Location: Shimogyo-ku
Top Things to do in Shimogyo-ku
10 Things to do in Shimogyo-ku 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. Nishi Honganji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By DDCahyadi_ID
It was very nice to enjoy the scenery that the old-huge Gingko tree in the middle of the temple area. In early December, we can see the tree in its full golden/yellowish leaves. Omoshirokatta desu!
2. Shosei-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
This is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shōgun, in 1641. It covers an area of about 33,000 square meters (8 acres) and was designed by Jōzan Ishikawa. The various structures in this garden were destroyed twice by fire in 1858 and 1864 and the present construction took place during the Meiji period. This garden is filled with many kinds of flowers throughout the year, and the colorful scenery is highly appreciated. Currently, Ingetsu-chi Pond in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation so we lower water levels in the pond from January 1, 2017 to March 25, 2017. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. Shinsetsu-kyō (Snow-capped Bridge) in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation due to deterioration. The renovation period is March 1, 2017 to the end of October 2017. Please cross Kaitō-rō (Chinese corridor-style Bridge) to get to Shukuen-tei (Tea House). Please watch your step when you pass someone on the bridge. Also, currently we lower water levels in the pond, Ingetsu-chi due to the renovation. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.
Reviewed By 373mauricew - Melbourne, Australia
We were early for our tea ceremony and decided to take a stroll in the adjacent streets and came across Shosei-en Gardens what an of peace and quiet the entry fee is 500¥ but it's worth it unfortunately I didn't have my DSLR camera and had to use my phones camera which was disappointing as there are so many photo opportunities in the gardens The time we were there there were only about 10 other people there and you have to keep reminding yourself that you're in the center of a city as it's so peaceful, thoroughly worth a visit when you in Kyoto
3. Kyoto Station Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,254 reviews
Kyoto Station Building is a train station and popular tourist spot, with a department store, The Cube selling souvenirs and fashion, Asty Road and Asty Square shopping areas, a mall, and restaurants.
Reviewed By NeilandRyoko - Greater Adelaide, Australia
A hugely impressive small city built around a large railway station, completely enveloping it. Amazing modern architecture of impressive scale and design, with a roof top garden 11 stories up, with views across the city and nearby Kyoto Tower. So many shops and cafes restaurants bakeries etc. even 5 star hotels, you could happily just spend many days here exploring and enjoying.
4. Ryukoku University Omiya Campus
5. Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
-Sightseeing advice (Maps and info on across Japan) -Exclusive tickets and passes for bus and train (For example,Kyoto one day bus pass,Kansai Thru Pass,Osaka Amazing Pass,Keihan one day Pass,JR pass,Kintetsu Pass,Hankyu Pass) -Hotel and Ryokan,accommodation reservations (across Japan) We offer tours around the Kansai area with different features such as -One day tours with English or Chinese guide.
Reviewed By Yves70
After a cruise around Japan in September, we spent 8 days in Kyoto to explore the city and the Kansai region, including Osaka and Nara. As we were on our own, our first stop after getting off the Shinkansen from Yokohama was the visitor information centre in the Kyoto station. We picked up all sorts of maps and booklets, but when it came to booking tours and visits, we were told that our best resource would be the Kansai Tourist Information Center in the Kyoto Tower Building across the street. When we got there, we got a warm welcome from the Office Manager Yo Koitani and his staff, who could book on the spot two city tours, a visit to Nara and a one-day walking tour of Osaka. Efficiency at its best, and great advice on shopping and restaurants, all with a winning smile from the manager's assistants Asami Yabu and Haruna Michelle Montpetit. Simply said, a great team which gives its full meaning to the concept of service. So much to see in this wonderful city.
6. Kyoto Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 685 reviews
Reviewed By OscarLee1933 - Sydney, Australia
Having visited both the Railway Museum in Saitama and Kyoto Railway Museum in the same trip, I would say the Kyoto one offers much better experience to non-rail fanatics, as the interactive displays there did a better job in introducing the different aspects of railway operations. Not only the train driving simulators that appeal to train operator wannabes, but also the "backend" operations like ticket booking. For instance, you can print your own magnetic ticket from a real ticket machine used in JR stations and put it into a fully-functional turnstile, where the image of a steam locomotive will be printed on the ticket for your collection. It is this attention to details that made the Japanese society tick. The roundhouse is also very impressive and the steam locomotive ride is certainly a highlight in my trip to Japan.
7. Nintendo Original Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By shortkitty - Chicago, United States
My husband and I stopped here on our honeymoon and enjoyed soaking up the Nintendo history. You can't go in the building, but the plaque makes for a great photo op and we enjoyed just walking around the area and thinking about the history of Nintendo. If you're a diehard fan, you'll love visiting this building! It's also near the river, which was nice to stroll along once we were done taking photos.
8. M's KYOTO INFORMATION CENTER
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Tourist information center by M's HOTEL opened in December 2018! Our office is just in front of Kyoto station! We have Information Counter, Currency Exchange Machine, Player s room, Powder room! And you can book activity over here!
9. Costume Museum
10. Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 745 reviews
Reviewed By J6400SMsue - Worcestershire, United Kingdom
I’ve read that this temple complex is considered gaudy and OTT but I found it fascinating and full of atmosphere. In the massive structure of the Founders Hall new Buddhists were being initiated and I joined the noisy congregation sitting on the tatami mats to view the spectacle and enjoy the mournful chanting, On another part of the site a school youth orchestra were entertaining the crowds to a selection of modern dance tunes and elsewhere various alumni were having group photographs taken. There was a wonderful famil carnival atmosphere.
