Great Kyoto! My homeland, and Japan’s ancient heart, never ceases to amaze. Ever felt like stepping into a time machine? Well, wandering around Kyoto is pretty much that feeling!
Temples? We’ve got loads! Every corner hides a tale waiting to be told. And the changing seasons? They paint these historic spots in colors you’ve never imagined.
Craving a taste of Kyoto’s rich culinary delights? Let’s not even get started on our timeless teahouses and ryotei. They dish out flavors and hospitality that, trust me, you’ll find nowhere else.
So, ready to dive deep into Kyoto’s magic? Come along with me, and I’ll share some of my most cherished spots in this enchanting city. Let’s explore!
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine ⛩️
This shrine, known for its 1,000 torii gates, is a popular spot visited by many tourists from Japan and abroad. The sight of so many torii gates in a row is rare in Japan.
On a clear day, the torii gates look as beautiful as tunnels in the sunlight, and together with the surrounding nature, they make for an enjoyable hike.
The shrine is a place to pray for prosperous business and a good harvest. When visiting the shrine, it is recommended to pray for business success, family safety, a good marriage, and good health.
If you would like to know how to behave like a local at this shrine and others in Japan, please see our guide here. If you visit with an understanding of Japanese culture around shrines, I am sure you will have a more profound experience.
2. Kiyomizu Temple
Entry Fee💰: 400 Yen
Step into Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and you’re stepping into 1,200 years of history – no wonder it’s a World Heritage site!
Now, have you heard about the “Kiyomizu-no-butai”? It’s the famous stage of Kiyomizu, hanging off a cliff. And here’s the wow factor – not a single nail was used to build it!
From this spot, Kyoto unfurls below, looking its best self. Whether it’s day or night, cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, the view is always a heart-stealer.
The spring water 💧
The spring water in the temple grounds is drunk by many people to pray for health, love, and academic success, and there is always a line of people waiting to drink it.
Jishu Shrine ❤️
Nestled inside the temple, there’s this cute Jishu Shrine. It’s like the cupid hangout spot, especially for ladies.
Fun story: I once bought a love charm here, and guess what? Cupid heard me 💘
Womb tour
Entry Fee 💰: 100Yen
Fancy a walk in total darkness? There’s this peculiar ‘Womb Tour’ I’d suggest. Imagine a pitch-black underground path, symbolizing the universe or, say, being snug in a mother’s womb.
Holding just the handrails, it’s like a deep chat with your soul. Sounds spooky? It’s more about finding inner peace and some self-reflection.
Kiyomizu-zaka
On your way to Kiyomizu-dera, Kiyomizu-zaka is like stepping back in time. Olden homes, classic architecture – it’s nostalgia served on a plate.
Look out for shops, traditional diners, and, if stars align, a graceful maiko or geiko(a Japanese old-school style hostess, also called Geisha in Tokyo) by night.
Want to dine with a maiko? It’ll pinch your pocket by over 30,000 yen, but I think that it’s worth every yen and then some.
3. Ninenzaka
When returning from Kiyomizu Temple, how about taking a different route than the one you came in? I recommend you to take Ninenzaka. It has a calm atmosphere with narrow streets, steep slopes, and old town houses.
Starbucks Kyoto ninenzaka☕️
Known as one of the special stores that sets itself apart from regular stores, this store was built in a renovated traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouse) with a history of over 100 years.
Step inside to a slice of Japan: a cozy courtyard embracing nature, the comforting scent of wooden interiors, and the glow of traditional lanterns. Those shoji screens and fusuma doors whisper of old-world Japan.
There is a room with tatami mats laid out in the style of sitting directly on the floor, rather than on chairs, where you can immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere while enjoying a cup of coffee.
How about stopping by for a rest after visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple?
4. Bamboo forest in Arashiyama 🎋
Arashiyama’s bamboo whispers are something to behold! Imagine towering bamboos, huddling close, guarding the trail. The bamboos swaying in the wind and the light shining through create a sense of serenity and beauty.
The illumination in winter is especially fantastic and popular with many visitors. On the other hand, the autumn foliage is also not to be missed. The contrast with the green bamboo is breathtaking. Here are some more great tips on seasonal events and when to visit Kyoto.
Sagano trolley
Here’s a little tip: hop on the “Sagano Trolley Train” right from Arashiyama. The train takes about 25 minutes and offers beautiful scenery of the four seasons.
But heads up!💥 Come autumn, when the leaves put on their show, seats fill up quick. So, booking early is the way to go.
4. Kinkakuji temple
Entry Fee💰: 400Yen
The meaning of “kin” is gold. The Kinkakuji Temple, built when Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was shogun, has an overwhelming presence with its gorgeous second and third floors glistening with real gold leaf. Reflections of sunlight and ponds enhance the brilliance of the temple, making it a truly stunning beauty. You won’t find such lavish use of gold leaf just anywhere!
In the Japanese garden, the harmony of the pond, masonry, and plantings weaves a superb landscape.
Now, why all this gold splendor? Some say Ashikaga Yoshimitsu dreamt of creating paradise on earth. Others believe it was a bold display of Shogun might or perhaps a nod to his close ties with the Chinese. Whatever the reason, the beauty is undeniable.
5. Ginkakuji Temple
Entry Fee💰: 500Yen
The meaning of “gin” is silver. While Kinkakuji Temple was decorated with gold leaf, Ginkakuji Temple was planned to be decorated with silver leaf, but this was never realized.
This is the place to enjoy the gardens, which reflect the Japanese aesthetic. The breathtakingly beautiful garden, with its arrangement of stones and plants, is patterned with fine gravel, which represents the surface of the water.
Come twilight, and it’s pure magic! The dusky sky hues reflecting onto the garden. It’s like stepping into a tranquil dream.
The garden can be viewed from a small hill called Tsukimidai, which was designed by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the shogun of the time, for viewing the moon.
6. Philosophical path 🚶
This is a 2-km walking path around Ginkakuji Temple, named after the famous philosopher who spent his daily walks and contemplation time here.
In Spring, cherry blossoms arch overhead, creating a flowery tunnel. And as you wander, the river’s gentle whispers keep you company.
Taking a walk here will be a wonderful time to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend some contemplative, philosophical time for yourself.
7. Gion 👘
Gion is one of the rare spots to catch a glimpse of maiko and geiko in their mesmerizing dance of tradition. Fancy a meal or drink alongside? You can, all while soaking in their elegant attire, graceful moves, and age-old performances.
The old town houses and cobblestone streets are also attractive as places where the atmosphere of the past remains.
Got a palate for traditional Japanese delights? The ryotei restaurants won’t disappoint. And if you want to wrap yourself in history, consider nesting at a ryokan (Japanese style inns) showcasing classic architecture.
In addition, Gion is dotted with teahouses where you can experience the tea ceremony. For more information about the tea ceremony and other things to do in Kyoto, please visit this article.
8. Nijo castle 🏯
Entry fee💰: 1,300 yen
Imagine wandering around a garden that feels like a painting. Ponds, rocks, and plants come together in a harmony, offering sights that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
Now, onto a unique feature: the corridor. As you tread its length, the floorboards beneath you sing (or rather, creak). This wasn’t just a design fluke – it was a crafty alarm system for unwelcome guests.
Try tip-toeing without making a peep; it’s trickier than you think!
The ceilings and walls are also decorated with ornate decorations and paintings symbolizing power, wealth, and prosperity. Dragons and tigers symbolize strength and authority, while pine trees and bamboo symbolize longevity and enduring power, and these are said to show the power of the shogun to visitors.
Knowing this history will make your visit more enjoyable.
9. Nishiki Market
It is a shopping street with an arcade of approximately 400 meters. This historical food market offers traditional Kyoto pickles, tea, Japanese sweets, and local specialties. The market is dotted with a variety of gourmet spots, including high-end Kyoto restaurants as well as food stalls.
Located in Shijo-Kawaramachi, one of Kyoto’s busiest streets, visitors can enjoy their time here while shopping.
Recommended places to visit away from Kyoto city
10. Byodoin-hoodo(Phoenix Hall)
Entry fee💰: 600 yen
Byodoin was built 1,000 years ago based on the Pure Land philosophy and strongly reflects the beliefs of the time.
Ever seen the majestic Phoenix atop? It’s no ordinary bird, but a sacred symbol that paints visions of the paradise where Buddha resides. The rulers back then? They dreamed of creating a slice of this paradise right here. The phoenix is also a symbol of the emperor’s authority and dignity.
The phoenix is printed on the back of the 10,000-yen bill, and the Byodoin is engraved on the 10-yen coin, making it a familiar architectural structure to the Japanese people.
Byodoin seems to hover over a pond, reflecting back its own ethereal beauty. A sight to behold, truly.
11. Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate attracts many visitors from all over Japan for its unique and beautiful sandbar scenery. Its beauty has been praised as one of The Best Three Views of Japan.
It is a rare place where as many as 8,000 pine trees have grown in a place formed by the accumulation of sand over time.
The natural colors of the beach – the white of the sand, the green of the pine trees, and the blue of the sea – are in harmony, looking like a bridge climbing to the heavens. By looking at Amanohashidate upside down from “between the legs,” it appears as if a dragon is ascending into the sky.
To savor the beauty up close, rent a bicycle, and feel the cool breeze as you ride. And enjoy the view of Amanohashidate from the observatory at Amano hashidate View Land. You can take a ski lift to get there.
Conclusion
The tranquil temples, shrines, and elegant streets of the ancient capital fascinate all who visit. I hope you will take a tour of Kyoto’s famous sites and feel the deep charm and history of Japan.
If you have limited time in your visit to Kyoto, check out my article on how to spend one day in Kyoto for the best of the best scheduled and ready!
