Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) *
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A pair of torii gates at the Kamo Shrine
Country	Japan
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv
Reference	688
Region **	Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription	1994 (18th Session)
Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are a special group of places in Japan. These include temples, shrines, and a castle in the cities of Kyoto, Uji, and Ōtsu. They are so important that UNESCO has named them a World Heritage Site. This means they are protected for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

The site has 17 different locations. Three of these are Shinto shrines, which are places of worship for the Shinto religion. Thirteen are Buddhist temples, which are places for Buddhist worship and learning. There is also one castle included in this amazing collection.

History of Kyoto's Ancient Sites
Famous Sites in Kyoto
Images for kids
Related pages
See also

History of Kyoto's Ancient Sites

Kyoto was once the most important city in Japan. It was the country's capital for a very long time, from the year 794 until the late 1800s. Many of the old buildings and structures in Kyoto show us what life was like when it was the capital. They tell stories of Japan's past.

The 17 places that make up this World Heritage Site were built over many centuries. The oldest ones date back to the 900s, and the newest were built in the 1800s. Each building or garden shows the style and ideas of the time it was created.

Many of these sites are considered very important by the Japanese government. For example, 38 buildings are called "National Treasures." This means they are extremely valuable and special. Also, 160 properties are known as "Important Cultural Properties." There are also beautiful gardens, with eight of them being "Special Places of Scenic Beauty." Four others are simply called "Places of Scenic Beauty."

Because of their great importance and beauty, UNESCO added parts of Kyoto to its World Heritage List in 1994. This helps make sure these historic places are kept safe for future generations.

Famous Sites in Kyoto

Here are some of the amazing places that are part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto:

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo Jinja): This is a very old and important Shinto shrine located in Kita-ku, Kyoto.
Shimogamo Shrine (Shimogamo Jinja): Another ancient Shinto shrine, found in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto.
Kyōōgokoku-ji (Tō-ji): A large Buddhist temple with a famous pagoda in Minami-ku, Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera: A beautiful Buddhist temple known for its wooden stage that extends out from a hillside in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
Enryaku-ji: A significant Buddhist temple complex located on Mount Hiei, near Ōtsu, Shiga.
Daigo-ji: A Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, famous for its beautiful gardens and cherry blossoms.
Ninna-ji: A Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, known for its late-blooming cherry trees.
Byōdō-in: A Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto, famous for its Phoenix Hall, which is featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin.
Ujigami Shrine (Ujigami Jinja): A Shinto shrine in Uji, Kyoto, believed to be the oldest shrine building in Japan.
Kōzan-ji: A Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, known for its ancient manuscripts and art.
Saihō-ji (Koke-dera): A Buddhist temple in Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, famous for its moss garden.
Tenryū-ji: A Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, known for its beautiful landscape garden.
Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji): Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Buddhist temple in Kita-ku, Kyoto, is covered in gold leaf.
Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji): Also known as the Silver Pavilion, this Buddhist temple in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, has a unique sand garden.
Ryōan-ji: A Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, famous for its rock garden.
Nishi Hongan-ji: A large Buddhist temple in Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, with impressive architecture.
Nijō Castle (Nijō-jō): A historic castle in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, known for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon.