Kyoto is a must-see for most tourists visiting Japan, as it’s arguably the most enchanting city in the country.
Located over 400 kilometers from Tokyo, Kyoto deserves at least a day in your itinerary if you want to experience the full spectrum of Japan’s charm.
What to see in Kyoto?
Kyoto is home to numerous major tourist spots and is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo.
Although it doesn’t have the modern districts found in other Japanese cities, Kyoto offers unique sights you won’t find elsewhere in the country.
Visiting Kyoto isn’t only about seeing shrines and temples, though it’s true that you’ll find more temples here than anywhere else in Japan.
In Kyoto, you’ll encounter experiences as unique as geishas, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and handcrafted goods that make you feel like you’re stepping back into a Japanese village from five centuries ago.
Here are some activities we recommend in the city:
Now, here are the 10 most iconic spots in this remarkable city:
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, located in southern Kyoto. It’s also one of the oldest, built in the 8th century.
This shrine is entirely dedicated to Inari, a deity with over 32,000 shrines across Japan. However, Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari is the most significant.
The shrine is open 24 hours, allowing visitors at any time of day.
The journey begins at the vermilion torii gate in front of the Romon Gate, which marks the entrance, built in 1589 under orders from Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Inside the shrine, you’ll find the Main Hall (Honden), decorated with late 16th-century architectural features characteristic of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Prepare for a bit of a hike, as the full route involves a scenic climb up the mountain that spans several kilometers. It’s a fun path to explore, though it can be quite tiring.
Yasaka Jinja Shrine
Originally known as the Gion Shrine, Yasaka Jinja is one of the most visited Shinto shrines in Japan.
Located at the end of Shijo Street in Kyoto, it was built in the mid-7th century.
According to legend, it was constructed over a lake to allow the eastern god (a dragon of blue waters) to drink from it and in doing so, bring good fortune to the area.
The Nishiromon Gate on the western side of Yasaka Shrine is the main entrance. Flanking the gate are two Zuijin warrior statues, who serve as the shrine’s guardians.
Beside the gate is the Chozuya, a purification fountain where visitors cleanse themselves before entering the shrine grounds.
Just past the entrance, you’ll find the Ekijin-sha Shrine, a smaller shrine believed to be a place for prayers to ward off epidemics.
On one side is the Ota-sha Shrine, situated at the foot of the stairs leading to Yasaka Shrine’s central area.
The Honden is Yasaka’s main hall, featuring 15-meter-high walls and a roof crafted entirely from hinoki cypress.
Gion District
The Gion District is renowned as Kyoto’s Geisha district and is one of the most famous districts in Japan.
Gion is divided into two areas, Gion Higashi and Gion Kobu, with the latter being the larger of the two.
The district is filled with tea houses, known as Ochaya, as well as Geisha houses, called Okiya.
Shops in Gion sell traditional sweets, fabrics, makeup, parasols, and accessories specific to the Geisha culture, making it a fantastic place to find unique souvenirs.
Other notable areas in Gion include Shirakawa, Shijo, Hanamikoji, and Ohto, where some of Kyoto’s best antiques are found.
Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, is Kyoto’s most famous temple, known for its distinctive color.
Originally named Rokuon-ji, which remains its official name, the pavilion was built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
Following the Shogun’s death in 1408, it was transformed into a Zen temple belonging to the Rinzai sect.
Today, it serves as a Shariden, a building intended to house Buddha’s relics.
Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji’s exterior features high walls with two upper floors covered in gold leaf, giving it its iconic name.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a must-visit. Although you can only view it from the outside and take photos, the experience of seeing this brilliant golden structure is unforgettable.
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose name means “pure water,” is the main temple in a group of shrines and temples in the Higashiyama district.
Built in 778, it is one of the oldest temples in Japan.
Its location on Kyoto’s eastern hills blends the temple with the unique landscape provided by the Otowa Waterfall, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Other temples and areas within Kiyomizu-dera include:
- Zenkoji Temple
- Sanjūnodō Pagoda
- Mizugo Kannondō Hall
- Zuigudō Hall
Kyoto Tower
Built in 1964, Kyoto Tower’s design is strikingly modern and distinctive.
Many compare its appearance to a lighthouse, as its height of 131 meters allows it to light up a large part of the city.
The tower features an observation deck at 100 meters, providing ideal views of nearly any angle of Kyoto, and even parts of Osaka.
Inside the tower, there is a hotel, a couple of restaurants, and a few gift shops with city-themed souvenirs.
Nijō-jō
Nijō Castle was constructed as an opulent symbol of the economic power of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled Japan in 1603.
This grandeur remains intact today. The castle has a classic design, complete with a massive moat, tall stone walls, and grand gates featuring ornate details from the era.
The grounds are vast, with several different areas to explore. The gardens are especially beautiful, featuring a wide variety of trees and flowers, with cherry and plum trees standing out.
It’s one of the most picturesque places in Kyoto, ideal for taking stunning photos.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, located in western Kyoto, is famous for being one of Japan’s most concentrated bamboo areas. It’s a forest with a designated walking path for tourists, offering an experience that’s truly worth it.
Here, you’ll capture some of the best photos of your trip.
This forest is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and tranquility that characterizes Japan’s green spaces.
Next to the forest is the small yet popular Nanomiya Shrine.
Philosopher’s Path
Tetsugaku no michi, or the Philosopher’s Path, is located in eastern Kyoto, north of the Higashiyama district. It stretches from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Eikan-do Temple.
This area is known as one of the most beautiful walks you can take in Kyoto.
The Philosopher’s Path stretches for two kilometers alongside a peaceful river, inviting meditation and inspiration, ending at an old railroad track.
Many people visit seeking guidance that is believed to come from “spirits of nature” along the path.
If you’re interested in writing or practice meditation, this spot is a highly recommended place to visit in Kyoto.
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto.
Built in 1474 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was intended to be as beautiful as Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its impressive gold leaf exterior.
The Shogun’s admiration for Kinkaku-ji, constructed by his grandfather, inspired him to leave a similar legacy, though he ultimately covered the pavilion with silver instead.
Excursions to nearby places
If you have some free hours, taking a trip to nearby destinations is a great option.
Many tourists stay in a few key cities and then take tours or activities in nearby spots, such as these:
- Private tour to Nara and Inari
- Private tour to Osaka
- Private tour to Himeji and Kobe
- Private tour to Arashiyama and the imperial villa of Uji
- Private tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima
How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line, which has the highest passenger volume in the world.
While the distance is considerable, the high speed of the bullet train makes for a very short journey.
If you have the Japan Rail Pass, the trip is included, so you won’t have to pay anything extra.