In this entry we will discover the main places to visit on any trip to Kyoto.
Content:
- Kyoto Temples and Shrines
- 01. Kinkakuji Temple (金閣寺) or Golden Pavilion
- 02. Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)
- 03. Chion-in Temple (知恩院)
- 04. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
- 05. Fushimi Inari-taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
- 06. Byōdō-in Temple (平等院)
- 07. Tō-ji Temple (東寺)
- 08. Kōdai-ji Temple (高台寺)
- 09. Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple (八坂庚申堂)
- 10. Yasaka Pagoda (八坂の塔)
- 11. Ginkaku-ji Temple or Silver Pavilion (銀閣寺)
- 12. Heian Shrine (平安神宮)
- 13. Tenryu-ji Temple (天龍寺)
- 14. Otani Hombyo Mausoleum (大谷本廟)
- 15. Gion Tatsumi-jinja (辰巳神社)
- 16. Kifune-jinja Shrine (貴船神社)
- 17. Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺)
- Kyoto Palaces
- 18. Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
- 19. Nijō Castle (元離宮二条城)
- 20. Sentō Imperial Palace (京都仙洞 御所)
- 21. Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮)
- Other things to do in Kyoto
- 22. Walking along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets
- 23. Walking in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
- 24. Togetsu-kyō Bridge (渡月橋)
- 25. Strolling through Gion and Pontocho in search of Geishas
- 26. Kyoto Tower (京都タワー)
- 27. Nishiki Market
- 28. Hiking route between the villages of Kibune and Kurama
Kyoto Temples and Shrines
01. Kinkakuji Temple (金閣寺) or Golden Pavilion
This temple is probably the most recognisable image of Kyoto. It is a Zen temple with the outer walls covered in gold leaf.
It was built in 1397 as a resting place for the Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1408, it became a temple of the Rinzai sect and its official name is Rokouon-ji (鹿苑寺).
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Price: 500¥ / 300¥ children.
How to get there: bus lines 12 / 59 / 205 / M1 / 101 / 102 / 111 / MN205.
A MUST-SEE!
02. Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)
Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Gion district of Kyoto. There are several theories about its foundation.
According to the shrine’s records, its history dates back to the year 656 (Asuka Era), the second year of Emperor Saimei’s reign. Irishi, an errand boy from Korea, brought the spirit of Susanoo-no-mikoto to this place.
Another theory says that in 876 (Jogan Era), a Buddhist priest from Nara Prefecture, Ennyo, built a temple and consecrated Susanoo-no-mikoto, the deity of the region.
In 869, the Gion Matsuri, the most important festival in Kyoto and one of the most important in Japan, began. It runs throughout July and ends with a grand parade, the Yamaboko Junkō.
Strolling around at night is a real delight, unlike during the day, it is a real haven of peace.
Opening hours: open 24 hours.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: Bus 206 / 206乙 / 202乙 / 207乙 / 58 / 86.
A MUST-SEE!
03. Chion-in Temple (知恩院)
Chion-in Temple is the seat of Jōdo shū (Pure Land Sect) Buddhism and was founded by Hōnen in 1234. It is a gigantic complex of 106 buildings, no more and no less.
It was here in Chion-in that Hōnen taught chanting the name of Amida (Sanskrit: Amitabha) to attain salvation, and it was here that he spent his last years.
Today, with over 7,000 temples, Hōnen’s teachings have spread throughout Japan. Since 1523, Chion-in has been the head temple of the Jōdo Shū.
The spectacular Sanmon Gate (三門), built in 1621, is the largest wooden gate in Japan at 24 metres high and 50 metres long.
Opening hours: daily from 9.00am to 4.30pm (last entrance at 3.50pm).
Price: admission is free but you have to pay 300¥ to enter the gardens.
How to get there: Bus 206 / 206乙 / 202乙 / 207乙 / 58 / 86.
A MUST-SEE!
04. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera temple was founded in 778. It extends over 130,000m² on the slopes of Mount Otowa.
Since its foundation, most of the buildings have been destroyed by fire more than ten times. Thanks to the help of the temple faithful, they were rebuilt again and again. Most of the present buildings date back to 1633.
At the temple is the Otowa waterfall (音羽の滝), which gives the temple its name. Drinking from this waterfall is supposed to have therapeutic properties and give you health and long life.
You have to queue, but you have to drink.
Opening hours: 6:00 to 18:00.
Price: 400¥ / Children 200¥.
How to get there: 10 min walk from Gojozaka bus stop (lines 58 / 80 / 86 / 202 / 206 / 207).
A MUST-SEE!
05. Touring the Thousand Toriis of Fushimi Inari-taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
The origin of Fushimi Inari-taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is described in Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki (山城国風土記). An ancient report on provincial culture, geography and oral tradition that was presented to the emperor.
It is said that Irogu no Hatanokimi, an ancestor of Hatanonakatsue no Imiki, threw a rice cake that turned into a swan and flew away. Finally, the swan landed on a mountaintop, where an auspicious omen occurred and rice grew.
Inari is named after this miracle (‘ina’ is Japanese for ‘rice’).
The shrine was founded in 711 and is the main temple dedicated to Inari, god of rice and merchants, the most important in Japan.
For this reason, merchants donate money to the shrine for prosperity, which the shrine converts into the famous red toriis as an offering.
Fushimi Inari has a 4-kilometre path full of toriis that seems to form an endless corridor.
Opening hours: open 24 hours.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: next to JR Inari station (Nara line).
A MUST-SEE!
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06. Byōdō-in Temple (平等院)
The Byōdō-in temple is located in the city of Uji, about 20km from Kyoto. Uji is famous as the birthplace of Murasaki Shikibu (紫 式部). She was a Japanese writer, poetess and courtesan, author in the 11th century of the first Japanese novel: Genji Monogatari (‘The Novel of Genji’), a work that has also been considered the world’s first modern novel.
Byōdō-in was built in 998 as a rural villa of Fujiwara no Michinaga, one of the most powerful members of the Fujiwara clan.
In 1052 it was converted into a Buddhist temple by Fujiwara no Yorimichi.
The most important structure of the temple is the Hall of the Phoenix or Hōō-dō (鳳凰堂). It was built in 1053 and is the only original structure still standing.
The rest of the structures were destroyed after a civil war arson attack in 1336. The hall houses an impressive three-metre seated Amida Buddha figure from 1053.
Opposite the Hall of the Phoenix are the beautiful Jodo-shiki gardens from where we can admire the hall from the other side of the pond with the pond reflected in it.
After this we can visit the Hoshokan Museum where we can find numerous objects from the temple that are considered national treasures.
Incidentally, this is such an iconic place in Japan that it appears on the 10 yen coin.
Opening hours: daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm / Phoenix Hall: 9:30am to 4:10pm (every 20 minutes).
Price: 600¥.
How to get there: 10 minutes walk east of JR Uji station (Nara line).
A MUST-SEE!
07. Tō-ji Temple (東寺)
Tō-ji Temple (‘East Temple’) was founded in the early Heian period, just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 7th century.
The great temple, along with its now-defunct sister temple Saiji (‘West Temple’), flanked the southern entrance to the city and served as the capital’s guardian temple.
Approximately thirty years after the establishment of the temple, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed head priest of Toji, and the temple became one of the most important Shingon temples, alongside Koyasan.
Its main attraction is the 5-storey pagoda built in 826, which is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan.
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
Price: 500¥.
How to get there: 15 min walk west of Kyoto Station.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
08. Kōdai-ji Temple (高台寺)
Kodai-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect. It is located northeast of Yasaka Hokanji Temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains (京都霊山護国神社). Its interior is decorated with beautiful Zen-style gardens.
The temple was founded in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro (1548-1624), known as Nene, in memory of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). After his death in 1598, Nene became a priestess and assumed the name Kodaiin Kogetsuni.
In 1624, Sanko Osho of Kenninji Temple was appointed as the head monk and the temple was renamed Kodaiji-jushozenji.
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) (the first Shōgun of the Tokugawa clan) financed the construction of the temple, which was noted in the final result in the appearance of the temple.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to 17.30. Last admission is until 17.00.
Prices: Adults: ¥600. Children: ¥250.
There is a joint ticket including Kodai-ji and Entoku-in temples and the Kodai-ji sho museum for ¥900.
How to get there: Bus: lines 202, 206, 207.
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
09. Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple (八坂庚申堂)
Yasaka Kōshin-dō is a small temple dedicated to Kōshin-san. A nickname from his main object of worship, Shōmen Kongō, a blue guardian warrior and the ‘three wise monkeys’.
Kōshin-san is believed to help all those who strive to live, with all their efforts to be good people. He is also thought to punish the bad.
Kukurizaru is a round, ball-shaped talisman made of cloth, which represents monkeys of good faith. The temple is small but very colourful.
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 17:00.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: 3 min walk from Kiyomizumichi bus stop (lines 58 / 80 / 86 / 202 / 206 / 207).
10. Yasaka Pagoda (八坂の塔)
Yasaka Pagoda, located in Hōkanji Temple (法観寺). Built in 589, it was completely destroyed in 1436. The present building is a reproduction from 1440 ordered to be built by the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshinori.
The temple was burned down during the Onin War, leaving only this spectacular 5-storey wooden pagoda standing.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Price: 400¥.
How to get there: 3 min walk from the Kiyomizumichi bus stop (lines 58 / 80 / 86 / 202 / 206 / 207).
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
11. Ginkaku-ji Temple or Silver Pavilion (銀閣寺)
Ginkaku-ji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple built in 1474 as a retreat for the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It is said that the shōgun wanted to imitate the Kinkakuji (golden pavilion) temple, built by his grandfather, by covering it with silver sheets, but was unable to do so for financial reasons. Even so, the name endured. After his death in 1490 it became a Buddhist temple.
Undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular is the dry sand garden next to the Kannonden, the main building, which is very similar to the Kinkakuji temple but made of wood.
Also spectacular is the moss garden, with many ponds and small bridges.
Opening hours: daily from 8.30am to 5pm.
Price: 500¥.
How to get there: 9 min walk from Ginkakuji-michi bus stop (lines 5 / 17 / 32 / 32 / 100 / 102 / 203 / 204).
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
12. Heian Shrine (平安神宮)
Heian is a Shinto shrine built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the city of Heiankyō. To honour Emperor Kammu as the kami, or god of the city.
It is mainly known for the impressive giant Torii that leads into the shrine.
Opening hours: 6am-5pm.
Price: Admission to the shrine is free. Entry to the gardens costs ¥600 (€4.60) for adults and ¥300 for children.
How to get there: bus 32, 36, 5 and 100 to the Okazaki Koen-Bijutsukan stop (岡崎公園), next to the great Torii.
You can also take lines 201, 202, 203 and 206 to the Higashiyama Niomon stop.
(東山仁王門) and walk 5 minutes to the great Torii.
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
13. Tenryu-ji Temple (天龍寺)
Tenryu-ji was established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo, and the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki, the founding abbot. It was officially consecrated in 1345.
It was designated first among the Five Mountains of Kyoto (the five main Zen temples in the city), a ranking it retains to this day.
Opening hours: daily from 8.30am to 5pm.
Price: 500¥.
How to get there: 8 min walk west of JR Saga-Arashiyama station (San-In line / Hashidate line).
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
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14. Otani Hombyo Mausoleum (大谷本廟)
Otani Honbyo is the mausoleum of Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect. Shinran died at the age of 90 on 28 November 1263 in Zenpobo. He was cremated at Beyama Minamibe (now the Otabisho Shrine of Otani Honmyo) and his ashes were placed in Otani, north of Toribeno.
Ten years after his death his son Kakusin-ni had his remains reburied on the north side of Yoshimizu.
The temple was destroyed in 1465. In 1603 it was moved to its present location due to Tokugawa shogunate policy, and this area was renamed ‘Otani’.
It is worth mentioning the spectacular and gigantic cemetery, worthy of a stroll through it.
Opening hours: every day from 6:00 to 17:00.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: next to the Gojozaka bus stop (lines 58 / 80 / 86 / 202 / 206 / 207).
15. Gion Tatsumi-jinja (辰巳神社)
This is a tiny temple dedicated to Tanuki, the raccoon with the fat eggs that we see all over Kyoto.
It is tiny but curious and nestled in a beautiful setting in the Gion district.
16. Kifune-jinja Shrine (貴船神社)
Kifune-jinja Shrine was founded in 1055 and is dedicated to Takaokami no Kami, the god of water.
In the summer, there are many restaurants along the riverbank around the shrine. We were unable to take advantage of them because it was too early for lunch.
The temple is set in a truly spectacular wooded setting and is 100% worth a visit. Entrance is free.
There you can buy omikuji or fortune papers that become visible with water.
You have to put the paper on the water of the stream that runs through the temple and the message appears in Japanese. But, very modern, they have a QR code on which you can see the English translation.
Opening hours: every day from 6:00 to 20:00.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: to get there, take the private Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station. There we must transfer to the Eizan Main Line (also private) to Kibuneguchi Station. The total cost is 750¥.
From the station you have to walk about 2 km.
RECOMMENDED VISIT!
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17. Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺)
Kurama-dera is a large temple complex that sprawls along the slopes of Mount Kurama. It was founded in the 8th century by one of the disciples of the Chinese monk Ganjin. During the Heian period it was a very popular temple.
It belonged to Tendai Buddhism for a long time, but in 1949 it was established as an independent temple of the Kurama school of Buddhism.
The visit should be taken with time because the temple is beautiful and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. From its viewing platform you can see the wooded sea surrounding the temple.
The Kurama-dera temple is the final stop on the Kibune to Kurama hiking route described below.
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 16:15.
Price: 200¥.
How to get there: to get there, take the private Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station. There we must transfer to the Eizan Main Line (also private) to Kurama Station. The total cost is 750¥.
A RECOMMENDED VISIT!
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Kyoto Palaces
18. Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the official residence of the imperial family until 1869 when the capital was moved to Tokyo.
The present Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1855 after being burned down and repeatedly displaced by the city over the centuries.
Previously they were only accessible by guided tours that required advance booking. Now you can enter and explore the palace grounds without joining a tour and without any prior arrangement (although tours in English are still available).
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-3.20pm. Closed on Mondays.
Price: free of charge.
How to get there: the palace is located inside the Imperial Park or Kyoto Gyoen.
A MUST-SEE!
19. Nijō Castle (元離宮二条城)
Nijō Castle was built in 1603 as a residence for the Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu. From then on it was the official residence of the Tokugawa family until the abolition of the shogunate in 1867.
The visit is free but follows a marked circuit where you will find a multitude of explanatory panels.
The buildings are spectacular. One thing that struck us was the scarcity of furniture, but it seems that what really mattered was nature and not material objects of ornamentation. So that’s why the imperial gardens in Japan are so impressive.
Opening hours: daily from 8.45am to 5pm.
Price: 800¥.
How to get there: next to Nijojo mae bus stop (lines 9 / 12 / 50 / 67).
Next to Nijojo-mae underground station (Tozai line).
A MUST-SEE!
20. Sentō Imperial Palace (京都仙洞 御所)
The Imperial Sentō Palace was built on the occasion of Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s retirement in the early 17th century. The palace was burned to the ground in 1854 and was never rebuilt.
Today, only the gardens and a few teahouses that survived the fire can be visited.
The tour is guided in Japanese, but an audio guide is available in English.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Mondays closed.
Price: free. Reservations must be made in advance on the official website.
How to get there: the palace is located inside the Imperial Park or Kyoto Gyoen.
A MUST-SEE!
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21. Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮)
The Imperial Villa Katsura is a country house of the imperial family. Its main feature is that its gardens and buildings are considered a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
Prince Toshihito, son of Emperor Ōgimachi and younger brother of Emperor Go-Yōzei began its construction in 1615 and it was completed by his son Prince Toshitada in 1662.
The tour is guided in English or Japanese. If you book in Japanese, an audio guide is provided in English, French or Spanish.
If you book in English, you will not have access to audio guides.
The tour is for visitors over 12 years old.
The villa is spectacular, the gardens are beautiful. It is well worth the visit and I recommend it as a must-see in Kyoto. Although it is really off the beaten track.
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 16:00.
Price: 1,000¥ / from 12 to 17 years old is free.
Reservations are required on the official website.
How to get there: 12 min walk east of Katsura Station (Hankyu-Arashiyama Line / Hankyu-Kyoto Line). Not valid JR Pass.
A MUST-SEE!
Other things to do in Kyoto
22. Walking along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are two small sloping streets near Kiyomizudera Temple, in the heart of the Higashiyama district.
Strolling through these streets is like going back to the most traditional Kyoto, where you will find small wooden houses and shops where you can breathe the atmosphere of another era.
It is worth a visit during the day, in full tourist activity, even if it is packed with people. It contrasts if we walk around at dusk, with the low illumination of its streets practically empty of people and the shops closed.
How to get there: next to the Gojozaka bus stop (lines 58 / 80 / 86 / 202 / 206 / 207).
A MUST-SEE!
23. Walking in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
A walk through the bamboo forest is an experience for the senses. It is not very extensive, but on this short walk you can admire the gigantic bamboos that make up the forest.
This is one of the most famous photos of Kyoto and Japan. Travelling to Japan and not seeing it is like not having travelled to Japan.
How to get there: 8 min walk south-west of JR Saga-Arashiyama station (San-In line / Hashidate line).
A MUST-SEE!
24. Crossing the historic Togetsu-kyō Bridge (渡月橋)
Togetsu-Kyo Bridge was built in the Jowa period (834-848) and is the most famous bridge in Arashiyama, spanning the Katsura River.
From the bridge you can see the changing of the seasons throughout the year, from momiji to cherry blossoms in full bloom.
How to get there: 8 min walk south-west of JR Saga-Arashiyama station (San-In line / Hashidate line).
A MUST-SEE!
25. Strolling through Gion and Pontocho in search of Geishas
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous Geisha quarter. A stroll through Gion is a journey back in time, with narrow alleyways lined with traditional wooden buildings decorated with hanging wagtails.
Pontocho is also a journey back in time, down a narrow alley with wooden buildings that come alive after dark.
Both neighbourhoods have numerous bars and restaurants for foodies.
If you are lucky, you might see a Geisha here. Remember that Geisha and Maiko are NOT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.
They are people on their way to work. If you want a photo, approach them with respect and ask for their permission.
Never stand in their way or try to touch them. A few years ago, the city of Kyoto put up posters with basic rules of behaviour towards them. Unfortunately, many tourists are incapable of respecting them and we all pay the price for our sins.
A MUST-SEE!
26. Kyoto Tower (京都タワー)
The tower was built in 1964 and is 131 metres high, making it the tallest building in the city. The structure houses restaurants, souvenir shops, an observation deck, an onsen (public bath) and a hotel.
At a height of 100 metres, there is a 360º viewpoint from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.
Opening hours: the observatory is open from 10:00 to 21:00.
Price: 700¥ / Teenagers 550¥ / Children: 450¥.
How to get there: located next to Kyoto Station.
27. Nishiki Market
In 782 the sale of fish began in this area. It was thanks to the cold underground water available in the area, which made it possible to keep fish and other meats fresh in a place close to the Imperial Palace.
It was not until 1615 that the government granted official permission for this activity, which was the first step towards becoming the renowned market it is today.
It was on the verge of disappearing at the end of the 19th century due to the strong competition created around it, but in 1911 an association was created to promote the market as a place to sell fish and seafood. This led to a new boom.
In 1928, fruit, vegetable and meat stalls were set up and the market became known as ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’.
Today it has 130 stalls.
How to get there: 3 minutes walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto City Subway.
3 minutes walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
4 minutes walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
28. Take the spectacular hiking route between the villages of Kibune and Kurama
Kibune and Kurama are two small villages in the mountains northeast of Kyoto that are home to beautiful temples and shrines, hiking trails and one of the most famous onsen in the area.
The route is fairly easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It takes less than two hours and remember to bring water as there are no fountains or drinking machines.
We normally start in Kibune, although it is possible to do it the other way round.
To do the route we have to go to the red bridge and when we cross it we find the entrance gate Nishi no mon (西の門). There you have to pay 300 yen to enter the route.
From there begins a long flight of stairs through the leafy forest. It is a bit hard but it is spectacular.
After a long walk up the stairs, we reach a landing where the Oku-no-in Mao-den temple (奥の院魔王殿) is located. There are some benches where you can sit and rest for a while.
We continue climbing a little further and arrive at the small temple Sōjō-ga-dani Fudō-dō (僧正ガ谷不動堂). It is dedicated to Fudo, one of the Buddhist gods of light.
We pass the famous Kinone-michi cedar root walk (木の根道) and start our descent.
We pass the Jizo-do temple (地蔵堂), with beautiful views, and the Ushiwakamaru no chikaramizu natural water spring (牛若丸の力水), which is very cool.
A little further down, we arrive at Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺), the main attraction on the route.
At the end of the tour, we can return to Kyoto or relax in the spectacular open-air Kurama onsen.
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