Welcome to Kyoto, a city where old temples and peaceful gardens tell beautiful stories. Let me share 10 special places that make Kyoto so wonderful.
Whether it’s the tall bamboo trees in Arashiyama or the golden walls of Kinkakuji, each spot has its own magic. Let’s explore together! 😊
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine
a. What Makes It Special
- The most important of all Inari shrines in Japan
- Over 1,300 years old
- Where people come to pray for good business and success
- Famous for its endless rows of bright orange gates that create tunnels up the mountain
b. What to See at the Main Shrine
- Start your visit at the magnificent Romon Gate – it’s a historic treasure donated in 1589 by the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Make sure to visit the main hall (honden) to pay your respects
- Keep an eye out for the many fox statues – they’re not just decorative! These foxes are believed to be Inari’s special messengers
- Take time to look at the “ema” (wooden prayer plaques) where visitors write their wishes
- Don’t miss the special fox-shaped ema – you’ll only find these unique plaques at this shrine
c. Unique Experiences
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine-Chaya for a traditional tea house experience. Try their famous amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), matcha ice cream, or refreshing shaved ice.
- Look for the interesting “Heavy/Light Stone” along your walk
- See if you can spot famous company names on the torii gates
- Discover peaceful sub-shrines as you explore the mountain trail
- Dine at Inafuku, a local favorite known for its Inari sushi. Try their unique “Inarizushi Gozen” set meal, which includes various types of Inari sushi and seasonal side dishes.
d. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (only one exit). The train costs 140 yen and takes around 5 minutes, followed by a 2-minute walk to the shrine.
- Option 2: Take the Keihan Main Line from Kyoto Station to Fushimi-Inari Station (East Exit). This journey costs 410 yen and takes about 10 minutes, then it’s a 5-minute walk to the shrine.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine
2. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
a. What Makes It Special
- Beautiful old streets with traditional wooden buildings
- Historic stone-paved paths that feel like old Japan
- Ninenzaka means “two-year slope”
- Sannenzaka means “three-year slope”
- Perfect spot for taking photos
b. What to See and Do
- Visit traditional tea houses
- Shop for local crafts and snacks
- Watch for geishas (especially in the evening)
- Take photos of the historic buildings
- Buy traditional prints and postcards
c. Where to Eat (Ninenzaka)
- Starbucks Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya: Not your ordinary Starbucks! Enjoy your favorite coffee while sitting on tatami mats in a traditional setting.
- Ishidatami: Famous for matcha soft-serve ice cream.
- Fujinami Kodai-ji Temple Store: Great for traditional dango and mochi.
- Kasagiya: Old-style sweet shop with rice cakes and bean soup.
d. Where to Eat (Sannenzaka)
- Fujinami: Try their refreshing iced matcha and unique soy sauce-flavored dango.
- Kirakuan Okamoto Sanneizaka: Look for their cute “Maiko-yaki” treats shaped like geisha apprentices. Choose from red bean, cream, matcha, or ham & cheese fillings.
- Okutan Kiyomizu: Tofu lovers, this one’s for you! Don’t miss their house-made soy milk and black honey shaved ice.
- Ukiya Kiyomizu Kiseian: While they’re famous for soba, their oyakodon is the real star. Try the fried shrimp version for that perfect crispy-tender combo.
- Umezono Kiyomizu: A sweet tooth’s paradise since 1927! Sample their matcha treats, shiratama zenzai (red bean soup with mochi), warabi mochi, and seasonal specialties.
e. How to Get There
- Option 1: To reach Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) and get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop. The bus ride costs 230 yen and takes around 25 minutes. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk.
- Option2: Take the Kyoto City Bus No. 106 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) to the Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Kyoto
3. Kinkakuji Temple
a. What Makes It Special
- A beautiful golden temple that shines in the sunlight
- The building reflects perfectly in the pond below – great for photos!
- Set in a peaceful Japanese garden
- One of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks
b. What to See and Do
- Get the perfect photo of the golden building and its reflection
- Look at how each floor has its own unique style
- Spot the golden phoenix bird on the roof
- Try to peek inside (but remember you can’t enter)
- Walk around the pond for different views
c. Exploring the Gardens
- Toss a coin at the lucky statues
- Follow the walking path – it’s designed to show you the best views
- Look for the Anmintaku Pond that’s said to never run dry
- Enjoy the peaceful garden atmosphere
d. How to Get There
Take Kyoto City Bus No. 205 from Kyoto Station (Stand B3) to Kinkakujimichi Bus Stop. The bus costs 230 yen and takes about 44 minutes. From the bus stop, it’s a 6-minute walk to the temple.
Read More: 11 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Kyoto
4. Kiyomizudera Temple
a. What Makes It Special
- Built in 780 AD, this is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples
- It’s so important that UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site
- Got its nickname “Pure Water Temple” from the natural spring waterfall on site
- You can see all of Kyoto from up here – the views are amazing!
b. Main Attractions
- Best times to visit: spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for colorful leaves
- Visit the Main Hall with its 13-meter-high stage and terrace offering panoramic Kyoto views
- Explore the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking
- Look for the tall pagoda near the entrance – it’s 31 meters high
c. Cultural Experiences
- Try drinking from the Otowa Waterfall’s three streams:
- First stream for health
- Second for success
- Third for love (Just pick one – locals say drinking from all three brings bad luck!)
- Ring the temple bells and make a small offering at the Main Hall
- Try the love stones at Jishu Shrine – if you can walk between them with your eyes closed, it’s said to bring luck in love
d. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) to Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop. The bus costs 230 yen and takes about 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the temple.
- Option 2: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 106 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) to Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop. This route also costs 230 yen and takes about 25 minutes.
Read More: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Osaka
5. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
a. What Makes It Special
- Towering bamboo stalks reach up to 100 feet high, creating a natural green tunnel
- Sunlight creates magical rays through the bamboo canopy
- You’ll hear unique sounds of bamboo swaying in the wind (it’s so special, it’s officially protected by Japan!)
- One of Kyoto’s most famous photo spots
- Centuries-old grove carefully preserved by locals
b. Walking Through the Grove
- Main path is just 300 meters – an easy 10-15 minute walk
- Paved, flat path suitable for most visitors
- Look up to see the impressive bamboo canopy
- Listen for the gentle knocking sounds of bamboo in the breeze
- Can get crowded, but still worth taking your time to enjoy
c. Photography Tips
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height
- Try shooting straight up for unique views
- Morning light creates the most magical photos
d. How to Get There
Take the JR Sanin Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (South Exit). The train costs 240 yen and takes around 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the bamboo forest.
Read More: 17 Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make When Visiting Japan
6. Nijo Castle
a. What Makes It Special
- Built in 1603 as the Kyoto home of Japan’s first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Japan’s powerful shogunate era
- Features unique “singing” floors that squeak when walked on – an ancient security system
- Best place to see authentic feudal-era Japanese palace architecture
b. What to See
- Ninomaru Palace: Famous for stunning painted rooms and sliding doors.
- The musical “nightingale floors”: Listen as they chirp under your feet.
- Karamon Gate: Beautiful entrance with gold leaf and detailed carvings.
- Impressive defenses: Stone walls, moats, and watchtowers.
- Ninomaru Garden: Peaceful Japanese landscape garden next to the palace.
c. Exploring the Castle Grounds
- Start at the impressive Higashi Ote-mon Gate, the main entrance to the castle
- Walk through the Ninomaru Palace, paying attention to the squeaking nightingale floors
- Visit the Tozamurai (guard house) and Shikidai (reception area) to understand castle life
- Stroll through the beautiful gardens, especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons
- Climb to the foundation of the former five-story keep for a view of Kyoto
d. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Nijo Station (East Exit). The train costs 210 yen and takes around 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the castle.
- Option 2: Take the Kyoto City Bus No. 9 from Kyoto Station (Stand B1) to the Nijo-jo-mae Bus Stop. The bus journey takes about 20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
7. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
a. What Makes It Special
- Known as the “Silver Pavilion” – though ironically, it was never coated in silver as planned
- Started as a shogun’s villa in 1482, later became a zen temple
- UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique blend of luxury and zen elements
- Shows off medieval Kyoto’s artistic culture (called Higashiyama Culture)
- Features a fascinating mix of Japanese architectural styles
b. Main Attractions
- Silver Pavilion (Kannonden): The centerpiece of the complex, housing a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.
- Togudo Hall: Home to Japan’s oldest tea ceremony room.
- Sea of Silver Sand: A stunning raked sand garden that looks like waves.
- Moon Viewing Platform: A cone-shaped sand mound representing Mount Fuji.
- Moss Garden: A lush, green landscape showcasing various types of moss.
- Visit the Viewpoint: Climb to the hilltop viewpoint for a panoramic view of the temple complex and Kyoto city.
c. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 7 from Kyoto Station (Stand A2) to Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop. The bus costs 230 yen and takes about 47 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the temple.
- Option 2 (Only on Sat/Sun/Holiday): Take the Limited Express Bus EX100 from Kyoto Station (Stand D1) to Ginkakuji-mae Bus Stop. The bus costs 500 yen and takes about 30 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the temple.
8. Yasaka Shrine
a. What Makes It Special
- One of Kyoto’s most prominent Shinto shrines, dating back over 1,350 years
- Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Japanese god of storms
- Home to the famous Gion Matsuri festival held every July since the 9th century
- Stunning atmosphere at night with the grounds lit by lanterns
b. Main Attractions
- Look for the big red West Gate – great photo spot!
- Spot two guardian warrior statues at the gate
- See the lantern-lit dance stage in front of the main hall
- Visit the main hall for prayers and offerings
- Best views at night when lanterns glow
c. Visit Subsidiary Shrines
- Visit Okuninushi-no-Mikoto Shrine for relationship blessings
- Check out Utsukushii Gozen-sha, known for beauty-related prayers
- Stop by Eki Jinja, dedicated to warding off bad luck
- Explore Yasui Konpiragu, famous for its “love-knot” stone
d. How to Get There
- Option 1: Board the Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) and alight at the Gion Bus Stop. The bus costs 230 yen and takes around 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the shrine.
- Option 2: Take the Kyoto City Bus No. 106 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) to the Gion Bus Stop. This journey also takes about 20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Read More: 3 Days in Osaka Itinerary: How to Do It Under $370
9. Togetsukyo Bridge
a. What Makes It Special
- A stunning 155-meter wooden bridge across the Katsura River (also called Hozu River)
- Known as “Moon Crossing Bridge” – named after an emperor’s view of the moon’s reflection
- Offers breathtaking views of Arashiyama mountains and river
- Perfect spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves
b. What to See and Do
- Walk across the bridge for free panoramic views
- Take photos from various angles on both riverbanks
- Enjoy a rickshaw ride with local guides
- Watch traditional boats passing underneath
c. How to Get There
Take the JR Sanin Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (South Exit). The train costs 240 yen and takes around 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute walk to the bridge.
Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Osaka
10. Yasaka Pagoda
a. What Makes It Special
- Built in the 6th century, making it one of Kyoto’s oldest pagodas
- Iconic five-story structure that stands out against Kyoto’s traditional landscape
- Offers a picturesque backdrop nestled among traditional streets
- Located in the historic Higashiyama District, surrounded by old streets, shops, and tea houses
- One of the most photographed spots in Kyoto
b. How to Get There
- Option 1: Board the Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) and alight at the Gion Bus Stop. The bus costs 230 yen and takes around 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the pagoda.
- Option 2: Take the Kyoto City Bus No. 106 from Kyoto Station (Stand D2) to the Gion Bus Stop. This journey also takes about 20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
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Photos by PIXTA