The Magic of Kyoto

Japan. The name evokes images of cherryHigashiyama mountains. Built as a villa for
blossoms and temples, of Samurai and KimonoAhsikaga Yoshimasa, (a descendant of
clad Geisha. The contemporary Japan of today isYoshimitsu) the building was also
a diverse conglomeration of history and traditionconverted into a Zen Shrine after
merging with a future that often struggles tohis death in 1490.
understand itself. A country vibrantly alive andAnother impressive structure that is a
awaiting the traveler who seeks to experience awell known tourist destination is Nijo
culture replete with skyscrapers and bullet trains,Castle. Located on the eastern edge of a 70 acre
of castles and paddy fields lined with rusticcompound, the building consists of 33 rooms, and
wooden homes. What better place to begin youris famous for the intricate paintings of
journey within this exotic land than the city oflandscapes which adorn the Palace's sliding
Kyoto. This extraordinarily beautiful citydoors, and for the innovative construction of
with its abundance of shrines,wooden floors that squeak like nightingales
temples, palaces, gardens, and historically pricelesswhen walked upon which wasÂ
buildings, exemplifies the essence ofemployed as a security measure against intruders.
Japanese culture and history. With over 2,000Other memorable sites in and around
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrinesÂKyoto include the "Philosophers
architecturally still intact, it is one of theWalk", the Gion District, andÂ
best preserved cities in Japan, and a topArashiyama, a charming tourist area
tourist destination for foreignersÂdistinguished by its landmark Togetsukyo
and Japanese alike.Bridge, with Mount Arashiyama
One of the most frequently visited sitesstanding peacefully in the background.
is the Zen Temple of Kiyomizu. ItsA wide selection of cafes, restaurants
wooden veranda supported by hundredsÂand shops are located near the famous bridge. If
of pillars located on a mountain slope overlookingyou venture a short distance north
the region provides an awe inspiringyou'll also come across a cluster
view of the city below. Visitors are alsoof bamboo groves and residential district with
able to stand beneath the temple's waterfallseveral small temples placed placidlyÂ
Otowanotaki and collect water in tin cups toamong the wooded hillside.
quench their thirst before hiking theThe "Philosophers Walk" refers to a
mountain path that leads fromscenic two kilometer path runningÂ
the structure to the tranquility of thesouth from Ginkakuji Temple along a
forest above.meandering river to Nyakuoji Shrine, and
Two additional temples which are alsowas named after philosophy professor
popular attractions are Kinkakuji andKitaro Nishida, who could often be seen
Ginkakuji. Construction of Kinkakuji (Goldenusing the pathway. The Gion
Pavilion) began in 1397 as part of a new residenceDistrict located northwest of Kiyomizu
for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, andTemple consists of flagstone paved lanesÂ
was converted into a Zen SanctuaryÂlined with traditional buildings, where if you're lucky
after his death in 1408. The Pavilion is covered inyou may catch a glimpse of Geisha as they make
gold leaf, and houses sacred relics of the Buddha.their way gracefully down the
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) was modeled aftercobblestone streets.
Kinkakuji, and is located at the foot of Kyoto's