Hosomi Art Museum
• Kinkakuji (The Temple of the Golden Pavilion)
• Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera)
• Kodai-ji Temple
• Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)
• Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Fureaikan)
• Kyoto National Museum (Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan)
• Museum of Kyoto (Kyoto Bunka Hakubutsukan)
• Nijo Castle (Nijojo)
• Nishijin Textile Center (Nishijin-Ori Kaikan)
• Ryoanji Temple
• Sanjusangendo Hall
• Toei Uzumasa Eiga Mura (Toei Uzumasa Movieland)