Colorful Japan is divided into 47 administrative units (prefectures), and each of them, except for Hokkaido, is governed by the prefect. They have a rich history and interesting culture, differ from each other in traditions and customs. Numerous tourists are attracted by the original corner, filled with sights and bearing the name 京都 府 (Kyoto).
Prefecture: Description
In the center of Honshu Island is a prefecture that is bisected by the Tamba Mountain Range. A thousand years ago, the capital of the country was moved here, the emperor’s residence was here, and skillful hands of creative people were required to equip a prosperous settlement. The most famous architects and artists worked in the main city of the state; famous figures of Japan chose it as their permanent residence. For more than a hundred centuries, until the capital was moved to Tokyo, the city of Kyoto was the center of the country's cultural and political life.
The prefecture, which includes 6 counties and 15 settlements, stretches for 4.6 thousand km 2 , and the population exceeds 2.5 million people. The northernmost point of the administrative unit is the Tango Peninsula overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Four geographical zones are distinguished on its territory: the Yamashiro Valley, the coastline of the Maizuru Bay, the Tamba Mountain Range and the Kyoto Basin. The prefecture, which is one of the main tourist centers, attracts a huge number of travelers from around the world attracted by unique sights, 17 of which are under the protection of UNESCO.
Climate and weather
Due to the mountains that impede the penetration of cold air, the prefecture's climate is warm, on the sea coast it is humid. The Tsushima current also affects the weather. In summer, the average temperature is about 30 degrees, and in winter it fluctuates around zero. Tourists need to remember that from June to September it rains heavily, so the best time to visit is spring or autumn.
Tourist Attraction Prefecture
For all categories of vacationers provides unlimited entertainment opportunities Kyoto. The prefecture is famous for its huge number of cultural and historical monuments, picturesque landscapes and hospitality of local residents who joyfully meet Europeans. Recently, our compatriots quite often choose Japanese resorts for their holidays, where you can get acquainted with local customs.
Kyoto - the former capital of Japan
Of course, the most popular city in the prefecture is Kyoto, which has become the treasury of the best achievements of Japanese art, architecture and religion. In this magical corner you can get acquainted with old Japan. There are about two thousand ancient temples and a large number of museums, which are impossible to consider even for a week's rest. Significant monuments number in a few dozen, and Kyoto Prefecture is incredibly proud of them.
Sights, photos of which convey their amazing beauty, are located in the central part of the city, and each of the ancient temples is a real treasure.
Nijo Castle
One of the most beautiful architectural complexes is located in the heart of the former capital of Japan. Nijo Castle is a real defensive structure, which consists of two rings of fortifications, including a moat filled with water and a powerful wall. There are two attractions on the territory of the fortress - Ninomaru Palace and Honmaru Citadel.
These masterpieces of architectural art, decorated in the classic Japanese style, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists who admire the unique wall paintings of numerous halls, which are strictly prohibited to photograph.
Kyozan-ji Temple
Ten kilometers from the castle complex is the main Buddhist shrine, rarely visited by guests of Japan. The majestic Kyozan-ji Temple (Toganosan Kyosan-ji), surrounded by a dense forest, evokes a sense of admiration. The historical relics of the religious complex are in the national museums of Tokyo and Kyoto.
The prefecture takes care of the preservation of the monument erected in the XIII century. The pacifying atmosphere, creating an atmosphere of peace, contributes to the fact that you want to spend the whole day on the territory of the temple.
Memorial in honor of the fallen soldiers
The Riozen-Cannen memorial, created in honor of the soldiers who died in the battles of World War II, deserves special attention. It was opened in 1955 in Kyoto. The prefecture, whose list of attractions is not limited to religious monuments, sacredly honors the memory of the fallen, and four times a day memorial services are held here.
In the center of the composition is a snow-white sculpture of a Buddha sitting in the bosom of nature. At its foot a temple is comfortably located, in which parishioners of any faith pray and light a candle in memory of the feat of warriors. A hall dedicated to the Unknown Soldier was also built here.
Sagano Bamboo Grove
Kyoto (prefecture) is also famous for its amazing nature. The bamboo forest, located in the west of the former capital of the country, consists of thousands of green trees that produce pleasant melodious sounds when even the slightest breeze blows. Guests admit that this is one of the most peaceful places in the world, created for relaxation. The national symbol of Kyoto is included in the list of the most beautiful sights of Japan.
A visit to the administrative center will give all guests a lot of pleasant experiences. This is a unique place where you can fully experience the spirit of the past and plunge into the world of harmony and happiness.