Kyoto is to traditional Japan what Tokyo is to modern Japan. Once the country's capital, the city is home to more temples than you can count. Palaces, gardens and shrines are each more fascinating than the last, and many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A spiritual destination par excellence, Kyoto is a skilful blend of history and modernity in a remarkable natural environment. Discover this incredible city through our 21 must-sees in Kyoto.
1- Visit Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Pavilion Temple
Among Kyoto's more than 1,600 temples, the Golden Pavilion Temple is one of Japan's most famous buildings. Built in the 14th century, the Kinkaku-Ji temple burned down in the 1950s and was rebuilt identically in 1955. This building, with its elegant, harmonious architecture, is set amidst ponds in a Zen garden. Visitors flock from all over the world to see its incredible reflection in the water of the surrounding lake. The entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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2- Discover the Gion district
Discover the Gion district, arguably the city's most emblematic neighborhood. Built in the Middle Ages, it flourished during the Edo period, between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, the wooden machiya give it a historic atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy traditional restaurants and craft stores. You may even bump into one or two geishas, better known in Kyoto as geikos . Literally "women who practice the arts", Gion's geikos have often been mistaken for prostitutes. Geishas are highly respected women in Japan, and Kyoto is the city in which they are most numerous. Due to overtourism in the country, they are often harassed by tourists, so it's important to keep your distance.
Activities to book: discover the Gion district on an evening guided tour, where we'll explain the life and history of the geishas. Book your tour here.
3- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is one of Japan's epinal images. Its thousands of red torii have snaked up the mountain since 1499. Every year, over 2.7 million tourists and locals come to worship here. This makes it the country's 4th most visited shrine. The visit can take a day if you explore the site outside the torii alley, as the shrine covers an area of over 870,000m². You may come across foxes, messengers of the rice god Inari, worshipped by the main shrine. At dusk, the sun gives these places an incredible glow.
4- Ginkaku-Ji, the Silver Pavilion Temple
The Silver Pavilion is a must-see in Kyoto. Set in a peaceful wooded park combining a moss garden and a dry white sand garden, the Ginkaku-Ji temple stands tall. Built between 1479 and 1482, the pavilion was originally a retreat for the shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga, and became a Buddhist temple on his death. Today, the garden and its buildings are part of the World Heritage of Humanity.
The article to read: for your trip to Japan, discover the rest of the country's must-sees.
5- Kyoto International Manga Museum
Opened in 2006, the Kyoto International Manga Museum traces the little-known history of manga and is sure to delight fans of the genre. The museum boasts a large collection of over 300,000 works, and offers exhibitions and workshops on the art of manga. The museum also devotes part of its exhibition to the development of manga abroad. Lovers of Japanese culture can also discover the city of Nara, famous for its calligraphy.
6- Climb to the top of Kyoto Tower
Built in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, Kyoto Tower is the city's tallest building. From the top of its 131m, enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. In the panoramic observatory, you'll find screens to identify the temples and monuments you can see. Built on the roof of a large hotel, it's also a place for leisure and shopping. You'll find stores selling local specialities, and workshops to learn how to make sushi, for example.
Activities to book 6- Take a bird's eye view of the city and its surroundings by booking your ticket for the Kyoto Tower now.
7- Visit Kiyomizu-dera
This is one of the city's most visited sites. The Kiyomizu-dera temple, dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of compassion, is located on the slopes of Mount Otowa. It offers a superb view of Kyoto, especially at sunset. First erected in 778, most of the buildings have been destroyed many times. Most of the current pavilions date from the 16th century. The Kiyomizu platform is supported by an imposing 13m-high scaffolding. The scaffolding is made of cypress pillars fastened together without a single nail, using a traditional construction method.
8- Visit the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace
Now a second home for the imperial family, the Gosho Imperial Palace served as the emperor's official residence until 1868. Built in 1789, it burned down several times, until 1854, when the current palace was rebuilt. The palace is located in the middle of an immense 84-hectare park, surrounded by an enclosure called Tsuiji. You can visit the palace grounds free of charge, but the interior is not open to visitors.
The article to read: for your stay in Japan, discover our 15-day itinerary around Tokyo, Kyoto and surrounding cities.
9- Saiho-Ji Garden
If Kyoto is one of the world's most romantic destinations, it's also for its beautiful gardens. Also known as Kokedera, Saiho-Ji Garden was founded in 731 by the monk Gyōki, at the time on the site of a residence of Prince Shōtoku. Later rebuilt by the great moss garden master Soseki Musō, the garden is divided into two parts: a dry and a wet level. Its impressive moss garden offers a carpet effect enhanced by over a hundred species.
10- Discover Nishiki Market
Discover must-try Japanese culinary specialties in this impressive covered market over 400m long. This historic culinary market is a lively place, popular with locals and tourists alike. You can not only shop here, but also eat here , and taste samples from some of the stalls. You'll find everything from classic ice creams and tofu to less common spices and condiments.
The activity to book matcha: Attend a traditional tea ceremony in a tea house and learn how to make your own matcha. You can book this activity directly here.
11- Walk the Philosophers' Path
Stroll along the Chemin des Philosophes, a 2km footpath following a canal through peaceful countryside. It owes its name to philosopher and academic Kitarō Nishida, who used to take his contemplative strolls here on his way to university. It's the best vantage point in Kyoto during hanami, the cherry blossom season. The walk will also take you past several temples and shrines.
12- Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa
Visit the imperial villa of Katsura Rikyu and its surroundings. The Fujiwara family owned the estate for several generations. Today, Katura is considered the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics. Since the 1930s, architects from all over the world have marveled at the site and confirmed many modern architectural principles. These include form and function, and the relationship between interior and exterior. When you arrive after walking along the river, you'll see a magnificent bamboo wall, one ofthe most beautiful in Japan.
13- What to do in Kyoto See Ryoan-Ji temple
The Temple of the Peaceful Dragon, or Ryoan-Ji, is certainly Japan's most admired Zen garden. This kare-sansui garden dates back to the end of the 15th century. It is considered one of the masterpieces of the Japanese Zen period. Discover this 200m² stone garden featuring 15 rocks of different sizes. They are placed so that, wherever you are, you can only see 14 of them. Enjoy Lake Oshidori , in the center of the temple, where you can see a small island. A stroll around the lake through the lush greenery is a must in Kyoto.
Good to know a trip to Japan deserves to be meticulously prepared in advance. Find our tips and information here.
14- Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum is a rich museum, tracing the evolution of Japanese culture. Founded in 1875, it was formerly known as the Imperial Museum. The works of art all came from the shrines and temples of the Kansai region. The imperial family ceded the museum to the city in 1924, and it was nationalized in 1965. Today, the museum's exhibits rotate on a regular basis, but there are many sculptures and archaeological finds from the Heian period on display.
15- Sanjusangen-do temple
One of Kyoto's most spectacular temples. The Sanjusangen-do temple dates back to 1164, but burned down in 1249. It was rebuilt identically a few years later, and is known today for its 1,001 wooden statues of the goddess Kannon. Lined up in the main pavilion of the Buddhist temple, the statues drown in incense fumes. This image lends the temple a strong esoteric atmosphere. The main hall is almost 119m long. Divided into 33 bays for the 33 reincarnations of the goddess, the hall also boasts a large 10-headed statue of Kannon, nearly 3m high.
Activities to book: discover calligraphy with this course held in a Buddhist temple in downtown Kyoto. Book here.
16- Arashiyama bamboo grove
A fifteen-minute walk from the station, the Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the country's best-known images. This forest of giant bamboos forms an arch along a 500m path, protected from the sun. It's a lovely walk, but unfortunately overrun by tourists. The serenity of the place loses its charm when the hordes of travelers come to disturb its calm.
17- See the Yasaka-Jinja sanctuary
Near the Gion district, the Yasaka-Jinja shrine dominates the main Shijo-dori avenue. Founded in 876, the shrine is considered by Kyoto residents to be the real guardian of the geiko district. During Hatsumode, a ritual observed around the New Year, visitors and pilgrims flock to the shrine. The Gion Matsuri festival, held in July, also takes place around the shrine. It's one of Japan's best-known festivals.
18- Attend a Kendo training session
Head to the Budo Center for a training session in kendo, Japanese fencing. This practice is a modern version of kenjustu, the martial art practiced by samurai to train for war. In addition to the impressive demonstrations, enjoy the architecture of the building, in particular the main building, the Butokuden. Fighting takes place with shinai, a weapon made of bamboo blades.
The activity to book learn the secrets of the samurai profession in this kendo training with swordplay. You can book this activity here.
19- To-Ji temple
Founded in 794, the Eastern Temple, or To-Ji Temple, is a magnificent Buddhist temple. It fell victim to several fires until the 15th century. Most of the buildings visible today date from the 17th century. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the site boasts an impressive 57m-high central pagoda. Every 21st of the month, a flea market is held here until 4.30pm.
20- Visit Iwatayama, the monkey mountain
West of Kyoto,Iwatayama Hill is easily accessible by public transport. Go there to reach its summit and enjoy an impressive panorama of the city. During your walk, you'll meet hundreds of monkeys that have made this place their home. A signposted path leads to the summit. The climb is not very complicated. Allow around twenty minutes.
Good to know: be careful not to make too many eye contact with the macaques, as this can be perceived as provocation.
21- Admire Kyoto Station
If you arrive in Kyoto by Shinkansen, Japan's super-fast train between Tokyo and Osaka, you'll arrive at the impressive Kyoto Station. Completed in 1997, this ultra-modern station stands in stark contrast to the rest of the city's more traditional architecture. It's well worth a visit, especially for its open-air roof, La Matrice. Don't hesitate to take a train to Osaka to discover the 15 must-sees of this other great Japanese city.
Activities to book tokyo: this tour will take you to discover Tokyo and Kyoto, between the temples and the city that never sleeps. You can request request a free quote from our partner by clicking on this link.
Tour highlights :
- Immersion in Japanese culture
- Discover Mount Fuji
- Travel by Shinkansen, Japan's super-fast train
Where to stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto is a very large city, so there are plenty of places to stay. To help you find yours, we've put together a selection of the best-rated:
- Best placed: Ryokan Kyoraku. Very close to the station, this ryokan is very popular with travelers and is close to many points of interest. It even has its own private garden. You can book your stay here.
- The most traditional : Ryokan Sanga. This ryokan, 5 minutes from the Nishiki market, offers traditional Japanese accommodation with tatami mats. Travelers particularly appreciate the comfort of the rooms. Book your stay here.
- The most prestigious: the Agora Kyoto Karasuma. This 4-star hotel offers rooms with beds in the center of the city. The rooms are well-equipped and the establishment has its own restaurant. Book your stay here.
What to do in Kyoto when it rains?
If you're in Kyoto and the rain interferes with your trip, don't panic. We've come up with a few things to do indoors:
- Explore the museums : take advantage of a rainy day to visit the city's two biggest museums. The International Manga Museum offers an extensive collection that will delight fans, and the Kyoto National Museum will immerse you in Japanese culture and history.
- Relaxation day in an onsen: avoid the bad weather by spending some time in these traditional baths and spas and enjoy a day of relaxation.
- Visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace : although visits are limited, the palace offers a fascinating insight into Japanese history.
- Visit covered temples and shrines: some temples and shrines are covered, and their gardens can be magnificent in the rain, like that of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-Ji.
What to do in Kyoto in 3 days
Only 3 days to explore Kyoto? Here's a suggested itinerary to discover the city's main points of interest:
Day one: Discover the must-sees
- Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Pavilion: visit this emblematic temple and explore its magnificent garden.
- Ryoan-Ji : discover this temple, famous for its Zen stone garden, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Arashiyama : take the afternoon to discover the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge, before going to see the monkeys at Iwatayama Park, from where you can enjoy an incredible panorama of the city.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and history
- Fushimi Inari Taisha : start your day with a hike through the red torii of this famous Shinto shrine.
- Kiyomizu-dera: visit this Buddhist temple perched on a hill and enjoy spectacular views over the city.
- International Manga Museum and Kyoto National Museum: visit these two museums to learn more about Japanese history, culture and art
Last day: Relaxation and discovery
- Nikishi Market: stroll through this famous covered market and sample local specialties.
- Philosopher's Path : stroll along this pretty path lined with cherry trees, with temples and shrines along the way.
- Gion : in the evening, explore the famous Gion district. You may even catch a glimpse of geisha.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Kyoto:
