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Top 20 Popular Tourist Spots In Kyoto [Definitive Edition]
Kyoto Prefecture, a city where Japanese history and culture live on.
In the capital for a thousand years, you can enjoy temples, shrines, beautiful gardens, charming streets, and gourmet food.
We have carefully selected the must-see classic sightseeing spots for beginners and repeat visitors alike!
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1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kiyomizuzaka
One of Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots.
Enjoy the spectacular view from the "Kiyomizu Stage" and eating your way through the approach to the shrine.
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
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2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
A photo spot with a spectacular view of the thousand torii gates.
The grounds are open 24 hours a day, so an early morning stroll is also recommended.
- Access: A short walk from JR Inari Station
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3. Kinkakuji Temple
A beautiful temple shining in gold.
The reflection of the pond in the mirror is a spectacular sight in any season.
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
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4. Arashiyama
A popular area where nature and history blend together, with a bamboo forest path and Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River.
- Access: Right next to Arashiyama Station
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5. Ginkakuji Temple
Simple beauty that lets you feel the spirit of Zen.
We recommend combining this with a stroll along the Philosopher's Path.
- Access: About 35 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
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6. Nijo Castle
A World Heritage site built by Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Enjoy gorgeous sliding screen paintings and a vast garden.
- Access: A short walk from Nijojo-mae Station
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7. Byodoin Phoenix Hall
A beautiful temple that is also famous for its design on the 10 yen coin.
An area where you can also enjoy Uji matcha sweets.
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Uji Station
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8. Nanzenji Temple
A photogenic spot with its majestic Sanmon Gate and brick-built Suirokaku.
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Keage Station
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9. Kyoto Imperial Palace
A historical spot with the palaces of past emperors remaining on a vast site.
Open to the public for free, so you can stroll around freely.
- Access: A short walk from Imadegawa Station
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10. Nintendo Museum
An official museum long awaited by game fans.
You can enjoy Nintendo's history and worldview all at once, with displays of past game consoles and classic software, and interactive experiences.
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from JR Uji Station or Keihan Obaku Station
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11. Kifune Shrine
A power spot famous for matchmaking and the god of water.
Kawadoko cuisine and autumn leaves are also popular.
- Access: 20 minutes by bus and walk from Kibuneguchi Station
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12. Shimogamo Shrine
An ancient shrine registered as a World Heritage Site, surrounded by the Tadasu Forest, it has a mysterious atmosphere.
- Access: 10 minutes walk from Demachiyanagi Station
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13. Yasaka Shrine
A symbol of Gion.
Known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, the night illumination is also fantastic.
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station
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14. Tenryu-ji Temple
A World Heritage temple in the Arashiyama area.
The view from the Sogenchi Garden is spectacular no matter the season.
- Access: A short walk from Arashiyama Station on the Randen Line
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15. Shijo Kawaramachi Area
Kyoto's premier downtown area, with shopping, gourmet food, cafes, and art all in one place.
Nishiki Market and the Gion area are within walking distance, making this a central location worth visiting during your stay.
Access: Right next to Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
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16. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning.
Famous as a plum blossom viewing spot.
-Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
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17. Kurama Temple
A sacred place for Shugendo surrounded by mountains.
Many attractions, including the Tengu legend and cable car.
-Access: Just a short walk from Kurama Station
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18. Kenninji Temple
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple.
Highlights include the Wind God and Thunder God Screen (replica) and the dry landscape garden.
- Access: 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station
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19. Ohara Sanzenin
A quiet temple in a mountain village with a beautiful moss garden and Amida Hall.
Autumn leaves are especially popular.
- Access: 60 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
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20. Toji Temple
The head temple of the Shingon sect associated with Kobo Daishi and Kukai.
The five-story pagoda is one of the symbols of Kyoto.
- Access: 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station
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[Summary]
The classic spots in Kyoto Prefecture are all places where Japanese history and traditional beauty are alive.
In addition to visiting temples and shrines, you can also enjoy the cityscape, gourmet food, and nature, which change with the seasons.
Please come to Kyoto and experience the good old charm of Japan to the fullest!
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