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15 Best Places You Must See in Kyoto – Japan
15 Best Places You Must See in Kyoto – Japan
One of Japan’s most photographed landmarks, Fushimi Inari Taisha dates back to 711 AD and serves as the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.
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Last Update
24 Dec 2023
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5
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1. Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto’s Iconic Shrine of Thousands of Torii
If there’s one image that captures the spiritual essence of Kyoto, it’s the endless path of vivid vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking beneath these gates as they twist and ascend through the dense forest of Mount Inari feels less like sightseeing and more like entering a sacred threshold between worlds.
Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari is the head shrine for thousands of Inari shrines scattered across Japan. Inari, the kami (spirit) of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, has been worshipped for centuries by merchants and farmers alike. The trails of torii, over 10,000 of them, are donations from individuals and businesses, each inscribed with the donor’s name and date. This act of devotion turns a simple walk into a journey lined with hope, gratitude, and intention.
The main approach is often bustling, especially in the middle of the day, but as you continue further into the forest, the crowds thin, the air cools, and a profound calm sets in. Along the trail, you'll pass hidden shrines, miniature torii stacked in offerings, fox statues (Inari’s messengers), and occasional panoramic views over the city. The full loop up and down Mount Inari can take two to three hours, but even a shorter walk offers moments of magic.
Visit Info
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (full trail can take up to 3 hours)
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Booking Tips
Entry: Free
Tip: Go before 9 AM for serene photos without tourists
Top Photo/Reel Spots
First Torii Tunnel (near entrance)
Halfway panoramic view over Kyoto
Hidden Gems Nearby
Tofuku-ji Temple: Beautiful Zen garden just a 15-minute walk away
Vermillion Café: Chic stop for matcha and a view
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Inari Station (2-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
2. Kinkaku-ji – The Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji is one of those places that feels surreal even when you’re standing right in front of it. Its top two floors, gilded in brilliant gold leaf, shimmer in the sunlight and reflect perfectly in the still waters of the pond below. Surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens, stone bridges, and aged pine trees, the temple feels like it’s suspended between the heavens and the earth.
Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Kinkaku-ji was transformed into a Zen temple after his death. Despite being burned down in 1950 and reconstructed five years later, its grandeur remains untouched.
Visitors walk along a designated path that offers postcard-perfect views from multiple angles, each revealing a slightly different aspect of this architectural gem. In winter, a dusting of snow creates a fairytale-like scene; in autumn, fiery red maple leaves frame the gold structure beautifully.
Visit Info
Duration: 45 minutes
Best Time: Late morning light enhances the gold reflection
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥500
Tip: Visit in winter for magical snow-kissed shots
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Across the Kyōko-chi pond
From the side path as the temple reflects in water
Hidden Gems Nearby
Ryoan-ji Temple: Famed rock garden nearby
Kinkaku Soft Ice Cream: Gold leaf-topped matcha cone
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto
Bus: Kinkaku-ji Michi Stop (5-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A Walk Through Nature’s Cathedral
There are few experiences in Japan as dreamlike as walking through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove. Tall, whispering stalks of emerald green rise overhead, gently creaking and swaying in the wind, creating a soundscape so unique it’s been designated a protected element of Japan’s cultural heritage.
The grove is not especially long, but its beauty leaves a lasting impression. It's particularly magical at dawn, when mist lingers between the shoots, and you might have the path all to yourself. Beyond the grove, you’ll find the World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its breathtaking gardens. From there, the path leads to more discoveries: river views, monkey parks, and hidden tea houses.
Visit Info
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Best Time: Early morning for misty, mystical vibes
Booking Tips
Entry: Free
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, the path continues to Tenryu-ji Temple
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Main groove path
Bamboo tunnel near the back entrance
Hidden Gems Nearby
Okochi Sanso Villa: Gorgeous estate and tea with a view
Arashiyama Monkey Park: Hike + monkeys + city view
Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Train: Saga-Arashiyama Station (10-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
4. Gion District – Kyoto’s Historic Geisha Quarter
Wandering through Gion is like stepping into a different century. Cobblestone streets, lattice-fronted wooden buildings, and glowing lanterns form the perfect backdrop for one of Kyoto’s most iconic districts. As the sun sets, the area takes on an especially enchanting quality, lanterns flicker to life, and you might catch a fleeting glimpse of a geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) or a maiko (apprentice) gracefully hurrying to her next appointment.
Gion isn’t just a photo opportunity; it’s a living cultural treasure. Teahouses continue to host traditional performances, and locals maintain an atmosphere of quiet respect. Visit Yasaka Shrine at the eastern edge of Gion to witness centuries-old spiritual practice amid the buzz of the modern city.
Visit Info
Duration: 1–2 hours
Best Time: Dusk into evening
Booking Tips
Entry: Free (walking district)
Tip: Be respectful; avoid paparazzi behaviour with geiko and maiko
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Shirakawa Canal at dusk
Yasaka Shrine entrance
Hidden Gems Nearby
Gion Corner Theatre: Traditional performance sampler
Kennin-ji Temple: Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple
Address: Gionmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Gion-Shijo Station (5-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
5. Kiyomizu-dera – The Temple on the Hill
Perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Otowa, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples. Its massive wooden veranda, supported by 139 interlocking pillars, extends out over the hillside, offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills.
Built without a single nail, the structure is a testament to Japanese carpentry. During cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, the view becomes downright cinematic. Below the temple, the Otowa Waterfall invites visitors to drink from its three streams, each believed to bestow different blessings: longevity, academic success, and love.
The temple’s name means “Pure Water Temple,” and it was built near the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to grant health, longevity, and success in studies.
Visit Info
Duration: 1.5 hours
Best Time: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (fiery foliage)
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥400
Tip: Visit at sunset for golden hour magic
Top Photo/Reel Spots
From the viewing platform
Behind the temple for panoramic shots
Hidden Gems Nearby
Otowa Waterfall: Drink from the streams for luck
Sannenzaka: A Historic shopping street nearby
Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Bus: Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi Stop (10-minute walk uphill)
For more pictures, click here.
6. Philosopher’s Path – Kyoto’s Zen-Filled Walking Trail
Named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who meditated during his daily walks here, the Philosopher’s Path is a stone pathway that runs alongside a peaceful canal. In spring, it transforms into a cherry blossom wonderland as hundreds of sakura trees burst into bloom, creating a floral tunnel that draws artists, poets, and quiet wanderers.
Along the route, you’ll pass several small temples and shrines, each with its own charm. There are also cosy cafes and artisan shops that invite detours. The path connects two major sites, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji, making it both scenic and practical.
Visit Info
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Best Time: April for cherry blossoms
Booking Tips
Entry: Free
Tip: Pair this walk with a visit to Ginkaku-ji and stop at quaint cafés along the way
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Sakura tunnel along the canal
Tiny bridges and reflections
Hidden Gems Nearby
Honen-in Temple: A peaceful moss garden tucked off the path
Café Aalto: Inspired by Finnish design
Address: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Keage Station (15-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
7. Nijo Castle – Samurai-Era Kyoto Splendour
Step inside the world of shoguns and samurai at Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1603 for Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle is famed for its "nightingale floors," designed to chirp underfoot to protect against intruders. The interior features gorgeously painted sliding doors (fusuma) and gold-leaf murals that reflect the power and artistry of the Edo period.
Surrounding the palace are meticulously manicured gardens that change personality with the seasons, cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant reds and yellows in autumn. It’s a perfect place for slow exploration and soaking in Japan’s feudal history.
Visit Info
Duration: 1.5 hours
Best Time: Mid-morning for quieter halls
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥1,300
Tip: Guided tours enhance the historical experience
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Karamon Gate (ornate entry)
Inner moat and gardens
Hidden Gems Nearby
Kyoto Shibori Museum: Hands-on dyeing workshops
Nishijin Textile Centre: Kimono demos
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Nijojo-mae Station (2-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
8. Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s Kitchen
Step into the bustling heartbeat of Kyoto’s culinary scene at Nishiki Market, often affectionately referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Spanning five lively blocks in the heart of the city, this covered market offers a sensory feast of traditional Japanese ingredients, sizzling street food, and age-old culinary craftsmanship.
As you wander past stalls selling everything from pickled vegetables to matcha sweets and skewered yakitori, the air becomes a rich blend of soy, seafood, and charcoal smoke. Many of the shopfronts are run by families who’ve been here for generations, offering a deep-rooted authenticity and charm that mass-produced souvenir shops can’t touch.
What makes Nishiki Market so irresistible is its balance between the everyday and the extraordinary. You can find rare, hand-crafted knives from Aritsugu (a revered name among chefs), sample yuba (tofu skin) prepared fresh, or try local Kyoto delicacies like hamo (pike conger eel) and nama-fu (wheat gluten cakes). It’s not just a place to shop it’s a place to taste Kyoto’s living heritage.
Visit Info
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Best Time: Late morning to catch all the shops open
Booking Tips
Entry: Free
Tip: Bring cash and a big appetite
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Colourful hanging signs and lanterns
Fresh seafood or wagyu skewers are being grilled
Hidden Gems Nearby
Aritsugu Knife Shop: Historic artisan blades
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine: Right next to the market
Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Shijo Station or Karasuma Station (5-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
9. Ginkaku-ji – The Silver Pavilion
Though often overshadowed by its golden sibling, Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, offers a more introspective beauty. Nestled at the base of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, this Zen temple was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the 15th century. It later became a place of meditation and creativity, embodying the aesthetics of wabi-sabi: the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.
While the pavilion itself was never actually covered in silver, the nickname speaks to its aspirational elegance. Visitors are guided through a meticulously maintained garden of white sand, raked into the iconic “Sea of Silver Sand” and a conical sand structure symbolising Mount Fuji. Moss-covered paths wind through a serene forest, leading to elevated views that encourage quiet reflection.
Ginkaku-ji isn’t flashy, it’s poetic. It invites visitors to slow down, notice shadows, appreciate textures, and absorb the subtleties of its design. In every stone and leaf lies a gentle reminder to find beauty in the present moment.
Visit Info
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Best Time: Late afternoon for soft lighting on the moss garden
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥500
Tip: Combine with Philosopher’s Path for a full half-day
Top Photo/Reel Spots
White sand “Sea of Silver Sand”
Moss-covered hillside path
Hidden Gems Nearby
Omen Ginkaku-ji: Udon noodles with local flair
Café Kitayama: Hidden garden café
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Bus: Ginkakuji-michi Stop (5-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
10. Kyoto Imperial Palace – A Glimpse of Royal Japan
Once home to Japan’s Imperial Family until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, the Kyoto Imperial Palace remains a place of majestic serenity. Set within the sprawling Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the palace grounds invite visitors to walk through the ceremonial heart of Japanese royalty.
With wide gravel paths, cypress-wood structures, and elegant vermilion gates, the palace embodies an air of graceful formality. While much of the interior remains off-limits to the public, the exteriors, gardens, and seasonal blossoms, particularly cherry and plum, are a visual delight.
A free walking tour (available in English) provides deeper insights into the complex’s ceremonial roles and architectural symbolism. It’s a perfect spot for travellers interested in Japan’s political history, as well as for those simply seeking a peaceful break from Kyoto’s denser urban corners.
Visit Info
Duration: 1 hour
Best Time: Spring or autumn for floral highlights
Booking Tips
Entry: Free (no reservation needed)
Tip: Download the official audio guide for a self-tour
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Main Seiryoden Hall
Cherry blossom trees lining the perimeter
Hidden Gems Nearby
Sento Imperial Palace (limited slots – book in advance)
Kyoto Gyoen Garden: Locals love it for peaceful strolls
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Marutamachi Station (10-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
11. Eikando Temple – Kyoto’s Autumn Wonder
Come autumn, Eikando Temple becomes a living canvas of crimson and gold. Located just south of Nanzen-ji, this temple is often overlooked by first-timers, making it an especially rewarding experience for those in the know. Its history dates back to the Heian period, and its blend of Pure Land and Zen Buddhist influences creates a serene and deeply spiritual space.
Stone steps lead through mossy courtyards, past a central pond reflecting fiery maple leaves, and up to a hillside pagoda offering panoramic views. Inside, visitors can view the rare “Mikaeri Amida” a statue of the Amida Buddha with a unique backwards glance, as if watching over those who follow.
Eikando’s peaceful vibe extends into every element: trickling streams, calligraphy scrolls, wooden corridors. But in November, the temple transforms into one of Kyoto’s most beloved koyo (autumn leaf-viewing) spots, complete with evening illuminations that add a touch of magic to an already spellbinding scene.
Visit Info
Duration: 1 hour
Best Time: Mid to late November for peak colour
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥600–¥1,000 (seasonal rates)
Tip: Arrive at opening or just before sunset for golden light
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Pagoda terrace
Maple tree reflections in the pond
Hidden Gems Nearby
Nanzen-ji Temple: A short scenic walk away
Kyoto’s Aqueduct Trail: Roman-style brick aqueduct behind the temple
Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Keage Station (15-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
12. Heian Shrine – Grand Shrine with a Colourful Torii
Bold in scale and colour, Heian Shrine is impossible to miss. With its towering red torii gate, the largest of its kind in Kyoto, and a massive open courtyard, this Shinto shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the city’s 1,100th anniversary. It pays homage to Kyoto’s first and last emperors, blending symbolism, history, and modern civic pride.
While the front approach impresses with grandeur, the real beauty lies behind the main buildings: Heian Shrine’s garden is an expansive wonderland of seasonal colour. Winding paths, willow-lined streams, and wooden bridges guide you through ponds filled with koi and bordered by blooming irises, cherry blossoms, and azaleas, depending on the time of year.
This balance of monumentality and intimacy makes Heian Shrine a favourite for wedding photos, contemplative walks, and cultural festivals. It’s a vibrant reminder of Kyoto’s past that still pulses with life today.
Visit Info
Duration: 45 minutes
Best Time: Spring or fall for seasonal blooms
Booking Tips
Entry: Free to shrine, ¥600 for garden
Tip: The Garden is especially stunning during the cherry blossom season
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Giant torii gate at the entrance
Wooden bridge in the garden pond
Hidden Gems Nearby
Kyoto Modern Terrace: Rooftop café with city views
Okazaki Park: Local weekend vibe
Address: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Higashiyama Station (10-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
13. Kyoto Tower – The City’s Tallest Observation Point
While Kyoto is known for tradition and temples, Kyoto Tower adds a sleek, modern contrast. Rising 131 meters above Kyoto Station, this observation tower offers sweeping views of the city and its surrounding mountains, especially beautiful at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle.
Built in 1964, the tower was controversial at first, but over time it has earned its place in Kyoto’s skyline. The 360° viewing deck is equipped with telescopes and touchscreens identifying key landmarks, from Kiyomizu-dera to Arashiyama. On clear days, you can even spot Osaka in the distance.
The base of the tower includes a shopping area, food court, and the Kyoto Tower Hotel, making it a convenient and accessible starting point for travellers arriving by train.
Visit Info
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Best Time: Sunset into evening for city lights
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥800–¥1,000
Tip: Discounted with combo tickets from Kyoto Station
Top Photo/Reel Spots
360° observation deck
View over Kyoto Station’s futuristic roof
Hidden Gems Nearby
Kyoto Tower Sando: Food hall with local bites
Sky Lounge “KUU”: Drinks with a view
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Metro: Kyoto Station (directly across)
For more pictures, click here.
14. Sanjusangendo – 1,001 Statues of Kannon
Awe-striking in its scale and spiritual power, Sanjusangendo is home to one of Japan’s most extraordinary religious sights: 1,001 statues of the Bodhisattva Kannon. Each figure, carved in the 12th and 13th centuries, is slightly different some serene, some fierce, all otherworldly.
The temple’s name means “Hall with 33 Spaces Between Columns,” referencing the building’s architectural layout. Its main hall, the longest wooden structure in Japan, feels less like a museum and more like a living place of devotion. The central deity, a towering Thousand-Armed Kannon, is flanked by a veritable army of spiritual protectors, including the fearsome wind and thunder gods.
No photos are allowed inside, enhancing the sense of reverence and encouraging visitors to simply take it all in. Walking slowly along the hall’s polished floor, many feel a quiet connection with something much larger than themselves.
Visit Info
Duration: 45 minutes
Best Time: Morning light through the long corridor
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥600
Tip: Photos not allowed inside — soak in the moment
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Exterior hall and peaceful gardens
Long facade with red wooden details
Hidden Gems Nearby
Yogen-in Temple: Rare blood ceiling and dragon painting
Miyagawacho: A Hidden Geisha District Nearby
Address: 657 Sanjusangendo Mawari-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Bus: Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae Stop (1-minute walk)
For more pictures, click here.
15. Kyoto Railway Museum – Where Tech Meets Tradition
For train lovers, families, and the merely curious, the Kyoto Railway Museum is an interactive journey through one of the world’s most advanced rail networks. From vintage steam locomotives to the nose of a retired Shinkansen, the exhibits offer hands-on learning in an engaging, modern space.
Spread across multiple floors and outdoor displays, the museum blends history, science, and engineering. Visitors can operate a train simulator, step inside retired train cars, and watch real JR trains roll by from an open-air viewing deck. Children will love the model train dioramas and themed play areas, while adults will appreciate the evolution of railway safety and design.
Set next to the Kyoto Aquarium and Umekoji Park, it’s a great half-day outing, especially for families looking to mix education and fun.
Visit Info
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Best Time: Weekdays for fewer crowds
Booking Tips
Entry: ¥1,200
Tip: Great indoor option on rainy days
Top Photo/Reel Spots
Locomotive Roundhouse
View a terrace overlooking active tracks
Hidden Gems Nearby
Umekoji Park: Adjacent and family-friendly
Kyoto Aquarium: Just next door
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Train: Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (2-minute walk)
If you are interested in other cultural places in Japan, click on the links below:
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The Atlas Aura
Welcome to The Atlas Aura – I’m Antares, the storyteller behind the journey. Alongside my husband and our little son, we explore the world together, turning everyday moments into lasting memories. With a deep passion for uncovering hidden corners of the world, we craft cinematic travel experiences that blend culture, authenticity, and wonder.
