The Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is counted as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, these are 17 locations around and in Kyoto.  Most of these 17 places are temples. When visiting Kyoto you should try and have a chance to visit some of these sights. These include, Kamo shrine which is Kyotos oldest Temple, Kiyomizu-Dera which is considered Kyotos biggest tourist attraction and Nijo Castel which is a old Japanese style Castle.

 

Kōzan-ji

This Temple was made around 1100 – 1300 some of the buildings have burned and been build again but the oldest of the buildings is said to date back around that time. The temple is surrounded by forest giving it a feel of nature and tranquility. The Temple is also known for having numerous National treasures. All these truly make it a sight to see.

Address:

8 Umegahata Toganoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8295, Kyoto

Opening hours:

8: 30 - 17: 00

Cost:

800 yen

Website http://www.kosanji.com/

 

Ujigami Shrine:

The shrine is from around 1100 it has known as oldest example of nagare-zukuri style building as well as the oldest standing Shinto shrine in Japan.

Address:

59 Uji Yamada, Uji 611-0021, Kyoto

Cost:

Free

 

Byōdō-in

Unfortunately, most of the buildings at the Temple have been burned in wars. The Remaining building that is called the Phoenix hall. Picture of the bell tower at the Temple is displayed in a 10 yen coin.

Address:

116 Uji Renge, Uji 611-0021, Kyoto

Opening Hours:

Garden: 8:30 to 17:30 (LO 17:15)

Museum: 9:30 to 17:00

Inside of Hoo-do 9:30 to 16:10

Cost:

Adult 600yen, Juniorhighschool and high school students 400 yen and Elementary school student 300 yen

Website http://www.byodoin.or.jp/en/index.html

The Kamo Shrines

The Kamo Shrines, Kyoto’s oldest shrines and World Heritage sites that are known for the Aoi Festival which has continued for 1500 years.
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Toji (Kyo-o-gokokuji)

A temple with great history marked by its five-story pagoda, the landmark of the ancient Kyoto
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Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is Kyoto’s most popular tourist attraction
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Enryaku-ji Temple

All of Mount Hiei is included in the temple grounds. The view from the summit is magnificent!
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Daigo-ji Temple

The final dream of Hideyoshi, viewings of cherry blossoms and fall foliage at Daigo-ji
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Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji is recommended to see the beautiful late-blooming cherry blossoms.
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Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera)

There is a splendid garden which spreads out like a green carpet, covered in 120 kinds of moss
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Tenryu-ji Temple

A World Heritage site with the spectacular Unryu-zu (image of the cloud dragon) and a garden from 700 years ago
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Kinkakuji

The golden World Heritage site that glitters in the midst of each seasonal landscape
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Ginkakuji (Higashiyama Jisho-ji)

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Ryoan-ji

Relax in the famous Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji
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Hongan-ji Temple

Hongan-ji Temple, a valuable site representing modern Japanese architecture of Kyoto
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Nijo Castle

Take a leisurely stroll through the site of the huge Nijo Castle
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