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Kyoto

ByThe Skeptical Traveler

Tokyo was as I had expected, and I suppose all Asian metropolises look more or less the same (I might be wrong).
However, Kyoto was a very nice surprise. It didn’t look like a large Japanese city even if its population is close to 1.5 million. No wonder Kyoto is on the position 12 on the list published by the lifestyle magazine Monocle.

You cannot come to Japan without visiting Kyoto.

Imperial Palace in Kyoto (free to visit)The image shows a traditional Japanese gate, likely the entrance to a historical or cultural site. The gate features a large wooden structure with a tiled roof and intricate architectural details. There are two security guards standing near the gate, and a wooden fence partially blocks the entrance. Trees and greenery are visible in the background, suggesting the gate leads to a garden or park area.

The image shows the interior of a traditional Japanese room with tatami mat flooring. The room features sliding doors (fusuma) with simple, natural designs. The ceiling is made of wooden beams, and there is a visible wooden framework supporting the structure. In the background, there are more sliding doors leading to other rooms or areas, and some greenery can be seen through the open doors. The overall atmosphere is serene and minimalist, typical of traditional Japanese architecture.

The image shows a serene Japanese garden with a variety of lush green trees and shrubs. There is a small pond with rocks and a stone pathway crossing over it. In the background, there is a traditional Japanese building partially obscured by the foliage. The garden is well-maintained and exudes a peaceful atmosphere.

Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)The image shows a traditional Japanese golden pavilion, known as Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, situated in a serene garden setting. The pavilion is surrounded by lush green trees and is reflected in a calm pond in the foreground. The structure has two stories with golden exterior walls and a dark wooden base. The background features a forested area with a slightly overcast sky.

The image shows a traditional Japanese building with golden walls and a multi-tiered roof. The structure is known as Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, located in Kyoto, Japan. The building is surrounded by trees and has a serene, peaceful atmosphere.

Shimogamo ShrineThe image shows a traditional Japanese building with a green-tiled roof and red wooden pillars. The building is situated in an open, sandy courtyard with a few trees in the background and hills visible in the distance. The sky is partly cloudy.

The image shows a traditional Japanese building with a green-tiled roof and red wooden structure. The building has two levels, with the upper level featuring a slightly smaller roof. The architectural style is typical of historical Japanese temples or shrines. The sky above is cloudy, and there are trees visible in the background.

View from a hill (the Imperial Palace is in that park)A panoramic view of a city with numerous buildings and houses, surrounded by greenery and trees. In the background, there are mountain ranges under a clear sky.

The image shows a scenic view from a hilltop overlooking a city. In the foreground, there is a grassy area with a dirt path leading down the hill. The hill is covered with green vegetation and trees. In the background, the cityscape stretches out with numerous buildings and structures, and mountains can be seen in the distance under a clear sky.

‘Kyoto Tower’, the tallest structure in an otherwise very flat city, from Wikipedia:

Kyoto Tower has been the subject of controversy since it was in its planning phase. Public opposition not only stemmed from the tower’s ¥380 million ($1.056 million in 1963) price tag, but also from the fact that many believed the needle-shaped spire was too modern looking for the ancient capital. The construction regulations in Kyoto that restrict a building’s maximum height increases the sense of proportion between the tower and the low machiya and ferroconcrete apartment blocks below. These municipal regulations have ensured that the tower maintains its status as the tallest man-made structure in the city since its construction and will likely help it to hold the distinction for many years to come.The image shows a tall observation tower with a circular observation deck near the top, set against a backdrop of dark, cloudy skies. The tower is situated above a multi-story building, and the overall scene appears to be in an urban area. The atmosphere is moody due to the overcast weather.

Today, reaction to Kyoto Tower remains divided. Many foreigners who come to Kyoto seeking an elusive sense of old Japan are surprised to see both the modern, glass and steel Kyoto Station and the imposing steel tower directly across the street. Alex Kerr, an expert on Japan’s fading past, has called the tower “a stake through the heart” of the city.

The ‘Roku Roku’ hotel I stayed at, good value for money (clean and quiet) plus bicycles (no extra fee); and we biked a lot, a very good way to go around.The image shows a two-story house with a light-colored exterior, surrounded by greenery. There are several trees and shrubs around the house, and a car is parked on the left side. The house has a flat roof with a railing, and there is a paved pathway leading to the entrance. The overall setting appears to be a residential neighborhood.

The image shows a simple, tidy room with a low wooden table and a chair in the foreground. On the table, there is a white piece of paper. In the background, there are two mattresses on the floor, one of which has bedding piled on top. There is also a basket with a white cloth inside and a small wooden cabinet with some items on it. The room has a calm and minimalist aesthetic.

The image shows a toilet with an integrated sink on top of the toilet tank. The sink faucet is positioned above the tank, allowing water to flow into the tank after use. There is also a yellow towel hanging on a rack on the wall to the left of the toilet. The toilet seat is open, and the setup appears to be in a small bathroom.The image shows a small, tidy room with a minimalist design. There is a low wooden table with two chairs, and a piece of paper is placed on the table. In the background, there is a wooden cabinet with a small TV or computer monitor on top. Next to the cabinet, there is a basket with some items in it. A bed is partially visible on the left side of the image, and a window with white curtains and a dark curtain is on the left wall. The floor appears to be covered with tatami mats.

 

5 Comments

  3. You can also visit the imperial palace here in Tokyo by signing up at least 4 days prior to your planned visit. It is also free.

  4. “I suppose all Asian metropolises look more or less the same.”

    Doesn’t that strike you as a fundamentally dumb comment? Phnom Penh doesn’t look much like Hong Kong, nor Wuhan like Tokyo

  5. @James
    Update made, actually wanted to write it first time, but I forgot.

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