Secrets of Kyoto
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Facts & Figures
Secrets of Kyoto is a page that covers wide-ranging topics from the tallest pagodas in the city to the three biggest flea markets and so much more. Hope you get some inspiration out of it and start discovering these interesting places on your own.
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- Overview of the Secrets of Kyoto:
- 1. Best Cherry Blossom Spots
- 2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 3. Kyoto Gozan - Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto
- 4. Three Biggest Flea Markets
- 5. Ryozens of Kyoto
- 6. Kyoto Street Scenes
- 7. Honganji Temples
- 8. Most Popular Shinto Shrines
- 9. Most Popular Buddhist Temples
- 10. Shopping Heaven
- 11. Five Tallest Wooden Pagodas
- 12. Top 10 Instagrammable Locations
- 13. Kamo Shrines
1. Best Cherry Blossom Spots
Experiencing the cherry blossom season in Kyoto from the end of March until the beginning of April should be on everyone’s Japan bucket list. For 3 weeks the city turns into a fairy tale landscape with thousands of happy people enjoying the scenery. Join one of the Hanami parties in the evening under a blooming tree and have some fun. Check out my handpicked list of the best spots in Kyoto.
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2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Kyoto, a former capital of Japan, has a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are grouped under the label Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Take your time to explore these 17 outstanding temples, shrines, and one castle. The World Heritage status was given to the city in 1994.
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3. Kyoto Gozan - Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto
The Five Great Zen Temples (Five Great Mountain Temples) of Kyoto and above them all the Nanzenji Temple had a huge influence on Japanese culture over the centuries. These gozan temples contributed to tea ceremonies (sado), calligraphy, painting, literature, garden landscapes, martial arts, and architecture. They were first established in Kamakura and later five other temples were appointed in Kyoto by order of the Ashikaga shogunate (1338 - 1573).
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4. Three Biggest Flea Markets
I like to explore flea markets in Kyoto and there is always something interesting to buy:) Three major flea markets happening every month in the city. The largest one can be found at the temple grounds of Toji. In second place is the flea market at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the smallest of the three at Chionji Temple. These flea markets attract large crowds of tourists and locals alike.
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5. Ryozens of Kyoto
Three war memorials, Ryozen Kannon War Memorial, Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, and Ryozen Rekishikan, can be found within the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. The history of Japan saw many wars and political changes and the three memorials let you honor the people who lost their lives.
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6. Kyoto Street Scenes
7. Honganji Temples
In the center of Kyoto within the Shimogyo Ward you will find two large temples with the names Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji. Both temples form the headquarters of the Jodo-Shinshu (Pure Land Buddhism) sect. The temples are dating back to the 16th century. Nishi Honganji has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main hall (Goei-do) of the Higashi Hinganji is the largest wooden building in in the city and one of the largest in the world.
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8. Most Popular Shinto Shrines
9. Most Popular Buddhist Temples
10. Shopping Heaven
11. Five Tallest Wooden Pagodas
Wooden pagodas are architectural masterpieces and usually belong to large Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. During my visits to Kyoto, I was fascinated by these huge structures. Some pagodas have a history of over 1200 years, and some have the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Important Cultural Properties, and National Treasures.
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12. Top 10 Instagrammable Locations
There are moments you would like to share with friends, family and the world. The following top ten list of the best Instagrammable locations in Kyoto should give you inspiration for your own photo tour. Many tourists have only a short amount of time and these suggestions are a pretty good start to capture the essence and beauty of the city.
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13. Kamo Shrines
The term Kamo Shrines is used to describe the two most important and oldest Shinto sanctuaries in Kyoto called Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine located at the riverbanks of Kamogawa.
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My tips for local activities
How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >
Where to stay in Kyoto?
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Day trips from Kyoto:
My 100 Best Moments in Japan
I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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Books about Japan
Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
My Book recommendations >