Kyoto is one of the fascinating cities in Japan. It has an ancient history that goes back as far as 1500 years, and it’s home to many notable attractions worth seeing.

Kyoto is a beautiful place to visit in Japan with its old temples and gardens, but there are also some more modern sites like Nijo Castle, which visitors will find interesting.

This unique region is known for its architecture and is home to many religions, including Shintoism, Buddhism, and Jodo-Shinshu Buddhism.

Kyoto is divided into five historical districts that you must not miss seeing during your visit to Japan.

1) Kita (northern Kyoto)

2) Kamigyo (suburbs north of the city)

3) Sakyo (east of downtown)

4) Higashiyama (Insight Guide recommends Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and Sanjusangendo as the three top attractions in this district. Other notable places include Ginkakuji Temple, Shoren-in Temple, Tenryuji Temple, and Heian Jingu Shrine.)

5) Minami (southern Kyoto/Arashiyama).

Although you could easily spend a week in Kyoto and still not see everything it has to offer.

Here is a list of 11 top hidden gems in Kyoto, just waiting for you to discover them.

1) Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkakuji (literally “Temple of the Golden Pavilion”) is a Zen Buddhist temple.

Kinkakuji was initially constructed in 1397 to serve as the retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The pavilion’s original gold leaf covering was said to have concealed an inner structure of silver and copper; however, this was lost because of fires.

The current pavilion has been completely covered with gold leaf on its exterior since 1955. It became part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site under Japanese Imperial patronage.

The other attraction at Kinkakuji is its spectacular gardens, which are home to some 1200 cherry trees. These include around 400 cherry trees that are over 100 years old.

2) Nijō Castle

Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nijo Castle in 1603 for his son, heir, and future shogun Tokugawa Tadanaga after he married ten concubines.

This castle is surrounded by an exquisite garden known for its mossy paths, cherry blossoms in spring, maple trees in fall, and irises in summer.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacle of various flowers blooming throughout the seasons here at Nijo Castle.

3) Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. It was opened in 1895 on family land donated by Emperor Showa, who started construction after his father, Emperor Meiji, passed away.

This beautiful shrine has several unique buildings that are all worth seeing during your visit, including Shiomizu-mon Gate, Taikoden Hall, Honden Main Sanctuary, Haiden Hall, and Kotoeri Room.

Visitors are also welcome to take part in events throughout the year, such as Hanatoro illumination from April 29th to May 7th.

4) Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple built in 1482 and stood atop a gorgeous hill surrounded by an attractive garden. This building has been covered with silver foil since Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who added the silver to protect it from fire damage.

The other attraction at Ginkakuji is its beautiful Japanese landscape garden, where visitors can enjoy walking through the pathways surrounded by tall trees and Sakura cherry blossoms (during spring).

5) Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in Temple is one of Kyoto’s hidden gems.

It’s not as well known as some other temples in the city, but it has a lot to offer for those willing to take the time to find it.

Shoren-in was built in 1634 by Buddhist monk Houn Myozen who also founded Rinzai Zen Buddhism.

The temple grounds are relatively small. Its gate is at the top of a short flight of stairs from an alleyway between two shops: one selling religious paraphernalia and another offering taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes) made on site.

About ten steps up to the main hall, boasting beautiful carvings by artisan Kokei Goriu lived during Japan’s Meiji Period.

These days, Shoren-in is still a working Buddhist temple and welcomes visitors from all backgrounds to come to pray for good luck, health, and other needs.

Visitors are encouraged to walk around the gardens surrounding the temple or even rest in one of its small tea rooms.

The leaves from nearby trees also add something special to the serene atmosphere inside the main building, where a statue of Buddha sits before a beautiful wall painting of a Japanese mountain scene.

Shoren-in Temple is genuinely one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets and should not be missed by anyone traveling through Japan’s former capital city.

6) Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple was built in 780 and stood at the base of Higashiyama hill behind a large waterfall where visitors can take part in purifying ceremonies called “o-fuda sai” held several times per day by Buddhist monks.

One of the top attractions at Kiyomizudera Temple is its picturesque wooden stage that juts out over 100 feet (30 meters) above ground level.

On this stage, there is a tall pillar with a metal ball on top called “suzuri-bashira,” which is said to have been used by Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

The temple itself has long been a critical destination for Japanese people praying for good luck, health, and other needs, as seven other temples in Japan bear its name.

The privately run building next to the main hall offers a look at some “o-mikuji” slips available to let visitors pick their fortunes from those hanging inside.  

Every year on March 18th and October 18th, unique festivals are held that include dancing. In these celebrations, daruma dolls, which resemble a cross between a teddy bear and a monk, are given as presents.

8) Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine

This famous shrine is said to have been founded by Fujiwara no Kamatari, who was one of the most influential figures in Japan’s Nara Period.

Because of his leadership role at this shrine, he is known as Tenjin-sama.

At this shrine, many objects on display range from old Buddhist scrolls written for priests for prayer to an extremely rare four-footed tortoise that legend says brings good luck.

Over 100 stones around the outside walls of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine were placed by the people who visited the temple during its early days and now act as wish-granting objects where people can hang up their prayers.

There is a small pond at the entrance with a hand-operated water pump that visitors can use to fill up a cup with the special water that the shrine has become known for.

A walk around this area is said to bring good luck and health and serve as an opportunity to leave behind worldly distractions—including stress from work—and enjoy life in its simplest form.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is truly one of Kyoto’s hidden gems!

11) Gioji Temple

Buddhist monk Kukai found Gioji Temple, born on Mt. Koya, and eventually went off to study at China’s Todaiji temple during the Nara Period (710–794).

You can find this temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and stands near the top of a hill deep in the woods.

At Gioji Temple, visitors will find an exciting statue that shows Kukai riding on top of a white elephant while deep in thought.

However, the real reason for this statue is to commemorate the fact that the elephant had been given to Kukai by an Indian King as a symbol of his high status.

At Gioji Temple, there are many objects on display prized by Buddhist monks, including one of Japan’s three national treasures—the Cintamani Stone—and some other interesting items related to Kukai.

This temple is another excellent example of Kyoto’s rich cultural history and should not be missed by anyone visiting Japan.  

Final Thoughts

Kyoto’s temples are well-worth exploring. They’re filled with fascinating objects, natural beauty, and stories that can be traced back hundreds of years.

The best thing about these hidden gems is the opportunity to explore a world apart from our fast-paced modern society—a place where you can experience peace and mindfulness amidst an unspoiled natural setting.…

People are always talking about how the world is going to end, and it’s true that many of the places you read about in this article have been disappearing.

But if you can make it your mission to see these places before they’re gone, then you’ll be able to live with a little more peace of mind. And who knows? Maybe by visiting them, we can put pressure on governments and companies to protect them better.

This article includes 11 places that are all globally significant and worth seeing before they disappear or are gone forever.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, and it is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is so big that if we’re to be seen from outer space, it would be the largest structure on Earth. It exists because of a shallow ocean water temperature which allows coral polyps to build massive reef structures.

By 2050, there is a chance that all of the coral in this incredible ecosystem will be dead due to global warming’s effect on our oceans. The Great Barrier Reef could still very well survive if we take steps now to protect it. There are many ways people can get involved with helping preserve this beautiful site, including working with your local government or through online petitions.

2. The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 3,000 species of trees and more than 400 types of mammals. It is the largest rainforest in the world. It is also a vital part of our planet’s climate, as it produces 20% of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere.

Due to deforestation and forest fires, over 11 million acres (about 44,000 square miles) of the Amazon have been destroyed since 1995. This means that there are barely any trees left standing between Brazil and Peru. Another reason why this area may soon disappear is that poorer people are cutting down forests for farmland or land on which to build homes. Much more must be done to preserve this beautiful ecosystem before it disappears forever.

3. The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is located between Israel and Jordan, just south of Jerusalem. It used to be a giant lake, but over the years, people have cut down trees in the region to build homes and use them as fuel. This has led to soil erosion, which is why it has gotten so low. When you visit this place now, you will see that in some areas of the sea, you won’t even be able to swim.

The Dead Sea is considered “dead” because there are no fish or plants living in it due to its high salinity. In fact, you can float easily on top of it because of how dense saltwater is compared to freshwater. If nothing is done soon, however, we may lose this incredible sight forever. Luckily, when Israel was created in 1948, laws were put into place to protect the forests there. The country has planted over a billion trees and stopped using the Dead Sea’s water for its own use, which is helping it to replenish.

4. Manatee Springs

Manatee Springs is located in Florida. This freshwater spring used to be a popular swimming hole, but since it was discovered by humans in 1823, people have been coming here to swim regularly. People have not only altered this area by polluting the water so that algae no longer grows, but they’ve also decreased the amount of food available for manatees —the sea animals who come here every winter to eat plants that grow underwater during colder months—and cut down many of these plants along with some nearby trees. With a lack of food, many manatees have been forced to swim to other springs just to find something they can eat, and that’s taking them away from this natural habitat.

5. The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is a series of protective stone and earthen walls which were built thousands of years ago in northern China. It stretches for nearly 3,000 miles, and it was built so that the Mongolians would not be able to invade China during their expansion period. However, the Chinese did not build it all at once; it took over two hundred years to create the entire thing.

While portions of this historical landmark are now protected as national parks or on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, much more of it has been severely damaged by irresponsible tourism and the weather. Some portions are being rebuilt, but much more work needs to be done. At this point, the entire wall has become iconic, which means that many people have come here to see it or even use parts of it for profit without making any improvements. This includes scaling parts of the wall and taking pictures as if they were climbing a mountain or doing some other adventure sport.

6. Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is located in Africa right near Kenya’s border. It used to be covered with ice fields and glaciers (and it still is at its peak), but now, due to climate change, most of its ice has melted. If it continues to get warmer and the glaciers continue to melt, the entire mountain will be gone by 2100. Climbing this mountain used to be a major goal for many people around the world who wanted to say that they had climbed “Kili,” but we wish more had been done to preserve this natural wonder before it disappears.

The mountain has also been a popular destination for hikers and climbers from around the world. Climbing this mountain used to be a major goal for many people who wanted to say that they had climbed “Kili.” It’s sad to think that it has already begun melting and we haven’t done anything about it, but you can’t deny that there is still plenty of beauty there.

7. Madagascar

Madagascar has some of the most unique animals on Earth, including lemurs, chameleons, and giant jumping spiders. The country has taken some steps to preserve this biodiversity in places like the Marojejy National Park and the Ankarana Reserve, but there are still a lot of animals that are endangered here. Some have already gone extinct because of human actions, and we need to do more so that we don’t lose any else.

Madagascar is an island off Africa’s southeastern coast, which makes it very vulnerable to climate change. It’s also part of the Ring of Fire, which means it’s at risk for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes. However, its beautiful beaches and wildlife make it a popular tourist destination. Sadly, irresponsible tourism has contributed to environmental destruction such as deforestation and pollution along with man-made disasters such as illegal logging and fishing, which are more likely to happen when a country lacks stronger laws in order to protect its natural resources.

8. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

This is another one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and Australia does not want to lose it. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in this country as well as a major tourist attraction with over 2 million visitors per year, but now there are concerns that it will soon disappear for good.

The Great Barrier Reef is actually the world’s largest reef system, with a total of 3,000 reefs and 900 islands. However, it is facing massive coral bleaching because of climate change, which is when corals are very stressed out by water temperatures that are too warm or other environmental stresses (like pollution). These stressed-out corals expel their algae but no longer produce as much income to keep themselves alive. They turn completely white from this process.

Even if we’re able to save the Great Barrier Reef in time from something like coral bleaching, the tourism industry could cause it to disappear forever. The whole ecosystem here can be negatively affected by irresponsible tourism such as overcrowding and littering as well as boat traffic interfering with spawning activity.

9. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago off Ecuador with many rare plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world, which makes it an ideal place for scientific study as well as eco-tourism. However, increased tourism to the islands has caused some trouble for the fragile ecosystem there.

One way that such irresponsible tourism can affect these islands is by introducing invasive species and harming the native species through things like pollution and direct actions (like kicking over nests). This can damage habitats, scare animals away, lead to a decrease in the population size of certain species, and even cause the extinction of entire species.

10. The Great Ocean Road

This scenic road was built along Australia’s south coast on what used to be a tiny fishing town called Torquay back in 1913. It’s one of the best places in this country for fishermen looking to catch …

If you are planning a summer vacation, you should try to visit Brazil.

Brazil is the most populated country in South America and the fourth largest. It covers an area of 8,513,763 square kilometers, with a total population of more than 21 million. The total land mass of Brazil is almost twice the size of Texas.

Here are the reasons you want to visit Brazil:

The Beaches

One of the main reasons tourists come to visit Brazil is because it offers the best beaches in the world.

The beach on the south coast is where the Copacabana Palace is located, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. There is a lot of street food and retail shops along the beach, which makes visiting Brazil even more interesting.

The northern hemisphere is not far behind when it comes to beautiful beaches and nightlife. Rio de Janeiro is probably the most famous city in the world, which attracts millions of travelers every year. 

The Weather

The climate in Brazil is very similar to the United States, except it has one major difference. The rainy season in Brazil runs from June to October, with the dry season being from February to March.

The best time to visit Brazil is from late fall to early spring. The summer, while generally hot and dry, can become a bit humid in the south.

If you visit during the rainy seasons, it is important to dress appropriately. For example, if one is visiting the central part of the country, it is important to bring a raincoat or at least a poncho to stay dry.

The Culture

The culture in Brazil is very unique. Many tourists go to party and visit the nightclubs.

The culture in Brazil is very open and provides opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and locals. In fact, you may find that Brazilians talk a lot as if they are commoners from your town. While you are in Rio de Janerio you may take a walk at Fazenda do Couto where you will be able to observe elderly men working on the street selling fruits and vegetables while discussing local happenings with the locals.

The Shopping

If you love shopping, then you will truly enjoy visiting Brazil.

With the numerous shopping malls, boutiques and shopping streets in Brazil you will be able to explore hundreds of stores selling everything from local products, art, fabrics, shoes, jewelries and much more.

Final Words

You will have an exciting time visiting Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro. The city has many interesting sites such as the world famous Rio skyline which is well known around the world and is a must see. You will enjoy samba and carnival as well as watching soccer matches and football matches in one of the world’s largest stadiums, the Maracana. There are bars, restaurants and clubs in Rio where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family while seeing the world-famous Brazilian sites. …

If you want to discover the real beauty of Europe, you have to visit Brussels.

The capital city of Belgium is a tourist’s delight not only for its beauty and attractions but also for its hospitable people and a great number of tourists. The city was named as such because of the beautiful Champs Elysees and the famous bridge across the river Kwai.

Apart from being a beautiful sightseeing spot, Brussels has a great number of interesting places and tourist attractions that a tourist should definitely see. Below are the reasons as to why you should visit Brussels:

Reason #1

Brussels is very unique in terms of climate. This place is situated in the Europe Alps, which means it has chilly weather all year round. There are many events that you can visit in order to keep yourself busy and enjoy this beautiful city. You can go shopping, sightseeing, or have a tour of the city. It is the perfect place if you want to do some fun activities during your vacation.

Reason #2

Tourists get excited about seeing Europe’s most famous landmarks but not many know that the city is also home to a number of museums. One of these museums is the Van Gogh Museum. Even though this museum is located in Amsterdam, visitors can still come to see it. It is very close to the Eekla River that flows through the city. Some of the paintings in this museum can be found in other Dutch museums too.

Reason #3

Brussels has many sporting activities. It has many championship golf courses and tennis clubs. These courses provide a wonderful way of spending your vacation. The city is also home to several football teams as well as ice hockey and basketball clubs. The youth soccer club is one of the most prominent clubs in Belgium.

Reason #4

One of the best ways of learning about European history is to visit the city of Brussels. The city covers four quadrants of the city and it has a very large historic center. You should definitely learn about the city’s history when you are there. You can do this during the guided tours that the city provides. There are some free guided tours but you may have to purchase tour tickets for those that are organized by the city.

Reason #5

Brussels has beautiful gardens and parks. Some of these parks are made from glass and are very breathtaking. During your stay in Brussels, you should try visiting these parks on a regular basis. These parks have been created as a place where people can sit and relax during their vacation.

Final Words

If you are wondering what to do in Brussels, it’s a great city. It is one of Europe’s most interesting cities, offering everything from great food, elegant culture, great shopping, beautiful sights, and wonderful people.

When you’re looking for fun things to do in Brussels, the list is seemingly endless. These are just a few of the things they can discover in this wonderful city. Visit while you’re in town for the weekend or even for a week. You won’t be disappointed by what Brussels has to offer.…

Have you ever wanted to take a Scotland scenic road trip? If so, you will be glad to know that it is easier than ever to experience the beauty of this amazing country.

Scotland is a great place for a vacation. In addition to that, the sceneries in Scotland offer some of the most spectacular views in the world. Take a look at some of the scenarios that are located in Scotland.

Wildlife Tours

If you enjoy wildlife, then you should be able to find a few tours that allow you to view the various wildlife in Scotland. Some of the tours include trips that take you to the country’s famous wildlife parks and reserves.

These tours also offer scenic road trips that take you into the wilderness areas of Scotland. You can also choose to go on one of the many hiking adventures in Scotland.

Boat Tours

If you have never been on a boat tour, then you will want to look into these tours. The Nuneaten River runs through the center of Scotland. This is a great way to experience the country’s history and culture. You can even get a taste of local food.

Nature Tours

If you are a nature lover, then you will want to look into these tours. You can see some amazing sights while you are on the river. Depending on the time of year that you are taking this tour, you will see a variety of wildlife.

If you are looking for a tour that allows you to sit and relax, then you will want to look into the various sightseeing tours that are available.

Castle Tours

Scotland is full of culture. You can take a look at some of the castles that are located in the area. During your Scotland scenic road trips, you will be able to take a look at the many towns and villages that are located in the area. These can help you learn a lot about the history and culture of Scotland.

Final Thoughts

Scotland is a beautiful country. It is a country that is filled with natural beauty. If you are a person that enjoys natural scenery, then it is time for you to see what Scotland has to offer. You can take a look at various scenic road trips that are available. Take a trip to the country that is steeped in history and tradition.…

Are you a fan of long treks and want to explore the Andes Mountains? If you do, then you should plan your trip to include this captivating region.

The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world. If you want to be able to travel to any of the other beautiful places that make up the continent of South America, you will need to take a flight to Chile – the southernmost part of the country.

The Andes Mountains are considered to be one of the greatest natural wonders of our time. They have given birth to some of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the world.

They are also home to some of the highest peaks in the world – including the majestic Montezuma (which is the highest peak in Patagonia).

If you have a passion for mountaineering or hiking, then there really is no better place to go and try your hand at it than the Andes.

The Andes are very unique because they have not been affected by the large-scale changes that have taken place in the rest of the continent.

These changes have brought about many changes in the highlands of South America – most notably the massive deforestation that has occurred. The highlands of the Andes have remained untouched by these advancements. This means that the flora and fauna are still in their natural state – something that is very important to scientists.

The Andes is certainly more than just a plain mountain range – it is a vibrant and exotic part of the world. Whether you choose to spend time there is up to you. You can stay in cities like Cusco or Machu Picchu, or you can travel by way of a plane. Once you have seen the Andes, you will never forget it.

The Andes are definitely the most inspiring way to see the highlands of South America. There are no other places in the world like the Andes. The Andes offer you an amazing view of the Inca Trail – and there are even more attractions to take advantage of once you have gotten off the train. The Andes are a unique and wonderful place that will be with you for a very long time. They are truly a unique destination to experience.…

The French Riviera is the perfect place to escape to. This scenic region of France has some of the most pristine beaches on earth. Whether you enjoy sailing, water sports or just lounging on the beach, the French Riviera has something for everyone.

Mediteranne

Mediteranne is a historically preserved village that offers a taste of French life during the period of the Roman Empire. Many tourists visit the village and take part in the traditional village’s life, or simply enjoy the sights. This is also where you will find one of the best holiday villas on the Mediterranean Coast.

Marseille

Marseille is the capital city of France and is the largest city in southern France. Marseille has an exquisite selection of holiday apartments.

This part of France is regarded as the home of classic and oriental style architecture. In the city you can relax, dine out at one of the many gourmet restaurants or simply enjoy the magnificent architecture that makes up the town.

Cannes

Cannes is a beautiful resort in southern France on the Mediterranean coast. Although smaller than many other resorts in the area, Cannes has much to offer its visitors. The beaches are fine and the shopping centers are reasonable. This is where you will find the major European brands in full operation. With a beautiful Mediterranean climate, Cannes is a great destination for spending a week or two in the French Riviera.

Cannes is the most popular tourist destination to emerge from the French Riviera in northern Italy. From Cannes, you will travel south along the famous Alpes and reach Venice by way of Porto Vecchio. A few hours drive on the motorway into the Italian Border. A few hours after that you will reach your first Eurostar check in point. You have then been connected to the leading network of airports in northern Italy, reaching Milan via the tunnel.

French Riviera in Winter

Visiting the French Riviera in the winter is something that people do every year. However, if you are planning a skiing holiday in the French Riviera in the coming winter months, you may wish to rethink your plans as the snow may not be on the ground. The resorts may still not be operational.

For most of the skiing season (from about May until September), the snow is not expected in the ski areas of the French Riviera. However, there are some ski resorts in France that open up between September and January, providing you with a nice escape from the snow for your visit to the French Riviera in the winter.

French Riviera in Summer

When visiting the French Riviera in the summer, the scene is very different. The climate is quite hot and the skies are blue and sparkling.

Summer is also the time when you can expect to see the variety of birds that are visiting the French Riviera. In addition to the many species of birds, you can also expect to see flocks of flamingos, budgies, boobies, and king parrots.

Conclusion

Why go to the French Riviera? For a spectacular vacation! Dazzling tourist cities, cultural French villages and world-class cultural events – what more could you ask for? World-class sports, glamorous, outdoor venues, delicious cuisine and local produce. Spectacular scenic beaches and exhilarating public transportation to wherever you are going.

The French Riviera is a wonderful vacation location whether you want to be by the ocean or at the beach. A large selection of villas are located near some of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Europe and can offer you an unforgettable stay. Some of the most popular beaches to visit are Saint-Paloise, Cannes, Loire, Cannes, Nice, Lorient, Beaune and thus offer you a wide variety of beach vacation rentals. If you would prefer to be near the city there are many attractions nearby like the Palais de Justice de la Gallette, Musee des Beaux-arts, Beaune Castle and much more. Our all our villas are located inland in the French countryside, within a 10 minute drive of the nearest town or village.

The largest cities of France are often found on the Mediterranean coast, so if you prefer to spend your days at the beach we have villas and apartments that are closer to the beaches. The most visited beaches are Nice, Cannes, Rodeo and Cherbourg and to get to these beaches and beautiful natural parks we recommend booking one of our all-inclusive French Riviera villa holiday packages. We have private beaches and pools for our guests, as well as access to local attractions such as the Picasso Museum, the Aquarium, the Dali Museum and more. When you visit France you’ll certainly be back!…