Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki: The Best Historic Sites

November 9, 2021 Nobuko Falco

Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto-fu) is a prefecture of Japan in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.
Restaurants in Kyoto Prefecture

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-551-1234 https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,531 reviews

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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.

2. Sanjusangendo Temple

657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0941 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-561-0467 http://sanjusangendo.jp/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,935 reviews

Sanjusangendo Temple

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.

3. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-641-7331 http://inari.jp/
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24,494 reviews

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

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

4. Tofuku-ji Temple

15-778 Hommachi, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0981 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-561-0087 http://tofukuji.jp
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,807 reviews

Tofuku-ji Temple

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.

5. Ninna-ji Temple

33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8092 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-461-1155 http://www.ninnaji.jp/
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,249 reviews

Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji is a national tresure and also designated as a world heritage site. From over a thousand years ago, it has a deep co nection to the imperial family. Then, Ninna-ji is one of most famous temple which known for beautiful cherry blossoms, its wrapping up the end of the season in Kyoto - a town with many famous cherry trees.

Reviewed By DickyS357

Everybody would be rushing to Kinkakuji Temple down the road, but I have to say this temple was the nicest temple experience we had. This was due to the expansive temple grounds and lack of people rushing about. You could take your time here, stroll around and really appreciate the beauty of the place. There wasn't any cordons which means you could get up close and admire the designs and thought put into each building. Really recommended if you want the true temple experience in Kyoto.

6. Byodoin Temple

116 Uji Renge, Uji 611-0021 Kyoto Prefecture +81 774-21-2861 http://www.byodoin.or.jp/
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,628 reviews

Byodoin Temple

Temple near Kyoto; famous statue of seated Buudha by 11th-century sculptor, Jocho.

Reviewed By suzannep34

This temple is an excellent half day's visit from Kyoto. As it's on the JR Nara line, it can be easily combined with the Fushimi Inari shrine, we stopped there on the way back from Uji and had plenty of time to see both. There are some beautiful cherry trees and wisteria in the grounds, and on a sunny day the reflections of the temple in the water must be stunning. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and although there were crowds of tourists, the traditional tea room was quiet and the matcha green tea, served hot or chilled, is definitely worth trying! Nearby there are lots of matcha souvenir shops and more places to enjoy traditional green tea, also ice cream sprinkled with matcha powder, enjoy!!

7. Ine no Funaya

Ine-cho, Yosa-gun 626-0401 Kyoto Prefecture +81 772-32-0277 http://www.ine-kankou.jp/
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 317 reviews

Ine no Funaya

Reviewed By JavierMariam_3

The historic wooden boat houses/funayas are amazing to view from Ine bay via tour boat! Also, @ the information center in town, a 2000 yen deposit allows you to rent a bike to easily ride the street & venture out ... once done riding, your 2000 yen is returned. Our lodging was located across from the fish market. On Sunday, our lodging host joined us @ 0600 to watch the fishing boats unload their catches of the day & she gave us a tour. Having no nightlife there was ok with us. No convenience stores or grocery stores close by so we planned ahead & brought our food to cook. Not many restaurants were open due to COVID but we made the best of it. Truly a gorgeous area to explore! Low key & great for relaxing.

8. Kongoin

595 Kahara, Maizuru 625-0014 Kyoto Prefecture +81 773-62-1180 http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/spot/sightseeing/kongoin.php
Excellent
53%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Kongoin

9. Iwashimizu Hachimangu

30 Yawatatakabo, Yawata 614-8588 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-981-3001 [email protected] http://www.iwashimizu.or.jp/top.php
Excellent
42%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Iwashimizu Hachimangu

10. Gansenji

43 Kaminomon Iwafune Kamocho, Kizugawa 619-1133 Kyoto Prefecture +81 774-76-3390 http://0774.or.jp/temple/gansenji.html
Excellent
41%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Gansenji

Reviewed By Tracypun - Hong Kong, China

If you visit Joruriji temple, must go to this temple as well, just 7 minutes bus ride. Spare more time to travel around the village to see the Buddhas crafted on caves, it’s a walking route. But I don’t have time, only visit the temple only, small but many beautiful scenery I can enjoy, you dan choose driving and taking bus but only one bus every hour.

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