What to do and see in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Neighborhoods

October 20, 2021 Velvet Mowry

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. Gion

Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-531-2288 http://www.gion.or.jp/
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,276 reviews

Gion

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.

Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea

We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.

2. Arashiyama

Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,621 reviews

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Reviewed By JungleKing2014 - Montreal, Canada

A great day trip from Yokohama.... great setting - lush mountain backdrops - from bamboo forest, to great little food stalls and really nice cherry blossom and bamboo soft ice cream on a warm day.

3. Shinbashi Dori

Gion, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Shinbashi Dori

Reviewed By billkhoe

That’s what it’s been called in guidebooks and I agree. I spent time there during cherry blossom weeks and in autumn, the busiest and best time to go. I never get tired of it. Those who say so so, I challenge them to hear what’s more striking.

4. Pontocho District

Nakagyo-Ku BetweenKamogawa and Kiyamachi-dori, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-241-1636 http://www.ponto-chou.com/
Excellent
41%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,401 reviews

Pontocho District

Reviewed By emmacJ6282WU - Oxford, United Kingdom

I've walked Ponto-cho several times before but on this visit was the first time I did at properly at night and it was like a different world. Feels like the Japan of old and a place where you can really feel Kyoto. It is a narrow alleyway filled with bars and restaurants all with lanterns outside plus the occasional wind chime and lots of wooden shutters. It's a great place to stop for a meal or drink but equally it's great just to be there.

5. Fushimi Suigo

Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
17%
Good
80%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 30 reviews

Fushimi Suigo

6. Shijo Dori

Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture +81 3-3505-6155 http://www.bearhug.co.jp/
Excellent
27%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 41 reviews

Shijo Dori

7. Shijo Kawaramachi

Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
25%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
38%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Shijo Kawaramachi

8. Furuhashi Acupuncture

13 Tanaka Shimoyanagicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8204 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-285-4726 [email protected] https://www.furuhashi-acupuncture.jp/
Furuhashi Acupuncture

It is an acupuncture and moxibustion clinic that was renovated from a townhouse in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. Our hospital offers the latest acupuncture and moxibustion treatment from the United States. It mainly uses the finest acupuncture needles in the world and has immediate effect with minimal stimulation.After the treatment, we will provide herbal tea according to the patient's constitution .

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.