Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour

Buddhism has the most believers out of all religions in Japan. It has several sects, and one of the largest sects in Japan is Shingon Otani whose believers are said to be about 8 million. Most of them used to be ordinary people like merchants and farmers. Higashi Honganji is a head temple of about 9,000 temples of Shingon Otani and its Founder’s Hall is the largest wooden building in the world with over 900 tatami mats laid and able to hold 3,000 people at once.You will be struck by Japanese people's deep faith and the majestic atmosphere of this hall.

The Nishiki market is called the kitchen of Kyoto. What is that? It is said that underneath this district, there is a gigantic water reservoir. Therefore, Kyoto has been blessed with fresh and delicious water from long ago. Utilizing that water, about 500 years ago, a fish market developed in this place, and various shops gradually gathered later. Almost anything you need on a daily basis is available in this market. Kyoto's specialty is vegetables grown in pure water, pickles made of those vegetables and tofu, also utilizing this delicious water. There are many shops where you can sample food, so please try Kyoto’s specialties loved for centuries by the local people.

In 1603, the shogun relocated his shogunate to Edo, present day Tokyo. Nijo castle was built as the castle where the shogun stayed when visiting Kyoto. Inside the castle, there are more than 1,000 gorgeous pictures painted on sliding doors giving you an understanding of the powerful authority of the shogun. It was in this very castle that the last shogun declared to return the power to the Emperor in 1867, after 260 years of his family’s governance.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is situated in an extensive area in the center of Kyoto. Until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868, the emperor 's family used to live here. And even today, when the emperor and/or the crown prince come to Kyoto, they stay at one of the residences in this site. The luxurious buildings and beautifully arranged gardens here tell a tale of the refined taste of the times. This place is a must-see when you visit Kyoto.