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Photo: MaedaAkihiko, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Even if you are not travelling by train, it is worth spending an hour or so wandering around the station, which is an outstanding example of modern architecture. The station, with its futurist architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara, opened in 1997 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,200th anniversary. There are two tourist information centers in the building on the 2nd and 9th floors. Take one of the many escalators or stairs to the top, where you will find a rooftop garden with views over the city, and if you have a head for heights, walk across the skywalk on the 11th floor. Actually the views from the levels in between might be better than the rooftop view through shaded glass.
Kyōto Station is a major railway station and transportation hub in Kyoto, Japan. It has Japan's third-largest station building and is one of the country's largest buildings, incorporating a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities under one 15-story roof.
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京都タワー Kyōto-tawā
A source of bitterness of locals due to its futuristic feel, which counteracts the historic feel the city is known for, the Kyoto Tower is an overpriced viewing tower where you can observe Kyoto's urban sprawl at its finest. There is also a hotel and banquet hall at the tower.
東本願寺 Higashi Honganji; Eastern Temple of the Original Vow
Higashi Honganji was established in 1602 by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu when he split the Shin sect in two (Nishi Honganji being the other) in order to diminish its power. Today it is the headquarters of the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shin-shū. The Founder’s Hall (Goei-dō) is said to be the second-largest wooden structure in Japan. With a capacity for 5,000 people, it's majestic. Check out the massive coil of hair rope, donated by a group of female devotees and used to haul the massive timbers for the reconstruction of the temple in the 1880s.
渉成園; Kikoku-tei; Karatachi tei
Shosei-en Garden was commissioned by Prince Minamoto no Tōru. He designed the Ingetsu Pond to resemble the Shiogama Coast in Miyagi Prefecture. During the Tokugawa Period the garden was given to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, restoring the old sections and adding on to the garden. It's a stroll garden with buildings dating back to the 19th century.
西本願寺; “Western Temple of the Original Vow”
One of many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji is one of two temple complexes of the Buddhist sect, Jōdo Shinshū (the other being Higashi Honganji). It was founded in 1602, and has gates dating back to 1573.
京都水族館
A modern aquarium with a wide variety of sea life such as small and large Fish, Garden Eels, Dolphins, Seals, and Giant Salamanders. The Aquarium also includes a small Japanese style garden, two cafes, and a gift shop. The whole facility is wheelchair and pram accessible with elevators and ramps.
東寺 Tō-ji; East Temple; Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji (教王護国寺)
An impressive complex of Buddhist temple buildings, this site features the tallest pagoda in Japan. Bright colors decorate the interior of many buildings on the site, and Buddhist sculptures compliment the color choices. The grounds include a relaxing garden, and cherry blossoms. The Kōbō-san market fair is held here on the 21st of every month.