Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years until 1867 when it was moved to Tokyo by the Emperor after the Meiji Restoration. Kyoto’s location is in the southern-central region of Japan which calls “Kansai region”. The city surrounded by mountains and the beautiful changes of nature throughout the four seasons all the year.
Kyoto was Japan's capital and the Emperor's residence from 794 until 1867. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face, it is said that it is impossible to know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto. For the reason, there are many magnificent structures of old shrines and temples here which the travelers couldn’t miss. And these are some of the most interesting places in Kyoto.
Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and in 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and has a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power. Behind Kyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love live.
Another well-known temple in Kyoto is Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). Kinkakuji is now a Zen temple. This gold-covered temple was built in 1397 as part of a new residence for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but it was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408. Like the Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji was built in 1460 as a retirement villa for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (Yoshimitsu's grandson), but the plans to cover the pavilion in silver were never...