Review: Is a quiet meandering path that runs some 2 km between Ginkakuji Temple and Nyakuoji Shrine. Best time to visit this place is during Spring when the Sakura or Cherry Blossom Blooms. Alot of people who photograph loves this place to get great pictures of the flower.

Some History: It takes the name Philosopher’s Way (so translated in English) from the philosopher Kitaro Nishida who used to stroll here while immersed in contemplation. Along the way, there are earthenware shops and tea parlors while nearby are Eikando Temple, Nanzenji Temple and more. It is a wonderful place to take a stroll.

Location: Kyoto‘s Higashiyama (East)

Access: Bus 4, 5, 17 and 100 from Kyoto or Sanjo station, or bus 203 from Shijo or Demachiyanagi station stop at Ginkakuji-mae.

Hours and Admission Fee:

• none

Review: Osaka Castle is a must seeif you come to Osaka. It’s like a clip from the old Japanese samurai movies, from long time ago. To see the whole castle it may take some people the whole to view the whole castle inside and out. Alot of history to see in the inside, as well as outside of the castle. Best season to visit Osaka Castle will have to be during Spring when Sakura Flowers bloom and the Hanami parties.(Hanami Party means viewing the cherry blossom party).

History: Osaka Castle was built by “Hideyoshi Toyotomi” who ruled Japan in the latter half of the 16th century, on the site of a temple called Ishiyama Hongan-ji. The construction work began in 1583 and most buildings such as the castle tower were completed in 1585. The donjon is five-tiered and nine-storied, and has large golden sea creature ornaments shining on the rooftop.
Location: Chou-ku, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Access: It’s a 15 minute walk from Osakajo koen Station(JR Osaka Loop Line) or Tanimachi-4 Chome Station(Subway Chuo line)

Hours and Admission Fee:

• 9:00-17:00 (entrance until 16:30)
• Fee: 600 yen
• 15 years old and younger: FREE
• Closed December 28 to January 1

]]> http://travelspotsinjapan.com/2009/07/09/osaka-castle/feed/ 2 http://travelspotsinjapan.com/2009/07/08/gion-town/ http://travelspotsinjapan.com/2009/07/08/gion-town/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:16:48 +0000 admin http://travelspotsinjapan.com/?p=12

Some History: A district in the Higashiyama Ward in the east of Kyoto City. It had initially appeared as a market before Yasaka Shrine, then developed as a brothel quarter during Edo period. It has now become a popular entertainment area with bars and geisha establishments.

Location: Gion Shinmonso, Kyoto, Japan

Access: Gion can be reached by bus from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Take number 100 and 206 and get off at Gion bus stop. The closest train stations are Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.

Hours and Admission Fee:

• None

Review: Arashiyama(嵐山) is a pleasant district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. Its landmark is the wooden (now partially concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge with forested Mount Arashiyama as backdrop. There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area. Tenryuji, a leading Zen temple, shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the district’s busy center around Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama Station. North of the central area, there are bamboo groves and a residential district with several small temples, scattered along the base of the wooded mountains.

Some History: The Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Oi River, on whose surface is reflected Arashiyama. This bridge, which is famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, enhances the elegance of Arashiyama. Togetsu means “moon crossing” – and this bridge was so named by Emperor Kameyama because of the resemblance to that phenomenon. The present bridge, designed as if it melts into the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama, was completed in 1934. It’s also enjoyable to go boating in this area.

Location: Saga, Nakanoshimakanyuchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Access: Take Hankyu or JR train to Arashiyama Station. A bus is also available from central Kyoto(Bus no 28).

Hours and Admission Fee:

• Hours Open
• Fee:  FREE

Koudaiji Temple 高台寺

Review: This temple of the Rinzai Buddhist Sect temple would be a small garden with two ponds, and a couple of tea ceremony houses that are National Important Cultural Properties. A great place to visit during Spring, Summer and Autumn Season. They ususally have events going on during these seasons.

Some History: This Temple was constructed 1605 in the memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi(1537-1598) by the great political leader’s wife(Nene).

Location: Kodai-ji temple is located in Higashiyama, Kyoto City.

Access: Keihan Shichijo Station is the nearest train station to the museum and about a 5-10 minute walk. Taking a Kyoto city bus (No, 207 and 100) from Kyoto Station to Higashiyama Yasui is the easiest way to get there by road.

Hours and Admission Fee:

• 9:00 – 17:00
• Adults: 6oo yen
• Junior High – High School students: 500 yen
• Elementary students and younger: Free

Review: Here’s a temple that should be visited,while your stay in Kyoto, Japan. It’s 1 out of 14 World Heritage Sites in Japan. This popular Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺 Temple in Japanese) is one of the most visited spots in Kyoto. It’s main structure or main halls is built out of hugh pilars, leaning out from aside of a mountain. Best season to visit Kiyomizu Temple is during Spring, while the Cherry Blossoms Blooms near the temple. Also during the Fall season, while the changing of the leaves.

Some History: Kiyomizu Temple dates back from the Eight Century 798 C.E. It is composed by serveral Buddhist Temple. Kiyomizu is named for a water fall on the grounds(“Kiyoi Mizu” meaning pure water).

Location: 1-294 Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku,Eastern Kyoto

Access: Kiyomizu Temple is about 15 ~ 20 minutes away from Gojo Station(Keihan Railways). It’s a nice walk to the temple or you may want to take the bus or taxi.

Hours and Admission Fee:

• 6:00-18:00
• Adults: 300 yen
• Junior High and Elementary school students: 200 yen