Top 10 Places to Visit in Kyoto
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is famous for its ancient temples, stunning gardens, traditional tea houses, and vibrant geisha culture. Kyoto is quite famous for having preserved the atmosphere and being one of the few cities that remained almost untouched by World War II. If you are a traveler who loves paintings, sculptures and other art forms then Kyoto with its museums and art galleries is going to be a sheer delight for you.
Here are the top 10 must-visit places in Kyoto!
1. Gion District
KyotoÍs most famous geisha district, it is a beautiful glance into old, traditional Japan. Gion district is KyotoÍs most popular district, for it is a reflection of old Japan, and many of its streets have buildings with old-world charm. It is filled with shops and restaurants, and its highlights are the old teahouses, where traditionally dressed Japanese geisha host tea ceremonies.
It has a large number of traditionally built wooden houses called 'machiya' which are popular tourist attractions. The most popular area of the Gion district is Hanami-Koji Street, lined with beautifully preserved 'machiya' houses, which are popular haunts for Japanese cuisine. Among these are the 'ochaya' which are the exclusive and expensive teahouses, where geishas conduct tea ceremonies.
2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
One of the most popular and sought-after tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with its extraordinarily beautiful thickets of green bamboo is stunning. It’s a bliss to be able to experience it and even while walking through the forest you will feel very close to nature. It's surreal, just to be standing between thousands or maybe millions of green bamboo stalks.
3. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle was constructed in the year 1603 in Kyoto, Japan. It is a historical site that signifies Japanese culture and serves as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle complex covers 275,000 square meters, showcasing Japanese architecture with two rings of fortifications, Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and gardens. The Ninomaru Palace is primarily known for its nightingale floors. This is because every time tourists walk through these floors, it makes a chirping sound.
The palace is known for its lavish interiors, featuring tinted windows, sliding doors, and wall paintings. Nijo Castle's gardens are masterpieces of landscape design.
4. Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen
Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho), one of the most popular historical spots in Kyoto, can be reached by a 10-minute comfortable ride on the subway from Kyoto Station. Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of the imperial family for over 1,000 years. The current building was reconstructed in 1855 after it burned down but the architecture kept the ancient style. It is located in the vast park of Kyoto Gyoen, and you can see the other important historical sites and enjoy beautiful gardens.
5. Ginkakuji
Located on the eastern outskirts of Kyoto, Ginkakuji is one of KyotoÍs historically rich zen temples, a tranquil and beautiful structure. It is home to the silver pavilion, a host of beautiful temple buildings moss gardens, and dry gardens, with a road circling these areas. The silver pavilion is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess, Kannon, but the inner sanctum is not open to the public. There is a massive, immaculate dry sand garden known as The Sea Of Silver Sand, near which is the main temple hall.
6. Kyoto National Museum
If you thought Kyoto was just about temples and castles, then let us tell you that the Kyoto National Museum with its impressive collections awaits you at the beautiful destination. Established in 1897, this historical museum focuses majorly on pre-modern and modern Asian art, with works from Japan being in focus primarily. Visitors can explore both permanent and special displays, offering insights into Japan’s artistic and historical legacy.
7. Rurikō-in Temple
Ruriko-in Temple, nestled in the serene hills of Kyoto, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of historical elegance and natural beauty. Renowned for its exquisite architecture and tranquil gardens, Ruriko-in stands as a hidden gem within Kyoto's rich tapestry of cultural and religious sites. Established in 1160 during the Heian period, Ruriko-in Temple is an important Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon sect.
The temple’s primary attraction is its enchanting garden, which embodies the quintessential Japanese aesthetic of harmony and tranquility. Ruriko-in Temple is particularly renowned for its breathtaking views during the changing seasons. In spring, the garden is adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms, while autumn brings a spectacular display of colorful foliage, transforming the landscape into a vivid tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.
8. Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine
Further north in the mountains, there are two historical sites, Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine. This area is also known as the best spot to enjoy hiking on the sacred mountain while exploring the spiritual sites in nature. The atmosphere here is different from what you can feel in the city, and the place offers an unforgettable memory! Although it is a bit out of the way, it is worth visiting.
9. Sagano Scenic Railway
Sagano Scenic Railway, or Sagano Romantic Train, is a train exclusively built for sightseeing that runs from Arashiyama to Kameoka along the Hozugawa River. It runs at an idyllic pace, with the journey spanning a total of twenty-five minutes. The view changes according to the seasons, and the train is particularly popular during the autumn when the foliage is a riot of color.
The train itself has four closed cars and one open car. Usually, many tourists combine the train journey with a river cruise along the Hozugawa River back to Arashiyama. This is a must-visit for a complete experience of KyotoÍs picturesque landscape.
10. Nishiki Market
If you’re feeling hungry, Nishiki Market is the ideal spot to sample delicious Japanese traditional cuisine amid the unique atmosphere of the small stores lining the lively, narrow street. Located in the central part of Kyoto, it’s easily accessible from the city’s popular tourist attractions.
This market has a delightful array of unique Japanese condiments, seafood, cookware, and special pickles and Japanese sweets. The markets freely distribute samples and skewers of food, and the sheer sight of the beautiful produce is bound to delight anyone.
With so many shops, it can be hard to decide what to try. But don’t worry, leave it to the local guide and make sure you sample all the best foods that Nishiki Market has to offer!
Best Time to Visit Kyoto:
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom across the city!
Autumn (September – November): Stunning fall foliage around temples.
Winter (December – February): Less crowded, magical snowy landscapes.
