About Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto

A treasure trove of history and culture spun by the ancient capital of Kyoto, a city of 1,000 years

The "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto" are a group of cultural heritage sites, including 17 temples, shrines, and castles in Kyoto City, which were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994. These cultural properties symbolize the history and culture of Japan from the Heian to the Edo period, and allow visitors to experience the best of Japanese art in a wide variety of architectural styles, gardens, paintings, and sculptures.

Kyoto's appeal as a tourist destination lies in its diversity and depth of history. Famous sites such as Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are popular destinations that attract many tourists from Japan and abroad. The golden buildings of Kinkakuji Temple and the spectacular view from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple leave a strong impression on visitors. The Nijo Castle, Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, and other structures are also not to be missed.

A good place to start is to visit Kinkakuji Temple (Rokuonji Temple). This temple is beautiful with its golden buildings reflected in Kagamiko Pond, and its beauty can be appreciated in combination with the seasonal scenery. Next, at Ginkakuji Temple (Jishoji Temple), you can enjoy the simple and serene beauty of the Silver Pavilion, along with the serene beauty of the Karesansui Garden. The view from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city, especially during the season of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.

Furthermore, Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and its gorgeous Ninomaru Palace and beautiful gardens are well worth seeing. Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are sacred places where visitors can experience Kyoto's history and traditions, especially during the festival season, and deeply experience the local culture.

A journey through the cultural treasures of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, will give you a sense of time where the past and present intersect, and provide a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and history of Japan.