If You Like - Kyoto - page 29

If You Like…
Temples & Shrines
Nanzen-ji A world of Zen temples and subtemples scattered amid the trees. ( CLICK HERE )
Ginkaku-ji The famed 'Silver Pavilion' boasts one of Kyoto's finest gardens. ( CLICK HERE )
Hōnen-in A secluded retreat a short walk from the perpetually crowded Ginkaku-ji. ( CLICK
HERE )
Kinkaku-ji A golden apparition rises above a tranquil reflecting pond - arguably Kyoto's
most impressive single sight. ( CLICK HERE )
Tenryū-ji This temple takes shakkei (borrowed scenery) to a new level - it borrows the en-
tire sweep of Arashiyama's beautiful mountains. ( CLICK HERE )
Daitoku-ji Each subtemple at this Zen complex has a sublime garden: a must for garden
lovers with an aversion to crowds. ( CLICK HERE )
Myōshin-ji Like Daitoku-ji, this is a walled complex containing many fine subtemples and
one of Kyoto's most famous gardens, Taizō-in. ( CLICK HERE )
Kurama-dera Climb a path lined with towering cedar trees to this mountain temple in the
hills north of the city. ( CLICK HERE )
Chion-in A vast Pure Land Buddhist temple - the Vatican of Japanese Buddhism. ( CLICK
HERE )
Shōren-in The crowds usually give this Southern Higashiyama temple a miss - don't make
that mistake. ( CLICK HERE )
Museums
Kyoto National Museum The special exhibits here are often spectacular and the perman-
ent collection is a good introduction to Japanese art. ( CLICK HERE )
Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Holds two of Kyoto's best yearly art shows: the Kyoten
and the Niten. Other special exhibits are often worth a look. ( CLICK HERE )
National Museum of Modern Art The permanent collection here is small but interesting
and the special exhibits are usually excellent. ( CLICK HERE )
Kyoto International Manga Museum If you are a fan of Japanese manga (comics), you
simply must make a pilgrimage to this fine downtown museum. ( CLICK HERE )