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