Kinkaku-ji Temple, often called the Golden Temple, is one of Japan’s most famous temples and Kyoto’s main attractions. Built at the end of the 14th century, this complex, with its three-story pavilion covered with gold leaf, captivated the minds of its contemporaries. The famous Japanese writer Yukio Mishima captured its fate and glory in the novel “The Golden Temple.” Today Kinkaku-ji Temple is a must-see on any traveler’s itinerary in Japan. In addition to the famous pavilion, the UNESCO World Heritage Site also features a traditional walking garden, small waterfalls, and a tea house, representing the culture of the samurai era.

Ryōan-ji Temple, located in northern Kyoto, was founded in the mid-15th century. The famous rock garden was also established at the same time. The garden is now considered one of the best in Japan and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For centuries, the Ryōan-ji Temple garden has attracted visitors trying to solve its mystery: why can you see only 14 of the 15 stones? And what does the composition of sand and rocks represent?

Tenryu-ji Temple is the largest temple complex in the Arashiyama area, one of the five most important Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple buildings burnt down and were rebuilt many times. The present ones date to the late 19th century, but the temple’s main attraction, the Tenryu-ji Garden, founded by the great master Muso Soseki, has survived in its original form to this day. The heart of the garden is a central pond with small islands covered by stones and pine trees. The forested mountains of Arashiyama serve as a backdrop to the garden.

Sagano-Arasiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most popular and most photographed places. Everything here breathes with admiration for nature and love for detail. The path through the bamboo grove is carefully fenced off and cleared of dry leaves and branches. It’s an alley where you want to stroll, listening to the sounds of bamboo and the endless song of the wind. Bamboo doesn’t sleep; bamboo rustles and ceaselessly strives upwards. It’s a very hardy, fantastic plant!