Kita Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavillion)

Known by many as Rokuonji or the Deer Garden Temple, Kinkaku-ji was built in 1397 as a retirement pavillion for Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1358-1409). It is located in northern Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion has three floors and stands 12.8 metres high. Both the second and third floors are gilded with gold-leaf on Japanese lacquer and the architecture of the building was in part influenced by Chinese design.

Besides the celebrated golden pavilion, visitors will see the authentic Zen gardens, preserved since the time of the shoguns. Kinkaku-ji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf.

Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The third floor, capped by a golden Phoenix, is gilded inside and out. Like many Japanese ruins and temples Kinkaku-ji has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, the last time in 1955.

Kinkakuji can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes) and take a taxi (10 minutes) or bus (10 minutes bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkakuji. Read More...

Daitoku-ji

With four exquisitely maintained Japanese gardens, meditative rock gardens and some of the oldest and grandest temples in Japan, Daitoku-ji is the archetypical Zen Buddhist temple on a magnificent scale. Within its high walls Daitoku-ji contains many large temples and sub-temples dating back to the 14th century.

Koto-in (Daitoku-ji)

Hidden away on the western side of Daitoku-ji this small, reclusive sub-temple deserves special mention for its priceless collection of national treasures from Japan and China. The mossy gardens enveloping the temple are stunning in autumn with the vivid colours and dappled sunlight through the maple leaves. A beautiful spot for contemplation, respite or a picnic.

Daisen-in (Daitoku-ji)

Visit this popular rock garden and see if you can identify the sea, the mountains and a boat represented in the rock formations. There are also animal faces and a waterfall depicted in the rock façade. Built in 1513 during the Muromachi era, the garden is a depiction of a dry landscape and well worth a visit early before the tour buses arrive.

Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

Avant-garde painter Insho Domoto designed the contemporary architecture of this interesting museum and was awarded the Order of Cultural Merits for his work in 1961. The museum exhibits wonderful modern art, paintings and sculpture. Within walking distance from Kinkaku-ji, it is a nice addition to a day in Kita Ward.

Hirano Jinja Shrine

If you happen to be in Kyoto in autumn do not miss a visit to Hirano Jinja to see the stunning cherry blossoms and experience the hana-mi (flower-watching) Kyoto-style. Annually on the 10th April the cherry blossom festival is held here. Food and drink stalls are set up and there are free performances of traditional koto and shamisen musical reviews.

Shoden-ji

Drama is literally built into this small temple tucked away at the foot of a hill. After suffering a shocking defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara, a group of soldiers committed mass suicide in Fushimi Castle. The bloodstained floorboards from the castle are used in the ceiling of this temple, however the tranquility of the temple compound defies the tragedy of its history. Annually it is part of the Gozan Fire Festivals when five of Kyoto’s mountainsides are set ablaze to spell out the phrase ‘Wonderful Buddhist Law’.

Waratenjin Shrine

If you happen to be pregnant or know someone who is, then a trip to Waratenjin Shrine may just ensure a healthy bundle of joy! This old Shinto shrine is dedicated to protecting babies and mothers during childbirth. It is also believed that by procuring a special charm from the shrine you will be able to predict the sex of your baby.

Ota Shrine

Also known as the purple iris shrine, the grounds of this peaceful site explode with colour during May and June when the iris are in bloom. The shrine is devoted to the god of plentiful harvests and fittingly has been an important shrine for farmers since its beginnings.

Kyoto Museum for World Peace

Simulations, films, photographs and replicas foster this museum’s purpose of spreading world peace. The museum has three areas devoted to the 15-year Japan War, World War II and War and Peace since 1945. A centerpiece of the museum is a sculpture created by Hongo Shin in honour of the students whose studies were cut short by the WWII mobilization in 1943.