Kyoto is a truly magical city which never fails to captivate. No matter how long you're there, there's always an amazing place ready to be discovered just around the corner.
Kyoto was Japan's capital from 794 to 1869 and it is home to more than 2000 temples and shrines. The rich history and cultural significance make Kyoto a wonderful destination for anyone seeking a truly enchanting experience.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is probably Kyoto's most popular Shinto Shrine with thousands of Torii gates and beautiful mountain trails. To reach the summit it takes around 2 to 3 hours. Admission is free. (Open 24/7)
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Tofukuji is a large Zen Temple founded in 1236. Admission is 1000 yen. Open 9 am to 4 pm.
Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
3. Higashi Honganji
Higashi Hongangi is the head temple of the Otani Faction of the Shin-Jodo Sect of Buddhism.
Open 5:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
Address: 〒600-8505 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Japan
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is another popular tourist spot and must-see in Kyoto. Open 24/7 and free to enter.
Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
5. Kinkakuji
Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavillion, is a Zen Temple which has its upper two floors covered in gold leaf.
Open 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is 500 Yen.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
6. Kitano Temmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is very popular in Spring due to its Plum Grove and even more popular in autumn for its Maple Tree Garden.
Open 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free for the Shrine, 1200 Yen for the Plum Grove and 1000 Yen for the Maple Garden.
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386, Japan
7. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle was the Kyoto Residence of the Shogun during the Tokugawa Era and served as the Imperial Palace after the Shogunate fell.
Open 8.45 am to 4 pm. Admission is 800 Yen for the Castle grounds and 500 Yen for the Ninomaru Palace.
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
8. Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji is a Zen Temple built by Emperor Kameyama in the 13th Century.
Open 8:40 am to 5 pm. Admission to the temple grounds is free. Admission to its various buildings is between 400 and 600 Yen for each building.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan
9. Ginkakuji
Ginkaku-ji (Higashiyama Jisho-ji) is also known as the Silver Pavillion. It was modelled after Kinkaku-ji, but unlike the Golden Pavillion, Ginkaku-ji is not covered in any precious metals.
Open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is 500 Yen.
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan
10. Heian Shrine
The Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to mark the 1100 years since Kyoto was made the capital of Japan.
Open 6 am to 6 pm. Admission is free.
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan
11. Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the Imperial Family's residence until 1868 when the capital moved to Tokyo.
Open from 9 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
12. Shokokuji
Shokoku-ji is a Buddhist temple ( a branch of the Zen Rinzai School) founded in 1382.
Open 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is 800 Yen.
Address: Japan, 〒602-0898 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Sokokuji Monzencho, 701
13. International Manga Museum
The International Manga Museum in Kyoto has 50.000 Manga Volumes on Display for visitors to read. Most of them are in Japanese but a small portion is in various other languages.
Open 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Wednesdays). Admission is 900 Yen.
Address: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846, Japan
14. Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple founded in 780 AD, famous for its Main Hall and wooden stage which stands 13 meters above the hillside.
Open 6 am to 6 pm. Admission is 500 Yen.
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
15. Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Jinja is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, well-known for the Gion Matsuri (summer festival) taking place every year in July.
Opening 24/7, admission is free.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
16. Nishi Honganji
Nishi Honganji is a Buddhist Temple, head of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin Sect.
Open daily from 5:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
Address: 〒600-8501 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Honganji Monzencho, Japan
17. Toji Temple
Toji Temple is a World Heritage Site and home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda (57 meters).
Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan
18. Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is the city's tallest building (131 meters). It offers a 360° view of Kyoto from the Observation Deck (100 meters).
Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Admission is 800 Yen.
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
19. Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Jinja is one of Kyoto's oldest shrines and a World Heritage Site.
Open 6 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
Address: 〒606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, 5 9, Japan,
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is open from 9.30 until 16.30. When you purchase your ticket (600 yen), you receive a Museum Guide/Map which allows you to explore it at your own pace. Tours are available but they are only in Japanese.
Address: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8660, Japan
21. Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art displays Japanese and European art, including a few paintings by Claude Monet. It has a superb garden and, on the second floor, a cafe with a wonderful view.
Open from 10 am to 5 pm; closed on Mondays. Admission varies for each exhibition (around 1100 - 1200 Yen).
Address: Japan, 〒618-0071 Kyoto, Otokuni District, Oyamazaki, Zenihara-5-3
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery was established in 1923 and is Japan's oldest whisky distillery.
Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Museum is open daily from 10:00 until 16:45.
Entry to the museum is free but a reservation is required.
Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto, Mishima District, Osaka 618-0001, Japan.
Suntory Brewery Kyoto offers free guided tours which end with a beer-tasting session. The tours start between 10 am and 3.15 pm and take roughly 70 minutes. Reservation is required.
Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Choshi, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto 617-8530, Japan.
24. Kodai-ji
Kodai-ji is a beautiful Buddhist temple, popular for its nighttime illumination in spring, summer and autumn (and projection mapping during the Sakura season).
Open from 9 am to 9:30 pm, daily. Admission is 900 Yen.
Address: Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺下河原町５２６
Have you been to any of the above? If so, please let me know in the comments below which one was your favourite.
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