Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
Things to do in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
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. Nanzen-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,168 reviews
This Zen Buddhist temple was converted from a former residence of Emperor Kameyama upon his death. The beautiful grounds include several buildings, hiking trails and a classic Zen garden.
Reviewed By ChrisCastellarin - Duncan, Canada
WOW temple and grounds - you even get to climb up STEEP steps into the HUGE entrance gate (shoes off please!) - for a spectacular view of the whole complex. This is you final stop along the Philosopher's Path and there is a taxi stand here with taxis that will whisk you right back into downtown Kyoto, just 5 minutes away! How convenient!
2. Ginkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,605 reviews
Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion.
Reviewed By ChrisCastellarin - Duncan, Canada
We took a taxi to this Silver Pavilion temple - super fast as it is complicated by public transit. It is NOT silver, but has SPECTACULAR gardens and a very cool silver sand cone. Great for strolling for 30 minutes and an excellent gift shop at the end! Then you can go to the beginning of the Philosopher's Path from here, about a 3 minute walk down the street (also lined with great little shops!) and to your left.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,531 reviews
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
Reviewed By 674pavelk - Redmond, United States
It is beyond impressive to have such a massive structure made entirely from wood centuries ago and without a single nail as far as I know. You feel humbled while inside. And the view of the city from the hill next to the water fountain (which you definitely should wait in line for to drink the water from it) is stunning if you get a nice weather going on for you.
4. Kinkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,029 reviews
One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.
Reviewed By elizabethpV8634SC
It’s not called the “Golden Temple” for nothing. This beautiful temple, covered in gold leaf is my favorite temple in Kyoto. We caught it at the right time (1 pm) on a calm sunny day, to get perfect iconic photos with reflections of the temple in the water & excellent lighting (not shooting into the sun). It also turned out to be a good time to avoid peak crowds and it was easy to get a front row spot to take pictures across the lake. You cannot go inside temple, so just admire it across the water and tour the lush, landscaped grounds. If you are interested in an itinerary for a nice day out, here's a suggestion. Visit Nijo castle first in the morning. The Castle is easy to reach by subway – Tozai line. Consider the tour in English at 10AM. Afterwards, it is easy to reach Kinkaku-ji from Nijo castle by bus. The best option is bus #12 from right outside the Castle (direction Ritsumeikan) - 17 stops to the Kinkakuji-mae bus stop, which takes 24 mins. Note that this stop is the one AFTER Kinkakuji-michi The #12 bus stops right outside the entrance to the temple complex. After visiting Kinkaku-ji it makes sense to go to the Ryoan-ji temple as well, since it’s just an easy 15 minute walk away. Upon exiting the temple, walk to the street where you entered the temple and turn right. Follow this road until you reach the entrance to Ryoan-ji on your right hand side. You can also take bus #59 (three stops) between the two temples, but unless it’s really cold or rainy, it’s just as easy to walk This itinerary will put you at Ryoan-ji later in the afternoon so it will be less crowded & more enjoyable.
5. Kodai-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,489 reviews
Kodaiji Zen Temple is located in eastern Kyoto just south of Yasaka Shrine. This temple was established in 1606 by the noblewoman called Nene in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoashi is renowned as the person who unified the nation of Japan. Even though he was from the lowest class of samurai family, He could be the top vassal by a lot of talents and communication skills. This his incredible promotion had come true by Nene's support. After they passed away, they had been very popular among people at that time. Temple visitors feel that Kodaiji was very humanity. One reason is Kodaiji was made while Nene was still alive. In the temple buildings, their belongings and cherish parts from the castle where they lived together were used.
Reviewed By mauruzou
The entire area embodies the beauty of Japanese culture. The Zen gardens are amazing. I was expecting some back stories of Toyotomi and Nene, and they indeed promote it, albeit a highly romanticized version with very few historical facts. Not complaining because it fits the vibe well.
6. Sanjusangendo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,935 reviews
Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Reviewed By SanneTravel - Groningen, The Netherlands
A 'must see' is probably one of those things you hear a lot when you browse the reviews of people visiting Kyoto. In this case, they are absolutely not wrong. It is amazing how a hall of 120 meters long is filled to the brim with 1000 gorgeous, a bit intimidating golden statues and a few wooden statues of the different gods. We were so happy that we decided to walk here after visiting kiyomizudera.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,494 reviews
This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a must do for visitors to Kyoto to walk upward ever upward via the winding path through hundreds of Tori gates is an amazing experience, stopping along the way to take in the prayer stations some with dozens if not hundreds of small tori placed as votive offerings. We arrived late in the afternoon and had to almost sprint up the hill as the evening darkness closed in on us, but then the lights come on giving the pathway a surreal air as the light casts its shadows through the Tori Gates. It is an arduous walk so make sure you are fit and have good walking shoes but well worth the effort
10. Tofuku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,807 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
Tofuku-ji Temple was particularly famous for its autumn fall colors. There were many tourists, local or overseas, rushed to the temple to share the joy around. The first main photo-stop should be the Tsutenkyo Bridge while the Hojo gardens with the sea of raked sands and rocks arranged to represent sacred mountains were also crowded with visitors. Highly recommended during peak period by late November each year.
