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EXPL RE
"The Capital of Peace"
World Heritage
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto.
Nishi Honganji (西本願寺) and Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) are two large temples in the center of Kyoto. As headquarters of the two factions of the Jodo-Shin Sect (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects, they are a good place to experience contemporary Japanese Buddhism.
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple, together with its now defunct sister temple Saiji ("West Temple"), flanked the south entrance to the city and served as the capital's guardian temples.
Byodoin Temple (平等院, Byōdōin) is a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. Together with its garden, the temple represents the Pure Land Paradise and was influential on later temple construction.
Kosanji Temple (耕三寺, Kōsanji) is located on Ikuchijima Island and belongs to the True Pure Land Sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1936 by a successful businessman who was inspired by his devotion to his mother.
Located in Kyoto's eastern mountain range on Mount Hieizan (比叡山), Enryakuji (延暦寺) is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history and the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Saihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji), more commonly known as Kokedera (苔寺), is one of Kyoto's Unesco World Heritage Sites. Kokedera means Moss Temple, referring to the temple garden's estimated 120 different varieties of moss. To be able to entre to this temple, it requires a reservation made well in advance by mail.
Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社, Ujigami Jinja) is believed to be the oldest standing shrine in Japan. Although there is no official record of when it was first constructed, experts estimate that Ujigami Shrine was well established by 1060. It was closely linked to Byodoin Temple as its "guardian shrine".
Daigoji (醍醐寺) is an important temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and a designated world heritage site. The large temple complex stands southeast of central Kyoto and includes an entire mountainside. The main temple grounds are located at the base of the mountain and are connected via a hiking trail to several more temple buildings around the summit.
The following 17 buildings were recognized by the UNESCO:
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Kamigamo Shrine
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Shimogamo Shrine
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Toji Temple
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Kiyomizu Temple
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Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
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Daigoji Temple
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Ninnaji Temple
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Byodoin Temple
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Ujigami Shrine
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Kozanji Temple
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Kokedera/Moss Temple
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Tenryuji Temple
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Kinkakuji Temple/Golden Pavilion
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Ginkakuji Temple/Silver Pavilion
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Ryoanji Temple
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Nishi-Hongwanji Temple
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Nijo Castle.
The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) represent the imperial capital of Japan and formed the centre of Japanese culture for thusand years (from 794). This still can be seen in the religious wooden architecture, and the landscape gardens.
Food Culture
Noodles have been around for a long time in Japan. The Kansai region of Japan is famous for its “Udon” (noodles made from flour with salt water), however, “Soba” (noodles made from buckwheat flour) and “Ramen” (Japanese noodle dish of Chinese origin) are also becoming popular. The delicious light gold soup used in “Udon” has a mild hint of soy sauce. Meanwhile, Nishin soba has its origins in Kyoto and is popular for its delicious sweet combination of boiled Nishin (herring) and soup.
empura is a traditional dish consisting of seafood and vegetables dipped in a batter of flour and cold water and then fried. It ranks with sushi as the most popular of Japanese foods overseas.
Sake (also known as Nihonshu) is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, koji (often translated as rice malt or yeast made from rice) and water. Kyoto’s soft water has long been the lifeblood of the breweries of the Fushimi district, one of Japan’s oldest and most prominent centers of sake production.
Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves.
This is an artistic and gracious Japanese seasonal cuisine. Kaiseki-ryori uses the fresh ingredients of the season and is cooked in ways that enhance the original taste of the ingredients.
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curd into blocks. Yu do-fu is one of the feature winter dishes of Kyoto.
Experience the traditional and unique cuisines of Kyoto such as Kyo-kaiseki-ryori (a vegetarian cuisine), Shojin-ryori and Obanzai. As well as the common traditonal Japanese cuisine like sushi, soba, ramen and tempura. Also, enjoy the Kyoto traditional Japanese sweets which are used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Traditional Customs
Encounter the ancient traditions and cultures developed in Kyoto such as putting on Maiko Kimono (a traditionanl Japanese costume), try how to write in Japaes (calligraphy), learn about Kabuki (a traditional Japanese stage drama), and Nihon Buyo (a traditional form of Japanese dance).
Chado or Sado (referred to as "tea ceremony" and "the way of tea") is a traditional ritual influenced by Zen Buddhism. Powdered green tea (matcha) is ceremonially prepared by adding hot water and mixing it with a bamboo whisk.
In recent years the yukata has become popular among young people, and the sight of couples wearing yukata on dates is not uncommon. Simple yukata are also prepared for use as nightgowns in the traditional Japanese inns known as "Ryokan." As there are no formal rules regarding how to wear yukata, wearing one can be enjoyed by anyone. Attaching corsages or broaches to the obi (kimono sash) or wearing sandals instead of geta (wooden clogs), are just some of the things that are possible.
Shodo, or calligraphy, is the art of writing Chinese characters (known as kanji) as well as the two Japanese syllabaries (known as kana) using brushes, ink, and paper. Shodo was first introduced to Japan from China in the 6th or 7th century. As writing was once the only way to keep records, Shodo was an essential skill. Nowadays people do not use Shodo for practical purposes, but it remains an important part of Japanese culture.