![Places to Go: Iwashimizu Hachimangū [4K] @discoverkyoto](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VlvfBZVQh_Y/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded December 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Located in the neighboring city of Yawata, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is a large shrine complex on top of Mt. Otokoyama that allows visitors to experience nature and Shinto removed from the crowds that can be encountered in Kyoto proper. With a history over a thousand years old, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is one of only four remaining examples of the Hachiman-zukuri architecture style that involves the skillful combination of different structures and their roofs that look from the outside to be wholly separate but are actually a single interior. Featuring colorful wood carvings of flora and fauna, hundreds of stone lanterns and a surprise connection to Thomas Edison, Iwashimizu Hachimangū makes for a delightful trip out of the city.
Located in the neighboring city of Yawata, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is a large shrine complex on top of Mt. Otokoyama that allows visitors to experience nature and Shinto removed from the crowds that can be encountered in Kyoto proper. With a history over a thousand years old, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is one of only four remaining examples of the Hachiman-zukuri architecture style that involves the skillful combination of different structures and their roofs that look from the outside to be wholly separate but are actually a single interior. Featuring colorful wood carvings of flora and fauna, hundreds of stone lanterns and a surprise connection to Thomas Edison, Iwashimizu Hachimangū makes for a delightful trip out of the city.
![Places to Go: Iwashimizu Hachimangū [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VlvfBZVQh_Y/mqdefault.jpg "Places to Go: Iwashimizu Hachimangū [4K]
Located in the neighboring city of Yawata, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is a large shrine complex on top of Mt. Otokoyama that allows visitors to experience nature and Shinto removed from the crowds that can be encountered in Kyoto proper. With a history over a thousand years old, Iwashimizu Hachimangū is one of only four remaining examples of the Hachiman-zukuri architecture style that involves the skillful combination of different structures and their roofs that look from the outside to be wholly separate but are actually a single interior. Featuring colorful wood carvings of flora and fauna, hundreds of stone lanterns and a surprise connection to Thomas Edison, Iwashimizu Hachimangū makes for a delightful trip out of the city.")
![Kyoto Event: Takigi Noh at Heian Shrine 2019 (Day One) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WJnci7GTLr8/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Event: Takigi Noh at Heian Shrine 2019 (Day One) [4K]
On June 1st and 2nd, 2019, the 70th annual Takigi Noh performance took place at Heian Shrine in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Honoring the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, the theme for the year’s Takigi Noh was “Celebrating a New Era”. Noh is the oldest style of Japanese theater still practiced today, which makes it quite a fitting form to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Selected scenes from the plays “Heian”, “Sōshiarai Komachi”, “Shakkyō”, “Hagoromo”, and “Ema”, performed by the Kanze and Kongō schools of noh, as well as the more comedic kyōgen via “Fukube no Shin Tsutomeiri” and “Niō” performed by the Ōkura school, were performed to mark the occasion, mixing classic performance staples with rarely performed ceremonial pieces.
Takigi Noh is an event not to be missed if you find yourself in Kyoto in June, so make sure to check before you come or book your tickets in advance!
For more information and photos:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/takigi-noh-heian-shrine/
and
http://www.kyoto-nohgaku.or.jp/kyoto-takiginoh-en/")
![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")
