Kyoto is a beautiful place, and very dear to my heart.
The first time I lived in Japan was in Kyoto.
My first apartment was in Kyoto.
The first time I thought about manga as a serious career choice was Kyoto.
But if you go to Kyoto, you may find that you get tired of the temples and shrines, and then seeing more temples and shrines. I get it, I had a full year to digest them; you may only have days!
Here are my top picks for what to see:
Ryoanji Temple
HP: http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/
Good for visiting in combination with Kinkakuji and Ninnaji Temple.
The most famous and recognizable part of Ryoanji is the rock garden. Only someone who has reached enlightenment can see all the rocks in the garden. Why is that? Because this garden was designed so that, at any vantage point, at least one rock is hidden from view.
Kinkakuji Temple
HP: (Japanese Only) http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_access.html
Maybe you should get these ones out of the way in the morning. Kinkakuji especially can get really crowded with tour groups. You can walk over to it from Ryoanji Temple and Ninnaji Temple.
The grounds are not enormous. But there is a giant teahouse covered in gold leaf. Take your picture across from it to get the classic, “Yes, I have gone to Kyoto” photo.
More Info: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html
Ninnaji Temple
HP: http://ninnaji.wordpress.com/access/
You can stay over night at the temple! The rates are not bad considering you are staying at a World Heritage Site and you are getting fed.
If you stay here, you can use your morning to meditate at the temples without tourists .
It is famous for its cherry blossoms, which bloom a bit later than usual. When they bloom the entire orchard of them turns pink and fluffy.
It is a pretty big complex, so you can enjoy a nice stroll about the grounds.
Taizoin Temple
HP: http://www.taizoin.com/en/index.html
A Zen temple featuring beautiful spacious gardens you can stroll around. You can also stick around for some tea and have some quiet meditation time. This temple might not be on everyone’s list, so you might get to have some real tranquility.
Kiyomizudera Temple
HP: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/lang/01.html
Must-see, and everyone sees it. There will most likely be crowds.
The temple is perched on top of stilt-like construction and offers beautiful views of the city. There is a bit of garden you can walk through, as well as 3 waterfalls that you will see people lining up to drink from. Each waterfall is supposed to give you luck in either success, longevity, or love. However, I have still not figured out which one is which. Over the years I have probably drank at least one time from each one…
Am still waiting on the success and love thing to kick in. Longevity to be confirmed in the next 50+ years.
Main draws: In a scenic area of Kyoto that you will want to walk through anyway. The street leading up to it is also filled with old-style machiya type stores selling food and souvenirs.
There will be many many samples available, so you can get lunch out of the way (if you are aggressive on the samples of the triangular Kyoto treat, “yatsuhashi.”
Manshuin Temple
HP (Only Japanese) : http://www.manshuinmonzeki.jp/
If you go to this temple, you may also want to have booked for a tour of Shugakuin Imperial Villa.
The grounds have a raked rock garden and beautiful architecture that is enhanced by the brush paintings on the sliding doors. Different rooms have different paintings with different motifs.
Tofukuji Temple
HP: http://www.tofukuji.jp/english/index.html
If you were planning on heading down to Fushimi Inari Taisha, you could also stop by Tofukuji on the way. Some of the buildings are survivors from the 14th century.
In the complex are various gardens that are popular in the fall, because of the changing leaves.
Sanmon Gate is the oldest Zen gate surviving. 2.5 million dollars of restoration costs have been poured into the gate since 1969.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
HP: (Only in Japanese) http://inari.jp/
A bit south of Kyoto, but not far enough that you would need to sacrifice your day.
It is an unforgettable place where you can spend a good half day.
I wrote about Fushimi Inari Taisha here.
Saihoji Temple
(FOR SERIOUS LOVERS OF MOSS ONLY)
This moss garden has about 120 varieties of moss and requires a donation of 3,000 yen.
Why so much? It is hard preserving the moss, also Saihoji cannot accommodate the foot traffic of the masses. Technically you are also partaking in the worship, as entry to just the garden is not offered.
You have to apply with the date you would like to visit before you go.
So do you send an email to apply to come? No, you have to do it the old-fashioned way!
Send a postcard to this address:
To the Head of Saihoji Temple
Postal Code: 615-8286
Matsuojingatanicho 56, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Write the day you would like to go, number of people in your group, your address, and send it a week before the desired day.
You have to do it by 往復ハガキ (round-trip postcard). You might want to ask your hotel/hostel to try and send this card before you arrive (if they are nice, they may try and help you….)
A bit far, but worth the trip…..
Sanzenin Temple
HP (Japanese Only) http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/
If you love moss gardens and Saihoji Temple seems like too much of a pricey hassle to you, I would suggest taking the no. 17 bus up to Ohara to see Sanzenin.
The street leading up to the temple is lined with cute stores and cafes. Since it is a bit out of the city (approx. 1 hr from Kyoto Station by city bus), it is also relatively quiet and laid-back.
Kozanji Temple
HP (Japanese Only) http://www.kosanji.com/
Might not want to go all the way out here, unless it is fall (the changing leaves make this temple famous).
If you like wandering around in the mountains, and away from tour buses and don’t mind the hour of traveling; then this may be a good destination outside of the fall high season.
(BTW: Answer to the manga strip’s question. Best falafel I had in Japan was at Falafel Garden near Demachiyanagi Station)
