Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in 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. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,531 reviews
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
Reviewed By 674pavelk - Redmond, United States
It is beyond impressive to have such a massive structure made entirely from wood centuries ago and without a single nail as far as I know. You feel humbled while inside. And the view of the city from the hill next to the water fountain (which you definitely should wait in line for to drink the water from it) is stunning if you get a nice weather going on for you.
2. Nijo Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,979 reviews
This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.
Reviewed By EllenW707 - Philadelphia, United States
We’ve been to a few castles in Europe and have come to feel that most of them are about fortifications, stables and canons. This one was so much better. Granted, this is our first visit to Asia, so everything is exotic and fascinating. First, Nijojo-mae, as the home of the Shogun, also contains elaborate palaces and gardens. So the purpose was not just military. The architecture and art are beautiful and inspiring. The history and insights into Japanese culture you get here are mind expanding. Secondly, as with everything we’ve experienced in Japan so far, your tour through the castle grounds is perfectly orchestrated and organized by the audio guide - available in several languages. Be sure to spend the extra yen to rent one. Then enjoy. By the way, it’s very easy to get here by subway.
3. Gion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,276 reviews
The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.
Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea
We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.
4. Daigo-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
This temple complex includes several buildings and an expansive Japanese garden. One of the oldest structures in Kyoto is a five-story pagoda that can be found on the temple grounds.
Reviewed By Greengrove - Tokyo, Japan
Here is a large temple of Shingon sect with superb gardens and architecture. The interior of the Sambo-in has fantastic painted screens and a wonderful garden. There were few visitors on the Friday afternoon I was there, and nothing like the crowds of the city centre sites. You can feel nature and spirit. There is a beautiful lake surrounded with maples and cherry blossoms which contains the Benten-do. Unfortunately, many trees in the forest area had to be cleared after a 2018 typhoon, and the mountain path and upper temple is presently closed. The old Garan walls with the red pines lining the road is very atmospheric. The huge gilded gate has a stone post in front of it on the path that says "Get off your horse"! There are many interesting sights in the vicinity, and I would have liked to have had more time there.
5. Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
The Gion Koubu Kaburenjo (where Miyako Odori is performed) are temporary closed due to the initiation of long-term building maintenance (earthquake protection measures).
Reviewed By floridakeys2009
I believe the Gion Koby theatre is closed at the moment and for now the show took place in the Yasaka Hall. There are two shows one at 18.00 and one at 19.00. There are no reservations but the ticketing office open half an hour before and best to get there early as there are a limited number of seats. You can take photos but no flash. Al of the commentary is repeated in English. The show features a number of Japanese culture sets. Starting with a tea ceremony..... (Chado) this is followed by the music of the Koto ( a thirteen stringed instrument from about 1300 years ago) with a demonstration of Kano. A flower arrangement. Next up a Gagaku, which is an ancient court music ‘elegant’ is the description but I actually quite fierce with a masked dragon type individual and three musicians. This was followed by kyogen, an ancient comic play and despite it being played out in Japanese was actually quite funny. Then two dances from Maiko (trainee geisha) Kyomai (Kyoto style dance) our Maiko was Mame and Tama. Beautiful, the intricate movements and positions a pleasure to watch. The show ends with a puppet play, Bunraku, this is mesmerising and quite specials. The puppet is managed or played by three puppeteers in all, the main man unmasked the rest cloaked in black cloth so to blend in, the movement of the puppet is something to observe, very enthralling, it certainly draws you in. A great hour and definitely go to event in Kyoto.
6. Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,700 reviews
Reviewed By HDavidMc - Brisbane, Australia
We booked the Eikan Do dinner followed by viewing of the illuminated gardens in late November. The dinner was an interesting experience, as we were the only foreigners in the room and not so used to eating on tatami mats on the floor. Struggled but enjoyed the ambience. The gardens were spectacular and the illumination added greatly to the experience.
7. Saihoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By nigela445
We were very fortunate in obtaining a pass to vist this temple and its beautiful gardens. Entry each day is limited and you must apply well in advance for an entry pass but it is worth it. Entry fee is 3,000 yen per person payable in cash. Google how to do it. The temple sits in beautiful grounds known as the moss garden and is nown locally as "Koke-dera", or moss temple. Adter entering the temple wuth about 60 other visitors we were requested to hand copy a "sutra" or text in Japanese which will be kept at the temple. As mentioned the gardens are simply beautiful to walk through. Nearest raleay station is Saga Arashiyma and a tax from there to the temple is about 2,500 Yen.
8. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,234 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
After visiting the famous temple uphill, it was highly suggested to take an hour's walk along Sannenzaka Ninenzaka. It was a slanting pathway of stone-steps with traditional Japanese houses on both sides and being converted as souvenir and snack shops. It was normally crowded with visitors and difficult to move along easily. For photo-lovers, the place was good for snapshooting with so many backdrops for your choice. Have a nice day there.
9. Murinan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Murin-an is a Japanese villa, a Western building and a garden built between 1894 to 1896 by Aritomo Yamagata, an Elder Statesman (advisor to the emperor) from the Meiji and Taisho Period. Jihei Ogawa VII (7th) created this garden under Yamagata’s instructions and to this day it is a favorite one of both Japanese and visitors from abroad. Its central point being Higashiyama Mountains with a spacious and bright open lawn area creates a naturalistic scenery, unique for its time. Also,the water of the flowing stream is taken in from the Lake Biwa Canal, a pioneer in such water construction in the villa cluster of the Okazaki neighbourhood. Today, we offer a variety of workshops to enjoy Japanese culture in the beautiful environment of a Japanese garden, ranging from Japanese tea to Noh theatre. Also, the gardeners invite to learn about the garden and its artistry as well as are avaialable for guidance (Reservation required). Murin-an is the spot to enjoy and learn about Japanese gardens. Why not enjoy your holiday afternoon with a cup of matcha tea at Murin-an?
Reviewed By E881EMlisac
The Murinan tea house and garden were the place I enjoyed the most in Kyoto for the relaxing atmosphere and the traditional architecture and landscapes. I went early enough to be the only visitor for a while. You can enjoy a cup of tea on a tatami overlooking the breathtaking view of the garden, which is much nicer than any touristic tea ceremony to my opinion...
10. Mt. Kurama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By boabin - Seoul, South Korea
If you take the Eizan line to Kurama you'll be right on the doorstep of this mountain. You have 2 choices of getting to the top, the cable car or the mixture of trail and steps. Obviously the cable car costs more on top of the 300 yen admission price, but definitely consider it if you would struggle the ascent. There are seats on the way up to take respite. I took the walk up in order to enjoy the trees and views gradually going up, I live in a city and this was the perfect place to get back to nature! The temples are beautiful and so is the view from the top, if you're like me and enjoy seeing mountains and forests. Loved it!
