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Central Kyoto resembles any other city but there are a few major sights worth visiting in this area. The main attractions are its temples, the Imperial Palace, and Nijo-jo Castle. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Nijo-jo Castle
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple This temple is the city's largest wooden structure, and is now headquarters to the Otani branch of the Jodo Shin-shu School. Rebuilt in 1895, the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple was under the sponsorship of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Nishi Hongan-ji Temple In 1591, the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple was moved to the present site from Higashiyama, its original site. The temple is made up of five buildings that feature some of the most excellent examples of architecture and artistic achievements from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600). The temple also houses several national treasures. Both the Higashi Hongan-ji and Nishi Hongan-ji temples are revered by the devotees of Jodo-shinshu, one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan. To-ji Temple Founded in 794, the To-ji Temple was established to protect the city by imperial decree. Although it was destroyed by fire and reconstructed several times, the temple continues to exhibit many time-honoured art objects. The 57m five-storey pagoda, which was built in 1643, is the tallest pagoda in Japan. The Kobo-san market fair is held here at To-ji Temple on the 21st of each month. Those held in December and January are particularly more lively.
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Although
the original Imperial Palace was built in 794, it was replaced countless
times after fire destructions. The present palace, built in 1855, is located
on a different site and is smaller in size than the original. Enthronement
of a new emperor and other state ceremonies are still held here. The palace
is not lavishly decorated but it is fascinating in its noble simplicity.
Application with one's passport 20 minutes before the 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
tour is necessary.
Built
in 1603, this castle served as the place where Shogun (military ruler)
Tokugawa stayed when he visited Kyoto. The flamboyant style of construction
was to show the shogun's prestige and power. The interior of the castle
was fitted with "nightingale" floors, where intruders were detected by
the squeaking boards to protect the shogun from treachery. Secret chambers
were also built to allow bodyguards to keep watch. Of all the buildings
that make up the castle, the Ninomaru Palace presents the most splendid
architectural beauty and resplendent interior decoration.