Japan’s cities: Kyoto

Kyoto founded in 792-794. and up to 1868. under the name Hayan ("City of peace and tranquility") officially considered the capital of the country and the residence of the emperor. This is an unusually colorful and romantic city, recognized center of international tourism. There are about 2,000 temples and churches (of which 17 are protected by UNESCO), hundreds of parks and dozens of old palaces. Special charm of Kyoto gives the unique harmony of all its numerous facilities with the surrounding landscape. Temples and palaces as if we grow out of water lakes and hillsides, only emphasizing the natural beauty of the landscape. No wonder these places are considered the highest phase of the development of the famous Japanese skill "Mergers with nature".

The historic center of the city is the exquisite Imperial Palace of Goso (founded in 794 g., The current building was built in 1855.) with the ceremonial hall of Sisinden, the Palace of Sannai Dan, the living quarters of the emperor Sayreden and the adjoining courtyard, covered with white pebbles and surrounded on both sides gallery. Not far from the Imperial Palace is Nijo Castle (1603 g., Area – 275 thousand. kv. M.) with the inner palace Ninomarov, famous for the unique system "Navita" or "Ugrau-Bari" ("Singing floors" – A kind of security system), as well as with classic Japanese gardens – Ninomar and Sayir-En.

Kyoto symbols are considered one of the best samples of the Japanese national architecture – "Golden Pavilion" Kinkakuji (1397 g.) with the finest gold plates of the roof and unique "Sand garden", as well as lying on the shore of the picturesque "mirror" Lake Church of Rockundi. No less interesting bunk "Silver pavilion" Ginkakuji (1489 g.), Tofukji ("Temple Treasure East", 1236.), built on a high rock of the Mountain of New Kiyimidzudera temple complex ("Church of clean water", 798 g., Rebuilt in 1633 g.) with a ritual waterfall, the oldest temple of the city – Yasaka-Dzinzya (X-XVI centuries.) With a large park, the imperial villa of Katsura Ricky with a unique landscaped park (1624 g., The entrance is limited), famous "Gardens stones" Renzi (Röandi) and sambo-in, magnificent "Garden Mikov" Sikhodi Temple (Located Limited), Palace Ensemble Katsura (XVII in.), Temples Todzy (VII-XVII in.), Heian Jinggua (1895 g.), Nii Higashi, Nii Honganzi (1272 g., Mixed to a modern place in 1591 g.), Snegsusango (1164 g.) and thawed (XIV in.), as well as numerous imperial tombs, gardens and parks.

On the other shore of the lake Biva Lies the majestic castle of Hakone (1603-1623.). Kyoto also has the oldest theater in Japan "Kabuki" – Minesidza (the city is considered to be the birthplace of this art). It is worth visiting the National Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Also flourish vintage traditional crafts – the production of lacquer and bronze products, porcelain, lace, embroidery, religious cults, products of which can serve as magnificent souvenir. Festive events and numerous religious ceremonies associated with any of the deities or local temples are regularly held in the city.