Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Kyoto has a tradition called Gozan no Okuribi (Five Mountains Bonfire), a ceremony held during the Obon festival to send off ancestors.
One of the mountains is Mt. Daimonji-yama, which is also a hiking trail.
Near the summit are the bonfire sites used for the Okuribi.
You can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City and breathe in quiet, refreshing air.
Location
The former Kyoto Prefectural Government building was where the Kyoto Shugoshoku (Kyoto Guardian) of the shogunate was located during the late Edo period. In 1885, the Kyoto Prefectural Government relocated there from Nijo Castle. Even today, visitors can see the former governor’s office, the former assembly hall, and the garden surrounding the building.
The garden is said to have been designed by the seventh generation Jihei Ogawa.
Location
Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Kennin-ji schhol of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
It was founded in 1202 (Kennin 2) by Eisai, who studied Zen in Song Dynasty China.
The temple is famous for its painting of the Wind God and Thunder God (National Treasure) by Tawaraya Sōtatsu.
Free Zen meditation experiences are also available.
Gion Hanamikoji Street, the approach to Kenninji Temple, is quite crowded both day and night, but early morning is definitely the best time to visit.
Location
This is the head shrine of the Toyokuni Shrine, dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Within the grounds is also the Teisho Shrine, dedicated to Kita-no-Mandokoro One, and is revered as a deity of career advancement, good fortune, and successful relationships.
The National Treasure Karamon Gate, believed to be a remnant of Fushimi Castle, stands majestically in front of the shrine.
Location
A Shingon sect Chizan school temple located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is known as “Senbon Shakado.”
The main hall, completed in 1227, survived numerous wars, including the Onin War, and is designated a National Treasure as the oldest wooden building in Rakuchu (Kyoto City).
It is a quiet place despite being in the middle of the city.
Location