Currently planning your next trip to Japan? While the capital of Japan is Tokyo, Kyoto is knows as Japan’s cultural capital, as it was the capital city of Japan until 1868. Since there are many fascinating, educational, and historical things to see and explore when choosing to vacation in Kyoto, ready to learn more about what to focus on when choosing to visit Japan’s cultural center?
Spotlight in Kyoto
The list below includes some of the best things to see and do when in Kyoto.
The Historic Temples. There are more than 1,600 Buddhist Temples located in Kyoto, with the District of Higashiyama being the most famous area to learn about and explore these historic Temples. The Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the more visited, as it’s truly a spectacular site to behold.
The Colorful Shrines. There are more than 400 Shrines to see when in Kyoto. These Shrines were built to celebrate Japan’s religion, and are located throughout the city, giving visitors many options. Some of the more popular Shrines include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the Heian Jingu Shrine, and the Yasaka Jinja Shrine.
The Museums. Museums include the Kyoto National Museum, the Museum of Kyoto, the Raku Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. The largest museum in Kyoto is their International Manga Museum, which displays the history of how manga was published in all of Japan. This museum is home to hundreds of thousands of comics, making visiting this museum a great idea for those who enjoy pop culture.
The World Heritage Sites. For those who enjoy exploring World Heritage Sites, Kyoto has bragging rights when it comes to being home to one of the largest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are a total of 12 Buddhist Temples, 3 Shinto Shrines, and 1 Castle.
The Samurai Castles. There are many Samurai Castles located in Kyoto, with the Nijo Castle being one of its more famous historic castles. There are different Castle styles, making visiting Castles in Kyoto a great idea for history buffs.
The Gorgeous Gardens. Kyoto is home to some of the most gorgeous gardens in all the world. Strolling through these gardens allows visitors to enjoy their beauty, and can make for a full day of enjoyment. One of the more famous gardens is the Zen Garden, as it offers views of one of the most beautiful and unique gardens located in Kyoto.
The Kyoto Cuisine. The cuisine in Kyoto is influenced by a few different culinary styles, making it so there are many cuisine options for visitors to explore and enjoy. Examples include Matcha cookies, traditional Sake, Nishin Soba, Menbakaichidai Kyoto Fire Ramen, and vegetarian-based dishes.
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