| Japan. The name evokes images of cherry | | | | Kinkakuji, and is located at the foot of |
| blossoms and temples, of Samurai and Kimono | | | | Kyoto's Higashiyama mountains. Built as |
| clad Geisha. The contemporary Japan of today | | | | a villa for Ahsikaga Yoshimasa, (a |
| is a diverse conglomeration of history and | | | | descendant of Yoshimitsu) the building |
| tradition merging with a future that often | | | | was also converted into a Zen |
| struggles to understand itself. A country | | | | Shrine after his death in 1490. |
| vibrantly alive and awaiting the traveler who | | | | |
| seeks to experience a culture replete with | | | | Another impressive structure that is a |
| skyscrapers and bullet trains, of castles and | | | | well known tourist destination is Nijo |
| paddy fields lined with rustic wooden homes. | | | | Castle. Located on the eastern edge of a 70 |
| What better place to begin your journey | | | | acre compound, the building consists of 33 |
| within this exotic land than the city of | | | | rooms, and is famous for the intricate |
| Kyoto. This extraordinarily beautiful | | | | paintings of landscapes which adorn the |
| city with its abundance of shrines, | | | | Palace's sliding doors, and for the |
| temples, palaces, gardens, and historically | | | | innovative construction of wooden floors that |
| priceless buildings, exemplifies the | | | | squeak like nightingales when walked |
| essence of Japanese culture and history. With | | | | upon which was employed as a security |
| over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto | | | | measure against intruders. |
| shrines architecturally still | | | | |
| intact, it is one of the best preserved | | | | Other memorable sites in and around |
| cities in Japan, and a top tourist | | | | Kyoto include the "Philosophers |
| destination for foreigners and Japanese | | | | Walk", the Gion District, and |
| alike. | | | | Arashiyama, a charming tourist area |
| | | | distinguished by its landmark Togetsukyo |
| One of the most frequently visited sites | | | | Bridge, with Mount Arashiyama |
| is the Zen Temple of Kiyomizu. Its | | | | standing peacefully in the background. |
| wooden veranda supported by hundreds of | | | | A wide selection of cafes, restaurants |
| pillars located on a mountain slope | | | | and shops are located near the famous bridge. |
| overlooking the region provides an awe | | | | If you venture a short distance north |
| inspiring view of the city below. | | | | you'll also come across a cluster |
| Visitors are also able to stand beneath the | | | | of bamboo groves and residential district |
| temple's waterfall Otowanotaki and collect | | | | with several small temples placed |
| water in tin cups to quench their thirst | | | | placidly among the wooded hillside. |
| before hiking the mountain path | | | | |
| that leads from the structure to the | | | | The "Philosophers Walk" refers to a |
| tranquility of the forest above. | | | | scenic two kilometer path running |
| | | | south from Ginkakuji Temple along a |
| Two additional temples which are also | | | | meandering river to Nyakuoji Shrine, and |
| popular attractions are Kinkakuji and | | | | was named after philosophy professor |
| Ginkakuji. Construction of Kinkakuji (Golden | | | | Kitaro Nishida, who could often be seen |
| Pavilion) began in 1397 as part of a new | | | | using the pathway. The Gion |
| residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga | | | | District located northwest of Kiyomizu |
| Yoshimitsu, and was converted into a Zen | | | | Temple consists of flagstone paved lanes |
| Sanctuary after his death in 1408. The | | | | lined with traditional buildings, where if |
| Pavilion is covered in gold leaf, and houses | | | | you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of |
| sacred relics of the Buddha. Ginkakuji | | | | Geisha as they make their way gracefully down |
| (Silver Pavilion) was modeled after | | | | the cobblestone streets. |