Location: Northern Kyoto
Top Things to do in Northern Kyoto
10 Historic Sites in Northern Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Ninna-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,249 reviews
Ninna-ji is a national tresure and also designated as a world heritage site. From over a thousand years ago, it has a deep co nection to the imperial family. Then, Ninna-ji is one of most famous temple which known for beautiful cherry blossoms, its wrapping up the end of the season in Kyoto - a town with many famous cherry trees.
Reviewed By DickyS357
Everybody would be rushing to Kinkakuji Temple down the road, but I have to say this temple was the nicest temple experience we had. This was due to the expansive temple grounds and lack of people rushing about. You could take your time here, stroll around and really appreciate the beauty of the place. There wasn't any cordons which means you could get up close and admire the designs and thought put into each building. Really recommended if you want the true temple experience in Kyoto.
2. Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Created as an imperial summer retreat, the garden complex is a fine example of Japanese landscape design.
Reviewed By boabin - Seoul, South Korea
A lot of the reviews do agree that you can get access if you are already in Kyoto, sometimes they have free slots in other tours. This can be fine during low seasons but I think during the cherry blossom and fall it would be best to secure a ticket in advance, just in case. It is free, which is brilliant for anyone wanting to rein in their spending whilst visiting the city. The tour itself is in Japanese, you can pick up a free headset in English at reception to understand the grounds and villa. Each site is numbered, follow those numbers to listen to each track. The views are spectacular and worth seeing. There is a lot of culture artistically embedded throughout the buildings and garden. Truly a national wonder. Obviously the pond is the main highlight and most photographed but don't neglect to look carefully at the doors inside the buildings or the hidden waterfalls.
3. Genkoan
4. Ninna-ji Temple Gojunoto
5. Daitoku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 360 reviews
The Daitoku-ji complex of Zen Buddhism consists of 24 temples,including Daisen-in and Ryogen-in.
Reviewed By johnandlizb - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
There are beautiful walkways and buildings here and some are open to the public. We went into one and had a look at the 5 little gardens. Mostly raked gravel with some lovely moss and plants. I find them peaceful and pretty and it was relatively quiet too. Really enjoyed it. It was quite small but well worth the visit.
6. Ensho-ji Temple
7. Former Hideout of Iwakura Tomomi Taigakubunko
8. Town of Salmon
9. Iwakura Jissoin
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Kwakaku - Sakai, Japan
From Kaiun-ji Temple Akai, I walked down the crooked hill between psychiatric hospitals and arrive at the open space in front of Jisso-in Temple, which is known for its “yuka midori” (fresh green foliage reflected on the polished wooden floor) and “yuka momoji” (autumn red foliage reflected on the polished wooden floor). The temple gate was not so much packed that I decided to enter it. The main building was not smooch crowded that I sat in front of the polished wooden floor, and watched summer deepen green foliage reflected in the floor. The reflection changed its green colors from time to time. I noticed the spectators being replaced from time to time, but kept sitting in front of the floor, with my eyes fixed on the floor. Or was I gazing at the green foliage through the floor? After a long while, I continued to move on in the temple main building, arriving at the rock garden. Over the garden, I saw Mt. Hiei and the roofs of buildings in the Iwakura township. I recognized one of the roofs was that of the hospital with Cafe Imagine on its 3rd floor, and realized that I would be able to see Mt. Hiei and the Iwakura township from the cafe. I left the rock garden and Jisso-in Temple to see whether my realization would stand or not.
10. So Shrine
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