You need a ticket to enter the imperial garden. Every part of the garden has its own unique scenery—definitely worth checking out.
Ninna-ji Temple | Review by Jessie Cheng
Other Reviews by Jessie Cheng
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Kashihara Jingu (Kashihara Shrine)
In Nihon Shoki, Japan’s first imperial-commissioned history book, Kasihara is noted as the land of Japan’s founding. The coronation of the first emperor, Jinmu, took place in the palace in Kashihara, according to Nihon Shoki. Based on that record, Kashihara Jingu was built to enshrine Emperor Jinmu and his wife Empress Himetataraisuzuhime.
This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Jinmu, the first emperor of Japan. The grounds are huge—you'll need a few hours to walk around. The environment is fantastic, and it's considered a place with great feng shui.
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Honpukuji Water Temple
This temple is of the Omuro school of the Shingong sect of Buddhism, and it is said to have been built in the latter half of the Heian period (794-1185). Located atop a small hill, visitors can look out over Osaka Bay from the temple’s grounds.
The temple is built under a lotus pond, which you can't tell at all from the outside. That's the genius of architect Tadao Ando.
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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.
The Byodoin building and its reflection on the lake blend together beautifully.