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Latest Kyoto hotel reviews
Maruyama Park, at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, behind the Yasaka Shrine, becomes a busy and festive place in spring. The many cherry trees there are a riot of blossom and centre-stage stands a giant and ancient weeping cherry tree, raised on a small hillock and fenced-off to protect its roots. The pathways are lined with food stalls and hanami picnickers with their ubiquitous blue tarpolans spread on the ground revel. It's a great place to see Japanese customs associated with this beautiful and heady time of year happen in front of your eyes.
Written May 5, 2007
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Cherry blossoms (sakura) are called the symbol of Japanese culture, and have been composed in many tankas (Japanese poems) from old times. From March to April, when the news of cherry blossoms flowering is received from south, people travel from all over Japan to see cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms are in bloom in a short period, only 5 days. Kyoto has many good sights for sakura viewing, for example:
- Kyoto Imperial Palace Park -
Kyoto Imperial Palace can be reached in about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by the Karasuma Subway Line. Get off at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple -
Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, from where it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple.
- Heian-jingu Shrine -
From JR Kyoto Station take City Bus 5 to "Kyoto Kaikan Bijitusu-kan Mae".
10 min walk from "Higashi-yama" Tozai line subway stop.
- Maruyama Park -
Maruyama Park can be reached by bus from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Take number 100 and 206 and get off at Gion bus stop. The park is just behind Yasaka Shrine.
- Along Kamogawa -
Updated Nov 23, 2006
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The Japanese have a very highly evolved, articulated, and ritualized love of nature. Simplicity and naturalness are highly prized. You won't really find highly logical european gardens or english gardens here, but rather great pains are taken for natural and simple settings. In Kyoto, I found that the garden settings were some of the best parts of enjoying the various temples. If you go, make sure to leave some time for the gardens/grounds as well as the temples.
Written Oct 13, 2003
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The temple grounds are quite beautiful and well kept. I was particularly fond of the delicate and fresh greenery...moss, maples, pines. You'll see women placidly sweeping the moss to keep leaves off of it. Being from a dry mediterranean climate in LA, the greenery was stunning and very peaceful. I admired the attentive, care that was lavished on natural details.
Written Oct 13, 2003
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KYOTO: Gardens
Coming from a non-appreciator of gardens in general, I must admit I was impressed with Japanese gardens. They are not just a result of planting trees at random + removing the weed. They are planned architecture, and maybe yes, just maybe even art.You can find very nice gardens around most historic buildings.
Written Aug 26, 2002
The gardners here are botanical wizards...
Written Jan 13, 2005
The gardens of Nijo-jo castle
Written Jan 13, 2005
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Gardens tips and photos posted by real travelers and Kyoto locals.
Write a ReviewThe gardens of Nijo-jo castle
70 members live in Kyoto
Q: Hi, I am considering buying a 2 week JR Pass for my travels in Japan, but I find it very confusing and have a lot of questions....
A: I also had similar questions about the JR pass prior to my Japan trip. If you do the math, the cost of the 2-week Japan-wide pass would be about the same as a R/T plane...
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Kyoto is a must see for every tourist in Japan!
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful places I have been. So, if you are interested in going to Japan, you must consider going to Kyoto City. Plan to stay there for at least three days to be able to...
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WORLD OF ITS OWN (Kyoto,Nara,Osaka,Himeji & Kobe)
I*T*I*N*E*R*A*R*Y DAY 1 Kyoto (Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Gion Area) DAY 2 Kyoto (Sanjusangendo Temple, Heian Shrine, Nanjenji, Ginkajuji Temple and Karawamachi Area) DAY 3 Kyoto (Kinkajuji Temple,...
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Kyoto became the nation's capital in 794, ushering in the Heian Period. The city was modeled after the Chinese capital Chang-an in a grid and called Heian-kyo. Toji Temple (East Temple) and Saiji...
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In July 2009 we visited Kyoto for few days and had wonderful time exploring this city and its major sites. To most sites you can just walk or take a short bus trip, join me in a city tour as I walk......
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In my opinion Kyoto is one of the most magnificent cities is the world - from what Ive seen so far! Its a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. Twice I have been to...
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