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Cultural capital

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Take a step back in time with a trip to the Japanese city of Kyoto, awash with history and heritage

A flash of skin painted a delicate hue of white, a turquoise silk kimono and a crimson sash whizz past us as we make our way through the crowds in the bustling train station. We’ve only been in the city for five minutes and we’ve already spotted a geisha. Hostesses skilled in traditional arts, geishas are deeply rooted in the customs of a bygone era and their startling presence here, amidst throngs of black suits and shiny briefcases, sums up everything we’ve come to love about Kyoto.

Japan’s seventh largest city, Kyoto can safely be called the intellectual heart of the country. A former imperial capital, the city has flourished as a centre for arts, culture and politics. And as it was largely spared from much of the destruction and devastation of World War II, the city boasts a plethora of ancient temples and shrines.

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A stopover to Sanjūsangen-dō hall, also known as Rengeo-in, should be in order for any visitor. The outside of this rather plain and unimpressive wooden temple shouldn’t put you off. Inside are 1,001 statues carved from Japanese cypress and covered in gold leaf of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Row upon row of human-sized statues flank a designated national treasure, a massive eleven-headed Kannon for a view that is simply breathtaking. You won’t be able to snap any pictures inside, but we’re certain this is one sight you’ll not easily forget.

Soak in another golden sight with an outing to Kinkaku-ji or The Golden Pavilion. This World Cultural Heritage Site certainly doesn’t disappoint. Formally known as Rokuon-ji Temple, this monument’s top two layers are covered in gold leaf. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to get the best views of the pavilion shimmering in the reflection of the surrounding pond.

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And for balance, check out the Ginkaku-ji Temple. Another World Cultural Heritage Site, this Zen temple is commonly called The Silver Pavilion, even though the planned silver leaf application never took place. Famed for its refinement and bare-boned aesthetics, the celebrated sand garden features two flattened mounds and a delicately raked bed of sand that are said to sparkle in the moonlight, hence the nickname, ‘Sea of Silver Sand’.

Or if you’d rather take your contemplation to the next level – literally – make your way to the Fushimi Inari Taisha. This Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of harvest, features a series of large red torii gates lined up, one after the other, snaking their way up the mountain. We suggest visiting early, when the handful of restaurants within the complex are open. Since foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, you’ll be able to sample a few fox-inspired dishes like Kitsune Udon or ‘Fox Udon’. And be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as this up-hill hike can be strenuous.

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Drink to your health with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera, a historic wooden temple in the eastern side of the city. Situated next to the Otowa waterfall, visitors can down a cup of the falling water, which is said to have healing qualities. You’ll have to navigate through throngs of people to reach the temple, with a stroll in the traditional Higashiyama District. This windy street, packed with restaurants and shops, provides the perfect spot to indulge in some retail therapy. You’ll even be able to snag some local specialties such as the famous Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.

After all that sightseeing, indulge yourself with a traditional meal in Gion. Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district, this vibrant area is filled with shops, high-end Japanese restaurants and teahouses. On the popular Hanami-koji Street, you can still spot some of the traditional machiya townhouses that once lined the streets of old Kyoto. Now rapidly dwindling in favour of more utilitarian and cheaper housing, a stroll through these streets will transport you back to a time that once was.

And, if you’re lucky, you may just spot a few elegantly dressed geishas shuffling down the cobblestones too. 

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Japan in the palm of your hand

Fancy a change of scene? Then head over to the city of Nara, located less than an hour away from Kyoto, home to the exquisite Todaiji Temple. The Daibutsuden or the Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden structure in the world, and houses a massive bronze gilt Buddha. But what visitors tend to remember most about a visit to the temple and the surrounding Nara Park are the herds of tame wild deer. Considered sacred in local folklore, the Sika deer don’t mind a cuddle or two, as long as you’ve got a handy snack for them. You can purchase the relatively inexpensive Shika-senbei or wafer crackers to feed the deer from vendors in and around the park, just be sure you’ve got enough to go around!

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Getting around

Taxis are expensive, so your best option is to hop on the Kyoto City Bus or take the Subway. The routes are surprisingly easy to follow and with a map from your hotel concierge, you should be able to manage. And if you’re still unsure, Japanese people are incredibly friendly and tend to go out of their way to be helpful, so smile and ask around.

Apps for your smart phone:
We like Kyoto Route Map (approximately AED 4) and Kyoto Bus Guide (approximately AED 9)
Available on iTunes

Getting there

If you fancy a quick stopover in Kyoto, we’d recommend you hop on board the remarkably punctual Shinkansen Trains. These bullet trains can have you zooming off from Tokyo, the capital city, to the cultural centre of the country, Kyoto, in approximately three hours or less. Or if you’re jet setting in, Kyoto is a 75-minute train ride from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.

On a budget? Then save on your hotel and train tickets with discount packages from www.japanican.com 

Sawaiba Khan
 

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