⛩️ Vintage Kyoto Tour: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji (1970s Japan Travelogue)

Step back in time to the Showa Era with this incredible archival footage of Kyoto, Japan. This travelogue captures the timeless beauty of Kyoto’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites as they appeared decades ago.

The video begins with a guided introduction to the historic Nijo Castle, showcasing the intricate details of the Ninomaru Palace and its grand “Kara-mon” gate. We then travel to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) shimmering on the Mirror Pond, followed by the zen simplicity of the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple.

Watch for charming vintage details, including traditional garden workers in “happi” coats and rare signage from a time when Western-style infrastructure was just becoming common in tourist areas.

Locations Featured:

Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo): Built in 1603, the former Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

Kinkaku-ji: The Zen temple famous for its top two floors covered in pure gold leaf.

Ryoan-ji: Home to Japan’s most famous “dry landscape” (karesansui) rock garden.

Chapter List
00:00 Nijo Castle Guide & Map Intro
00:11 Nijo Castle Architecture & Roof Details
00:39 Exterior Walls & Fortifications
00:57 Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
01:08 Traditional Garden Maintenance (Pine Care)
01:23 Temple Groundskeepers Sweeping
01:32 Ryoan-ji Rock Garden (Zen Garden)
01:42 Vintage “Western Style Toilet” Sign
01:49 Nijo Castle Main Gate (Higashi Ote-mon)
01:56 Autumn Chrysanthemum Display
#Japan #KyotoHistory #NijoCastle #ShowaEra #kinkakuji