Kyoto was once Japan’s capital, but today it’s seen as Japan’s “cultural capital,” home to some brilliant traditional & modern architecture.
From the breathtaking Higashi Hongan-ji Temple to the dazzling Kyoto Tower, Japan’s ancient capital still stands as the cultural hotspot where one can truly indulge in the more traditional aspects of Japanese heritage while also appreciating its evolution of modern contemporary designs.
Modern-Traditional Architecture
A surprisingly lesser-known landmark of Kyoto, the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, is truly a brilliant display of traditional Japanese architecture. Using the blueprint of ancient Japanese temples and combining it with more durable modern materials, we can enjoy a taste of Japanese heritage that stands the test of time. Coupled with the backdrop of Kyoto Tower, this architectural pairing perfectly showcases the evolution from traditional to modern while preserving Japan’s cultural integrity.
Lighting Up The Night
Kyoto Tower truly is a masterpiece, as far as towers go, as it manages to stand out with a simple yet incredibly memorable design and color scheme. The pure white glow immediately captures the eye in the dark of night, and the red flying saucer design of the observatory is simply mesmerizing. What some may not know is that the design of Kyoto Tower is loosely based on a traditional Buddhist candle, hence the white which represents the wax stick and the red for the candle flame. No doubt, Kyoto Tower has become a symbol of Japan’s modern architecture as well as a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Stunning Art Displays
In addition to the raw aspects of architecural material and design, features like wall art and light projections also contribute to the enchanting architecture of Kyoto City. At Kyoto Station you can find this brilliant wall art that features a canvas of Kyoto’s many cultural attractions including the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Remarkable Architectural Prowess
I’m no architect, but the sheer detail of this architectural masterpiece at Kyoto Station is very akin to a sci-fi movie. Personally, I felt like I’d been transported into the future as I gazed upon the endless steel beams that run across the building to form a shiny silver tunnel. To think that this level of modern architectural prowess can be found across the street from ancient temples and shrines made of wood just shows the utter diversity of Japanese architectural design that can be observed throughout Kyoto City.
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