1. Higashi Honganji.
This monastery is located at the railway station in Tokyo. In the west of Kyoto there is one more monastery, which is the replica of the first monastery. At first these two monasteries belonged to one and the same sect, but later this sect was divided into two branches. Nowadays in the Eastern Temple the tourists can see a severe dragon with a stream flowing out of its mouth.
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
It is the biggest shrine in Japan. It is located in the suburbs of Kyoto. From the platform there is a 4-km way to the temple. Around the temple there are numerous statues of red foxes. The road to the temple is going uphill. There are a lot of sellers, which offer the tourists to buy a bamboo cane and some drink. In addition to the architectural monuments the tourists can see enormous black butterflies, big horned snails and a tortoise pond. Red foxes guard the entrance into the temple. The foxes sit on either side of the gates. The fox which is on the left mouthes a scroll. The second fox looks at the visitors.
3. Seimei-dsinsja. If you have seen Japanese cult film “The Wizard”, you’ve already got acquainted with Abe-no Seimei. He was a monk and a wizard born from a fox-man, that’s why he possessed a gift of magic. If you are not afraid to be consigned to perdition, come into the temple of Seimei. It is a small and cozy temple. Wall-paintings demonstrate all the famous deeds of Seimei ( in the film they are also depicted). In the temple the tourists can buy different charms which protect people against evil spirits.
4. Kiymizudera (”Pure Water Temple”)
All the previous temples are shintoistic shrines. But this one is buddhistic. This temple is considered to be one of the most important sights in Kyoto. Here the tourists can get the best view of the town, especially in autumn, when the maples are getting red. The temple was built in honor of the goddess of Fortune. In addition to the temple buildings there is a spring with holy water. Not far from the shrine you can find a street, where numerous souvenirs can be bought.
5. Toej Park (Eigamura)
The village of Toej is a real functioning film studio and an amusement park for tourists at the same time. Actors go along the streets: here you can meet samurai with swords, girls with umbrellas wearing kimonos and warriors of the Shinsengumi with severe look. Having paid a little money the tourists have an opportunity to feed ponies or bend a bow.
6. Nidsjo Castle. It is one of the biggest castles in Japan. It is a luxurious medieval building decorated with carving and wall-paintings, the windows are covered with the finest rice paper. Each room of the castle has its own purpose: for having an evening rest or for receiving guests. Numerous wax figures can be found in the castle. But it is outlawed to take photos of them. It’s better to take photos of the swans in the pond in front of the castle.
7. The Temple of Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
It is the most popular attraction of Kyoto. This place is always overcrowded. In autumn the temple is especially beautiful because of maple groves which are getting red in this period.
8. Mibu-dera.
Mibu-dera is a family nest of Kondo Isami. Here you have an opportunity to see a house, where the famous warriors lived. A statue of Kondo Isami is located here.
9. The Gion Quarter.
Gion is a place of frivolous amusement, a red-light district, where the tourists can see Kyoto geishas dancing.
10. Japanese Garden.
This garden isn’t a historical antiquity, but an archaized place, where you can go for a walk. Here the tourists are able to listen to the traditional Japanese music and taste different dishes of Kyoto cuisine. If you don’t know how to eat the traditional dishes, ask for help. The Japanese are always ready to help. On the whole, Japan is a very hospitable country. But the tours to this country are always expensive. So if you have enough money, travel to the Land of the Rising Sun. Be sure you won’t be disappointed.
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