We have been introducing the series of the list of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We hope the information will help you enjoy your trip.
Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Here, we’ve ordered all of Kyoto’s 17 World Heritage Sites in order of how easy to access each one is. Of course, this is a highly subjective list, but it’s based on several even dozens of visits to each one.
The list of Seventeen Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Byodoin Temple
Ujigami Shrine
Daigoji Temple
Nijo Castle
Nishi Hongaji Temple
Toji Temple
Saihoji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Kosanji Temple
Ninnaji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Kamigamo Shrine
Shimogammo
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple
Kiyomizu Temple
Saihoji Temple
Saihoji Temple is located in western Kyoto and it is the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
The temple is known for its beautiful moss garden so it is commonly known as Koke dera.
The temple was originally the site of Prince Shotoku’s villa before turning into a temple by the Buddhist monk Gyoki in the Nara Period. In 1339, the gardens were renovated by Muso Soseki, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk.
Muso changed the mainstream of what the garden is and created the Zen garden which has strongly influenced subsequent Japanese Zen garden design. The garden in Saihoji is said to be the best Zen garden in Japan.
Many people are fascinated in this garden and even Steve Jobs often visited there. If you want to visit, you should make a reservation.
【Information】
The visitor should make a reservation in advance and those who are younger that 13-year old aren’t allowed to visit. Please check the details on their official website. http://saihoji-kokedera.com/en/reservation.html
Address:
56, Matsuo Jingatani Cho, Nishikyō Ku, Kyoto, 615-8286
Access:
A 3-minute walk from “Kokedera, Suzumushi-dera” Bus Stop on the Kyoto Bus #73,83 at Kyoto Sta.
Time:
10:00 during July to September
13:00 for other months
*The business hours can be changed without notification
Admission Fee:
More than 3,000 yen
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is the head temple of Rinzai sect and was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga the first. He dedicated to the temple to Emperor Godaigo who had just passed away.
The temple’s building have lost in fires and wars for eight times so most of the current halls were rebuilt in Meiji Period. Even so, Tenryuji garden survived the centuries in its original form. Created by the Charismatic garden designer MOnc Muso Soseki, who also designed the gardens of Saihoji Temple, the beautiful landscape garden features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains. This style has strongly influenced subsequent Japanese garden design.
【Information】
Address:
68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba Cho, Ukyo Ku, Kyoto 616-8385
Access:
・A short walk from “Arashiyama Tenryuji mae” Bus Stop on the City Bus #11,28,93 at Kyoto Sta.
・A short walk from “Keifuku Arashiyama-eki mae” Bus Stop on the City Bus #61,72,83 at Kyoto Sta.
・A short walk from “Arashiyama” Sta. on the Keifuku line
・A 13-minute walk from “Saga Arashiyama” Sta. on the JR Sagano line
・A 15-minute walk from “Arashiyama” Sta. on the Hankyu line
Time:
8:30~17:00 (Close the reception 16:50)
Admission Fee:
＜Garden Only＞
500 yen（Older than 15-year old）300円（6-15 years old）Free（Younger than 6-year old）
＜Tenryu-ji Garden and Buildings＞
Admission fees are the same as above, plus ¥300
Tenryuji buildings are occasionally closed without notice for special ceremonies and other activities.
Scheduled closings for 2020 are : Sept.14 , Oct.29 to 30
＜Special Admission to the Cloud-Dragon Painting in the Hatto＞
・500 yen （extracharge）
Kosanji Temple
Kosanji or Kozanji Temple is located in the mountains of western Kyoto. It was founded by the Shingon sect monk and scholar Myoe in 1206. The temple is famous for its four painted scrolls from Heian Period, which are said to be the first comic in Japan, and its tea field, which is the oldest tea field in Japan. A building formerly owned by the Imperial family was also moved there. This former residence is named the Sekisui-in and is now a National Treasure. All of the original buildings on the site from that time have disappeared, except for the Sekisui-in scripture hall. It is one of the last standing Kamakura period buildings in Japan. Kōsan-ji takes time to reach by bus from the city center, but it’s worth it for an overwhelmingly natural atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views.
【Information】
Address:
8 Umegahata Toganoo Cho, Ukyo Ku, Kyoto 611-0021
Access:
A 3-minute walk from “Togano’o” Bus Stop on the JR Bus at Kyoto Sta.
Time:
9:00~16:30
Admission Fee:
Free
Do you need more information?
You should receive such local information of Kyoto by an application “KoI APP”.
With this application, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
You can install the application from the following URL.
