Yasaka Koshindo | Review by WANG

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinkaku-ji is absolutely a timeless classic and top choice! After buying the unique paper admission ticket at the entrance, which looks like a protective charm, follow the lush garden path. The moment you turn the corner and the dazzling golden building comes into view, the visual impact is truly incomparable.

Its exterior walls are covered in precious gold leaf, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight. The most captivating classic view is from across the Kyoko-chi Pond, where Kinkaku-ji's elegant form is perfectly reflected on the calm water, framed by lush pine trees, blue skies, and white clouds. It looks just like a flawless postcard. Anyone standing here will find it hard to stop taking photos.

After visiting Kinkaku-ji itself, stroll along the garden path to admire the Zen-like strolling pond garden, historic teahouses such as Sekka-tei, and various elegant landscape features. Although you can't go inside the building, simply walking around and experiencing the unique atmosphere that blends the lavish culture of the Muromachi period with the tranquility of Zen is well worth the admission price.

I highly recommend adding Kinkaku-ji to your morning itinerary when visiting Kyoto. See the gold leaf sparkle when the sunlight hits at the best angle, and you're sure to come away with dazzling, unforgettable memories of your Kansai trip!

Every time I visit Kyoto, if I could choose only one temple, Kiyomizu-dera, with over a thousand years of history and standing halfway up Mt. Otowa, would definitely be Japan's most iconic landmark! As soon as you reach Kiyomizu-zaka on the way to the main hall, the lively souvenir shops, pottery stores, and wagashi shops along the street offer so much to see. You can already feel the area's rich cultural atmosphere before even entering the temple.

After passing through the imposing Nio-mon Gate, the most breathtaking sight is the elevated Kiyomizu Stage, built entirely without a single nail and supported by enormous wooden pillars. From the stage, you can take in the cityscape of Kyoto below while surrounded by a magnificent expanse of maple and cherry trees. Whether the hills are covered in soft pink cherry blossoms in spring or fiery red leaves in fall, the changing seasonal scenery is like a huge landscape painting you could never tire of seeing.

After leaving the stage, don't miss the famous Otowa Waterfall below. Its three clear streams represent academic success, love, and longevity. Waiting in line to take a sip is both fun and filled with a sense of ritual and prayer. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the impressive Koyasu Pagoda nearby and experience the ancient capital's solemnity and tranquility.

I highly recommend putting Kiyomizu-dera on your must-visit list when traveling to Kyoto. Whether you're there to experience the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site or admire the beautiful mountain scenery through the seasons, this is a timeless classic you'll never tire of visiting!

The most memorable feature of this ancient temple with deep historical roots is Hokan-ji's five-story pagoda, commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda. Built in the Asuka period, it stands over 30 meters tall. Although you can't freely climb the pagoda, simply walking along the slopes of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, or Yasaka-dori and capturing the old-fashioned streetscape with Yasaka Pagoda in the background creates a classic postcard scene that everyone visiting Kyoto should have on their phone.

It's especially worth visiting early in the morning when there are fewer tourists. With the old streets, warm wooden machiya townhouses, and the five-story pagoda in the distance, you can almost hear echoes of history in the air. At dusk, when the setting sun casts its glow across the stone-paved streets, the atmosphere becomes incredibly romantic.

I highly recommend combining Hokan-ji with a walking route through the surrounding Higashiyama area when visiting Kyoto. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll in a kimono or simply want to experience the most authentic charm of Kyoto's old streets, this is an iconic landmark you'll never tire of visiting!