infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

With repeated fires and wars, the palace centering the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Park) was reconstructed and transferred several times over centuries. The present palace dates back to 1855 and it was built again in the original architectural style from the Heian Period as it had been done every time the palace was destroyed. The Palace is guarded by a high wall called Tujii that stretches for about 450 meters from north to south and is about 250 meters from east to west, and there are 6 gates including the main gate called Kenrei-mon. Having Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall) as the main building, the palace consists of several structures including the Seiryoden and the Kogosho. Until 1869, before the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, it had been the residence of Imperial family for over 1000 years ever since the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794. To visit inside of the palace, advanced booking is necessary.

Built in the northern part of Kyoto, is the Heian Jinguu Shrine dedicated to Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. The shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of founding of the capital in Kyoto. Painted in vermilion and green, is the smaller scaled model of the original main administrative building used when the capital was in Kyoto. Located behind the building is the Shinen Garden designed in the stroll-style is composed of seasonally blooming trees and flowers. Before reaching the shrine, is the Japan's largest torii gate standing as a gateway to the shrine. One of the three largest festivals in Kyoto, Jidai Festival (Festival of Ages) held on October 22 of each year is hosted by this shrine. The festival presents Kyoto's history by having some 2000 participants wearing the traditional and historic costume from the Heian Period to the Meiji Period march from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Heian Jingu Shrine.

One of the most popular shrines in Kyoto is cherished by locals with its former name used until the Meiji Period, "Gion." The shrine is believed to be built in 656 before Kyoto was founded as a capital and is dedicated to the Shinto God of medicine, Susanno-o-no-Mikoto, his wife (Inadahime-no-mikoto), and their 8 children. The shrine is famous for the Gion Festival hosted in summer, which is known to be originated as the worship of the deities to obtain a relief from an epidemic in 869 and thousands of people prayed in all over Japan. Since then, as many as 3000 shrines dedicated to the Yasaka deities have been built throughout Japan. Okera Festival in winter, the New Year's Eve, cherry blossoms in spring, and autumn colors in fall also draw many visitors. Both the Main Hall built in the Gion-zukuri style and the two-storied Ro-mon built in the Muromachi style are listed as Important Cultural Properties.

Opened in 1886, Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto city. It is located near the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Chion-in and Kodai-ji in the historic area of the Higashiyama district. Having a pond at the center of the park, the Japanese garden is designed in the strolling style. In the park, there are some Japanese restaurants, the stage for outdoor concerts, an arbor, and toilet facilities. Both locals and visitors come to the park to rest, take a walk, and enjoy the nature. The Maruyama Park is very famous for a number of "Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree)" and becomes one of the busiest places in Kyoto for the cherry blossoms viewing picnic in April. The cherry blossom trees lit up at night, create a fantastic view and draws more visitors.