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Excursions
Katsura Imperial Villa
Considered to be the finest example of pure Japanese architecture
and garden design, Katsura Rikyu, built in 1645 by Prince
Toshihito, is beautiful in its simplicity. The buildings
are constructed of entirely natural materials and consist
of a moon-viewing pavilion, an imperial hall, teahouse and
the wooden villa itself. The garden is designed for leisurely
strolls with surprises around each turn of the path, from
stone bridges and lanterns to ponds and manicured trees.
Telephone:
(0)75 211 1215 (Imperial Household Agency);
Transport: Bus or train from Kyoto
Station;
Opening time: The villa may be visited
only on pre-arranged conducted tours organised by the
Imperial Household Agency,
with four tours
held each weekday and occasional tours on Saturdays.
Tours are in Japanese only, and can be arranged
at the office
of the Imperial
Household Agency next to the Imperial Palace in central
Kyoto. Closed 28 December to 4 January and for
imperial functions;
Admission: Free
Nara
The city of Nara, 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto, could be
regarded as the place where Japan’s culture was formalised.
The city, originally called Heijo, became the first permanent
capital
of the country in 710. Although its capital status only lasted
for 74 years, they were years that entrenched and enshrined
Japan’s
arts, crafts and literature. Nara flourished as a political
and cultural centre and thus was blessed with numerous temples,
shrines,
pagodas and palaces, which today attract locals and foreigners
intent on glimpsing historic Japan. Most of Nara’s
historic treasures are contained in a vast park which has
been designated
a World Heritage Site, making sightseeing easy and pleasurable.
Highlights are Todaiji, the huge temple that contains Japan’s
largest Buddha statue, and Horyuji, the temple containing
the world’s oldest wooden structures.
Website: www.city.nara.jp;
Transport: Twice hourly JR train or by Kintetsu
Railway from Kyoto Station
Osaka
Japan’s third largest city, the industrial metropolis
of Osaka, lies just 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto. It is
worthwhile
visiting the city just to see its magnificent castle
or to watch a show at the Bunraku puppet theatre. Osaka's
castle dates back
to the 16th century, built by the powerful lord, Hideyoshi
Toyotomi. It was rebuilt in 1931, renovated in 1997, and
is today a national
treasure. Osaka is one of the few places left where visitors
can watch the fascinating art of Bunraku, traditional
puppet theatre, which, like kabuki, was a rare form of entertainment
designed for the common people rather than nobility.
Other attractions
in Osaka include an impressive aquarium, a spa with a
bathhouse that can accommodate 5,000 people, and Universal
Studios Japan,
a theme park focusing on the American movie industry.
Website:
www.city.osaka.jp;
Transport: Kintetsu Railways connects
Kyoto to Osaka
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