Kinkakuji
Also known as Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple), is a Zen Buddhist temple. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden design. The site of Kinkaku-ji was originally a villa called Kitayama-dai, belonging to a powerful statesman, Saionji Kintsune. Kinkaku-ji's history dates to 1397, when the villa was purchased from the Saionjis by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and transformed into the Kinkaku-ji complex. The temple’s unique gold-painted structure and its garden are amongst the most heavily photographed landmark in Kyoto. The three-story pavilion has roofs that gently curve upwards at the edges, while the second and third story are gold-leaf coated. The pond, which lies adjacent to Kinkakuji, provides a clear reflection of the building when weather permits. Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the
Gion District. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue), it was built originally in 656. Yasaka Shrine welcomes thousands of people every New Year, for traditional Japanese New Year rituals and celebrations. In April, the crowds pass through the temple on their way to Maruyama Park, a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) site. Sannen-zaka, and Ninen-zaka are famous streets in Kyoto, because they have been preserved to keep the stone walkway and many of the buildings that allign them also remain traditional buildings. Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka (literally three years hill and two years hill), They are both hills connected to numerous shrines and temples, but the path itself is very famous for souvenir shops, traditional tea shops, and restaurants.
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