If asked which temples are famous in Kyoto, many people would probably answer “Kinkaku-ji” and “Ginkaku-ji.” Actually, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji […]
Peach blossoms are darker pink than someiyoshino. The best time to view them is from mid-March to late April, about the same time as the cherry blossoms [...].
What is an Onmyoji? What exactly is an Onmyoji? Dramas, movies, games, and anime [...].
Kyoto is often thought of as a place of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, but a winter trip to Kyoto is quite nice as well! Kyoto has a variety of sightseeing spots [...].
When I think of Kyoto, I think of ____. Sightseeing spots, experiences, food... many things may come to mind, but you can never miss [...].
February 3 is Setsubun day every year. When we spend Setsubun day at home, we throw beans and eat ehomaki (rolls wrapped in ehoumaki, a traditional Japanese sweet made with soybeans). Among the shrines and temples in Kyoto [...].
Rokkakudo is a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Rokkakudo is located on the east side of Karasuma-dori to Rokkaku-dori and is a power spot [...].
Kuramadera Temple is said to be where Ushiwakamaru trained. Kuramadera Temple has numerous sights and legends, and is popular as one of the best power spots in Kyoto [...].
Have you ever heard of the "Izumiyama Shichifukujin Tour" held every year on Coming-of-Age Day? This is an annual New Year's event to enjoy various views of Kyoto [...].
The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. So, this time, let's experience the atmosphere of the Year of the Rabbit to the fullest, Kyoto, where rabbits are enshrined [...].
Hatsumode (New Year's visit to a shrine or temple to pray for a good year. In Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, etc. are popular spots.
There are many temples to visit in Kyoto, but have you ever heard of Suzumo-dera Temple, famous for the sound of bell bugs? As the name suggests, Suzumo-dera Temple is [...]...
Autumn is the season of "colored leaves. In Kyoto, there are many places famous for their autumn foliage. The best time to view the autumn leaves in Kyoto is from early November to early December every year [...].
Did you know that in Kyoto, special openings of cultural properties are held twice a year, in spring and fall? The official name of this event is "Kyoto Special Open House of Undisclosed Cultural Properties" [...].
When people think of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they often think of its National Treasure main hall, the “Kiyomizu Stage,” and Otowa Falls, but within the temple grounds there is another special experience spot known only to those in the know […]
Arashiyama" is one of the must-visit places when you come to Kyoto. Arashiyama is a famous sightseeing spot in Kyoto that everyone has an image of. In Arashiyama, [...]...
The weather in Kyoto has turned pleasant, making it the perfect season for visiting temples and shrines. Autumn foliage will soon be at its best, and [...]...
Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto was founded in 1895. It was built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Kyoto, a city with many old shrines [...].
Kyoto is crowded with many people during the autumn foliage season. When you visit tourist spots during the daytime, you may wonder whether you came to see the autumn leaves or people's heads [...].
If you come to Kyoto, you may want to stop by Uji City as a sightseeing spot. Uji City is located in the south of Kyoto and is home to Byodoin Phoenix Hall and other of Japan's most [...].
Kyoto is home to many tourist attractions. Especially in the Arashiyama area, where there are many sightseeing spots where you can feel "the Kyoto! Arashiyama area has many sightseeing spots, such as Togetsu Bridge, Toro [...].
A temple, a cat café, a cat goods store, a theme park... I don't know which is right, and it is not too much to say that this is the world's first "authentic temple [...].
Although it is still hot during the day, mornings and evenings are becoming more comfortable, and signs of autumn can be felt in the city of Kyoto. The autumnal colors [...]...
Do you know what kind of town Nagaokakyo City in Kyoto Prefecture is? Nagaokakyo City is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka and has a hidden charm [...].
Hana-Tezui is a hot topic of conversation these days. The gorgeous flowers look like art, and just looking at them refreshes the mind. Such hana-temizu [...].
Kawaramachi is a famous sightseeing spot in Kyoto. The area where Kawaramachi is located is home to the world-famous Honnoji Temple and a national important cultural asset, [...].
Kikyo, or Chinese bellflower, has impressive petals in cool colors such as blue, white, and light purple. In Kyoto, these flowers bloom from summer to autumn, and just looking at them is refreshing [...].
Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is also known as a basin. People say, "Kyoto is too hot in summer, so let's go there when it cools down..." [...].
Japanese gardens in Kyoto. Just gazing at them is soothing from the bottom of your heart, isn't it? Let's take a look at some of the most popular gardens in Kyoto.
Kyoto is not only a tourist city lined with World Heritage sites and historic temples and shrines, but it is also known as the setting for numerous anime and manga works […]
"Yasui Konpira-gu" is a small shrine located at the Higashiyama-Yasui intersection, south of Gion in Kyoto. Locals refer to it as "Yasui's Konpira [...]
The rainy season continues with dreary, rainy days. However, the moss planted in Japanese gardens and temples turns a deep green color when wet with water [...].
The rainy season is a time when it rains day in and day out. It is hard to get in the mood every day, but the rainy season is a joyous [...]...
In Kyoto, there are many places where you can experience the changing of the seasons, but when it comes to night views, the Kansai region has some of the best, such as the Rokko Mountains and [...]...
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and is famous for its plum blossoms in spring. It is a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto, but "after visiting the shrine, you will be able to enjoy the golden [...]".
While walking across the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, I saw a parent call out to a child dressed in festive attire, “Don’t look back!” […]
With the weather getting warmer by the day, it is time for a fun outing. Kyoto has many sightseeing spots, temples and shrines, but [...]...
In 1853, Perry arrived in Uraga, and the movement to exclude the emperor and expel the barbarians became active in Japan. Kyoto was also the scene of upheaval at the end of the Edo period, and the city [...].
Kyoto has many old townscapes and historic shrines. In such Kyoto, there are many shrines and spots that are too fashionable to be Instagrammed [...].
Mid-February to late March is the season when ume (plum blossoms) bloom throughout Kyoto City. You can sense that spring is approaching, and at this time of year, Kyoto [...].
If you are going sightseeing in Kyoto, you would like to visit famous shrines. However, there are thousands of shrines to choose from, and "deciding where to go [...].
"Goshuin" are stamps given as proof of a visit to a shrine or temple. In recent years, interest has expanded beyond the goshuin themselves to include the "goshuincho"—the albums used to collect them [...]
Goshuin (red seal) is a symbol that you have visited a shrine in Kyoto. Many people visit shrines for these red seals and original red seal books.
Toji Temple is a World Heritage Site in Kyoto. The precincts of the temple are very large, and there are many buildings such as Kondo, Kodo, and Gojuno-to (five-story pagoda), and if you want to take your time to look around [...].
March has arrived and the days are gradually getting warmer. Plum blossoms are now at their best here and there in Kyoto. Cherry blossom viewing spots are [...].
Cherry blossom viewing is one of the most popular springtime traditions in Japan. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms in Kyoto City, but the standard tree is located in Nijo Castle [...].
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto City. Across Karasuma-dori, which borders the western side of the city, is a shrine with deep ties to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, [...].
For those of you who will be celebrating the year-end and New Year holidays in Kyoto, where are you planning to go for your Hatsumode (New Year's visit to shrines)? If you haven't decided yet, here are three shrines to visit.