The famous dry stone garden
This Zen temple, opened when Hosokawa Katsumoto reconstructed the old villa of Tokudaiji family in 1450. Noted for the rectangular white-sand Karesansui-style garden, stretching from east to west, in which 15 pieces of rocks of various sizes are laid out. However, one of the 15 rocks is always unable to be seen. This represents the teaching of Zen－do not always seek perfection. The interpretation of this theme relating to the garden may vary depending on the viewer's thoughts and emotions.

●Open/ 8:00-17:00 (8:30-16:30 in Dec.-Feb.) 　●Close/ Open all-year round　●Fare/ ￥500　●Tel/ 075-463-2216

◆Access/ JR Kyoto Stn. →City bus to Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae.

The golden silhouette reflected on the pond is a sight to behold
Built in 1397, it is officially known as Rokuonji Temple. It was reconstructed after being burnt down by arson in 1950. Kinkakuji temple, reflecting its gorgeous appearance to a large pond is one of the most famous views in Kyoto. The gardens are designated as special historic spots in Japan. There is Yukatei－a tea-ceremony room which is famous for its hagi's chigaidana－asymmetrical shelves and alcove post made with sacred bamboos worth visiting, as well.

●Open/ 9:00-17:00　●Close/ Open all-year round　●Fare/ ￥400　●Tel/ 075-461-0013

◆Access/ JR Kyoto Stn.→City bus to Kinkakuji-michi →A 5 min. walk

The castle that continued to follow the history of Japan
Built as a villa in Kyoto by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. The castle is guarded by a fort of 500 m long from east to west and 400 m long from north to south, which is surrounded by a moat. Surfaces of the hallways are specially processed, so that it makes a squeaky sound as feet touch them, as a means of protection from intruders. Nearby is the Kyoto Gyoen, which was the imperial palace for 500 years until the capital was moved to Tokyo.

●Open/ 8:45-17:00　●Close/ Tuesday in Jan., Jul., Aug., Dec. (the following day when Tue. falls on national holidays), The beginning and the end of year. 　●Fare/ ￥600　●Tel/ 075-841-0096

◆Access/ A short walk from Subway Nijojo-mae Stn.

Enjoy the beauty of Kimono
The museum provides various hands-on classes that lets you have a direct exposure to the tradition of kimono, i.e., a weaving demonstration of Nishijin textiles, an exhibition and sale of Nishijin textiles, a hand weaving experience, and a fitting demonstration of dance costume and ceremonial robe. You will be able to enjoy the tradition of Japan's kimono culture.

●Open/ 9:00-17:00　●Closed/The beginning and the end of year.　●Fare/ Free　●Tel/ 075-451-9231

◆Access/ A 7 min. walk from Subway Imadegawa Stn., or a short walk from the Horikawa Imadegawa municipal bus stop from JR Kyoto Stn.

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.

●Open/ 8:30-17:30 (8:30-16:30 during Sep.20-Mar.19)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Free (Kondo & Kodo Hall: ￥500/ Treasure house exhibition in Spring & Autumn: ￥800)　●Tel/ 075-691-3325

◆Access/ A 5 min. walk from Kintetsu Toji Stn.

The Museum where real steam locomotives run
The museum was opened on the 100th anniversary of the start of railway operation in Japan. The museum displays 18 major steam locomotives that were made between 1914 to 1948 and operated in many places in Japan. Locomotive exhibitions run 3 times a day. Enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

●Open/ 9:30-17:00(Last entry at 16:30)
●Close/ Monday (except for national holidays, Mar. 25-Apr.7, Jul.21-Aug.31), Dec.29-Jan.3
●Fare/ Adults(high school students & over) ￥400 /Children(4 & over) ￥100　●Tel/ 075-314-2996

◆Access/ JR Kyoto Stn.→City bus to Umekojikoen-mae →A 3 min. walk /A 15 min. walk from JR Tanbaguchi Stn.