KYOTO


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While one day is a short amount of time to explore Kyoto, you can still experience some of the city's highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary for your one-day visit:

  1. Start your day at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): This iconic temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks. Take a stroll around the beautiful garden and admire the reflection of the pavilion in the pond.

  2. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Head to the district of Arashiyama, known for its scenic beauty. Walk through the enchanting bamboo grove, which creates a serene and magical atmosphere. While there, you can also explore the nearby temples and the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge.

  3. Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha: This shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, creating a mesmerizing pathway through the forested Mount Inari. Take a hike up the mountain for stunning views of Kyoto.

  4. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its wooden terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the temple grounds and the charming streets of Higashiyama surrounding it.

  5. Experience Gion District: Finish your day by visiting the historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Take a walk along Hanamikoji Street, where you might spot geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their beautiful kimonos.

  6. Optional: If you have extra time, you can consider visiting Nijo Castle, a stunning feudal-era castle with beautiful gardens and historic significance, or exploring the vibrant Nishiki Market, where you can sample local snacks and browse through various food stalls.

Remember that Kyoto has a wealth of attractions, and this itinerary only scratches the surface. If you have the opportunity to spend more time in Kyoto, it's highly recommended to do so. 


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Kinkaku-ji "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" 


Kinkakuji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. 

Sanjusangen-do, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama District – officially called "Rengeo-in" ("Hall of the Lotus King"). 



Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern  Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure.  In the center of the main hall sits a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) that is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows. 

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