An ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto has become one of the most sought-after places to visit in Japan. Of course, despite its popularity, you will still find sites of interest away from the beaten path which provide captivating insights into a rich cultural heritage.
Rozan-ji
A small temple with a rich history, Rozan-ji can be found close to the Imperial Palace and within easy reach of properties like Park Hotel Kyoto. Known for its idyllic garden, this site happens to be where Murasaki Shikibu worked on “The Tale of Genji”, which is widely considered the world’s first novel! Key highlights here include the Garden of Genji, Heian-era statues, picture scrolls and more.
Mibu-dera Temple
One of the city’s oldest temples, Mibu-dera, is another of the “secret” attractions in Kyoto near Karasuma Station. Interestingly, it is also known as the “Temple of Plays” due to the funny short plays called Mibu Kyogen held here; they feature no dialogue but plenty of action and are still performed at certain times of the year. At the temple, you can also view materials and a screen painting connected with Mibu Kyogen, sculptures from the Heian and Edo periods, sub-shrines and ancient masks.
Kyoto Confectionery Museum
Those with a sweet tooth are going to love the Kyoto Confectionery Museum. Here, the works of “art” are of the edible variety, with a variety of Japanese sweets (wagashi) carefully crafted with exquisite details. Head to the second floor (ask for an English-language pamphlet) to see various wagashi creations, some resembling trees and flowers. Once done, go to the first-floor tearoom for some seasonal sweets paired with matcha!
Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
Continue your journey of discovery with a visit to the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum. Dating to the Genroku period, “netsuke” refers to a toggle used to secure cords, which in turn were attached to pouches or small boxes used to carry various items since kimonos didn’t have pockets! The humble netsuke evolved into a form of art with various intricate sculptures and styles, which can be seen at this fascinating museum.