Location: City Center
Top Things to do in City Center
Things to do in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Nature & Parks
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. Gonaitei Garden
2. Heian Jingu Shrine Shinen Garden
3. Konchi-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
We happened upon this temple walking back to the subway from Nanzen-ji and decided to stop because it cost only about 400¥ each to get in. It looked peaceful and something was drawing us here. You follow the path going around the shrine in a circle, starting at a pond with koi fish in it. The gardens all around here are beautiful and the path is clearly marked. Make sure to wear bug spray. We got bit a bunch of times as it was muggy and the vegetation was thick in here. You come to the main shrine and it seems to be very historic. The trees open up to a huge zen garden and we just took off our shoes and sat here enjoying the peace and quiet. There was one other small group of people here at the time who were very quiet and respectful, so we basically had the place to ourselves. We sat for a good 20 minutes.
4. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By DellaG_12 - Coquitlam, Canada
Once again a magnificent garden surrounds the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately we did not check in advance to see the procedure required to take a tour of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and we were not able to view the palace grounds. Fortunately, the surrounding gardens were opened to the general public. As always, the imperial garden is an expansive garden space with attractive walkways, special shrines located away from main traffic areas and offers a quiet respite for prayers or private contemplation. It is beautiful in late autumn and the deciduous trees are at its best displaying their fall colors. Beautiful walks by the lake and small bridges to cross over. Such a wonderful reprieve from the major city area, just a lazy afternoon observing nature, couples and young children at play.
5. Tadasu No Mori Grove
6. Tairyu Sanso Garden
7. Rozanji Genji Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Kamogawa Delta (Kyoto Prefectural Kamogawa Park)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By erikg05 - Norwich, United Kingdom
I used this river to run along whilst in Kyoto and it was brilliant. Nice and flat with a marker every half kilometre to keep on track. Loads of room for everyone and water fountains regularly along as well. Great for relaxing in the evening as well as it was always cooler by the river on a hot day.
9. Nagura Park
10. Okazaki Park
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