Kyoto-nature-spots

Title: Top Nature Spots to Explore in Kyoto

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林)

Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto, is home to the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest. The tall, slender bamboo trees create an enchanting forest that stands as a symbol of tranquility. Visiting at dawn or dusk allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the grove under soft, ethereal lighting.

2. Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera is an iconic Buddhist temple that offers stunning views of Kyoto city. The temple complex, located on the wooded hillside of Mount Otowa, boasts beautiful gardens and a vermilion-lacquered main hall that dates back to 1633.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its iconic Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates), which form a spectacular tunnel leading to the sacred Mount Inari. The trail offers hikers a unique experience, immersing them in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient Shinto shrine.

4. Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺 - Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple that was originally designed to be covered in silver leaf but was never completed. Instead, it earned its name due to its striking design and association with moon-viewing parties held by its founder, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. The beautiful gardens, tea houses, and moss-covered walls make Ginkaku-ji a must-visit spot in Kyoto.

5. Philosopher’s Walk (哲学の道)

The Philosopher’s Walk is a picturesque walking path that connects Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples. Named after the renowned Japanese philosopher Kitaro Nishida, who reportedly used this path for meditation, the walk offers an enchanting journey through a tunnel of cherry trees, maples, and camellias.

6. Honen-in (法zen院)

Hidden deep within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove lies Honen-in, a serene Zen temple that is often overlooked by tourists. The temple’s beautiful gardens and unique architecture make it a peaceful escape from the crowded streets of Kyoto.