Secrets About Kyoto’s Temples and Gardens
The glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its shimmering gold exterior. However, this dazzling gold leaf coating wasn’t always part of the temple’s design.
The enigmatic rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple is one of the most famous Zen gardens in Japan, but no one knows for certain what the design actually represents. The garden features 15 rocks carefully arranged on a bed of white gravel, but only 14 are visible from any vantage point.
Known as Koke-dera or the "Moss Temple," Saiho-ji is home to one of Kyoto’s most serene and magical gardens, where over 120 types of moss carpet the grounds. Visiting Saiho-ji isn’t as simple as walking in—you must send a written application in advance and before exploring the garden,
The thousands of vermillion torii gates that form tunnels through the forest at Fushimi Inari-Taisha are famous worldwide, but few visitors explore beyond the main paths.
While Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) was originally intended to be coated in silver, like its golden counterpart Kinkaku-ji, the plans were never completed. Instead, Ginkaku-ji is best known for its beautiful Zen garden
The wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, which juts out over a steep hillside, offers one of the most breathtaking views of Kyoto. What’s more fascinating is that this grand structure was built entirely without nails
While Kyoto’s temples are beautiful year-round, Eikando Zenrin-ji is particularly stunning in autumn when its gardens explode with vibrant red and orange foliage.