Japan

Temples in Kyoto

6 temples in the atlas, and a city that keeps going after the gates close.

The temples

What to see in Kyoto

Kyoto · JapanShinto Shrine

Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing a mountain, and the shrine is open all night.

Kyoto · JapanZen Temple

The Silver Pavilion, which was never actually silvered.

Kyoto · JapanZen Temple

Two upper floors in gold leaf, doubled in a still pond, and there is a reason it is on every poster.

Kyoto · JapanZen Temple

A vast wooden stage built out over the hillside on pillars, with no nails, and the whole of Kyoto laid out below it.

Kyoto · JapanZen Temple

Fifteen rocks in raked gravel, and from no single position can you see all fifteen.

Kyoto · JapanZen Temple

The five storey pagoda here is the tallest wooden tower in Japan and the first thing you see coming into Kyoto on the bullet train.

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Kyoto after dark

The rooftops look back at the spires you photographed at noon. Clean listings, same standard as the temple pages.