The five-story pagoda is Japan's tallest wooden tower
Officially known as Kyooh Gokokuji. It was established to guard the nation in building Heiankyo. In 823, it was bestowed upon Kukai by the Emperor Saga, who turned it into a monastery for the Shingon Buddhist sect. Here stands the 57 m five-story pagoda (national treasure), Japan's tallest pagoda. Also known for its open-air market 'Kobo-san' every month on the 21st.　(Photo:JNTO)

●Open/8:30-17:30 (8:30-16:30 during Sep.20-Mar.19)
●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/Free (Kondo & Kodo Hall: ￥500/ Treasure house exhibition in Spring & Autumn: ￥500) ●Tel/075-691-3325

Retaining the flavor of imperial Japan
Officially known as Kamowake Ikazuchi shrine. This shrine boasts an expansive compound that has a total area of 690,000 sqm together with a mountain behind it. There are 34 buildings in the compound which are all designated as Japan's important cultural heritages. The current main hall, Honden, was reconstructed in 1863. This is the finishing point of the parade at one of the major festivals in Kyoto, Aoi Matsuri (Wild Ginger Festival) which is held on May 15. Kurabeuma , or ceremonial horse races (May. 5) and Karasu Zumo (Sep. 9), or Sumo fighting by kids are also popular events.

●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/Free ●Tel/075-781-0011

Kyoto's oldest shrine lapped in woods
Officially known as Kamo-omiya Shrine. One of the Kyoto's oldest shrines, situated north of the primeval forest called Tadasu no Mori forest. The Aoi Matsuri is held every year on May 15 and parades showing scroll paintings from the Heian dynasty as well as glamorous costumes march from the Goden building in Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine. Mitarashie is an annual event held in July where people soak their feet in the Mitarashi River since it is believed that it prevents people from loosing weight in summer and catching disease.

●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/Free ●Tel/075-781-0010

A serene and calm temple
Officially known as Jishoji temple. Built in 1482. The Dojinsai tearoom in Togudo is the oldest existing Shoin-zukuri style building. Furthermore, there are two heaped up mounds of sand called Ginsadan and Kogetsudai in the garden where white sand is arranged like gentle waves. The garden is designed to reflect the moonlight from behind Mt. Tsukimachi in order to appreciate its beauty.　(Photo:JNTO)

●Open/8:30-17:00 (9:00-16:30 in Dec.-Feb.)
●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/￥500 (with the exception of Togudo which is ￥1,000, application by postcard is required) ●Tel/075-771-5725

The shrine pavilions that set off against the sky of Kyoto
The Otenmon Gate and Taikyokuden, which were located in Dai-Dairi in Heiankyo, and have been reconstructed to five-eighths of the original size. Shin-en, an extensive Japanese garden behind Honden, extends to 30,000 sqm. Spring is the best season to visit in order to appreciate cherry blossoms of trees beginning to loose their branches. Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) is held annually on Oct. 22nd to depict Japan's history and culture.　(Photo:JNTO)

●Open/Shinen 8:30-17:30 (vary according to the season)
●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/Free (with the exception of Shinen which is ￥600) ●Tel/075-761-0221

The head temple of the Jodo sect where Japan's greatest three gates awaits you
This huge temple is located on the north of Maruyama Park. Priest Honen founded the temple in 1175. Interesting properties are the Main Hall, which has a capacity of 3,000, Sanmon, the largest main gate in Japan, the temple bell and a lot of other structures.

●Open/9:00-16:00
●Closed/Open all-year round ●Fare/Free (with the exception of Yuzen-en Garden which is ￥300) ●Tel/075-531-2157