14 Places to Visit in Kyoto + Things To Do

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 scenic temples, shrines, gardens, and historic structures, 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.

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) in Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

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Kimono Rental in Kyoto

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To make your trip planning easy, I 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. Feel free to use Instagram’s save feature for quick access later.

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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.

Marcos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket Ticket

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Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour

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3. Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

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.

4. Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama

Togetsu-kyō Bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

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)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto, Japan

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.

6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple view overlooking Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizudera Temple in 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.

7. Kyoto Old Town (Sanneizaka & Nineizaka Streets)

Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Old Town (Higashiyama District) in Kyoto, Japan

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.

8. Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

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.

9. Yasaka Shrine & Gion District

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) in Kyoto, Japan

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.

10. Nijo Castle

Nijō Castle in Kyoto, Japan

Nijō Castle in Kyoto, Japan

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

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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

Sushi no Musashi (Conveyor Belt Sushi), in Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan

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.

13. Ramen Sen no Kaze

Ramen Sen no Kaze in Kyoto, Japan

Ramen Sen no Kaze in Kyoto, Japan

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.

14. Teramachi Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade

Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Arcade in Kyoto, Japan

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.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Kyoto Travel Guide

16 Places To Visit in Japan

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Osaka Travel Guide

Japan Travel Guide