HomeAsiaEast AsiaJapanKyoto 14 Places to Visit in Kyoto + Things To Do By Marcos Detourista. Updated on May 9, 2020. Where to go in Kyoto? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Kyoto tourist spots, attractions & more. If there’s only one place you should visit in Japan, it has to be Kyoto! This historic city is a must-see destination for travelers hoping to get a glimpse of Old Japan. Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities, famed for its, which includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are the main places that I enjoyed in Kyoto. This list is perfect for first-timers planning a quick visit. https://www.pinterest.ph/detourista/kyoto-japan/ Kyoto travel essentials: (click below to view prices online) Where to stayTours + discounts Japan WIFI/SIM Card See also: Kyoto Itinerary | Osaka Tourist Spots | Best Places to Visit in Japan | Best Places to Visit in Tokyo | Japan Itinerary 1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) Location: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Southern Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and success in business, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous sights in Japan. Here, you’ll find the iconic vermillion torii gate covered trail that leads to the sacred Mount Inari. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is perhaps the busiest tourist spot in Kyoto, so visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive. How to go: Take the JR train (JR Nara Line) to JR Inari Station, two stations away from Kyoto Station. You’ll find the shrine right outside the station. It’s also a short walk away from the Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line. Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine), Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto See discounts Kimono Rental in Kyoto See discounts To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals. Follow me on Instagram 2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Location: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Western Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Found in the western outskirts of the city, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most scenic attractions of Kyoto. A walking path cuts through the bamboo grove allowing you to get immersed in the serene view of towering bamboo trees. How to go: Take the JR train to the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. The bamboo grove is a 15-minute easy walk away from the station. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Marcos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Marcos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Sagano Romantic Train Ticket Ticket See discounts Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour See discounts 3. Tenryuji Temple Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Location: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Western Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Located beside the bamboo grove, the Tenryuji Temple is a must-visit when in Arashiyama. It the top Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”. Don’t miss the sprawling Zen garden with the Arashiyama mountains as its backdrop. Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan 4. Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama Togetsu-kyō Bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Location: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward. Save on Google Maps. The Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which literally means “Moon Crossing Bridge” is a well-known central landmark in Arashiyama. Stopover for a peaceful view of the riverside and surrounding mountains. 5. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Location: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Northwest Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. In the northwest part of the city, you’ll find the Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavillion, one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto. Take your spot from across the large pond to enjoy the landscape garden and the Zen Buddhist temple, which has its top two floors covered in gold leaf. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Kyoto Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Kyoto Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Kyoto Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan 6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple Kiyomizudera Temple view overlooking Kyoto, Japan Location: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, East Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which literally means “Pure Water Temple” was ) is a Buddhist temple founded on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the eastern hills of Kyoto. A beautiful view can be seen from the terrace, which overlooks the canopy of trees and the Kyoto cityscape. Kiyomizudera Temple view overlooking Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple view overlooking Kyoto, Japan Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan 7. Kyoto Old Town (Sanneizaka & Nineizaka Streets) Location: Higashiyama Ward, East Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Get a feel of Old Japan at the historic streets of Sanneizaka & Nineizaka. Walk through the stone paved streets lined the whole way with traditional wooden shophouses and landmarks like the Hōkan-ji Temple. Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District), Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District), Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District), Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District), Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District), Japan Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan 8. Kodaiji Temple Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Location: 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, East Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. You’ll find the Kodaiji Temple temple near the northern end of Nineizaka Street. This Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning Zen gardens and special illumination shows in autumn and spring. Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan 9. Yasaka Shrine & Gion District Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Location: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, East Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. From Kodaiji Temple, you can walk farther north and explore Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. One of the main places to visit here is the Yasaka Shrine, home to the most famous festival in Japan, the Gion Matsuri. Visit during the evening to see hundreds of lanterns lit up at the dance stage fronting the main hall. Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), Kyoto Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), Kyoto Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), Kyoto Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan 10. Nijo Castle Nijō Castle in Kyoto, Japan Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Central Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. Nijo Castle is another interesting place to go in Kyoto aside from its famed temples and shrines. This castle features massive stone walls surrounded by a wide moat, heavy gates, and a richly decorated palace. Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Admission Ticket See discounts Nijō Castle, Kyoto Nijō Castle in Kyoto, Japan Nijō Castle, Kyoto Nijō Castle in Kyoto, Japan 11. Kyoto Tower Kyoto Tower in Kyoto, Japan Location: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward. Save on Google Maps. Get a breathtaking view overlooking Kyoto from the Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in the city. It’s conveniently located beside Kyoto Station. 12. Sushi no Musashi Sushi no Musashi (Conveyor Belt Sushi), in Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan Location: Atsy Road, Kyoto Station (near the Shinkansen Hachijo entrance on the southern side of the station), Central Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. If you’ve always wanted to try a conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-sushi), check out Sushi no Musashi, which has three branches in Kyoto including one right inside the Kyoto Station complex. Sushi no Musashi, Kyoto Station Sushi no Musashi (Conveyor Belt Sushi), in Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan Sushi no Musashi, Kyoto Station Sushi no Musashi (Conveyor Belt Sushi), in Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan 13. Ramen Sen no Kaze Ramen Sen no Kaze in Kyoto, Japan Location: 580 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Central Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. One of the best ramen I’ve had in Japan! Ramen Sen no Kaze is a must-try in Kyoto. The queue was long when I went but it was worth the wait. Ramen Sen no Kaze, Kyoto Ramen Sen no Kaze in Kyoto, Japan Ramen Sen no Kaze, Kyoto Ramen Sen no Kaze in Kyoto, Japan 14. Teramachi Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade Location: Central Kyoto. Save on Google Maps. What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Kyoto that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Kyoto Kyoto tourist spots, things to do in Kyoto, where to go in Kyoto & more. 1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) 2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 3. Tenryuji Temple 4. Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama 5. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) 6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple 7. Kyoto Old Town (Sanneizaka & Nineizaka Streets) 8. Kodaiji Temple 9. Yasaka Shrine & Gion District 10. Nijo Castle 11. Kyoto Tower 12. Sushi no Musashi 13. Ramen Sen no Kaze 14. Teramachi Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Where to Stay in Kyoto Click below & search recommended Kyoto hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings. AgodaBooking.com Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons. Kyoto Essentials & Top Discounts Japan Mobile Data SIM card/Pocket WIFI Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location: Japan SIM cardPocket WIFISee all discounts JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 Days) Unlimited JR rides in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe & more See discounts ICOCA IC Card See discounts Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass See discounts JR Pass for Whole Japan See discounts Popular discounts and tours booked by other travelers: Bus Transfers between Osaka or Kyoto and Kansai International Airport (KIX) Kimono Rental in Kyoto with Optional Photoshoot One Day Kimono Rental JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 Days) JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (5 Days) 5 Day JR Osaka-Nagoya “Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area” Pass Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka – Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Shrine JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5 Days) Hankyu Tourist Pass (1 Day or 2 Day) JR West Kansai Pass (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) Click below to see more on: Klook Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: Kyoto Travel Guide 16 Places To Visit in Japan 11 Places To Visit in Osaka Osaka Travel Guide Japan Travel Guide Share your travel goals with #detourista Follow on Instagram Pin on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/detourista/best-of-detourista/ Don’t leave yet. There’s more! Kyoto Trip + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers7 Places to Visit in Kamakura + Things To DoHow to Book Cheap Flights to Anywhere15 Places to Visit in Antique + Things To Do Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Kyoto JapanEast AsiaAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments kicks says March 16, 2020 at 6:31 pm Nice places i wanna check there. Thanks ;) Reply Cha says April 24, 2020 at 4:37 pm There are three things I want to do in Japan: 1. Visit the temples 2. Eat Ramen and Sushi 3. Visit the Kyoto Tower And adding Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on my list must be fun. Thanks for this! Reply Dea Mariano says August 7, 2021 at 12:06 am Seems like covid isn’t going away the earliest we want, but I’m planning our Japan trip as early as now 😁 Thanks for the ideas and I got inspired by how you presented Kyoto. This is perfect because we’re planning to enter through Osaka and a quick trip to Kyoto will be included in the itinerary. Thanks, Marcos! Reply
Cha says April 24, 2020 at 4:37 pm There are three things I want to do in Japan: 1. Visit the temples 2. Eat Ramen and Sushi 3. Visit the Kyoto Tower And adding Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on my list must be fun. Thanks for this! Reply
Dea Mariano says August 7, 2021 at 12:06 am Seems like covid isn’t going away the earliest we want, but I’m planning our Japan trip as early as now 😁 Thanks for the ideas and I got inspired by how you presented Kyoto. This is perfect because we’re planning to enter through Osaka and a quick trip to Kyoto will be included in the itinerary. Thanks, Marcos! Reply