Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
What to do and see in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Historic 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Chishaku-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Global715255 - Tokyo, Japan
I went to this temple because I was interested in visiting the head temple of the Shinzan ha, Shingon Sect popular in Kanto Region. The Screen Door Paintings by Tohaku Hasegawa and his son and disciples are awesome. No wonder they are National Treasures. Looking at the Japanese garden I enjoy relaxing time for a while.
7. Koryu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Founded in 622, the temple houses impressive Buddhist statues, possibly from the 6th or 7th century.
8. Ninna-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,249 reviews
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.
9. Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Created as an imperial summer retreat, the garden complex is a fine example of Japanese landscape design.
Reviewed By boabin - Seoul, South Korea
A lot of the reviews do agree that you can get access if you are already in Kyoto, sometimes they have free slots in other tours. This can be fine during low seasons but I think during the cherry blossom and fall it would be best to secure a ticket in advance, just in case. It is free, which is brilliant for anyone wanting to rein in their spending whilst visiting the city. The tour itself is in Japanese, you can pick up a free headset in English at reception to understand the grounds and villa. Each site is numbered, follow those numbers to listen to each track. The views are spectacular and worth seeing. There is a lot of culture artistically embedded throughout the buildings and garden. Truly a national wonder. Obviously the pond is the main highlight and most photographed but don't neglect to look carefully at the doors inside the buildings or the hidden waterfalls.
10. Daikaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By poh3 - Singapore, Singapore
If you hate crowds but love the architecture and grounds of Japanese temples, spend the morning of one Kyoto day here. This is not to be missed. As an imperial villa of Emperor Saga during the Heian Period, this temple is huge with ornate interior doors yet with the austerity of a religious location. The gardens on the property are large, along with a large pond in the back that has three islands in it. It is a great place to wander, soak in the tranquil and lush atmosphere and relax. The temple is a no-shoes zone. Plastic bags will be provided for you to carry your shoes around or leave them at the entrance of the temple. There is also a treasure hall that is open sometimes where you can look at historical artifacts and holy relics and statues of Buddhist deities for a fee. Another bonus I found was that part of the money offerings made will go to an international nature charity. It was unexpected as one would expect the temple to absorb the funds for the upkeep of the grounds and building as well as the services carried out, so it was a pleasant discovery.
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