Kyoto

A city where modern conveniences, opulent steel architecture and bleeding-edge technology share space with ancient temples and shrines; a place where grand, human-made structures and sublime natural beauty commune in friendship instead of fighting for supremacy. This is a city that changes its colors with the seasons with each act trying to out-do the last.

WELCOME TO KYOTO

The Kyoto basin was first settled in the 6th century by the Hata Clan, made up of immigrants from neighboring Korea. They established Koryuji as their family temple in what is now known as the Usumasa District. Temples proliferated among many Shinto Shrines in Kyoto even after Prince Shotoku (574–622) instituted Buddhism as the state religion.

Kyoto became the capitol of Japan when Emperor Kammu moved there from what is now known as Nara. During this time, Kyoto prospered as a center of art and culture. Buddhism flourished, and many tremendous temples and towers were built in the city.

Although it was originally one of the cities targeted for one of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of WW II, it was removed from the list at the behest of Henry Stimson, then Secretary of War under President Harry Truman. Otis Cary, who taught at Doshisha University in Kyoto for nearly 50 years, found during his research that Stimson had visited Kyoto twice. “The glory of Kyoto in the fall, her gardens, temples and surrounding hills evidentially impressed Stimson, and the decisions he made two decades later prove that the memory of this visit remained vivid” wrote Cary in “The Sparing of Kyoto: Mr. Stimson’s ‘Pet City” (Japan Quarterly, Oct.–Dec. 1975). Such is the beauty of Kyoto.

KIYOMIZU

Temple takes its name from the waterfall found inside the complex that runs off the nearby hills. The main hall that juts out over the hillside offers one of the best views of the city—the place where frame-worthy photos are born. The popular expression “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” is the Japanese equivalent of “taking the plunge” and refers to an Edo-period belief that surviving a 13m jump from the main hall would grant the madman a wish. The practice is now prohibited, but that doesn’t mean a trip to the temple won’t make your photographic wishes come true.

ARASHIYAMA

is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. A popular destination for communing with nature since the Heian Period (794–1185), when nobles would gather their entourages for day trips. Best known for the Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama is also known for its amazing bamboo groves—perfect for a quiet walk or providing the perfect backdrop for a portrait.

GION

features several theaters and a panoply of oldfashioned restaurants and other establishments. In the evening, it is easy to spot maiko (geisha apprentices) or geisha making their way to work dressed in stunning kimono, replete with intricate makeup and hairstyle. A large modern shopping district sits outside the walls that once separated Gion from the rest of the city, and visitors can peruse the stores there, many of which sell the traditional fans, hair ornaments, kimono and shoes still used by geisha today.

KINKAKUJI TEMPLE

Don’t leave Kyoto without visiting Kinkakuji Temple, or as its better known, the Golden Pavilion. The top two stories of this building are covered in pure gold leaf and the grounds of the temple were built to mimic the Western Paradise of the Buddha Amida, illustrating the harmony between heaven and earth.

DAIGOJI

Temple is one of several locations designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located southeast of central Kyoto, the complex encompasses an entire mountainside with the main temple grounds at the base and pathways leading upwards to many buildings near the summit. The temple’s garden and reflecting pond date back to 1598 when it was reconstructed (the original was constructed in 1115) for Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Many who have visited this ancient city over the years agree that it is a true embodiment of traditional Japan—anytime of the year. During the springtime, the many temples and shrines, as well as the banks of the Kamo River, are decorated with blooming cherry blossoms in late April which accentuate the city’s breathtaking beauty.

For assistance with planning your trip to Kyoto—including travel, accommodations and more information on sites to see—call MCCS Tours+ at 646-3502 or visit them online at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours