Next to Tokyo, Kyoto is the second most popular city for tourists to visit, and it should be. Kyoto was considered the first capital dating back to 794AD and today its become Japan's own living cultural archives.
If you've come to Japan to see shrines and temples, you can't go wrong visiting Kyoto. Reusable sensor The city has more than 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Regardless of how you spend your time exploring, it would be impossible to leave Kyoto without running into one.
Many people who visit Kyoto are interested in visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for those who are, you won't be disappointed as there are 17 of them. It would be impossible to see all of them given most people's itineraries, and honestly you shouldn't rush them because they all deserve ample time to fully appreciate them.
Instead of trying to fit in as many as possible, here are five of the must visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.
Located up on a mountain, Kiyomizu dera is an impressive temple. The main hall is its biggest attraction as it was built solely out of wood without a single nail. It's from the decks here that you can look out across much of Kyoto and it's become a popular sunset destination as it casts a romantic silhouette of all the buildings. Just be prepared for the crowds.
The veranda itself is support by some high pillars as it's built hanging off of a cliff. Back in the Edo period people believed that whoever jumped from the 13m high cliff and survived would supposedly have their wish granted. Records have it that over 200 people have actually jumped and more than 85% survived. This practice is nowadays prohibited for obvious reasons.
1 chome, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama ku, Kyoto City
It's hard to miss this castle, as it's located in the center of Kyoto. Surrounded by a huge moat, the inside castle grounds feature a beautiful garden with shrines located around the premises.
Constructed in 1603 Nijo Castle may not resemble your typical castle as it's a single story flatland castle, but that doesn't mean that it's not impressive. Or at least it was supposed to be. The plan was to cover the temple in silver foil, although that never came to fruition. Because of this, most people will say that when compared to Kinkaku ji, Ginkaku ji is nothing special, however, it's the gardens that make this place special.
Possibly the best in Japan, in the garden you'll find the "Sea of Silver Sand" and the "Moon Platform". The sand garden is said to symbolize Mount Fuji and it is quite spectacular. The large pile of sand that represents Mount Fuji, or the "Moon Platform" is said to reflect the light of the moon and shine it onto the Silver Pavilion. Since this temple closes early evening onward, we may never know if this rumor is true.
2 Ginkakuji cho, Sakyo ku, Kyoto City
Tenryu ji Temple is the first ranked of the "Five Great Zen Temples" of Kyoto. It was established in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji on the site of the Kameyama Detached Palace, for the purpose of consoling the spirit of Emperor Go Daigo.
Behind the main hall is the Sogenchi Garden, which has been designated a Special Historic Site and a Special Historic Scenic Area. Enhanced by the surrounding landscapes of Mount Arashiyama and Kameyama, it is great example of aristocratic tradition blended seamlessly with Zen culture, displaying the beauty of the four seasons.
