Tradition, beauty and calm in Kyoto

To learn more about Ryokans or to book a stay in one, go to http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html.

Ryoanji Temple, Goryoshita-cho, Northern Kyoto; phone 075/463-2216. Open daily 8 a.m. -5 p.m. in March through November, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. the rest of the year. Admission is ¥500 ($4.15) adults.

Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji-cho, Northern Kyoto, phone 075/461-0013. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission ¥400 ($3.35).

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Nijo Castle, on the corner of Horikawa Dori and Nijo Dori, Central Kyoto, phone 075/841-0096. Open daily from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. but you must enter by 4 p.m. Admission is ¥600 ($5) but an audio guide (recommended) is ¥500 ($4.15) extra.

Ryoanji Seven Herb Tofu Restaurant

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, 9-1 Seishoji-cho in the basement of the Miyako Messe (International Exhibition Hall), Okazaki, Eastern Kyoto, phone 075/762-2670; http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/fureaika. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Kyoto National Museum, 527 Chaya-machi across the street from Sanjusangendo Hall, phone 075/541-1151; www.kyohaku.go.jp. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission ¥420 ($3.50) adults, ¥130 ($1.10) Free admission the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Heian Shrine, Nishi Tennocho, Okazaki, phone 075/761-0221. Free admission to grounds; Shinen Garden however, is ¥600 ($5) adults. Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. Nov-Feb).

Sanjusangendo Hall, Shichijo Dori, phone 075/525-0033. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily from April to mid-November, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. the rest of the year. Admission ¥600 ($5).

Kiyomizu Temple is located in Eastern Kyoto, phone 075/551-1234. It’s open daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is ¥300 ($2.50)

Minoko, 480 Kiyoi-cho in Shimogawara-dori, Gion, phone 075/561-0328. Reservations required.

Gion Corner, Yasaka Hall, Hanamikoji Dori, Shijo-sagaru in Gion, phone 075/561-1119. Tickets are ¥2,800 ($23) and can be purchased at most hotels, travel agencies, and at the Gion Corner box office.

Pauline Frommer is the creator of the new Pauline Frommer guides in bookstores now. Her book, Pauline Frommer's New York, was named Best Guidebook of the Year by the North American Travel Journalists Association.

24-Hour Layover: Kyoto

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