Rakuchu Rakuto Rakuhoku Rakusai Rakunan

Shisendo (House of the Great Poets) Shisendo was built as a mountain retreat in 1640 by Ishikawa Jozan, a writer who wrote Chinese poetry in the early Edo Era. The structure is built simply in the style of a thatch hut. The garden to the front of the study is a dry garden of white sand with dwarf azalea and maple trees. A Shishiodoshi (deer scarer) makes a pleasant sound.

		27, Ichijoji-Monguchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
		9am-5pm (Admission until 4.45pm)
		May 23
		500 yen http://www.kyoto-shisendo.com/
		075-781-2954 075-721-9450

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Kyoto International Conference Center ICC Kyoto covers a vast site of 156,000-square-meter that features Main Building, Annex Hall, Event Hall and a Japanese garden as well as car parking for 450 vehicles. Together with the adjoining hotel, the site serves as a state-of-the-art complex devoted exclusively to conferences. ICC Kyoto boasts more than 70 conference rooms including 9 halls with simultaneous interpretation equipment. The Main Building, Annex Hall and Event Hall are connected by indoor passageways and linked by a digital network system.

		Takaragaike, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
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		075-705-1234 075-705-1100

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Kamigamo Shrine Kamigamo Shrine is Kyoto's oldest Shinto Shrine. Its name derives from the ancient powerful Kamo family. The Naranoogawa River flows through the wide grounds, and the shrine is arranged using the slope of a hill. In the south area of Kamigamo Shrine estate are lined the priests' houses. The view of the town enclosed by an earthen wall presents a majestic landscape. The shrine is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

		339, Kamigamo-Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto
		8.30am-5pm
		Open 365 days a year
		Free http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/
		075-781-0011 075-702-6618

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Sanzenin Temple Sanzenin Temple is set in tranquil land between the Rogawa and Ritsugawa Rivers. The main hall of Ojyogokurakuin is considered to have been built around the year 1148, and the refined construction style of the end of the Heian Era leaves a strong impression. The mood of each season is experienced with cherry blossoms, hydrangea, autumn leaves and snow scenes.

		540, Ohara-Raikouin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
		8.30am-4.30pm (Dec.-Feb.), 8.30am-5pm (Mar.-Nov.)
		Open 365 days a year
		Adult: 700 yen, Junior high and High school student: 400 yen, Elementary school student: 150 yen http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/ (Japanese version only)
		075-744-2531 075-744-2480

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Kuramadera Temple The Kuramadera Temple stands on the thickly wooded virgin forest slopes of Mt. Kuramayama. It is recorded within Heian literature such as The Tale of Genji. In 770 worship of the God Bishamon was begun, and the Buddhist Temple was erected in 796. From the hill in front of the main shrine, you can gaze upon Mt. Hieizan.

		1074, Kurama-honnmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
		9am-4.30pm
		Open 365 days a year
		200 yen -
		075-741-2003 -

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Kifune Shrine Kifune Shrine is situated upstream on the Kamo River, and receives veneration as the home of the water deity presiding over the water of the city of Kyoto. Climbing the approach lined with red lanterns, you come to Mt. Kibuneyama in the midst of thick ancient woods. The shrine has also been venerated as the place of enshrinement of a god of marriage since the Heian era (the 8th-12th century), and still now attracts many young women.

		180, Kurama-Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
		9am-4.30pm (it varies depending on the season)
		Open 365 days a year
		Free http://kibune.jp/ (Japanese version only)
		075-741-2016 075-741-3596

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Kawadoko (Kibune) From Kurama Kaido to Kibune Michi the road follows the Kibunegawa River uphill for over 1km. Parallel to the river are lined Japanese-style inns which serve traditional dishes. In summer, the temperature is cooler than that of the city, and kawadoko (river platforms where you can eat a meal over the water) to enjoy the cool of the evening are set out. The twinkling fireflies flutter about, and it seems quite the private "inner room" of Kyoto. Reservations are necessary, so ensure to book at each restaurant.

		Kurama-Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
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Hieizan (Mt. Hieizan) Mt. Hieizan is the representative mountain of Kyoto. Elevation is 848m. From when Enryakuji Temple was constructed in the early Heian Era, it was made a sanctuary. So even now it is blessed with plentiful nature. On top of the mountain there is an amusement park, revolving viewing stand, botanical garden and a natural science laboratory.

		Hieizan, Sakamoto-honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
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		077-528-2756 (Otsu City) -

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Enryakuji Temple Enryakuji Temple is the Head Temple of the Tendai sect. It lies to the northeast (the "demon's gate") of the Heian Capital. It was built as a guardian temple to extend force in protection of the Imperial castle, but that force was contained by the leader Oda Nobunaga. There is a solemn atmosphere as an aesthetic practice hall. The Temple is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

		4220, Sakamoto-honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
		9am-4pm (Dec.-Feb.), 8.30am-4.30pm (Mar.-Nov.)
		Open 365 days a year
		550 yen http://www.hieizan.or.jp/
		077-578-0001 077-578-0678

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