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