| Visual Index of Kyoto Sites (Site name and description) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Byōdō-in Temple (1053) One of the few surviving examples of Heian era (794-1185) architecture left in Japan. |
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Ginkaku-ji Temple (1484-90) One of the outstanding temples of the Muromachi era (1338-1573). |
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Heian Jingu Shrine (1896) A 2/3 scale recreation of the Heian Hall of State. |
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Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple (1602, rebuilt 1895) A temple of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. |
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Katsura Imperial Villa (1620-1663) A villa often described as the "quintessence of Japanese taste." |
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Kinkaku-ji Temple (1398, destroyed 1950, reconstructed 1955) The temple of the Golden Pavilion. |
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple (founded 798?, rebuilt 1633) A temple providing a spectacular view of eastern Kyoto. |
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Kyoto Imperial Palace (reconstructed 1855) The residence of the Emperors prior to the move to Tokyo in the late 19th century. |
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Mimizuka Mound (1597) A rare physical reminder of Japan's 1592-98 war against Korea. |
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Nanzen-ji Temple (1290) Temple established by an Emperor after an exorcism. |
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Nijō Castle (1603) Built in 1603 by Togukawa Ieyesu, the first Shogun of a united Japan. |
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Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple (1272) The headquarters of the Honganji School of the Jodo-Shin sect of Buddhism. |
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Ninna-ji Temple (founded 888, mostly 17th century buildings) Founded in 888 by the retired Emperor Uda. |
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Ryōan-ji Garden (1488) A zen rock garden famous for its minimalist design. |
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Shugaku-in Imperial Villa (1655) Once occupied (and likely designed by) the retired Emperor Gomino-O. |
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Tō-ji Temple (796) Temple established in the earliest days of Kyoto. |
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Tōfuku-ji Temple (1236) A major temple enlivened by 20th century gardens. |
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Yasaka-no-to Pagoda (1440) A picturesque five-story pagoda. |
Bibliography:
All images copyright 1998-2007 Timothy M. Ciccone and Abraham Chiwon Ahn
Clancy, Judith. Exploring Kyoto: On Foot in the Ancient Capital
Weatherhill, Inc. 1997. New York
Mosher, Gouverneur. Kyoto: A Contemplative Guide
Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1986. Rutland, Vermont
Nishi, Kazuo and Kazuo Hozumi. What is Japanese Architecture?
Kodansha International, 1983. Tokyo and New York
Nitschke, Gunter & Benedikt Taschen. The Architecture of the Japanese Garden.
Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH, 1991. Germany
Schaarschmidt-Richter, Irmtraud & Osamu Mori. Japanese Gardens.
William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1979. New York and Tokyo
Treib, Marc & Herman, Ron. A Guide to the Gardens of Kyoto
Shufunotomo Company, Ltd., 1993. Tokyo