Explore Kyoto's History in 2024: Discover 6 Must-Visit World Heritage Sites and Stroll Through a Thousand Years of Charm

Located in the ancient capital of Kyoto, visitors are greeted not only by charming temples and shrines, as well as meticulously arranged town houses. Walking along the stone paths, one can feel its profound and long-standing traditional culture everywhere. As Japan's cradle of culture, Kyoto boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of historical landmarks, attracting countless tourists every year to pay homage. KINNSO has carefully selected 6 must-visit World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, allowing everyone to experience the city's historical and cultural treasures all at once!

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is undoubtedly the most famous temple in Kyoto, alongside Kinkaku-ji it's known as Kyoto's double pride. This temple, founded in the 8th century, is located on the slopes of Mount Otowa and is famous for its cantilevered wooden stage. The stage structure uses no nails whatsoever, representing a quintessential example of traditional Japanese carpentry. Every autumn, the throngs of people visiting the Kiyomizu stage are surrounded by vibrant red maple leaves, immersing them in the captivating beauty of ancient autumn foliage. Address: 129-4 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kinkaku-ji Temple is famous for its glittering golden exterior and is a must-visit destination in Kyoto. The gold-leafed Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) stands majestically on a pond surrounded by pine trees, creating a perfect landscape painting. The renowned Japanese national treasure wall painting "Phoenix Hall Screen" is housed within Kinkaku-ji Temple. After visiting Kinkaku-ji, you can take a stroll along the bamboo grove path behind the temple and enjoy matcha tea with wagashi (Japanese sweets). Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City

Nijo Castle was a symbol of the Edo period Tokugawa Shogunate in Kyoto. It once hosted countless emperors and generals, and today it is the largest and most complete castle structure in Kyoto. The highlight of the castle is Nijo-Maru Palace, a gigantic wooden building with 33 rooms, lavish and opulent. Each room's sliding doors are adorned with exquisite wall paintings, showcasing the shogunate's power. Strolling along the extensive walls and moats feels like traveling through time, back to the Warring States period. Address: 541 Nijo Castle Town, Nishihorikawa-dori, Chuo Ward, Kyoto City

When it comes to Kyoto, one cannot miss the classic and popular tourist spot "Fushimi Inari Shrine". The shrine enshrines Inari God, who is in charge of agriculture and commerce, making it a must-visit for tourists. Most impressive is the "Senbon Torii" located behind the shrine. These vermillion torii gates are connected one after another, forming a winding path that stretches endlessly as far as the eye can see.

Located at the headwaters of the Kamo River is Kamigamo Shrine, which has been protected by the Imperial Family since the Heian period. Along with Shimogamo Shrine, it is listed as "Kamigamo-jingu." Kamigamo Shrine is famous for its "Yabusame" ceremony, a unique ritual in which archers in traditional attire ride horses and shoot arrows at distant targets, creating a powerful spectacle. The grounds are filled with various historical trees, each thousands of years old, emanating a sacred aura. The large sea god stone in the center of the shrine is said to grant people's wishes. Address: 339 Kamigamo Honzan, Kita Ward, Kyoto City

Located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Dai-goji Temple was founded during the Heian Period and is another major center of Shingon Buddhism. The temple's five-story pagoda is the oldest existing pagoda structure in Japan, said to have been personally designed by the renowned Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai). Inside the temple, there is a famous statue of Senju Kannon (thousand-armed Guanyin Bodhisattva), and a grand religious ceremony is held annually in spring. Dai-goji Temple is also one of Kyoto's famous cherry blossom viewing spots. During spring, thousands of cherry trees bloom in the forested mountains, with pink petals swirling gracefully in the wind, creating a picturesque scene. The temple also offers night illuminations for cherry blossom viewing, adding a unique charm. Address: 22 Daigoku-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyoto has a long history, dotted with shrines and ancient historical sites of all sizes, each worthy of careful appreciation. Besides the must-visit World Heritage Sites mentioned above, Kyoto also boasts countless niche temples that are picturesque. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, green foliage in summer, red maple leaves in autumn, or white snow in winter, Kyoto presents a completely different beauty. I believe that by visiting Kyoto and strolling through the streets of this ancient capital, you will be captivated and lose yourself in its thousand-year charm!