Kyoto
November 2023
A city of tradition and spiritual depth
My visit to Kyoto was a journey through time – a deep dive into the world of ancient Japan. This city was Japan’s capital for over
a thousand years (from 794 to 1868) and the country’s political and cultural center. Kyoto became the cradle of traditional architecture, art and religion, with countless temples, palaces, and gardens serving as reminders of its long and rich history. Interestingly, during World War II, Kyoto was spared from bombings due to its immense cultural significance, allowing many historical landmarks to survive to this day in pristine condition.
A city of tradition and spiritual depth
My visit to Kyoto was a journey through time –
a deep dive into the world of ancient Japan. This city was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years (from 794 to 1868) and the country’s political and cultural center. Kyoto became the cradle of traditional architecture, art and religion, with countless temples, palaces, and gardens serving as reminders of its long and rich history. Interestingly, during World War II, Kyoto was spared from bombings due to its immense cultural significance, allowing many historical landmarks to survive to this day in pristine condition.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha - the path of a thousand Torii Gates
We began our exploration at Fushimi Inari-Taisha, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, famous for the thousands of red torii gates that create a magical tunnel leading up to the summit of Mount Inari. Walking through these gates felt like stepping into another world. The shrine is dedicated to the god Inari, the patron of rice, abundance, and good fortune. As we made our way along the trail,
we passed numerous fox statues, considered the divine messengers of Inari, adding a mystical touch to the experience.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha -
the path of a thousand Torii Gates
We began our exploration at Fushimi Inari-Taisha, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, famous for the thousands of red torii gates that create a magical tunnel leading up
to the summit of Mount Inari. Walking through these gates felt like stepping into another world. The shrine is dedicated to the god Inari,
the patron of rice, abundance, and good fortune.
As we made our way along the trail, we passed numerous fox statues, considered the divine messengers of Inari, adding a mystical touch
to the experience.
Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavilion
Next, we visited Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This extraordinary temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a picturesque pond, which reflects the golden building, creating the illusion that the pavilion is floating on the water. The golden exterior and the harmony
of the entire complex symbolize purity and spiritual enlightenment, making it the perfect place for quiet reflection.
Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavilion
Next, we visited Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This extraordinary temple is surrounded by
a beautiful garden and a picturesque pond, which reflects the golden building, creating
the illusion that the pavilion is floating on
the water. The golden exterior and the
harmony of the entire complex symbolize
purity and spiritual enlightenment, making it
the perfect place for quiet reflection.
Nijo Castle and The Magical Light Festival
We also explored Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, known for its beautiful murals, decorative gardens
and unique “singing floors” (once used as a security system). We were fortunate enough to visit during a special event – the Art of Light Festival, where the castle and its surroundings were brought to life with a dazzling display of colors. Light installations were placed both inside and outside the complex, giving this historic site an entirely new, almost magical dimension. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale, where modern technology blends with centuries-old history. This experience reminded me how we can combine the old and the new
in design – tradition and innovation in a way that surprises and engages the user.
Nijo Castle and The Magical Light Festival
We also explored Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, known for its beautiful murals, decorative gardens
and unique “singing floors” (once used as
a security system). We were fortunate enough
to visit during a special event – the Art of Light Festival, where the castle and its surroundings were brought to life with a dazzling display
of colors. Light installations were placed both inside and outside the complex, giving this historic site an entirely new, almost magical dimension. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale, where modern technology blends with centuries-old history. This experience reminded me how we can combine the old and the new in design – tradition and innovation in a way that surprises and engages the user.
The power of tradition and innovation
Kyoto once again reminded me of how important it is to blend tradition with modernity. Every project – whether in design or architecture – can benefit from references to culture and history. Kyoto showed me that drawing inspiration from the past can help create something unique and timeless. This city offers a valuable lesson for any designer: respect for roots and openness to innovation can harmonize
to create something that amazes and allows users to deeply experience a space.
The power of tradition and innovation
Kyoto once again reminded me of how important it is to blend tradition with modernity. Every project – whether in design or architecture – can benefit from references to culture and history. Kyoto showed me that drawing inspiration from the past can help create something unique
and timeless. This city offers a valuable lesson for any designer: respect for roots and openness to innovation can harmonize to create something that amazes and allows users to deeply experience a space.