[Kyoto 0006FH] A must-visit tour of Kyoto's popular tourist spots

Its official name is Rokuon-ji Temple, and it is one of the sub-temples of Shokoku-ji Temple.
The temple is commonly called Kinkaku-ji Temple because its relic hall, the Kinkakuji, is particularly famous.
It is said that it originally began as a villa belonging to Saionji Kintsune, a nobleman from the Kamakura period, which was acquired by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, who built the mountain villa Kitayamadono. The gardens and architecture, centered around Kinkakuji, are said to represent the Pure Land on earth, and it was the setting for inviting Emperor Gokomatsu, father of the famous Zen master Ikkyu, and for contributing to the development of culture through active trade with China; the culture of this period is specifically known as Kitayama culture. After Yoshimitsu's death, it became a temple according to his will, with Muso Kokushi as the founder, and the temple was named Rokuonji, taking two characters from Yoshimitsu's Buddhist name Rokuon-in-den.

This Zen temple was founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, a powerful figure in the Muromachi Shogunate. It is now known worldwide for its dry landscape rock garden, but it only became so famous in 1975 when Queen Elizabeth II praised the rock garden during her official visit to Ryoanji. It became a global hit, boosted by the Zen boom of the time. Furthermore, the exact date of construction of the rock garden, its creator, and its intentions are unknown, so it has become a mysterious garden and has given rise to various speculations. Kyoyochi Pond on the premises is also a must-see, and is famous for its water lilies, which are in full bloom from May to July.

The name Togetsukyo Bridge comes from the magical and beautiful sight of the moon reflected on the river surface at night. On both sides of the bridge, beautiful scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, spreads out, attracting many tourists.

The head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji on the site of Emperor Go-Saga's Kameyama Palace to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo's soul.
It is also famous as the first place in Japan to be designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty. In 1994, it was recognized and registered as one of the World Heritage sites, "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto."

Arashiyama is home to a magical and mysterious bamboo forest, where towering bamboo bushes captivate visitors. Walking through the maze-like paths, you can feel the beauty of Japan in a unique atmosphere.

Jojakkoji Temple was founded by the 16th head priest of Honkokuji Temple, Gokuin Nichisen, during the Keicho era (1596-1614). The main hall was relocated and rebuilt from the guest hall of Fushimi Momoyama Castle with the help of Lord Kobayakawa Hideaki during the Keicho era.

The Niomon Gate was relocated in 1616 from the south gate of the Honkokuji Temple guest hall (built during the Sadawa era), and the Nio statues are said to be the work of Unkei. Among the items on display is a wheel koto that was bestowed to Kogo no Tsubone by Emperor Takakura. This was donated to the temple by Kobayakawa Hideaki.

Nison-in Temple is located at the foot of Mt. Ogura, which is also mentioned in the Hyakunin Isshu. Renowned as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, Nison-in Temple has been surrounded by beautiful scenery for over 1,200 years. As its name suggests, Nison-in Temple is a temple that enshrines the two Buddhas, Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, and its official name is Ogurayama Nison Kyoin Kadai-ji Temple. It was founded during the Jowa era (834-848). It was built by Jikaku Daishi at the request of Emperor Saga. Until the Meiji Restoration, it was a training center for the four sects of Tendai, Shingon, Ritsu, and Jodo, but since the Meiji era, it has belonged to the Tendai sect. The temple grounds, which cover an area of approximately 160,000 square meters, include the main hall, the Imperial Envoy Gate (Karamon Gate), the main gate, Hachisha Shrine, Tankubyo Temple, and the bell tower, and many temple treasures remain as cultural properties designated by the city of Kyoto, including the two principal images, which are Important Cultural Properties. Nison-in Temple is home to the Three Imperial Tombs, which are said to house the remains of Emperors associated with the temple (Emperor Saga, Emperor Tsuchimikado, Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado, Emperor Go-Saga, and Emperor Kameyama), and is the 17th temple of the 25 sacred sites of Japan, as it is a temple associated with the monk Honen. Please spend a quiet moment at Nison-in Temple, located at the eastern foot of Mt. Ogurayama.