Historical Monument Spots in Kyoto Area

Area

Kyoto
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  Kagoshima
  
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Historical Monument

Katsura Imperial Villa

4.5

479 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Katsuramisono

This is the Katsura Imperial Villa, established in 1615 after taking 50 years to complete. With a beauty that could be called the culmination of Japan’s gardens, the grounds are a chisen-kaiyushiki garden covering an area of 69,400 square meters. The main buildings include the Koshoin (Old Shoin), Chushoin (Middle Shoin) and Shingoten (New Palace), while also around the pond are four teahouses each with a different feel. It is a garden where one can enjoy the four seasons of Japan from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s changing leaves. Though same day booking is possible, one should book in advance to be guaranteed entry.

The tranquility and beauty of this villa will make you want to sit on the grass and just relax in the atmosphere - beautiful
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kamigyou-ku Kyoutogyoen

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the northern side of the Kyoto Imperial Gardens. The palace is surrounded by a roofed mud wall and channel of clear running water 250 meters long east to west and 450 meters long north to south. The current palace was rebuilt in 1855 and includes such facilities as six gates scattered around all four sides, the old palace’s state chamber where successive generations of emperors were enthroned, and a hall of state built in the Imperial residence style located in the center of the compound where the Imperial throne is placed. The small old palace, built in the traditional shoin-zukuri style, is located on the north side of the compound, and from here visitors can view an elegant garden with a large pond. Once, viewing the Kyoto Imperial Palace required an application to be made beforehand, but today no such reservation is required and the palace may be viewed freely by anyone year round (note that a bagger inspection will be performed prior to allowing visitors entry).
Togetsukyo Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Ukyo-ku Arashiyama

This bridge with a total length of 155 meters spanning the Katsuragawa River offers a vantage point to see the fall foliage of Arashiyama. The bridge is said to have been started by the Jowa-period (834–848) monk Dosho, and the bridge in the current location was built by Suminokura Ryoui in the early Edo period. Togetsukyo Bridge’s name (meaning “the bridge of the passing moon”) is said to have come about when Emperor Kameyama saw a moon move above the bridge and remarked that, “It looks as if the clear moon were walking over the bridge.” The bridge is full of elegance which blends into the landscape of Arashiyama.
Place of Scenic Beauty: Murin-an

4.5

152 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Nanzenjikusagawachou 31

This is a villa built over a period of two years from 1894 by the Meiji and Taisho period politician Aritomo Yamagata. It is comprised of an extensive garden and three buildings, a main building, a Western-style house, and a tea house, and the garden in particular was created by Jihei Ogawa VII under Yamagata’s instructions and is well-known as an open space full of abundant nature. It was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1951. The garden unfolds against the backdrop of the Higashiyama Mountains, and in autumn visitors can enjoy the appearance of the trees filled with red and yellow colors.

I have been to Japan many times and have now learnt that if a temple or garden has a well designed English website, chances are it will be packed with tourists. I came across Murinan in an English...
Doshisha University

4.5

62 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City, Kamigyo-ku Imadegawa-ku Karasuma East Entrance

Doshisha University was established as Doshisha English School” in 1875 by Niijima Jo (English name, Joseph Hardy Neesima), who defied the policy of national isolationism when it was in effect to travel to America and become Japan’s first graduate of a Western university (Amherst College, Massachusetts). Today, this Christian university also has a campus located in the city of Kyotanabe. The Imadegawa Campus is the site of numerous historic buildings, including the red brick Shoueikan, Yushukan, American gothic chapel, Clark Memorial Hall, and Harris Science Research Institute, all Important Cultural Properties, as well as the Tangible Cultural Property-designated Keimeikan and Amherst House.

母校の同志社大学には年に一度以上訪れます。落ち着きま、す。卒業した今、やはり日本一の大学、新島襄は最高だと思っています。
Kayabuki no Sato

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nantanshi Miyamachoukita Pickle stone 21-1

One of the top sightseeing spots of Miyama-cho, this park is filled with old-fashioned thatched roof buildings and homes rarely found today, providing a glimpse into Japan’s past. The northern village was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government in 1993. The oldest home here was built in 1796 and 38 of the 50 structures are thatch roofed. Most of the structures are private homes, but there is also a cultural interaction facility and museum dedicated to folk customs. There are also thatched roof guesthouses where visitors can stay.
Ryukoku University, Omiya Campus

4.5

22 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo Ward Shichyori Omiya Higashi-carpenter 125-1

The Omiya Campus of Ryukoku University is a historic building located in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward. At the beginning, it was a Buddhist seminary connected with Nishi Honganji Temple, but in 1879, built to contain lecture halls when Ryukoku became a university under the reforms of the educational system. It incorporates both Japanese and Western elements, and the Japanese government has designated it an Important Cultural Property. It is used for devotions, Buddhist lectures, other university activities, and Buddhist weddings.

This is a private university and spreading with several campuses in the city center. Each campus has a nice and unique architectural design and is itself a landmark or icon. The university was setup...
Nijo Jinya (Ogawa Residence)

3.5

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Nakagyo-ku Omiya-dori Oike Sagaru Sanboomiyacho 137

This old manor belonged to a wealthy merchant in the Edo period, and served as lodging for Daimyos who came to visit Kyoto and didn't have manors of their own. The outside walls are earthen to prevent fires, and the ceilings have mushakakushi warrior hiding spaces, as well as hanging stairs, hidden stairs, and other anti-enemy fittings. Tours require reservations.

Nijo Jinya was a traditional house during samurai period and had been converted into an inn for residing and viewing by visitors. Nonetheless during our visit there by early April, we were a bit...
Sento Imperial Palace

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kamigyou-ku Kyoutogyoen

This is an old imperial palace when Emperor Go-Mizu-no-O abdicated and retired in the early 17th century. Destroyed by fire in 1854, now only the garden and tearoom remain. The spring cherry blossom and autumn changing leaves are of course wonderful, as are the blooming wisteria of early summer. The Yatsuhashi (zigzag bridge) connecting the south pond to the central island is covered in wisteria trellis, and the sight of it catching the wind is just beautiful. Though same day booking is possible, one should book in advance to be guaranteed entry.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shugakuin Kabayashi

An Imperial villa built in the mid-17th century by Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, three gardens, deemed the lower, middle, and upper tea houses, are distributed around the spacious grounds and connected by pine-line walks. The lower tea house garden is entered via the front main gate and has a tea house called the Jugetsukan built in the sukiya-zukuri (tea arbor) style. The adjoining middle tea house garden has a simple tea house built in the irimoya-zukuri (gabled, hipped roof) style, but its magnificently decorated reception hall is truly a sight to behold, as well as the decorative tea alcove shelving called “Kasumi-dana (shelf of mist),” The shelf is considered one of the three most treasured shelves in Japan. The large upper tea house garden is dotted with tea houses surrounding a central pond. The view from the Rin-un-tei tea house built on the mountainside is particularly spectacular.
Maizuru Brick Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Maidurushi Kitasui 1039-2

A historic site located a 10-minute walk from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station. This collection of 12 red brick buildings served as an ordinance warehouse for the former Japanese Navy from the Meiji through the Taisho period; eight of these buildings have been designated Important Cultural Properties. In order to make use of these structures, the site was opened up as a sightseeing and exchange facility by Maizuru City in 2012. Today, it is open to the general public as an event hall and museum with exhibits on the history of the former Japanese Navy. There is also a sightseeing cruise facility and a restaurant which serves the same curry as is enjoyed by the modern day Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Former Mikami Family Residence

4.5

21 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Miyazu-shi Kawara 1850

The former residence of one of the premier merchants under Miyazu Castle, who managed breweries, cargo ships trader, and yarn wholesaler during the Edo Period. The extravagance of the mansion can be seen through the stunning white walled exterior and luxurious tatami room. The garden was designed to be enjoyed by those relaxing in the tatami room and its high value as a merchant's garden has led it to be designated a place of scenic beauty in Kyoto.

商家の豪邸です。増築を重ねているとのことで各部屋の趣も少し変わりそれぞれの歴史を感じます。欄間や床障壁、庭園は見事です。主屋など国の重要文化財となっているそうです。
Sanjo-ohashi Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nakagyou-ku Nakajimachou Ohashi Town Higashiyama ku

This bridge is in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. It was the westernmost of the 53 stages of the Tokaido Highway, one of the Gokaido, or five main roads during the Edo period. Today the bridge is made of concrete and consists of two traffic lanes and a sidewalk. Beside the bridge there are statues of Yajirobei and Kitahachi, the main characters from Tokaidochu Hizakurige (Sahnk's Mare). There's also an ekiden monument marking the spot that was the start of Japan's first ekiden relay walking race.
Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

3.5

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Ukyo-ku Sagatoriimotosennocho 8

Toriimoto flourished as both a town formed around the Atago Shrine and as an agricultural community. Quite a number of thatched roof dwelling still remain leading to this area being declared a National Group of Traditional Buildings. The archive hall houses a rebuilt and restored dwelling which retains the atmosphere of traditional Toriimoto and has a number of models on display.

化野念仏寺のすぐ手前にあります。町家を改装して資料館のようにしていますが、特筆すべき何かがあるわけではないので、立ち寄らなくても大丈夫です。
Shijo-ohashi Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nakagyou-ku Kashiwayachou Saito-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kawabata-cho, Higashiyama Ward

This bridge runs between Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward in Kyoto City. Since it connects two parts of downtown Kyoto, it gets a lot of traffic. Originally built in 1142, it was constructed in its current steel girder form in 1942. Eastbound there are three lanes including a right-turn lane, and westbound there are two lanes. The sidewalk is wider than those of other nearby roads.
Former Residence of the Bito family

4.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Yosa-gun Yosanocho Kaya 1085

This manor house was built in 1863 by a raw-silk crepe merchant. The original Japanese-style structure was expanded with a western-style house in the Showa period, and now this is a Kyoto prefectural Registered Tangible Cultural Property. They offer exhibits to match the seasons or local festivals, so there's always something to see.

ちりめん街道に残る、生糸ちりめん商家。ちりめん街道で唯一内部見学ができます。和館や内蔵が並ぶ中、昭和3年建築の洋館が見所です。また、洋館1階の新座敷、梅松竹の床柱、自然竹の欄間も素晴らしい。加悦の繁栄ぶりが伺える素晴らしい住宅です。
Inaba Honke Merchant Estate

4.0

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutangoshi Kumihamachou 3102

This historic building, in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, is the former estate of the Inaba family, a descendant of the Inaba clan from the Mino region, said to be a vassal of Oda Nobunaga. Starting in 1885, the estate was built over a period of five years by Shiroemon Inaba, the twelfth lord. On the grounds the main building, and the treasure house can be toured, and a set-menu of the day as well as hand-made confections are offered. With advance reservations, incense or pottery making workshops are available.

久美浜にある豪商稲葉本家。無料で見学ができるところです。この中で、食事や喫茶ができます。また持ち帰りも可能。ぼた餅とばら寿司がメニューにあります。
Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shimogamomiyakawachou 58-2

With well-preserved premises from the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2011 because of its high historical value. The main building has a garden on its south side, integrated for an open atmosphere. Although the second and third floors are only available during special times, there is a watchtower on the third floor where you can enjoy views of the Kamo river and Higashiyama. You can also rent the main room on the second floor and tea room.
Rakushisha

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagaogurayamahinomyoujinchou 20

This is a hermitage of the Genroku period (1688–1704) haiku poet and student of Matsuo Basho, Mukai Kyorai. Kyorai moved into this hut when he was around the age of 35, and it came to be called Rakushisha (the “Hut of Fallen Persimmons”) from around the time he was aged 39. The name comes from the fact that the fruit of 40 persimmon trees in the garden fell down in one night after a storm. Basho wrote his diary “Saga Nikki” here. At the entrance to the thatched hut is an old rain suit and conical hat that belonged to the hut’s owner, and also a box for haiku submissions.
1928 Building

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Nakagyo-ku Sanjo Gokomachi

A five-minute walk from Sanjo Station and an eight-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. Situated at the intersection of Sanjo-dori Street and Gokomachi-dori Street, this building was built in 1928 to serve as the Kyoto branch office of the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun newspaper company. The building's design includes a distinctive balcony whose shape was modeled after the company emblem, stylish lamps on either side of the main entrance, and art deco influences. A rare example of architecture from this period, the building has been designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Kyoto City. The building still looks as it did when it first opened and its distinctive arched hall is used to host a variety of performances as Art Complex 1928.

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Historical Monument

Kyoto Areas

Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.