Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Greeting / 挨拶
Kyoto
Near Kyoto Station, there are several attractions and activities worth visiting. Here are some recommendations:
There is an official travel guide from Kyoto City. You can get maps for Kyoto as below.
© City of Kyoto and Kyoto City Tourism Association
Sightseeing near Kyoto Station
Here are the places for sightseeing and Ramen shops near Kyoto.
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Kyoto Tower
Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
2.Kyoto Station Building
The station itself is an architectural marvel with its futuristic design. Inside, you'll find numerous shops, restaurants, and a department store.
3. TOJI Temple
Toji Temple (東寺), officially known as Kyo-o-gokoku-ji (教王護国寺), is a very popular tourist destination in Kyoto, known for its history and beauty. Here is a detailed introduction to the charm and history of Toji Temple.
History
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Foundation: Toji Temple was established in 794 by Emperor Kanmu. It was initially built as a temple to protect the nation and pray for its prosperity.
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Kukai and Shingon Buddhism: In 823, Emperor Saga granted the temple to Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Since then, it has developed as the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
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Cultural Properties: Toji Temple houses many national treasures and important cultural properties. Notably, its five-story pagoda, standing at 55 meters, is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan.
Sightseeing Highlights
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Five-story Pagoda: The symbol of Toji, this is the tallest pagoda in Japan and is a must-see. The interior is open to the public on special days.
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Lecture Hall: The Lecture Hall (Kodo) features statues designed by Kukai, representing the cosmology of Shingon Buddhism with 21 statues of deities.
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Golden Hall: The Golden Hall (Kondo) houses the principal image of the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) and is not to be missed.
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Gardens: The gardens of Toji offer beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly stunning.
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Toji Flea Market: Held on the 21st of every month, the Toji Flea Market, known as Kobo-ichi, is bustling with antiques, crafts, and food, attracting many visitors.
Access
Toji Temple is about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or you can easily access it by bus or train. Be sure to visit Toji as part of your Kyoto sightseeing itinerary.
Toji Temple, with its historical significance, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage, offers a deeply moving experience to all who visit.
4. Higashi Honganji
http://english.higashihonganji.or.jp/english_top/
Higashi Honganji is a place where you can enjoy its historical background, beautiful architecture, and gardens. It is worth a visit when you come to Kyoto. Higashi Honganji is the main temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect, situated in Kyoto. Here are some details about its attractions and history.
History:
Higashi Honganji was established in 1602 during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was founded with the backing of Tokugawa Ieyasu after the original Honganji split into two separate temples: Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji. Since then, Higashi Honganji has grown into a major center of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
- Founded: 1602 (Keicho 7)
- Founder: The 12th head priest, Kyonyo
- Principal Deity: Amida Buddha
Sightseeing Information:
Main Buildings:
- Goeido Hall: The central building of Higashi Honganji, housing a statue of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu. It is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan.
- Amida Hall: A hall where the principal deity, Amida Buddha, is enshrined.
Gardens:
- Shosei-en Garden: Also known as “Kikokutei,” it is a beautiful garden and a detached temple of Higashi Honganji. Visitors can enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons.
Events and Ceremonies:
- Hoonko: An annual memorial service for Shinran Shonin was held in November, attracting many worshippers.
Access:
- Location: 754 Tokiwacho, Karasuma-dori, Shichijo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station or a 7-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line
Higashi Honganji offers the opportunity to explore its historical background, beautiful architecture, and gardens. It is worth a visit when you come to Kyoto.
