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.

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

◆Access/ A 7 min. walk from Ginkakuji-michi bus stop by city bus from JR Kyoto Stn.

Command the view of Kyoto City from Stage of Shimizu
The Main Hall (a national treasure) is famous for its Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu). This architecture with the huge stage follows the elegant Shinden-zukuri style and was built over a cliff supported by 139 pillars. Most of the remaining buildings were rebuilt in 1633. Water from Otowa-no-taki Fall, which is the origin of the temple's name, is said to be miraculous water which cures all illnesses. The area provides a spectacular view of Kyoto, including the cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn.

●Open/ 6:00-18:00 (-18:30 in summer)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ ￥300 (Jishu Shrine is also available)　●Tel/ 075-551-1234

◆Access/ A 10 min. walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop by city bus from JR Kyoto Stn.

Elegant looks of a bird with spread-out wings
This was originally a villa for Fujiwara-no-Michinaga. His son Yorimichi converted it into a temple in 1052, in the late years of Heian Period. The Hoodo, an image of which is featured on the 10-Yen coin, represents the Land of Happiness which noblemen dreamt of. Its elegant figure is very famous and tells us the prosperity of the Fujiwara family.

●Open/ 8:30-17:30 (Hoshokan 9:00-17:00)
●Close/ Open all-year round (the inside of Hoodo is being restored until Aug. 2005)
●Fare/ ￥600　●Tel/ 0774-21-2861

◆Access/ A 10 min. walk from Keihan /JR Uji Stn.

A temple of grand scale known for its cherry blossoms
The head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Founded in 874, it has a five-story pagoda, the oldest wooden building in Kyoto Pref., and plenty of other national treasures and important cultural properties. It is also known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in April.

●Open/ 9:00-17:00 (-16:00 on the next day of the 1st Sunday in Dec.-Feb.)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Free in Summer & Winter, ￥600 in Spring & Autumn (with the exception of Sanpoin which is ￥600.)
●Tel/ 075-571-0002

◆Access/ A 10 min. walk from Subway Daigo Stn.

The great temple that represents the Nara Period
This temple was founded in 759 by Priest Jianzhen from the Tang Dynasty. He was invited by Emperor Shomu and came to Japan overcoming many hardships. Kondo, or the main hall is the largest example of Tenpyo-style architecture existing, and there are Kutsugata (ancient roof ornaments) called "Tenpyo-no-iraka" on its roof. The precinct of the temple, including the Treasure House and other buildings, are vividly reminiscent of the temple in the Tenpyo Period. The 10-year restoration project has been carried out since 2000.

●Open/ 8:30-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)　●Close/ Open all-year round　●Fare/ Adults ￥600　
●Tel/ 0742-33-7900

◆Access/ A 10 min. walk from Kintetsu Nishi-no-kyo Stn.

Conveying the spectacular Hakuho culture
Its unique layout of buildings called "Yakushiji-shiki Garan haichi"; Kondo (main hall) and Kodo (lecture hall) are placed in the center, between two three-story pagodas (East Pagoda and West Pagoda). The contrast between the original East Pagoda and the red and green West Pagoda, which was reconstructed in Showa Period, is breathtakingly beautiful. Three statues, including the principal image Yakushi-Nyorai, are among the most prominent works of Japanese Buddhist fine art.

●Open/ 8:30-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Adults ￥500 (￥800 during the special exhibition of Gensho Sanzoin Garan)　●Tel/ 0742-33-6001

◆Access/ A short walk from Kintetsu Nishi-no-kyo Stn.