Must visit temples and places in Kyoto

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations.It is located on the outskirts of Kyoto with many temples and shrines but the main attraction is the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

If you have been planning to go here you may already have pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as it is one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of the sheer number of enormous bamboo towering over you. It makes you feel as though you are in another world.
 

Kiyomizu Temple

You may have already heard of this temple. The Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. The temple is best known for its wooden stage that sticks out from the main hall almost 13 meters above the hill. During the Autumn you can see the vibrant Autumn leaves spreading through the hill with a colorful display. Also in the Spring-time you can see vast numbers of cherry blossoms spreading through all the way to the city of Kyoto in the distance. Each season shows a beautiful yet different side of the temple.
 

Fushimi Inari Taisha

This is another very important shrine that is located in Southern Kyoto.It is most well known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead through the Inari mountains at a height around 233m. It is also an extremely popular sport for taking photos.
Although most visitors go there to see the hiking trail in the Inari mountain. The temple there is just as brilliant. At the entrance of the temple there is a great big gate which is said to have been given by the famous warrior in the Sengoku Period Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
 

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji is considered to be one of the most iconic temples in Kyoto. Some of you may already know but what makes this temple so special is the temple is covered in gold. However, the building is only covered in gold leaf for the top two floors. But that does not beat the fact that this temple is quite the a spectacular sight for the eyes. You will never anything else quite like it.
Many tourists will visit this temple to get a photo so if you want to visit the temple it is recommeded to visit before it opens at 9 AM or just before it closes at around 4PM.
 

 

Ginkakuji

Many people know about Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion however, there is also another temple that resides with Kinkakuji and that is Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion). Although it is not particularly silver, it certainly has one of the most beautiful and aesthetic gardens you will see.It is enjoyed by walking around the circular route from which you can see the gardens and buildings. Although the name is Silver Pavilion it was never covered in silver.it is said that the name arose after the Kinkakuji was built. Another reason is said to be that the moonlight reflecting on Ginkakuji made the exterior look silver.