Things to See and Do in Kyoto Osaka Kobe

Nishi-Honganji Temple

Nishi-Honganji Temple is called one of the finest examples of Buddist architecture in Kyoto, was founded in 1272 in Higashiyama but moved to its present site in 1591. Along with Higashi-Honganji, it is the most important structure of Jodo-Shinshu Buddism, one of the largest sects in the country.

Higashi-Honganji Temple

The largest wooden building in Kyoto founded by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1602. The present buildings date from 1895.

Shokoku-ji

Shokoku-ji of the Gozan (Five Great temples of Kyoto) was founded in 1392, and was once a famous painting academy. Jotenkaku Museum is located within its precinct.

The Museum of Kyoto

The Museum of Kyoto is the most recent and a highly significant addition to the many attractions of Kyoto. A large building of coherent displays, it depicts and defines the traditions of Kyoto as they were to what they continue to be today. Incorporating as many facets of society as possible, this museum examines an aspect of Kyoto's history not fully revealed until now.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built by the Tokugawa shogun in 1603, although Tokugawa rarely stayed there. It is beautifully detailed and has a specially constructed 'nightingale' floor which makes a squeaking sound on every step to warn of approaching visitors.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is noted for its striking simplicity. The present site was chosen in 1790, and the present palace was completed in 1855, after the former one was destroyed by fire. The style reflects as closely as possible the original styles. Please check for visiting conditions with the Imperial Household Agency.

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine, in the dense Tadasuno-Mori Forest, is located near the confluence of the Kamo and Takano Rivers. Along with its sister Kamigamo Shrine, it was founded long before Kyoto.

Nishijin Textile Centre

Nishijin Textile Centre, at Horikawa-dori Imadegawa, is named after the district that was, and still is famous for weaving the superb Nishijin silk. Nishijin products are exhibited and Kimono shows are held.

Kitano Temmangu Shrine

Kitano Temmangu Shrine, southwest of Daitokuji Temple, was founded in 947 to honour the wronged 9th century scholar Michizane Sugawara. Among the shrine's treasures are two sets of scrolls in the Treasure Museum, considered the best of their kind, highlighting the shrines history. An outdoor flea market is held monthly on the 25th.

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple, perched daringly on a steep hill side, is possibly the most beloved temple in the nation. Founded in 798, its present buildings date mostly from 1633, and it is entered from 'Teapot Lane', so-called because of the numerous shops lining the approach that sell Kiyomizu ceramics.

Sanjusangendo Temple

Sanjusangendo Temple, features 1,001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy: the main one carved by the master sculptor Tankei at age 82. This temple was first built in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266. The rear archery field is still used for special occasions.

Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum, under the aegis of the Imperial Household, was erected in 1897. More than 10,000 choice art works deposited by temples, shrines and individuals are housed in this invaluable collection.

Kawai Kanjiro's House

Kawai Kanjiro's House presents an excellent opportunity both to visit a traditional Japanese house and view pottery created by the late, world-famous Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1967).

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park, just a little east of Yasaka Shrine, is known for its beautifully landscaped garden and its magnificent cherry blossoms in spring.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, affectionately known as 'Gion-san' by the throngs of regular devotees, features one of the tallest Torii gates (1666) in Japan, and an unusual main hall built in the residential 'Gion-zukuri' style (1654).

Gion Corner

Gion Corner provides and interesting selection of various traditional arts - from the tea ceremony to ancient court music.

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine, a scaled-down replica of the first Imperial Palace in Kyoto built by Emperor Kammu in 794 and dedicated to him, was constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The rear-garden is outstanding.

Fureai-kan

Fureai-kan (Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts) in Miyako Messe, near Heian Shrine, is Kyoto's newest attraction that is not to be missed. This museum not only exhibits various handicrafts made of silk, bamboo, lacquerware, paper and ceramic, but also introduces the visitor to the delicate workmanship of traditional crafts through videotapes and the chance to experience Yuzen dying firsthand.

Honen-in Temple

Honen-in Temple, known for its quiet surroundings and attractive garden, is located at the foot of Mt. Nyoigatake. It is open to the public only in spring and autumn.

Chion-in Temple

Chion-in Temple, at the north end of Maruyama Park, is one of the largest and most famous temples in the nation. Headquarters of the important Jodo sect, it was founded in 1234. Due to fires and earthquakes the present buildings date mainly from 1619 to 1641.

Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in Temple, north of Chion-in, was long the resident of the head abbots of the Tendai sect, who were imperial princes. Founded in 1144, the modern-day structures were erected in 1895. The garden, considered one of the finest in Kyoto, was designed by the masters Soami and Enshu.

Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple, originally a detached palace of Emperor kameyama in the 13th century, became the head-quarters of the great Rinzai sect in 1293. In spite of fires, an eclectic collection of notable structures remain.

Ginkakuji Temple

Ginkakuji Temple, or Silver Pavilion never was covered with silver as was intended, the Ashikaga-era shogun who had it erected in 1489 died before this could be realized. However, the exquisite pavilion and its accompanying matchless garden are perennial favourites with visitors.

Shisendo Temple

Shisendo Temple was originally the private retreat of Jozan Ishikawa, a renowned Edo period poet and scholar. A delicate, diminutive structure, it flows naturally into an exquisitely microscopic garden that is a masterpiece of landscaped art.

Daitokuji Temple

Daitokuji Temple, embodying the precepts of Zen-style architecture on a grand scale was, with its carefully landscaped gardens, built up between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Kinkakuji Temple

Situated in Osaka's waterfront leisure area of Tempozan, Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums. On display here under the main theme of the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' are 580 species of marine life from the Pacific ocean.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple, justly famous for its exquisite garden of 15 judiciously placed rocks and raked sand, was designed by Soami in 1473. Ideal for contemplation, with its Zen influence.

Koryuji Temple

Koryuji Temple, south of Movieland, houses amongst various priceless Buddhist statues, the famed Miroku-bosatu (early 7th century) with its enigmatic smile. It was founded in 622 for the resting of Prince Shotoku's soul. The lecture Hall is the second oldest building in Kyoto.

Toei Movieland

Toei Movieland consists of an outdoor set of a feudal age town still used for movies. Actors in costume for shooting heighten the historical mood. Miniature castles, houses and props for filming in the Film Art Hall on the grounds are displayed along with a brief history of Japan's film industry.

Yuzen Cultural Hall

Yuzen Cultural Hall, with its beautiful display of Yuzen technique silk kimono, also demonstrates the 300-year old dyeing technique.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple ranks foremost among the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Although the handsome buildings are mostly late 19th century, the spacious garden from the Muromachi period (14th to 16th centuries) is exceptional.

Toji Temple

Toji Temple was founded in 796. Repeated fires failed to claim a variety of treasured art objects. The five-storied pagoda, rebuilt in 1644, is the tallest in Japan (184ft.). A monthly flea market takes place on the 21st of each month.

Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple includes rare examples of early Zen architecture. Founded in the mid-13th century, its many gardens, ranging from one of cultivated moss to one of skilfully placed stones and raked sand have always been much admired.

Kita

The district simply called Kita (north) by the locals refers to the bustling quarters of Umeda and Sonezaki. The former is Osaka's transportation hub where terminals of the JR, private railways and subway lines are concentrated. Kita is comprised of modern high-rise buildings and extensive centre for dining and shopping.

Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima, which is a relatively small island sandwiched between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, has been the centre of economic and financial activity in Osaka ever since the Edo period. Places worth visiting include Nakanoshima Park with its rose garden and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics where priceless antique East Asian ceramics are on display. The Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, the Central Public Hall and other magnificent buildings of early 20th century western-style architecture are also worth a visit.

Midosuji, Shinsaibashi

Midosuji Boulevard, the main street of this capital of commerce, emanates urban refinement as well as an atmosphere of distinction backed by centuries of tradition. Shinsaibashi is not only Osaka's leading shopping district, but also the heart of whatever is trendy and fashionable.

Minami

Minami (south), Osaka's leading amusement quarter, teems with numerous eating and drinking spots and a grand variety of entertainment establishments such as theatres, including kabuki, bunraku, modern theatrical, vaudeville and movie theatres.

Shitennoji Temple

Built in 593, Shitennoji is Japan's oldest state-founded temple. Reconstructed several times after repeated fires, the temple together with its attendant structures and the way they are graphically positioned suggest the days of old when they were initially created.

Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine

Is the head shrine of the sumiyoshi shrine network in Japan which consists of more than 2,000 member shrines. This grand shrine was erected in the third century and dedicated to the guardian deity of navigation. The four main sanctuaries of the shrine are collectively designated as a National Treasure.

Osaka Castle

Built by the 16th century military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle is the epitome of grandeur. Now the castle site is designated a special historic site and several buildings are designated by the government as Important Cultural Properties. The large donjon (re-built in the 20th century) is the symbol of Osaka.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi

A spacious park containing a dazzling variety of flowers and greenery. A special feature is the Sakura Konohana Kan botanical garden, the largest in Japan, and includes attractions such as the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the international Garden based on a composition of gardens from 55 countries.

Kaiyukan

Situated in Osaka's waterfront leisure area of Tempozan, Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums. On display here under the main theme of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" are 580 species of marine life from the Pacific ocean.

Sannomiya, Motomachi, and the Port Area

Sannomiya is Kobe's foremost urban centre and the bustling terminal complex where five railway lines converge. Ikuta Shrine, with a history of over 1,000 years, is in a thickly wooded oasis in the midst of the busy Sannomiya quarter. The Old Foreign Settlement area is a business district where old western-style buildings dating back to the times of the port-opening are preserved. To the west lies the lively Motomachi district and Nankinmachi, one of Japan's three largest Chinatowns. Sorakuen, a beautiful Japanese garden, is noted for its azaleas in spring and chrysanthemum in autumn. On the waterfront is the Merilken Park containing the Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum. The pier for cruise boats is also found here. The adjacent Harbourland offers shopping and dining, as well as other entertainment and an amusement park.

Kitano and Shin-Kobe

Many an early foreign settler to Kobe took up residence in Kitano upon the opening of Kobe Port. Called Ijin-kan, some of their old western-style houses such as Weathercock House are open to the public. The Shin-Kobe ropeway nearby takes you to Nunobiki Herb park. Nunobiki Falls are also nearby.

Port Island

This man-made island is home to the Port Terminal for cruise boats, the Kobe Science Museum, an amusement park and a sports centre, as well as the Kobe International Conference Centre and other convention facilities.

Rokko and Maya Mountains

Offering natural beauty through all seasons, the mountains of the Rokko Range are resort areas only half an hour away by car from the city centre. Popular attractions are pasture land and a botanical garden. The night view of the city and the Port of Kobe from here has been dubbed the Ten-million-dollar night view.

The Sake Breweries of Nada

Nada, where breweries stand side by side, is best known for its centuries-old tradition of sake brewing. The area is dotted with museums and memorial halls, depicting the art of sake brewing in days gone by. Visitors can also enjoy sake tasting, as well as shopping and dining.

Arima Hot Spring

Also a half an hour drive or train ride from the city centre, Arima is Japan's oldest hot spring resort and renowned nationwide for the excellence and variety of its hot spring waters. Some are known as Gold or Red springs with high iron and salt content, and silver springs with transparent waters containing radium or carbonic acid.

Suma

Suma is one of Kansai's (western Japan) leading seaside resorts with an excellent bathing beach. Popular attractions include the Suma Aqualife Park and Sumadera Temple, which is stepped in the history related to the battle between the Genji and Heike clans in the late 12th century.

Maiko Coast

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world's longest (3,911m) suspension bridge connecting the Maiko district of Kobe and Awaji island. Splendid views of this bridge can be enjoyed from the Marine pier in Kobe which houses the 'Fish School' (a fisheries-related educational facility) and fashionable outlet shops, and from the Azur Maiko beach, a white sandy expanse fringed by a grove of evergreen pines.