Oh, Minecraft. You masterful time-suck! How is it that I can spend thirty hours of my life playing you, but only land up with a shanty of a shack and a tunnel that continues into the ground because I got bored and decided to pickax it up (at least I found diamonds!).
For those of you unfamiliar with the game, Minecraft is basically the game that never ends (yes it goes on and on, my friend). It’s an open world game with no specific goals and players are free to build and create anything they want by breaking and replacing blocks of different materials (dirt, stone, wood, etc) that can be found all over the virtually endless map. It’s surprisingly addicting.
You do not “win” Minecraft. You either 1) play until you’ve exhausted all of your creativity and fall on the floor in a crumbled heap after realizing how much time you’ve wasted (like me) or 2) build an incredibly elaborate, visually stunning block world that is the envy of the poor suckers who landed in category 1.
A user who goes by the name, Gawara, has earned his rightful spot amongst the envied Minecrafters in category 2 by recreating the entire city of Kyoto out of Minecraft blocks.
It all started when Gawara set out to create one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, Kinkakuji (known by some as the Golden Pavilion).
▲ Actual Kinkakuji
▲ Minecraft Kinkakuji. Amazing!
Gawara decided to showcase his progress on NicoNicoDouga, Japan’s version of YouTube, and after all the attention he received, continued on his Minecraft quest. Before he knew it, Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion), Kyomizudera, the five-storied pagoda and other sites had all been brought to life in block form. A Kyoto-esque city was born.
▲ Actual Kiyomizudera.
▲ Minecraft Kiyomizudera, complete with surrounding trees and stairs.
All of Gawara’s progress has been chronicled on NicoNicoDouga. Take a look at this video of his completed work (click the triangle play button in the middle to watch without having to register):
Source: Kotaku
Kyoto’s Kinkakuji creates unusual photo opportunity for visitors
See Kyoto’s Nijo Castle in its original design with this virtual tour built in Minecraft!
How crowded is Kyoto now without international tourists?【Photos】
Kyoto’s Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion finishes restoration, looks more beautiful than ever【Photos】
Tourists warned about fake volunteer guide near Kinkakuji in Kyoto
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Police in Japan summoned to deal with bank intruder…who is also a deer[Video]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Live-action Ghibli Princess Mononoke stage play tickets are now on sale
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
Japanese people share 11 amusing tales relating to pregnancy and childbirth
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
We eat gold-leaf “Kinkaku Soft Ice Cream” near Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion temple in Kyoto
Heavy snowfall in Kyoto creates scenes of breathtaking beauty at tourist sites around the city
Kyoto tourist crowds disappearing due to coronavirus outbreak, creating travel crisis/opportunity
Kyoto sightseeing tour: The most amazing old bathhouses in the city