Kyoto is the cultural coronary heart of Japan. Visiting the shrines and temples, with their completely landscaped gardens and views over the town, prime the record for many guests to Kyoto. However there are additionally bamboo groves and small neighborhoods to discover, meals markets and purchasing streets to go to, and a few very cool day journeys you can take. The record of issues to do in Kyoto is lengthy. So lengthy, the truth is, that it could take you weeks to totally discover this extraordinary metropolis.
On this submit, we slender down the lengthy record of issues to do in Kyoto to 18 unforgettable experiences. If that is your first time in Kyoto, it is a nice place to begin for having the very best vacation right here.
Information to Kyoto, Japan
Fascinating Details about Kyoto
Temples vs. Shrines
Map of Kyoto
Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
UNESCO World Heritage Websites
Day Journey Concepts
How Many Days Do You Want?
Fascinating Details about Kyoto
For over 1,000 years Kyoto was the capital metropolis of Japan. Tokyo took over this title in 1868.
Kyoto is likely one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. In World Conflict II, it escaped bombing on the intervention of Secretary of Conflict Henry Stimson, and has remained Japan’s cultural middle.
Kyoto has one of many world’s largest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Websites. There are 17 UNESCO Websites, a number of of which make our record of the very best issues to do in Kyoto.
Kyoto has a large community of trains and subways. Making an attempt to get from one place to a different will be mind-boggling at first, as they don’t seem to be all operated by the identical firm. Sometimes, you’ll have to buy a couple of ticket to journey from level A to level B.
Kyoto is in contrast to many different cities on this planet, the place the highest sights are clustered within the historic metropolis middle. In Kyoto, the shrines and temples sit on the outskirts of the town, on the plush hillsides and mountains that encompass the town. While you go to these temples, the expertise is extra than simply visiting and photographing the primary corridor or pavilion. Strolling the paths and wandering by way of the tranquil gardens is the very best a part of the expertise, for my part.
Temples vs. Shrines
Kyoto is full of temples and shrines. So, how have you learnt the distinction between the 2?
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan’s two main religions. The temples are Buddhist and the shrines are Shinto.
There are over 1600 Buddhist temples in Kyoto. On the temples, you will notice a Buddha statue, burning incense, and delightful buildings surrounded by manicured gardens.
Shrines are characterised by vibrant pink torii gates. You understand you’re getting into a Shinto shrine while you enter by way of a vibrant pink gate. There are over 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto.
Map of Issues to Do in Kyoto
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Greatest Issues to do in Kyoto
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is likely one of the most essential and iconic shrines in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari honors the Shinto god of rice.
There are millions of torii right here, every donated by an organization giving thanks for its prosperity and hopes for a affluent future. The identify of every firm is labeled on the torii.
For us, it was magical, strolling by way of these tunnels of torii. Strolling by way of 1000’s of those gates, within the quiet forests on the outskirts of Kyoto, felt peaceable and even a bit of bit mysterious.
Fushimi Inari Taisha | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
Torri gates at Fushi Inari Taisha | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
As you climb up the hillside, you will notice many sub-shrines. Additionally, you will incessantly see the fox, the messenger of the Inari shrine.
The farther you stroll up the hillside, the less folks you will notice. You possibly can really flip this stroll into a brief hike to the summit of Mt. Inari-san. This takes about 3 hours and you’ll study extra right here.
Getting Right here: Inari Station on the JR Nara Line; Fushimi-Inari Station on the Keihan Line
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the “Pure Water Temple,” is one in every of Kyoto’s hottest temples to go to. It feels extra touristy and extra business than many different shrines and temples on the town, besides, it’s value a go to.
This enormous advanced is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
From the Kiyomizu stage of the Foremost Corridor (a big, picket balcony), get pleasure from attractive views over the town of Kyoto. In autumn, the view is spectacular when the maples flip sensible shades of yellow, orange, and pink.
Kiyomizu Stage | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
On the base of the primary corridor is the Otowa waterfall. Utilizing ladles, guests can drink water from the three streams. Every of those streams may also help fulfill a want: longevity, good luck in love, or success in class. Ingesting from one or two of those streams is appropriate, however by no means drink from all three.
Different locations to go to are the Jishu Shrine, Koyasu Pagoda, and Okunoin Corridor. There are small retailers promoting good luck charms for love, wealth, happiness, and good well being.
Koyasu Pagoda | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
Getting Right here: Take the Keihan Railway Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo and it’s a 20 minute stroll to the temple. Or, take bus 100 or 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi cease and it’s a 10-minute stroll to the temple.
3. Stroll by way of the Higashiyama District
This historic district is a maze of slender, paved streets and conventional picket buildings. The Higashiyama District is the proper place to go to if you happen to like wandering picturesque streets, purchasing, and hopping from café to café. This a part of Kyoto feels extra conventional than a number of the different districts within the metropolis.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Yasaka Shrine, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Kodai-ji Temple are all discovered within the Higashiyama District. Strolling these slender lanes is an effective way to attach Kiyomizu-dera Temple with the Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple, if these are additionally in your record to go to. In our map above, we offer a strolling route that connects Kiyomizu-dera Temple with the Yasaka Pagoda, Kodai-ji Temple, and the Yasaka Shrine, and ends in Gion.
Gion, which I speak about subsequent, can be situated within the Higashiyama District.
4. Wander by way of Gion
Gion is a small neighborhood within the Higashiyama District. These slender lanes are lined with teahouses, in addition to bars, golf equipment, and pachinko parlors. When you stroll the streets within the night, there’s a likelihood that you simply may spot a geisha as she enters one of many teahouses.
Gion | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
In your go to right here, don’t miss Hanami-koji, probably the most well-known streets in Gion.
Hanami-koji | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
Notice: In response to the current explosion in vacationer ranges in Kyoto, a brand new rule has been put in force. Images on the non-public streets in Gion is not allowed. Please be respectful of the geisha and don’t act like a loopy paparazzi to be able to {photograph} them.
5. Go to Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji Temple is situated within the Higashiyama district. This temple, which dates again to 1606, is a temple devoted to Zen Buddhism. Stroll the trail by way of the rock backyard, comply with it as much as the tea homes and mausoleum, and circle again to the primary advanced by way of the bamboo grove.
Our favourite expertise was sitting on the tatami mats inside the primary temple and looking over the gardens.
Bamboo grove at Todai-ji Temple | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
Getting Right here: Gion-Shijo is the closest metro station to the temple (1 km stroll, about 12 minutes). Many individuals go to Kodai-ji Temple when strolling by way of the Higashiyama district.
6. {Photograph} Yasaka Pagoda
Kyoto has a protracted record of beautiful pictures areas and the Yasaka Pagoda is one in every of our favorites. Positioned in southern Higashiyama, this pagoda towers over the twisting lanes and conventional picket homes. We bought extraordinarily fortunate with our timing, as there was a pictures session with a younger Japanese couple throughout our go to.
In order for you this identical picture, take a stroll down Yasaka Kamimachi. I took this picture right here: 34°59’53.4″N 135°46’48.1″E
7. See the Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park
In April, Maruyama Park is the place to see the cherry blossoms. The centerpiece of the park is the big weeping cherry tree which is lit up at evening. To get right here, you’ll enter the park by way of the Yasaka Shrine.
8. Benefit from the Fall Colours at Eikan-do Temple
Eikan-do Temple, which was as soon as referred to as Zenrin-ji Temple, is thought for being the most effective spots to see the autumn colours in Kyoto.
This temple dates again to 853. Since that point, a number of halls and chambers have been added to the temple advanced. Within Amida Corridor you possibly can see the weird statue of the Amida Buddha, which appears to be like over its shoulder quite than straight forward.
Getting Right here: Eikan-do Temple is situated in northeast Kyoto. Keage Station is the closest metro cease (1 km, 15 minute stroll). Nanzenji-Eikando-michi is the closest bus cease (5 minute stroll). Or, take a taxi.
9. Take a Stroll on the Thinker’s Path
The Thinker’s Path is stone path that follows beside a canal. It’s lined with cherry timber and throughout the spring months, this is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Kyoto, to be able to see the blooms.
The Thinker’s Path begins close to Ginkaku-ji Temple. It’s about 2 kilometers lengthy, ending in Nanzen-ji neighborhood.
You possibly can stroll half or the entire path. Crowds are at their largest noon, particularly when the cherry timber are blooming.
10. Go to Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji Temple is a Zen temple in northeast Kyoto. The principle temple is an understated picket constructing, however its setting amongst the timber and gardens is what makes this temple particular.
Ginkaku-ji | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
In entrance of the pavilion is the “Sea of Silver Sand,” a big sand backyard that incorporates a big cone of sand that resembles Mount Fuji. It is a lovely place to go for a stroll, with paths that meander by way of the gardens, over small bridges, and as much as a viewpoint over the pavilion.
There are a number of theories as to why it’s referred to as the Silver Pavilion. One principle is that it was to be lined in silver as soon as development was accomplished, however shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa died earlier than the temple was constructed. On a transparent evening, the moonlight hitting the temple creates a silver reflection, so this one other attainable origin of the identify.
Getting Right here: Take a stroll on the Thinker’s Path, beginning within the Eikan-do Temple and ending at Ginkaku-ji Temple (2 km, 30 minute stroll).
11. Feed the Monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park
There are a number of totally different the explanation why you need to go to Arashiyama Monkey Park. Positive, feeding the monkeys is enjoyable, particularly in case you are visiting Kyoto with children, however the views from the park are lovely. Not solely do you’ve got nice views over the town, however if you happen to look to the northwest, all you see are inexperienced mountains stretching off within the distance.
View over Kyoto | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
One other view from the Monkey Park | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
To get to the Monkey Park, it’s a 20 to 30 minute hike to the highest of Mount Arashiyama. Over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys stay right here. They’re wild however you possibly can feed them, if you happen to comply with a number of guidelines. Don’t look the monkeys within the eye, don’t contact them, and solely feed them when you’re inside the constructing.
As soon as contained in the constructing, buy your monkey meals and you’ll feed them as soon as you’re behind the metallic grates.
We actually loved this expertise, regardless of its quite distant location. However possibly that’s precisely why we appreciated it a lot. It is a good break from visiting the temples and shrines, and this rural space of Kyoto is gorgeous. Even when you have no plans to feed the monkeys, I nonetheless suppose it’s value it to journey out this manner.
Plus, you possibly can add this go to on to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple.
Getting Right here: The closest metro cease is the Hankyu Arashiyama station (5 minute stroll). It’s a 15-minute stroll from the JR Arashiyama station. It is a very good stroll, as you get to cross the Oi River to get to the park entrance.
Oi River | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
12. Go to Tenryu-ji Temple
This temple is situated only a brief stroll from the Monkey Park (about 1 km, 10 to fifteen minutes).
This temple was based in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to venerate Gautama Buddha. It was additionally devoted to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had died the yr after Ashikaga turned shogun.
Many of the buildings and halls are comparatively new. They date again to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, having been destroyed by fires or wars. The centerpiece of this advanced is the big pond that’s surrounded by manicured gardens, with the Arashiyama Mountains forming the backdrop.
Getting Right here: It’s 5 minute stroll from the JR Saga-Arashiyama station.
13. Go to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
You haven’t any doubt seen photographs of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove…a protracted, snaking pathway that’s lined with lots of of bamboo timber.
This is likely one of the most visited sights in Kyoto. So, anticipate to share it with many, many different folks.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is usually described as being a mystical, serene expertise. Sure, that may be true, however you must get your timing proper. Noon this brief path will be swarmed with guests, which is hardly a Zen expertise.
We deliberate our go to for the early morning and it paid off (we had been right here at 9 am in July). We had been one in every of only some teams of tourists. Even so, it lacked the magical nature we learn a lot about earlier than our go to.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
The pathway is comparatively brief, about 500 meters lengthy, so it solely takes a couple of minutes to stroll the whole distance. Nonetheless, it may possibly take for much longer, relying on how usually you cease and take photographs.
For my part, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is value visiting, simply attempt to go early so you possibly can keep away from the crowds.
14. Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)
Unquestionably, a go to to Kinkaku-ji Temple is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Kyoto.
Kinkaku-ji | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
This sensible golden temple attracts enormous numbers of vacationers and photographers. The prime spot to take a photograph is immediately throughout the Kyoko-chi Pond from the pavilion, which will likely be one of many first locations that you simply go to when touring the temple advanced. This is usually a very busy spot noon.
The highest two ranges of the pavilion are lined with pure gold leaf. Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, was modeled after this temple.
Fascinating Reality: The pavilion that you simply see in the present day dates again to 1955. In 1950, a younger monk set fireplace to the pavilion after which tried suicide. The pavilion was rebuilt in 1955.
Getting Right here: Kinkaku-ji is situated in northern Kyoto. The closest metro cease is Kita-Oji (3 km, 35 minute stroll). We bought right here by taxi and had no issues catching one other taxi as soon as we completed our go to.
15. Nijo Fortress
Do you know you can tour an precise fortress in downtown Kyoto?
Nijo Fortress is over 400 years outdated. With stone partitions, a 5 story fortress preserve, and a moat, this fortress appears nearly misplaced with its location close to the town middle.
Nijo Fortress | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
It was inbuilt 1603 as a residence for Tokugawa lesayu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. Later, it was used as a palace after which finally it was turned over to the town and opened as a historic web site. It turned a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1994.
What’s a Shogun? A shogun is a navy dictator. The title of “shogun” was granted by the Emperor. The shogun was the ruler of the nation and the Emperor was a figurehead. This era of navy dictators spanned from 1185 to 1868. In 1868, energy was returned to the Emperor.
On a go to to Nijo Fortress, you possibly can stroll by way of the gardens, lease an audio information to study extra in regards to the historical past of the fortress, and, the very best half, go to Ninomaru Palace. That is historical Japan as I imagined it…massive, open rooms, tatami mats overlaying the flooring, and screens painted with dragons, Japanese maples, and evergreen timber.
Getting Right here: Nijojo-mae station is the closest station to Nijo Fortress.
16. Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a protracted, slender purchasing road that’s lined with over 100 small retailers and eating places.
Nishiki Market | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
We beloved our go to right here. Some meals we acknowledged however many we didn’t. All of the indicators are in Japanese however we had numerous enjoyable buying “thriller meals” as we walked by way of the market.
We’ve got by no means seen a market this clear. Fish, seafood, and meat make up the bulk of what’s on the market in Nishiki Market, however the flooring had been spotless and every little thing was very orderly.
Getting Right here: Shijo station is the closest metro cease (a couple of 5 minute stroll).
17. Take part in a Tea Ceremony
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto is to take part in a conventional tea ceremony. It is a nice cultural exercise and a pleasant break from touring the temples.
A Japanese tea ceremony includes the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, which is powdered inexperienced tea.
Quite a few tea ceremonies are supplied all through Kyoto. On this expertise, you sit on tatami mats whereas your host carries out the ceremonial preparation of the matcha inexperienced tea.
18. Eat Sushi
This can be a bit cliché, however you possibly can’t go to Kyoto with out consuming sushi.
There are lots of of eating places to select from. Top-of-the-line locations to go is Pontocho Alley. Not solely is that this typically referred to as essentially the most lovely road in Kyoto, however this road is lined with eating places, making this the most effective spots in Kyoto to seize a chunk to eat (not simply sushi however many several types of Japanese meals). The eating places on the east facet of Pontocho Alley have outside decks the place you possibly can overlook the Kamogawa River.
Out of doors decks off the Pontocho Alley eating places alongside the Kamogawa River
Restaurant on Pontocho Alley | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
Sashimi | Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto
We had been HUGE followers of kaiten sushi (kaitenzushi). Kaiten sushi is likely one of the most progressive methods to have dinner. As plates of sushi drift by your desk on a conveyor belt, you possibly can choose and select what appears to be like good. In order for you one thing particular, place your order on the contact display pc at your desk.
Kaiten sushi is reasonable, quick, and plenty of enjoyable. It’s nice in case you are new to consuming sushi, as a result of you possibly can simply pick what appears to be like good because it glides previous your desk. One of these sushi lacks the top quality of what you’ll get in different eating places in Kyoto, however it’s nonetheless completely scrumptious. In case you are on a price range, it is a nice choice to dine on sushi with out spending some huge cash.
Our favourite kaiten sushi restaurant in Kyoto was Sushiro. Yum!
If you wish to see extra, take a look at our video from our first go to to Sushiro, after we had been newbs at kaiten sushi eating places. However by the tip of our go to we had been execs.
Record of UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Kyoto
Right here is the record of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Kyoto.
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Ginkaku-ji Temple
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Ninna-ji Temple
- Nijo Fortress
- Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- To-ji Temple
- Daigo-ji Temple
- Saiho-ji Temple
- Enryaku-ji Temple
- Byodo-in Temple
- Kozan-ji Temple
- Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
- Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
- Ujigami-jinja Shrine
Day Journey Concepts from Kyoto
Nara
Nara makes a wonderful day journey vacation spot from Kyoto. Feed the deer, go to Kasuga-taisha, and tour Todai-ji Temple. Till 1998, the primary corridor of Todai-ji Temple was the world’s largest picket constructing, having been bumped from the highest of the record by a baseball stadium in Japan in addition to different buildings.
LEARN MORE: Feeding the Deer in Nara, Japan
Todai-ji Temple
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the location the place the primary of two atomic bombs had been dropped on Japan throughout World Conflict II.
A day journey to Hiroshima could be very simple to do from Kyoto. By Shinkansen, it takes simply over two hours to journey from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Spend the day at Hiroshima, visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Cenotaph, and the Atomic Bomb Dome, and extra. You even have the choice so as to add on Miyajima to this present day journey.
LEARN MORE: Find out how to Plan Your Day Journey to Hiroshima
Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph
Himeji Fortress
Himeji Fortress is the biggest and most visited fortress in Japan. It’s referred to as Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo (“White Egret Fortress” or “White Heron Fortress”) for its white exterior and look of a fowl withdrawing. It takes about an hour to get right here from Kyoto.
LEARN MORE: Find out how to Plan a Day Journey to Himeji Fortress
How Many Days Do You Want in Kyoto?
To go to the highlights in Kyoto, you will have a minimal of three days. This offers you simply sufficient time to go to a lot of the temples and websites listed on this submit. Extra time is healthier, as a result of it permits you to decelerate, spend extra time exploring the neighborhoods and temples, and absorb the tradition.
For every day journey we record, you will have an extra day.
On our go to, we had 7 days. That gave us three days for day journeys and 4 days to discover Kyoto. That was the proper period of time for our first go to however I can’t wait to come back again and discover some extra.
