A peak example of the "shoin-zukuri" style from the early Edo period in Japan.
The Kano school sliding-door and wall paintings feature extensive gold-leaf landscapes, pine trees, and birds of prey on the interior walls and screens, expressing the authority and power of the Tokugawa family.
Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Hokan-ji is a Rinzai sect (Kennin-ji branch) temple most famous for its five-story pagoda, widely known as Yasaka no Tō. This iconic structure is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend points to the temples founding in 589 by Prince Shōtoku, with the current pagoda rebuilt in 1440 under Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The classic view of the five-story pagoda standing alongside traditional wooden houses on the stone-paved slope is amazing. It feels like stepping into a parallel time and landing in the Edo period!
Even though there are always crowds, this is absolutely one of the best spots to soak up Kyoto’s atmosphere.
Yasaka Shrine
The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
I loved all the lanterns donated by local Gion shops. The view gets even more charming after they’re lit up at night 🤩
It’s a great place for a slow walk 🚶♀️ and to just soak in the atmosphere.
And it’s right by the Gion shopping street too!
Byodoin
An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.
As soon as you arrive at Uji Station 🚉, the whole vibe feels super chill. It’s absolutely paradise for matcha lovers!
Walking along Uji Bridge, it almost feels like the whole city is filled with the aroma of matcha 🍵. It’s kind of amazing!
Byodoin, a World Heritage Site, is packed with visitors.
The architecture is gorgeous, and on a nice day, the reflections in photos look extra dreamy!
The glass-built Hoshokan Museum also has a super Zen atmosphere that makes you want to just relax and zone out.
