Location: City Center
Top Things to do in City Center
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in City Center, Kinki
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. 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.
2. 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...
3. Sento Imperial Palace (Sento Gosho)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By JindyJohn
This palace can be viewed by permit only, booked in advance but free of charge. At the time of my visit they were not taking new bookings because of the coronavirus epidemic, but they were honouring existing bookings. The tour was in Japanese but most of us were using audio guides in English, Chinese, Korean, French or Spanish. After a quick look in passing at the palace, less imposing than its neighbours in the Imperial Palace compound, we entered the main focus of the tour: the beautiful garden. It centers on a lake divided into ponds by islands and peninsulas. The tour route criss-crosses the lake by means of picturesque bridges, covering the views comprehensively. At Seikatei, the elegant tea house at the southern end, the view takes in the su-hama, an artificial pebble beach, and the zigzag bridge which the tour crossed earlier. The wisteria pergola on this bridge would surely be a glorious sight in season. The whole garden has a harmonious and serene feel.
4. Kansai Electric Power Keage Power Plant
5. Takasegawa Ichino Funairi
6. Shinsenen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By 711ayat - Arlington, United States
This shrine is not famous at all. I found this in a guide book as a hole-in-the-wall spot. The property is very small and nothing fancy but it gives tranquil, zen atmosphere right next to the busy street. I sat on the bench and stared at the pond for a while to relax after all day of walking. The red bridge is gorgeous. Easy access from Nijo station.
7. Heian Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,222 reviews
This shrine was built in 1895 in celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto. Admission is free but there is a small fee for entrance to the gardens, which are home to several beautiful weeping cherry trees which are in bloom during the spring months.
Reviewed By foulaman - Kelowna, Canada
This shrine has beautiful shrine buildings around a large open space. There were not a huge number of tourists which was a relief after a number of other Kyoto sites. Make sure to go into the garden (separate entry off to one side towards the back). It is a wonderful large Japanese garden where you can spend a half-hour or hour unwinding. There is a small tea garden in the middle of the garden. Mostly flat easy walking. Decent toilets. There was free wifi throughout the area. The whole shrine and garden was quite peaceful, in spite of the fact that just outside the shrine is a series of large gift shops and parking for dozens of buses indicating that at times it is probably very busy.
