"KYOTO - AN ANCIENT CITY" Kyoto by Adeline_Foo

Kyoto Travel Guide: 2,250 reviews and 5,419 photos

Ancient Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Enfolded by scenic hills to the north, west and east, which the founding Emperor Kammu described as a 'natural fortress', the city reigned from 794 to 1868 as the cultural and artistic center of the nation.

The more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 270 Shinto shrines attest to its importance as a religious focal point, while the impressive Imperial Palace and two jewel-like Imperial Villas set in the ledendary gardens are reminiscent of the aesthetic splendor of the city's once-pivotal role.

Kyoto, originally called Heiankyo (Capital of Peace) doesn't live only in the past. The 7th largest city in Japan with a population of 1.4 million, it has kept pace with the modern world.

Above is a picture of Kyoto City at night with the Kyoto Tower in sight

Last visit to Kyoto: Apr 2002
Intro Written Sep 8, 2002
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Reviews (16)

GINKAKUJI TEMPLE Things to Do (8)

Visit GINKAKUJI TEMPLE or Silver Pavilion. Ginkakuji Temple, a Zen temple, was established in 1482 by Ashikaga... more travel advice

KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE Things to Do (8)

It is noted for its striking simplicity. The present site was chosen in 1790, and the present palace was completed in... more travel advice

KIYOMIZU TEMPLE Things to Do (8)

Visit KIYOMIZU TEMPLE which is located at the splendid spot called Otowasan (Mount Otowa), one of the Kyoto's... more travel advice

KINKAKUJI TEMPLE Things to Do (8)

Visit KINKAKUJI or Golden Pavilion. The original name of this temple is called ROKUON-JI TEMPLE. In the 1220's it was... more travel advice

Travelogues (8)

1 - 4 of 8

Comments (27)

balhannah Dec 28, 2009 at 9:36 PM Report Abuse

What a nice City to visit, especially with the Palaces, Temples, and the gardens full of Cherry blossom, really pretty!
zizkov Sep 27, 2006 at 8:39 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your pics, especially of the cherry blossoms - I felt harmonised just by seeing them ;-)
Wild_Orchid Sep 27, 2004 at 8:15 PM Report Abuse

beautiful pictures, lovely tips. thanks for sharing.
Vcela Jul 11, 2004 at 6:41 AM Report Abuse

Really enjoyable reading and super photos!
CliffClaven Jun 17, 2004 at 2:33 AM Report Abuse

Sushi and cherry blossom
dsantosh May 13, 2004 at 1:57 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic albums...your phto coverage is simply SUPERB.
dinhyen Apr 23, 2003 at 3:16 PM Report Abuse

It's sooo beautiful and majestic. Your photos are splendid. I've been fascinated with Gion ever since "Memoirs of a Geisha".
MissyWQ Nov 20, 2002 at 7:13 AM Report Abuse

Your pages are wonderful.
Your poems are heartfelt.
AyurinHiro Oct 12, 2002 at 11:03 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful cherry blossomes! And I'm glad you enjoyed Kyoto.
A2002 Oct 9, 2002 at 7:56 AM Report Abuse

Impressive number of beautiful photos you have got. I like Kyoto too. ;-)