Kyoto is Japan’s heart

Показать описание

Located in an exceptional setting, Kyoto is rich in natural and historical splendour. Surrounded by hills and wooded mounts, crossed by the Kamo river, Kyoto is Japan’s heart.

With its 2000 temples, its palaces, its Japanese gardens, its architecture, Kyoto is considered Japan’s cultural centre.

Kinkakuji, the elegant, poetic and delicate temple, dates back to 1397. Its beautiful setting and exceptional position delights its visitors. Built close to a pond, it seems to float over the water.

Covered in pure gold, it is guarded by a golden fenghuang sculpture, symbolising wisdom and clemency.

Kiyomizi-dera, east of Kyoto, is a Buddhist temple complex.

Located on a platform held up by hundreds of pillars, on a hillside, it gives an impressive view of Kyoto.

Legend says that the pure water coming into the compound from the hills gives good health, longevity and success to whoever drinks it.

Sanjūsangen-dō is the temple with 1001 statues of bouddhist deities. Its mystical rows of deities leave a strong impression, as does the statue of Senju

Kannon, with crystal eyes, eleven faces and a thousand arms. Recognised as the world's longest wooden structure, it is a place of tradition, hosting the shooting of the first arrow of the year in January.

One can easily imagine geishas and monks walking through Kyoto's historical city.

It has remained the archetypal Japanese city, perpetuating its art de vivre, its artistic and religious events and the delicate Kaiseki cuisine.

Narna, 42 kilometers south of Kyoto, is itself a former capital of Japan, and also one of the cradles of Japanese culture and literature.

To the west there lies Kofukji temple, built in 710.

A great number of highly valuable Buddhist statues are exhibited in the House of National Treasures, and the walls of the temple enclose a five-story pagoda which is reflected in the waters of Sarusawa pond.

Directed by Jacques VICHET