Uploaded June 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The rock garden at Ryōan-ji, a piece of Japanese cultural heritage, is arguably the most popular in Kyoto. The deceptively simple garden consists of fifteen rocks spread out on white sand in a space of 248 square meters. The fifteen rocks are carefully arranged so that there is always at least one rock that cannot be seen, regardless of the angle. The garden was likely built in the Muromachi period (late 14th - 16th century), but who built the garden still remains a great mystery. Along with the confusion surrounding who designed it, the intended meaning of the garden is unclear and theorists have interpreted the garden in many different ways. One of the more popular theories is that the garden shows a tiger carrying her baby cubs across the water, while another theory is that the rocks spell out the Chinese character “heart”.
To see more of Ryōan-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ryoan-ji
The rock garden at Ryōan-ji, a piece of Japanese cultural heritage, is arguably the most popular in Kyoto. The deceptively simple garden consists of fifteen rocks spread out on white sand in a space of 248 square meters. The fifteen rocks are carefully arranged so that there is always at least one rock that cannot be seen, regardless of the angle. The garden was likely built in the Muromachi period (late 14th - 16th century), but who built the garden still remains a great mystery. Along with the confusion surrounding who designed it, the intended meaning of the garden is unclear and theorists have interpreted the garden in many different ways. One of the more popular theories is that the garden shows a tiger carrying her baby cubs across the water, while another theory is that the rocks spell out the Chinese character “heart”.
To see more of Ryōan-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ryoan-ji
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tō-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/agyYqh0Qaac/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tō-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tō-ji temple. One of the first temples allowed in the newly founded city of Kyoto back in the late 700s, Tō-ji is the home of the famous five-story pagoda that many tourists catch sight of on their way into the city by bullet train. On the grounds are several halls filled with gorgeous examples of Buddhist statuary, and when it comes to fall colors theres no beating the sight of the pagoda rising up before a pond reflecting the bright colors of the season.
To see more of Tō-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/toji")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Kyōtango [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bTElqArVymc/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Kyōtango [4K]
When people think of Kyoto they imagine the capital city. With its countless shrines and temples, captivating museums, and thriving shops, Kyoto City is most certainly a beautiful place... but many visitors dont know that just a few hours north waits the natural beauty of Kyōtango. Part of the Tango Penninsula area along the Sea of Japan, Kyōtango is home to breathtaking ocean views and gorgeous beaches, some of which you might not even believe you found in Japan! Enjoy a leisurely, relaxing night in Kyōtangos hot spring hotels, take a drive through the country and make a stop to sample local cuisine, and most importantly... pack your swimsuits and hit the beach!
This video was made possible thanks to the kind cooperation of:
Kyōtango City Hall Tourism Department
Hotel Shihoukaku
Tango Kingdom Rest Area")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bv_YYMQOsko/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine [4K]
Numerous shrines and temples around Kyoto are famous for sakura viewing in spring, and one of those shrines is Heian Jingū. The shrines Shinen Garden is full of the beautiful weeping variety of cherry trees, whose pink blossoms spill down over bamboo supports and form curtains of flowers. Designed by the famous Ogawa Jihei (Ueji), the garden features a charming mix of Eastern and Western styles, with a beautiful pond and bridge. With gorgeous sakura blooming in spring, you wont want to miss the Heian Shrine!
To see more of Heian Shrine and how to get there, check out our page:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/heian-jingu")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cl2reoZNI4g/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K]
For more information on boat launch times, which change depending on the season and day, check the Hozugawa Kudari’s official English website here:
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en
A trip to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s gorgeous natural scenery, and one of the best ways to do this is to take a short train trip to the neighboring city of Kameoka and board the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride! This popular river route has a rich history dating back more than 400 years and offers visitors a chance to enjoy a leisurely and entertaining boat ride through one of Kyoto’s most beautiful areas.
Taking approximately two hours to travel 16 kilometers down the Hozugawa river between Kameoka and the well-known sightseeing area Arashiyama, the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride costs 4,100 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children aged 4-12. Though most of the river provides a smooth, calming journey, there are a few rapids that supply some additional excitement along the way, and depending on the season you can enjoy cherry blossoms, vivid greenery, fall colors, and even snow! With the trip narrated by jaunty boatmen ready to point out local ravine wildlife, historical spots, comically shaped rocks, good photograph spots, and the finer points of boat steerage, you’ll be in good hands until you reach land once more.")
![Kyoto Event: Takigi Noh at Heian Shrine 2018 [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgHkrtWP994/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Event: Takigi Noh at Heian Shrine 2018 [4K]
For more information and photographs: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/takigi-noh-heian-shrine/
AND
http://www.kyoto-nohgaku.or.jp/kyoto-takiginoh-en/
On June 1st and 2nd, 2018, the 69th Annual Takigi Noh performance took place at Heian Shrine in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Tragic Hero: The Life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the theme of this years performance, and with this dramatic topic the audience was shown scenes from the legendary warriors childhood in Kyoto through his campaign in the Genpei War and his unfortunate end by betrayal. With this story-like theme, the 2018 Takigi Noh was particularly easy to follow and enjoy, even for a complete beginner! Get a taste of noh, the oldest style of Japanese theater still practiced today, through selected scenes from the plays Hashi Benkai, Eboshi Ori, Funa Benkei, Kurama Tengu, Giō, and Shōzon performed by the Kanze and Kongo schools of noh, with assistance from actors from the more comedic Ogura school of kyogen.
Takigi Noh is an event not to be missed if you find yourself in Kyoto in June, so make sure to check Discover Kyoto and book your tickets in advance!")
