Location: Western Kyoto
Top Things to do in Western Kyoto
10 Things to do in Western 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. Myoshinji Temple
2. Koryu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Founded in 622, the temple houses impressive Buddhist statues, possibly from the 6th or 7th century.
3. Arashiyama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,621 reviews
Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.
Reviewed By JungleKing2014 - Montreal, Canada
A great day trip from Yokohama.... great setting - lush mountain backdrops - from bamboo forest, to great little food stalls and really nice cherry blossom and bamboo soft ice cream on a warm day.
4. Gio-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By Caro3166 - Tannum Sands, Australia
Just beautiful. So we went here. If you love gardens you will really appreciate this temple. We went in mid December and there were still lots of autumn leaves.
5. Daikaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By poh3 - Singapore, Singapore
If you hate crowds but love the architecture and grounds of Japanese temples, spend the morning of one Kyoto day here. This is not to be missed. As an imperial villa of Emperor Saga during the Heian Period, this temple is huge with ornate interior doors yet with the austerity of a religious location. The gardens on the property are large, along with a large pond in the back that has three islands in it. It is a great place to wander, soak in the tranquil and lush atmosphere and relax. The temple is a no-shoes zone. Plastic bags will be provided for you to carry your shoes around or leave them at the entrance of the temple. There is also a treasure hall that is open sometimes where you can look at historical artifacts and holy relics and statues of Buddhist deities for a fee. Another bonus I found was that part of the money offerings made will go to an international nature charity. It was unexpected as one would expect the temple to absorb the funds for the upkeep of the grounds and building as well as the services carried out, so it was a pleasant discovery.
6. Monkey Park Iwatayama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,631 reviews
Reviewed By Mauifolks - Pukalani, United States
Outstanding experience to hike in a beautiful setting and see monkeys in their natural habitat. Even the opportunity to feed them which was a lot of fun. Food provided was super cheap and staff very friendly.
7. Tenryuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,958 reviews
Reviewed By PXJin - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Spent some quality time here. Great atmosphere and excellent Autumn foliage. When you mix all of the good things, it always come with crowds. However, the crowds are somehow discipline and have minimum noise, probably cause of the zen in this garden. Great place to visit if you're around Arashiyama region.
8. Sagano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Reviewed By badmintontim - Hastings, United Kingdom
We were very lucky here as we made sure that we arrived there early and on doing so we missed the crowds of people that descended upon us as we were leaving each spot It is a nice walk to go from attraction to attraction and I liked the bamboo forest a lot as it was quiet and peaceful - just relaxing
9. Jojakkoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By ccfchew_23 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A wonderful temple at the non-touristy side of Arashiyama. It boosts an amazing view during autumn like no other. Not the biggest of temple and it very much goes up the hill. It is layers and layers of red, yellow, orange, all on top of each other, just so many wonderful maple leaves in a small area that makes it quite stunning. As you climb the temple, you will find that you get a nice view of Kyoto and the backdrop is this vibrant autumn colours. There are some areas to sit where you get to marvel at the sight in your own zen state. For 500 yen, this is a steal and despite having quite number of people during autumn, you can still find your own inner peace here!
10. Okochi Sanso Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 618 reviews
Reviewed By khang_lenguyen - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
As one of hundreds of gardens in Kyoto, we easily bypass this wonderful garden. The admission fee of 1000yen is worth for every piece, including the free green-tea cup and one small cake as refresher. The walking path in the garden leads to the top view of the garden, where Mt. Arashi and Mt. Ogura can be observed. Daihi temple can also been seen. The path itself is the great sight. Two paths of beautiful tree side by side the guests will create mysterious atmosphere. On the top of them, colourful leaves are welcoming and reflected by the sunlight. I've just felt that I was walking through some places in dreams. Too beautiful to say about this garden. You should not miss it in autumn!
