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See & Do

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Kinugasa＆Kitano＆Nishijin

See & Do

areas

Kinugasa＆Kitano＆Nishijin

The northwestern area of Kyoto has a calm atmosphere compared to its busy commercial district. You can feel the old traditions thriving in many parts of this area. It boasts not only the famous Golden Pavilion - Kinkaku-ji, but also the Kamishichiken area, one of the geisha districts, as well as the Nishijin area, well-known for crafting Kyoto's traditional Nishijinori textiles used in kimono-making.

Sights

●Kinkakuji Temple
One of the most famous buildings in Kyoto as well as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The highlight of the temple is the Golden Pavilion (Shariden), which was built in the late 14th century by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the most influential shogun in power at the time. 
Its appearance shifts depending on the season and weather. Many tourists are especially fascinated by its winter scenery, when the white snow contrasts with the golden roof it rests upon.
●Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano-tenmangu shrine is the main shrine of its kind in Japan, of which there are more than 120,000. Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician who represented the middle Heian period. Since Michizane is known for being the “god of academics”, many students visit it to pray for success in their studies.
http://www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp/top_en.php



 
●Kamishichiken
Kamishichiken is located just east of the Kitano-tenmangu shrine. It is the oldest maiko / geiko (geisha) district in Kyoto. Unlike the other remaining districts, which are located close to the city center, Kamishichiken is placed further away and as such has fewer tourists. The melancholy atmosphere of its lanterns lit up after the sunset make for a one-of-a-kind scenery.

Events

●Kitano-tenmangu Shrine
Tenjin Flea market: Every 25th of the month
Plum Garden: early February to late March
Maple Garden: late October to early December
https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/en/


 
●Kamishichiken Kaburenjyo (Maiko / Geiko Theater)
Kitano Odori (Performance): March to April
Beer Garden: July to early September



 
 

Further Information on Transportation

Comfortable access to major tourist destinations (Kinkaku-ji/Kinugasa)

Getting from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple: Take it Easy and Visit a Shrine for Good Luck!

Tips

If you happen to see a maiko or geiko in town, please gaze at them from a distance. They are on their way to work, so please do not stop them or photograph them. If you want to take a picture of a maiko or geiko, please apply for the photography plan at Gion Corner.

Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast（Kinugasa / Kitano / Nishijin）
https://global.kyoto.travel/en/comfort/kitano-kinugasa-nishijin/