Location: Southern Kyoto
Top Things to do in Southern Kyoto
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Southern Kyoto, 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. 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.
2. Sekihoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Leo33675 - Miami, United States
Compared to Fushimi Inari Shrine, this is the much more laid back, tranquil version. Come here after visiting Fushimi Inari, and you will likely be the only people there, an entire shrine to yourself. The garden is nice as is the shrine, but the real highlight are Buddha statues in the back of the shrine (small hike, takes less than 20 mins to see all of them). Created over 200 years ago, the statues are worth the time going here even if you don't see Fushimi Inari. Add in the fact how little known this place is, would highly recommend going for the Japanese Shrine/ Temple experience without all the crowds. Note that the shrine is free but to see the statues it's $300 yen (easily worth it).
3. Kitamukizan Fudoin
4. Yamashina Shrine
5. Hokaiji Temple
6. Ryogin-an Temple
7. Fushimi Sake Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By mundonarota - Sao Paulo, Brazil
I felt really sad about coming back to my home country and finding out how expensive imported Japanese Sake was, so please enjoy this region as much as you can and make sure you take a few bottles back home (starting at around 1000 JPY). In addition to the excellent Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (very well worth it) we visited a few bars and grocery shops where we could also get Sake tasting: - Kizakura Kappa Country - Fushimi Yumehyakushu - Aburacho Make sure you visit the boulevard close to the subway station there. You can find some very good (and cheap) local eateries. The place is a bit outside of the average touristic area, so you are able to enjoy the true local atmosphere.
