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Joruri-ji Temple

Joruri-ji Temple

Symbolizing the "Tono-no-Sato" in Kizugawa City, Jyoruri-ji is a world-class famous temple with a breathtakingly beautiful garden and complex, said to reproduce the Heian-period Buddhist paradise on earth. The arrangement with the Three-storied Pagoda in the east and the main hall enshrining nine Amida Nyorai statues (National Treasures) in the west across a pond perfectly preserves the ideology of the time and is Japan's only such precious remnant. Especially the merciful brilliance emitted by the nine Amida statues lined in the main hall quietly purifies the viewer's heart. This space, where seasonal natural beauty and the world of salvation yearned...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Jindo-ji Temple

Jindo-ji Temple

Shindo-ji, nestled quietly in the mountains of Kizugawa City, is an ancient temple associated with Shugendo, said to have been opened by En-no-Gyoja after being guided by two child deities during training. Powerful Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, such as the Zao Gongen statue, are enshrined here, and their mystical and strong energy overwhelms visitors. Here exists an untouched nature and deep silence that can only be tasted because it is not over-commercialized. It is a place for travelers seeking authentic historical exploration to touch the solemnity of Japanese mountain worship and the history of prayer protected since...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kaijusen-ji Temple

Kaijusen-ji Temple

Built atop a mountain overlooking Mika-no-hara, Kaijusan-ji is a historic temple known for its beautiful Kamakura-period "Five-storied Pagoda (National Treasure)." Although this pagoda is small at about 17.7 meters high, it is decorated with extremely sophisticated ornaments, and its architectural beauty is praised as one of the best in Japan. From the precincts, a magnificent panoramic view of the Kizu River flow and the villages of Yamashiro spreads out, offering an openness as if at a "Temple in the Sky." The silence of the sanctuary appearing at the end of an uphill climb and the original Japanese landscape spreading below...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Gansen-ji Temple

Gansen-ji Temple

Located in the Tono area of Kizugawa City, Iwafune-ji is an ancient temple loved as a "Temple of Flowers" for being colored by flowers of each season. Especially the contrast between the vibrant vermilion "Three-storied Pagoda (Important Cultural Property)" and the blooming hydrangeas in early summer is exceptionally beautiful, serving as a perfect photo spot. The precincts are wrapped in silence, housing heavy Buddhist art such as a giant Amida Nyorai statue from the Heian period. Walking paths to visit stone Buddhas are also maintained in the surrounding mountains, where you can simultaneously feel the ancient people's faith and the...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kizugawa City

Kizugawa City, located at the southernmost tip of Kyoto Prefecture, flourished as a transportation hub adjacent to Heijo-kyo (Nara) in ancient times and remains a historical city with precious old temples and stone Buddhas dotted in quiet hamlets like "Tono-no-Sato." Especially Jyoruri-ji and Iwafune-ji, which possess National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, convey the aesthetics of the Heian period and are sacred sites not to be missed by Buddhist art fans. It also has an aspect as a cutting-edge science city, giving it a unique atmosphere where history and the future intersect. It is an area where you can fulfill...

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagaokakyo City

Nagaokakyo City

Nagaokakyo City, with a history of once being the capital of Japan (Nagaoka-kyo), is a city known as the home of bamboo where historical remnants and rich nature coexist. Located between Kyoto and Osaka, it offers convenient access while allowing visitors to enjoy calm sightseeing away from crowds. You can find deep charms the more you walk, such as the seasonal food culture including specialty bamboo shoots and historical roads connected to Iwashimizu Hachimangu. Chosen by travelers who want to touch the "real face of Kyoto" different from the main routes, through Sengoku-period romance, beautiful bamboo groves, and temples colored...

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hachijoga-ike Pond

Hachijoga-ike Pond

Hachijo-ga-ike, spreading in front of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, is a historic reservoir built in the Edo period and cherished as a place of relaxation for citizens. The main highlight is the bridge crossing over the pond and the "Kirishima Azaleas," over 170 years old, which bloom in spring. The sight of flaming bright red flowers lining the pond is magnificent, allowing for photos symbolizing the color beauty of Japanese spring. Walking paths are maintained around the pond, where you can spend a relaxing time enjoying seasonal waterside plants like iris and water lilies. It is a very peaceful view spot...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji

Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji

Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji, located in the mountains of Nagaokakyo City, has long been known as a place to pray for the healing of eye diseases and is now globally famous as the birthplace of "Hanachozu" (water ablution basins decorated with flowers). The beauty of the basins filled with seasonal flowers is extremely photogenic, attracting many international tourists via social media. It is also a famous spot for hydrangeas and autumn leaves, and the view of the "Jodo Garden" from the corridor is breathtakingly beautiful. A tranquil time flows within the grounds to heal mind and body, and it is strongly...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Summer

Shoryuji Castle Park

Shoryuji Castle Park

"Shoryuji Castle Park," reproducing a Sengoku-period fortress, is a site of a historical love story where the warlord Hosokawa Tadaoki and Gracia (daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide) spent their early married life. The beautifully restored turrets and gates, along with the surrounding moat, create a retro and heroic atmosphere unique to Japanese castle towns. The park is maintained as a beautiful Japanese garden, where you can walk quietly while reflecting on history. With exhibits related to Gracia, a tragic heroine, it is an interesting place for travelers interested in the deep historical drama of Japanese Bushido, Christian faith, and familial love.

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Komyo-ji Temple, Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji Temple, Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji, the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect, is a leading temple in the Kyoto Nishiyama area, famous for its beautiful autumn leaves covering the vast grounds. In particular, the gentle slope called the "Momiji Sando" (Maple Path) becomes a tunnel of maples in autumn, with fallen red leaves blanketing the ground like a carpet. It offers a quieter environment compared to central Kyoto, allowing visitors to thoroughly enjoy the colors of Japanese autumn in a dignified atmosphere. Harmonizing heavy architecture and nature, it is highly regarded by photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking a quiet stroll to taste traditional...

Kyoto
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sewaritei

Sewaritei, a levee separating the Kizu and Uji rivers in Yawata City, is one of the premier cherry blossom spots in Kansai. The row of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees stretching for about 1.4km becomes a magnificent "cherry blossom tunnel" at full bloom, its overwhelming scale and beauty taking visitors' breath away. Walking along the path is a given, but looking down at the endless pink band from the observatory tower of the adjacent "Sakura Deai-kan" is also a masterpiece view. This pink paradise, appearing only for a short time in spring, is a bustling symbolic spot of Japanese spring, attracting local...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Yawata City

Located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Yawata City is a city where history, nature, and stories of invention intersect, with the National Treasure Iwashimizu Hachimangu as its symbol. It is famous as the production area of the bamboo that Edison used for his light bulb filament, and a culture centered around bamboo is deeply ingrained. Also characterized by beautiful waterside landscapes as the Kizu, Uji, and Katsura rivers meet here. Beyond visiting historic shrines and temples, you can enjoy peaceful scenery around the vast Nagare-bashi bridge. It is a calm city that satisfies intellectual curiosity, where contributions to modern science and...

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Uji City

Globally renowned as the production area for Uji tea, Uji City is a beautiful city where history and fragrance drift through the air. Dotted with World Heritage sites like Byodo-in and Ujigami Shrine, it also features spots associated with The Tale of Genji. Savoring top-quality Matcha and Matcha sweets at traditional teahouses while listening to the murmuring of the Uji River is the highlight of Uji tourism. Traditional cormorant fishing (Ukai) and authentic tea ceremony experiences are also available. Accessible by a short train ride from central Kyoto, it is an area where you can enjoy refined tea culture and...

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

The Tale of Genji Museum

The Tale of Genji Museum

Located in Uji, the setting of the world's oldest full-length novel "The Tale of Genji," this experiential museum allows you to learn deeply about the world of the story. Through displays of oxcarts and furnishings recreating the glamorous life of Heian nobles and video experiences, you can touch Japan's elegant culture of a thousand years ago. Especially the exhibits covering the "Uji Jujo" (Ten Chapters of Uji) from the latter half of the story are interesting, allowing visual enjoyment of the aesthetic sense and romance of the time. The gardens are also maintained with scenes from the story in mind,...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Manpuku-ji Temple

Manpuku-ji Temple

Located in Uji City, Manpuku-ji is the head temple of the Obaku sect, opened in the Edo period by the Chinese monk Ingen. Everything from buildings and decorations to ritual protocols retains a strong Chinese style, making it a rare temple where you can feel a unique continental atmosphere while in Japan. The "Kaipan," a large wooden sounding instrument in the shape of a fish, is popular for its humorous appearance. Here, you can taste Chinese-style Buddhist vegetarian cuisine called "Fucha Ryori," where sharing a large platter together is well-received by international guests. It offers an experience distinct from other...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Known as the "Temple of Flowers," Uji's Mimuroto-ji is an ancient temple charming for its gardens that show beautiful expressions each season. Especially the vast 5,000-tsubo hydrangea garden in early summer is a masterpiece, with colorful hydrangeas blooming in a mystical and beautiful manner that becomes a huge topic on social media. In the precincts, there is a statue called "Ugajin" with a unique appearance, said to bring luck in wealth and love when stroked, popular among worshipers. With azaleas, lotuses, and autumn leaves throughout the seasons, it is a famous temple where you can enjoy heart-warming strolls fusing natural...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

The World Heritage site Byodo-in in Uji City is globally famous for its "Phoenix Hall" depicted on the 10-yen coin. Built in the Heian period to image Buddhist paradise, its appearance reflecting in the Aji-ike Pond is elegantly magnificent, appearing as if from another world. The golden phoenixes shining on the roof, interior Buddhist statues, and beautiful murals concentrate the aesthetic essence of Heian nobles. At the on-site museum "Hoshokan," you can view authentic phoenix statues and Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds up close, and be overwhelmed by their high artistry. It is a place to experience Japan's supreme Buddhist architecture...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyazu City

Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Miyazu City is a representative tourist city of "Kyoto by the Sea," housing Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views. It flourished as a castle and port town since ancient times, and its streets lined with historic temples and old merchant houses exude an emotional atmosphere. Gourmet options like fresh yellowtail, crab, and local sake are abundant, fascinating gourmet travelers. Visitors can enjoy both active sightseeing, such as touring observatories overlooking Amanohashidate, and healing experiences at hot springs. It is a charming city where you can thoroughly enjoy traditional Japanese landscapes and a peaceful...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Amanohashidate Shrine

Amanohashidate Shrine

Nestled quietly within the pine groves of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views, Amanohashidate Shrine has long been known as a power spot for romantic fulfillment. Although it is on a sandbar, the "Isoshimizu" well nearby miraculously flows with fresh water and is selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters" by the Ministry of the Environment. You can stop by while strolling through the pine forest, where the contrast between the surrounding sea and pines creates a sacred atmosphere. It is a special sanctuary where you can feel the mystery of nature and the presence of...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chion-ji Temple

Chion-ji Temple

Located at the entrance to Amanohashidate, Chion-ji is one of Japan’s Three Monju Temples, enshrining Monju Bosatsu, famous for the proverb "Three people together bring the wisdom of Monju." It is popular among examinees and students seeking academic success and wisdom. The sight of unique "fan-shaped" omikuji tied to pine trees in the precincts is very cute and popular as a photo spot. The heavy Tahoto pagoda and mountain gate evoke a sense of history, making it the perfect place to calm your mind before a stroll in Amanohashidate.

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

The "Blue Cave" around "Ganmon" along the coast of Kyotango City is a mystical spot created by the highly transparent Sea of Japan. Depending on the weather and the angle of light, the sea surface shines in vivid cobalt blue or emerald green, praised as rivaling the Blue Grotto in Italy. Many areas are accessible only by sea kayak or small boat, and the sound of waves echoing inside the cave and the unique rocks carved by nature's power make for a wonderful adventure. Here, you can feel the dynamic and transparent charm of "Kyoto by the Sea," quite different...

Kyoto
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Daimonji Okuribi

Daimonji Okuribi

Held every August 16th, "Gozan no Okuribi" (Five Mountain Bonfires), where giant flaming characters emerge on five mountains surrounding Kyoto City, is one of Kyoto's most sacred events marking the end of summer. Based on the belief of sending spirits back to the afterlife, the flames, including the character "Dai" (Great), stain the night sky red, powerfully moving the hearts of spectators. It can be viewed from throughout Kyoto City, and people fold their hands in silent prayer for the departed. Unlike flashy fireworks, it is a deeply beautiful summer tradition imbued with Japanese views of life and death and...

Kyoto
Festivals & Events
Summer

Kyoto State Guest House

Kyoto State Guest House

Nestled within the vast greenery of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the "Kyoto State Guest House" is an official facility for welcoming state guests, fusing the essence of traditional Japanese architecture with the highest modern technology. Inside the Sukiya-style building, supreme masterpieces of Kyoto's traditional crafts, such as Nishijin textiles, lacquerware, and mother-of-pearl inlay, are scattered throughout. Open to the public, you can observe the Japanese aesthetic and the ultimate "Omotenashi" space through a guided tour. The "pond-strolling" scenery where the garden and building are integrated is a masterpiece, a must-visit for intellectually curious travelers wishing to experience the highest...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Surrounded by the rich nature of Miyama, "Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe" is a hideaway inn where you can spend luxurious time listening to the murmuring of the clear Yura River. This inn offers gourmet dishes thoroughly committed to local production for local consumption, such as "Miyama Rice" and "Natural Sweetfish" from the Yura River. Guest rooms are calm Japanese spaces, and the seasonal mountain views from the windows are like a moving landscape painting. On quiet nights, you can watch the starry sky, perfect for travelers seeking a mental and physical detox. A representative Ryori Ryokan in Miyama where polite...

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter