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The castle was constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as his quarter in Kyoto and guard for the Imperial Palace. Two main buildings, the Honmaru Palace and Ninomaru Palace provide a glimpse into the full picture of so-called Momoyama-style. Ninomaru Place (lit. secondary palace) consisting of 6 buildings is a National Treasure as a representative example of shoin-zukuri (library-style). The Honmaru Palace (lit. main palace) originally had comparable scale to the Ninomaru Palace and also a castle tower; however, the tower was stuck by lightening and later the palace was burned down by fire during the 18th century. After the last Edo Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu as he returned power to the Emperor, the castle was returned to the Imperial family, and then the present structure of Honmaru Palace, an Important Cultural Property was moved from Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1893. With its beautiful art works preserved, the Nijo castle was named to the UNESCO list of world heritage in 1994.

A sparkling three-story golden edifice surrounded by vast greenery reflected in the water of the Kyokouchi pond, Rokuonji Temple, more commonly called "Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)" is one of the major touristy spot in Kyoto as it has been one of the most famous temples domestically and internationally. In 1397, the temple was constructed as a cottage for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and it was later converted into a Zen temple by his son, Yoshimochi as Yoshimitsu wished. Covered in gold leaves, the temple is built as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and having the gold Chinese Phoenix on the roof. The temple was once burnt to the ground by incendiary fire in 1950 and the present structure was restored in 1955. The pond garden laid out by the temple, in which you can stroll through, is also attracting visitors. A major refurbishment took place to preserve and enhance its beauty. Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994, it continues to boasts its beauty to the world.

The Zen temple established in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto. It is famous for the rock garden designed with karesansui style (dry landscaping) to express mountain and water without using water. The rectangular garden is 25 meters long in width and is stretched in front of the chief monk's quarters, Hojo. Designed with 15 rocks and white pebbles, all of the 15 rocks placed as islands surrounded by waves of white pebbles can never be viewed at once from any part of the Hojo and one or more rocks can be hidden behind other rocks. According to what Zen Buddhism advocates, all the rocks can only be viewed in our quiet mind. The garden is also known as "Toranoko Watashi" as some believes that the garden expresses a view of tiger family closing the great river. The rock garden with such unique feature and deep thoughts was designated as the World Heritage in 1994.

Located on the west side of Mountain Inari, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of many other Inari shrines built across Japan. The shrine was first built in 711, and it is dedicated to the god of prosperity, the goddess of harvest, and other gods who were added later on. Torii gate painted in vermilion is recognized as a symbol of Inari shrine. The Inari Taisha is famous for the approximately 4 km long avenue lined up with thousands of vermeil Torii gates. Those Torii gates are dedication of worshippers to pray and express appreciation. Such belief had already been popular by the Edo Period. Built in the Nagare-zukuri style, the Main Hall (an Important Cultural Property) is another attraction of this shrine and it is a large building built in 1499. During the New Years, this place is bustled with a number of visitors.

About 2-km long path along the canal - tributary from Lake Biwa - runs between Nyakuoji-jinja Shrine and Ginakuji Temple Bridge. This path is called "Philosopher's Path" and is the popular sight for both locals and visitors as one of the 100 scenic promenades in Japan. The path was formerly called "Path of Meditation" based on the story that a philosopher, Nishida Ikutaro used to come here to take a walk down this path being lost in his meditation every day. The name, however, eventually turned into "Philosopher's Path." Seasonal changes in the scenery can be enjoyed from this path: cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies creating fantastic view in summer, and autumn leaves displaying colorful scene. Among those, some 100 cherry trees lined up on both sides of the canal offer breath-taking scenery by forming a pink tunnel of the cherry blossoms in spring and draw more visitors than any other seasons.

Constructed by the 8th Muromachi Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482, it was his cottage, but he had it turned into a temple. Yoshimasa was taken up with the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) built by his grandfather, Yoshimitsu and the Zen temple, Jishoji (National Treasure) was patterned after the Kinkakuji. Consequently, this 2 story edifice with a pyramid shaped roof is often contrasted with Kinkakuji Temple and is commonly called as Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) although it is not covered in silver. In the Togudo (National Treasure) built in the shoin-zukuri style is the tearoom with tatami matted floor, which is considered to be displaying the original form of today's tearooms. Two gardens built in the Karesansui style (dry landscaping) by using white gravel, Ginshaden (The Sea of Silver Sand) and Kogetsudai (Moon Viewing Platform) create fantastic view when the moon light is reflected on the garden at night and the reflected light is said to have the temple turn into silver.

Kiyomizu Temple located on the hill in eastern Kyoto is the head temple of Hosso sect of Buddhism and is one of the most popular spot in Kyoto. The temple is composed of about 30 structures and most of which were reconstructed in 1633. Among those, are fifteen buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, including the Main Hall, the 3-tiered pagoda, inner temple, and Amida Buddha Hall. The Main Hall is known for its wooden terrace called the "Kiyomizu Stage," which commands a fine view of the city of Kyoto below and displays beauty of four seasons as it is surrounded by vast greenery -cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful colored leaves in autumn. Below the terrace, is the waterfall, Otowa-no-taki, the spring water of which is said to have healing power or life-extending effectiveness. Jishu Shrine located behind the Main Hall is known to be a matchmaking shrine and is a major popular spot for young girls to pray for good matching. Kiyomizu Temple was designated as the World Cultural Heritage in 1994.

Located at the base of the Higashiyama Mountains, is a slope called Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka surrounded by many shrines and temples, including some of the famous touristy sights such as Gion-jinja Shrine,Yasaka-jinja, Kodai-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu Temple. The long narrow slope paved with stones is known as a route for pilgrims and is lined with a number of small souvenir stores on both sides of the street and the side streets. The area retains Japan's traditional appearance and atmosphere. Strolling through the path, you can enjoy both the atmosphere and all kinds of goods such as pottery called "kiyomizu-yaki," sweets, snacks, and souvenirs related to not only Kyoto but also old-time Japan. You can also find small restaurants and sweet shops where you can enjoy Kyoto's local dishes. In the same area, are the paths called "Nene no saka" and "Nene no michi," which Nene who is the first wife of the great warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi used to take to get to the Kodaiji Temple.

The Buddhist temple that was founded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene in the Fushimi Castle compound in 1605 by praying repose of his soul. The temple was built with cooperation of Tokugawa Ieyasu and other daimyos (feudal lords) when Nene entered the priesthoods. The temple once offered a quite sight was plagued with repeated fire and many structures were burnt down to the ground. What remains in the original form today includes Kaizando Hall, the front gate called "Kangetsudai," and teahouses called "Kasatei," and "Shigureti," which are all registered as Important Cultural Properties. The two teahouses are considered to represent the teahouse built in the Momoyama style and the rooms for tea ceremony were designed by Rikyu. The Maki-e displayed in the Otamaya (the mausoleum dedicated to both Hideyoshi and Nene) boasts its beauty and preciousness in the temple. The gardens in the compound welcome visitors with cherry blossoms in spring and Hagi in fall.

Located in northern part of the Main Hall of Kiyomizu Temple is Jishu Jinja Shrine that is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto who is known as a god of love or matchmaking. The shrine is extremely popular among young generation and is always crowded with many students and couples who come here to pray for a good match and good luck in love. Inside the shrine grounds, there is a pair of small rocks placed apart. The rocks are believed to tell the fortunes of love and you can see many visitors trying this unique way of divination, which is to walk from one rock to another with their eyes closed. Getting to another rock without any troubles means that you will fall for each other or you will find your good match. If you need to be assisted by someone else to reach the rock, you will need to have some advices to have your wish granted. All kinds of good-luck charms for a good match are also sold here.

The head temple of the Rienzi sect Kanji branch is known to be the first Zen temple built in Kyoto and it was founded by Minamontono Yoriie in 1202. The temple consists of several fine architectures. The Imperial Messenger's Gate made with 4 posts and roofed with copper is one of the designated Important Cultural Properties from this temple. The garden with karesansui style is carefully organized with white pebbles. Eisai (or Yousasi) who became a monk at the age of 14 practiced and promoted Zen Buddhism from this temple. He also brought back tea seeds from China and is known as the founder of tea ceremony. The temple is located in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood with greenery of Mount Higashi-yama to the east and the Kamo River to the west. With its history of 800 years, this simple yet dignified, Kenjinji Temple brings peace and calmness to the mind of visitors.

The main temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism - the largest Buddhist sect in Japan founded in 1175 by Honen. After Honen's death, his pupils built a temple on the site of where Honen prayed for more than 30 years. The Chion-in was built in Higashiyama district as the main temple of this sect in 1234. The original simple structure of the temple was later worked over during the 16th and 17th centuries as the temple compound was expanded. In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu erected the Mikagedo to console the spirit of his mother, and the two-story Sanmon Gate (a National Treasure) built by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1621. It is the largest wooden temple gate in Japan with a height of 24 meters, and there is also the copper bell that is considered the largest of its kind with its heavy weight. Ringing this huge bell takes 17 people and is the famous event on New Year's Eve. Numerous treasures stored in this temple include the Honen's illustrated biography (a National Treasure).

Opened in 1970 as the only one museum of history specialized in the end of Shogun Era and the Meiji Restoration, the Ryozen Museum of History is located at the base of Ryozen Mountain. The museum collects, researches, and exhibits from historical materials and documents to more personal belongings such as letters, poetries, and relics, which belonged to historically important people, including writers, artists, activists, emperors, aristocrats, and others. Among the extensive collections of some 5000 items, about 100 items are selected to be displayed in the section of permanent exhibition and special exhibitions are also held. The graveyard is dedicated to 400 activists who took the side of imperialists such as Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro who were slain a year before the political power was returned to the Emperor in 1868.

Located in forested Arashiyama that is known as a popular and historic sight, is the Togetsukyo Bridge arched over the Oi River. The wooden bridge was originally built in the 9th century by the priest, Dosho and the name of this bridge, "Togetsukyo" (Moon Crossing) is derived from what the Emperor Kameyama said when he saw the bridge as if the moon was crossing over the sky at the clear night. The current bridge dates back to 1934 and has been attracting visitors with the impressive color combination of Arashiyama, the Oi River, and the bridge in each season. The bridge is contrasted with pink of cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and colored leaves in autumn. Looking at the bridge and forested Arashiyama reflected on the surface of the Oi River retains Japan's traditional scene and makes you feel as if you have traveled back to old-time Japan. The magnificent view can also be enjoyed from a boat.

Ranked as one of the "Five Great Zen Temples" in Kyoto, Tenryuji Temple is the main temple of the Rinzai sect Tenryuji School. Established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Godaigo, it was built on the site of the Emperor's imperial villa, Kameyama-Rikyu. Muso Soseki, the Zen master was involved in the establishment of this temple as the patriarch and worked together with Takauji. The present structures date back to the Meiji Period as a result of fire and ravage over time. Behind the main hall, Hojo is the Sogeuchi Garden (a Special Historic Site and Special Historic Scenic Area), which is probably the only structure untouched by the destruction and retains its original structure since the.14th century. Designed in the stroll-around style, the garden presents seasonal changes in scenery with two mountains, Arashiyama and Kameyama standing in the background. Tenryuji was listed on the UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

The shrine was built in 800 for Saio (selected from imperial princesses) who was serving at the Ise Jingu Shrine instead of the Emperor, to purify herself for a year before she goes to the Ise Jingu Shrine. The Nonomiya built in the selected pure land in Sagano surrounded by Kuroki-torii and small brushwood fence was considered to be a sanctuary as it is noted in one of Japan's most famous classic novels, the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari). The Saio system was abolished as a result of muddle in the Nanbokucho Period and the Nonomiya began to fade out although it remained to serve as a regular shrine. The shrine was preserved till today with efforts and contributions made by Emperor Go-nara and some other Emperors. Many visitors come to this shrine to pray for ease in child delivery and good match, and it is said that your wish comes true by touching the Kuroki-torii after praying at the shrine.

Daikaku-ji Temple was established in 876 on the site where the Emperor Saga's cottage used to be located in the Heian Period. The primary deities of this temple are Godai- myo-o who is known to give guidance to people to be led to happiness. During the Kamakura-Period, the temple was also known as "Saga-gosyo" because it was used to rule by the retired Emperors, the Emperor Go-Saga, the Emperor Kameyama, and the Emperor Go-uda. The adjoining pond called "Osawa-ike" is designed in the style of Heian Period to enjoy boating and Shoshin-den is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The temple is also the headquarters of the Saga-ryu School of Flower and is also known as a place where people can transcribe the scriptures of Hannya Shingyo. Many visitors come here to enjoy viewing the moon and autumn colors in fall and cherry blossoms in spring.

Founded in 989, Seiryouji is the temple of the Jodo sect, and it has been beloved among locals by the name of "Sagashaka-do-san" in Saga. The statue of the Shaka Nyorai placed in the temple was brought back from China by a priest, Chonen who had an intention to build a temple by modeling after the Seiryouji in China. His last wish was carried out by his pupil, Seisai and the temple was established. The statue is known as 'the living Buddha' because it contains a silk-made article made in the shape of internal organs, which was discovered along with some other items inside of the statue. The current main hall was reconstructed by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's mother during the Genroku Period. The temple takes an important role as the bases of local performing arts such as Saga-Kyogen, Nenbutsu, and Rokusai and also hosts one of three fire festivals held in Kyoto.

Located on the hillside of the Ogura Mountain, is the Jojakko-ji, a Nichiren sect temple that is famous for autumn colors of the leaves surrounding the entire compound. It was originally built in 1604as a retirement house for the priest Nisshin and it was later turned into a temple. The temple was given a name, "Jojakko (lit. the everlasting Pure Land)" with its beautiful setting in the nature. The Tahodo, a 2-tiered pagoda tower (an Important Cultural Property) with a built in 1602 is designed in the elegant style of the Momoyama Period. At the height of 12 meters off the ground, it commands a fine view of the city of Kyoto. Shiguretei of Fujiwara Sadaie and a gate called Nio Mon are also located in the temple compound. Passing under the Nio Mon gate and going up the long stone steps, you can have a nice view of Sagano as you look down, especially in fall.

The Costume Museum opened in 1974 was established in Shimogyo-ku to have visitor enjoy and understand Japan's noble culture and life-style through the history of fashion. Exhibits are displayed with a number of life-size dolls dressed with Japanese historical outfits including not only clothing but also accessories, which are collected from before the Nara Period through the Meiji Period. The exhibitions are changed twice per year to be able to feature different periods in Japanese history. In 1998, a new attraction, the three-dimensioned "Tale of Genji," Japan's famous classic novel written during the Heian Period by a female novelist, Murasakishikibu was added to the museum. The model of the Spring Palace of Rokujo (the main character of the novel, Hikaru Genji's mansion) that is scaled down to a quarter of the actual size, captures the aristocratic life-style of the Heian Period by providing clothing, furniture, and other surroundings in details.

A museum specialized in music boxes, was opened in 1994. The two-storied museum consists of four sections: a restaurant, a gift shop, and a ceremonial hall for wedding located on the first floor and the museum located on the second floor. Inside the museum, are some 100 music boxes out of a total of 2000 collections are selected to be displayed. The vast collections include antique music boxes, Automata (Western automatic windup doll), and collections inherited from the Guido Reuge who traveled around the world with his wife to collect and deepen their knowledge about the music boxes. The main attractions include the world's first music box from Switzerland and 3.8-meter tall automatic windup doll from Germany. Demonstration is given by the museum staff every hour. During the demonstration, visitors can not only listen to the sound of unique music boxes, but also learn more about the history, structure, and related story of the music boxes as well as European cultures.

In 1957, the park was established in the forested Arashiyama Mountain to be able to study and observe behavior of wild Japanese monkeys that had already inhabited in the mountain by feeding them. Today, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a home to over 150 Japanese wild monkeys that attract and entertain visitors with their cuteness and there also are some babies. As you climb up the hill for about 15 minutes, you can see a variety of wild lives such as birds, insects, and plants besides the wild monkeys in this park. The park facilities include a feeding area, a rest area, an athletic field, and an observatory. At the rest area, you can enjoy feeding the wild monkeys with designated food you can buy at the shop in the park. From the observatory spot located on top of the hill, you can also have the fine view of Kyoto.

Opened in 1933, the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art is one of the largest public art museums for contemporary arts in Japan and has a collection of approximately 2000 pieces including art pieces with some connections to Kyoto besides Western paintings, sculptures, and crafts. The museum that has played an important role as the place to present and appreciate contemporary artworks during the post-wartime, has made steady progress with many contributions and purchases based on the initial intention of establishing a facility to exhibit wide-ranging arts and crafts in connection with Kyoto since the Meiji Era. A new storage established in 1971 improved its storing quality of artworks and an annex to the museum was established in 2000. Exhibits on display for the general exhibition are selected according to each theme that is changed every few months. In addition to collecting and exhibiting contemporary arts, the museum also contributes to preserve and promote contemporary arts and culture by providing various services and activities.

The Kyoto National Museum was established in 1897 to collect and preserve cultural artworks, especially the works with connections to Kyoto, while displaying those objects. The museum has also been promoting educational activities and research for both Japanese and other nations. Being the capital of Japan for roughly one thousand years, Kyoto played an important role of pioneering new culture and artworks, which formed prototype of what we called "Japanese culture." Items related to Kyoto, consequently, should also be related to other Japanese culture. Extensive collections include works from archeological excavations to pottery, paintings, documents, crafts, and others, which are not only Japanese but also Oriental arts and cultural properties. By selecting from a collection of some 12000 artworks, the exhibits are changed periodically to better preserve quality of the properties and also to provide an opportunity for visitors to see different exhibits. The Exhibition Hall built with brick is an Important Cultural Property.

The Katsura River is one the main river flowing through Kyoto. The 114 km long river's headwater starts from the northeastern part of Kyoto and flows down and passes through Kameyama Basin and turn into the Hozu River. The Hozu River around the Arashiyama Mountain is known as a historic and touristy area with the beautiful scenery and the boat tour is also available. The river goes by the Kyoto Basin become a part of the Yodo River, and it also becomes a part of the Uji River and the Kizu River. The river surrounded by many renowned places, is cherished by locals as it is somewhat connected to life of people living in Kyoto.

Kyoto is one of the best places for visitors to experience traditional Japan. One special feature of visiting this city is that you have a chance to see 'maiko' or 'geiko' dressed in beautiful kimonos. However, please remember to ask permission before you take their picture. If you ask nicely, they are certain to oblige with a friendly smile and an encounter with a real geisha is sure to be a wonderful memory of your trip.

Japanese green tea is popular worldwide and Uji is recognized in Kyoto as a top production area for high-quality green tea. There are many green tea shops in Kyoto, some of which also offer tea tasting. After a busy day of sightseeing, refresh yourself with some aromatic Uji-cha. It also makes a great souvenir!