Term archive
投稿タイプ：sightseeing
Komyo-ji Temple
Komyo-ji Temple was first built in 1198 by the soldier Kumagai Naozane in an area favored by his master Honen. Today, it the head temple of the Seizan sect of Pure Land Buddhism. Visitors can tour the temple itself and see the beautiful sights inside, as well as those of the garden. The temple has an excellent collection of Buddhist artwork and statues, which are on display to visitors. Inside the Mie Hall, the principal statue is papier-mâché, and it is said that Honen made it himself by dipping a letter from his mother in water.
When you enter the temple main gate, the road is divided into two. The gentle slope leading to the main hall on your right is called “Omotesando.” This approach is designed so that both women and the elderly can easily climb it and is known as the “women’s slope.” The road from “Chokushimon Gate” to “Somon Gate” on the left is commonly known as the "Maple Path," and in the fall the autumn leaves on both sides of the approach, which stretches for about 200 meters, make a brightly colored tunnel of fall colors. The path is one of the most famous spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto.
投稿タイプ：sightseeing
Take-no-Michi (The Muko Bamboo Path)
Bamboo shoots are one of Kyoto's specialty products, but the "Otokuni" area around Muko City and Nagaokakyo City is known for producing some of the highest quality bamboo shoots in Kyoto. Take-no-Michi (the Muko Bamboo Path) is located in the Muko hills in the northwestern part of Muko city and has a total length of about 1.8 km. The area has been improved since 2000 to preserve the scenery and promote tourism. Both sides of the road are lined by eight different kinds of bamboo hedge, including original creations such as “Takehogaki,” a hedge made of bamboo branches tied in bundles, “Kofungaki,” a hedge that looks like a rounded ancient burial mound, and “Kaguyagaki,” a hedge patterned after the neck of a 12-layered ceremonial kimono worn by Princess Kaguya, the protagonist of the folk story “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.”
As a result, in recent years the path is has won numerous awards. In addition to receiving the "Handmade Hometown Award" from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it has been certified by the Japan Walking Association as one of the "500 Most Beautiful Japanese Walking Paths" and "Best 100 National Walking Paths." Further, the path is designated as a "Kyoto Scenic Asset” and a “Kyoto Cultural Landscape."
Despite all the above, it is still a little-known tourist spot. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the bamboo forest away from the hustle and bustle while listening to the sound of the bamboo grass swaying in the wind and the chirping of small birds.
Every autumn, a light-up event called "Bamboo Path / Kaguya-no-yube (Kaguya's Evening)" is held. More than 4,500 bamboo lanterns made of candles floating in bamboo tubes filled with water are lit all over the bamboo grove. Combined with the colors of the setting sun the sight is spectacular.
投稿タイプ：sightseeing
Suntory Kyoto Brewery
Suntory Kyoto Brewery is Suntory's second brewery, opened in 1969 in Nagaokakyo City. Around 90% of beer is made of water, so Suntory insists on building their brewery in places rich in high quality ground water. A tour of the brewery will demonstrate the process of beer production, from ingredient selection, wort production, fermentation, maturation, and filtration to packaging. At the end of the tour, there are 3 kinds of beer available for tasting (the types of beer available for tasting may change without prior notice). Other special events or seminars may take place, and inside the brewery you'll also find a souvenir store that sells the "Premium Malt's" beer and accompanying appetizers.
Guided tour: Includes explanation about each step of the beer making procedure and free beer tasting in the brewery. Available everyday except for holidays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. (last tour), 70 minutes each, free of charge, reservation required.
