Recommended Tourist Spots in the Northwest of Kyoto (Around Daimonji Mountain and Kinugasa)

Next, let’s explore some recommended tourist spots in the northwest area of Kyoto.

At Mount Okita in Kinugasa, you can witness the “Left Daimonji” bonfire, one of the five iconic fires of Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi festival. This is different from the famous “Daimonji” fire on Mount Nyoigatake in the Higashiyama area. The other fires include the “Myoho” characters on Matsugasaki, the “Boat” shape on Mount Funa in Nishigamo, and the “Torii Gate” shape on Mount Mandara in Sagano. Together, they form the Gozan no Okuribi.

This area is also home to some of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. You can visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), famous for its stunning reflection in the surrounding pond, the serene Ryoan-ji Temple with its world-famous Zen rock garden, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the head shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship.

The region where Kinkaku-ji is located is called Kinugasa, and while it’s not a large area, you can easily explore it in a day. If you’re short on time, it’s also possible to visit both this area and other northern Kyoto landmarks, such as Kyoto Imperial Palace or Shimogamo Shrine, on the same day.

Note: While Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka is older, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is considered the head shrine, as it is from here that most of the branches of Tenmangu shrines across Japan originated.

Kyoto’s Iconic Golden Temple – Always Astonishing, “Kinkaku-ji“

Kinkaku-ji is arguably the most dazzling temple in Kyoto, if not all of Japan.

This golden temple, familiar from school textbooks, never fails to amaze visitors with its brilliance.

The best time to visit Kinkaku-ji is in winter. The contrast between the golden pavilion and the snow creates a stunningly beautiful sight that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Kinkaku-ji was originally built as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate. It became a Zen temple after his death.

By the way, Kinkaku-ji is just a nickname. Its official name is Rokuon-ji.

Unfortunately, the original temple was destroyed by arson in 1950. The famous novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima was inspired by this event.

The Serene Rock Garden at “Ryoan-ji“

Even if you haven’t heard of Ryoan-ji Temple, you might recognize its famous rock garden.

The garden contains 15 stones arranged among white gravel, and it has a calming effect on all who visit.

When you visit Ryoan-ji, take your time to fully appreciate the beauty of the garden. Don’t rush past it—it’s a place that deserves your attention.

Ryoan-ji was founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, known for his role in the Onin War. The famous rock garden was built around 1486 and is said to represent the Zen concept of the universe.

Nostalgic Ride on the Keifuku Train

To get to Ryoan-ji, consider taking the Keifuku Train (also known as Randen) from Shijo-Omiya or Arashiyama.

Randen is Kyoto’s last remaining streetcar line. It has two routes: one from Shijo-Omiya to Arashiyama and another from Katabira-no-Tsuji to Kitano-Hakubaicho. There’s something nostalgic about riding this train.

The Grand Shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu Shrines Across Japan: “Kitano Tenmangu“

Located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangu is the head shrine for over 12,000 Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines across Japan. Locals affectionately call it “Kitano-san” or “Kitano no Tenjin-san.”

This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a famous historical figure in Japan, and is considered a sacred place filled with heavenly energy.

While Sugawara no Michizane is known for many blessings, he is especially revered as the god of learning. Because of this, many students and test-takers visit the shrine to pray for success in exams.

Though Kitano Tenmangu is the head shrine, it wasn’t the first Tenmangu ever built. The first shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane was actually built in Shiga Prefecture in the Heian period. Later, a new shrine was constructed in the current location based on divine guidance, and Kitano Tenmangu was officially established in 987.

Interestingly, the shrine became famous for academic success only during the Edo period. So, if you’re preparing for an important exam, a visit to Kitano Tenmangu might just bring you some luck!

Head Temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism: “Ninna-ji Temple“

Ninna-ji Temple was built in 888 by Emperor Uda and remained under imperial leadership until the Meiji era, giving it a prestigious history.

Although the temple was destroyed during the Onin War, it was rebuilt in 1634 under Tokugawa Iemitsu’s orders.

Ninna-ji is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and its beautiful autumn leaves. The temple also has traditional Japanese gardens with ponds and rock formations, offering a peaceful, Kyoto-style experience.

Once you pass through the red-painted gate, you’ll see the impressive five-story pagoda, an Important Cultural Property. The pagoda’s elegant structure makes it a must-see when visiting Kyoto.

Even if you’ve never visited in person, you’ve likely seen Ninna-ji’s five-story pagoda in photos or on TV. Aside from the pagoda, Ninna-ji is home to several other Important Cultural Properties and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

The Burial Site of Ashikaga Takauji: “Toji-in Temple”

Toji-in Temple was founded in 1341 by Ashikaga Takauji, the powerful founder of the Ashikaga Shogunate in the Muromachi period.

Inside the temple, you can see a painting of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, created by Toji-in’s chief priest.

One of the temple’s highlights is its beautiful stroll garden, designed by the famous landscape architect Muso Soseki. The garden features a pond with Kinkaku-ji (Mt. Kinugasa) in the background, creating a breathtaking view.

In the temple’s Reikoden Hall, you’ll find wooden statues of the 15 Ashikaga shoguns, and in the northern part of the garden, there’s a pagoda that marks the resting place of Ashikaga Takauji.

Toji-in Temple is a great place to experience history and enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens.

Daitoku-ji Temple – A Temple with Strong Ties to the Famous Tea Master Sen no Rikyu

Daitoku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai Zen sect’s Daitoku-ji school, located in Kyoto. It was founded by Zen master Daito Kokushi (Shuhou Myocho) in 1325 during the Kamakura period.

Though it was devastated during the Onin War in the Muromachi period, the famous Zen monk Ikkyu, known for his wit and wisdom, restored the temple.

Daitoku-ji has a deep connection to the art of tea, particularly wabi-cha, which was developed by Murata Juko. Renowned tea masters such as Sen no Rikyu and Takeno Jo-o studied here, and Daitoku-ji became a significant place for the development of the tea ceremony. It is also the family temple of Sen no Rikyu, making it a must-visit for tea enthusiasts.

While the main hall is generally not open to the public, and many of the sub-temples are also closed, there is still much to see, including the Sanmon Gate, an important cultural property. The construction of this gate led to a conflict between Rikyu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ultimately resulting in Rikyu being ordered to commit seppuku by Hideyoshi. Knowing this background adds a sense of gravity to the beauty of the gate.

Other highlights include the Hodo Hall, Zuiho-in (a garden made by Christian daimyo), Daisen-in (famous for its dry landscape garden), and Koto-in (known for its beautiful garden). Daitoku-ji is a great place to feel the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto.

The Unique “Window of Enlightenment” and “Window of Delusion” at Genko-an Temple

Genko-an is a famous temple in Kyoto, particularly known for its two distinctive windows. Many visitors come to admire the “Window of Enlightenment” (the round window on the left) and the “Window of Delusion” (the square window on the right), both of which offer beautiful views and deep symbolism.

The round “Window of Enlightenment” represents the Zen concept of perfection and the infinite universe, symbolizing a clear, enlightened mind.

In contrast, the square “Window of Delusion” represents the four human sufferings in Buddhism: birth, aging, sickness, and death. It symbolizes the struggles of human life.

These windows not only offer peaceful views but also provide a great photo opportunity. Whether you spend time quietly enjoying the scenery or snapping photos, you’ll have a serene and memorable visit.

Seimei Shrine – A Place Linked to the Legendary Onmyoji Abe no Seimei

Seimei Shrine is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a legendary figure in Japanese history known for his mystical powers as an onmyoji (a master of Yin-Yang divination). His life and powers have been depicted in many novels and films, including the popular movie Onmyoji, based on a novel by Baku Yumemakura, where Seimei was played by the famous actor Mansai Nomura.

Seimei Shrine was established in 1007, and although it once covered a large area, it was reduced in size after the Onin War and during the restructuring of the city under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The shrine has since been restored and continues to attract visitors with its rich history and spiritual significance.

Interestingly, Olympic figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who is a fan of Abe no Seimei, visited the shrine before his gold-medal-winning performance at the Winter Olympics. You can even see the ema (prayer plaques) he left behind as a sign of his wish for success.

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