Here are 10 things to do in Kyoto (the Rakuto area), one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.

Chion-in Temple

It is a place where Nembutsu preaching began in 1175, and during the Edo period, the current main hall and Sanmon gate were built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, Iemitsu, and others. It is an old temple that boasts over 800 years of history.
There are seven mysteries that have been passed down since ancient times, one of which is the "nightingale-covered corridor" in the Miedo Hall. It is said that the sound was made by walking quietly, and served as an alarm to prevent outsiders from entering. However, it can also be heard as "Ho (law) Listen (kekyo)", so it is said to be the law of Buddha. You can climb to the top of the Sanmon Gate, a national treasure, and see the view of the entire Gion area.

Shimogamo Shrine

The shrine's history dates back to around 90 BC, and it is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, where it is said to have been worshipped by the ancient powerful Kamo clan as a goddess of bountiful harvests. Its official name is Kamo-Mioya Shrine, and it is said to have come to be called Shimogamo Shrine because it is located downstream of the Kamo River. The enshrined deity is Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, who is said to be as beautiful as a jewel.

This ema is a rare type of ema, a mirror ema. It is said that applying makeup to the ema using makeup tools that you normally use will make you more beautiful.

Ginkakuji Temple

Ginkakuji is officially called Jisho-ji. It was originally Higashiyamaden, built as a mountain villa in 1482, and was later converted into a temple. During the Edo period, the Kannon Hall was called "Silver Pavilion" in contrast to the Shariden Hall of Rokuon-ji Temple, "Kinkakuji." Although it is called Ginkakuji, there was apparently no plan to make the building silver. I recommend the "Ginshadan." Lines are drawn on the white sand, which is very beautiful. It is said to help reflect the moonlight.

In autumn, the view of Ginkakuji and the autumn leaves is spectacular, giving you a real taste of Japan.

Hanamachi Art Museum

The Gion Hanamachi Art Museum will open on May 15, 2024. It is a facility where you can experience the culture of the admired geisha and maiko.
There is an exhibition of tools that are actually used, and they are rare items that you can't usually see. You can see the delicate craftsmanship up close. You can watch Kyomai dance and take photos with maiko. You can also walk down the flower path on the stage. Please enjoy this valuable experience that you can only have here.

Philosopher's Path

This is a walking path stretching for about 2km between Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple.
This road was built as a maintenance road when the Lake Biwa Canal was completed in 1890. The name of this road comes from the fact that a professor of philosophy at Kyoto University used to walk this road every morning to lose himself in thought.

It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, so in spring you can see a quintessentially Japanese scene of cherry blossoms and the river. It is a very picturesque road, so be sure to take a walk along it.

Gion

Before the Meiji period, the current Yasaka Shrine was called Gionsha, and the grounds around the Kamo River and the surrounding area became Gion. The area grew out of tea houses, and eventually the maiko and geisha began to appear, creating the Gion entertainment district.
Hanamikoji Street, where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto, is paved with stone from Shijo Street southwards, and is lined with Kyoto townhouses on both sides. You can experience different atmospheres in each season, and the atmosphere changes between day and night, so why not try experiencing the difference?

Nanzenji Temple

It was the first Zen temple built by order of an emperor.
It is said that Emperor Kameyama welcomed Zen Master Mukan Fumon to the temple and founded it in 1291. We recommend the Suirokaku, a charming place where the Western-style bridge built about 600 years later and the Japanese style of Nanzenji Temple mysteriously harmonize. The Sanmon Gate, also known as one of the three great gates of Kyoto, was designated an Important Cultural Property by the national government in 1899 and boasts an overwhelming presence.

In the autumn, the two gardens are surrounded by colorful leaves and are lit up at night, creating a spectacular sight.

Heian Shrine

It is a relatively new shrine in Kyoto, founded in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian. After the Meiji Restoration, the capital was moved to Tokyo, and Kyoto fell into decline. The founding of Heian Shrine was an attempt to revitalize the city and was imbued with the wishes of the city's citizens.
The recommended spot is the large Torii gate, which is a popular photo spot.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, and at night the illuminated cherry blossoms are a spectacular sight.

Eikando Temple

Its official name is Zenrinji Temple and it was founded in 853.
It is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, and was founded by a disciple of Kobo Daishi in the early Heian period.

In autumn, about 3,000 maple trees are planted, and by late November the ground is covered with a carpet of fallen leaves. The view of the beautiful autumn leaves and Gokuraku Bridge at Hojo Pond, and the view of the whole of Kyoto city from the Tahoto Pagoda are magnificent.

Gion Corner

It has been held for over 60 years and is a place visited by people from outside Japan. It is especially popular among inbound tourists. You can enjoy seven traditional performing arts, from maiko's Kyomai to tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, gagaku, kyogen, and bunraku. It is a great deal to be able to enjoy Japanese traditional performing arts on one stage. Try to find your favorite from the seven performances.

summary

We have introduced 10 things to do in Kyoto (Eastern Kyoto). This is a particularly popular area in Kyoto, and is home to Shimogamo Shrine, the oldest shrine in Kyoto, Gion, where you can experience the atmosphere of Kyoto just by walking around, and facilities where you can meet maiko. Please enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto, where the streets coexist with nature, and the various scenery that can be seen throughout the year.