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THE 10 BEST Kyoto Sights & Historical Landmarks
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Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (609)
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Western Kyoto
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Religious Sites
Southern Kyoto
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Southern Kyoto
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What travelers are saying
- Evelin R4 contributionsFushimi Inari has very traditional Japanese atmosphere as we expected. Walking through all gates up was very unique and fun experience!Written January 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julia MIndianapolis, Indiana496 contributionsThis is the easternmost of three famous UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temples arrayed along a single road on the north side of Kyoto, about 1.5 (?) miles apart. Plan to see them all. There are similarities but each has a unique feature that you won't want to miss. Kinkakuji is the one that has the big taxi and bus lot and easiest to access via Uber or taxi. I would recommend starting here, then walking west to Ryoanji (about 25 min) and then continuing west to Ninnaji (about 10 mins). Seeing all three at a non-rushed pace will take you half a day.
You enter the temple grounds, pay your admission fee, and then follow the walking path that winds through the grounds. Do not try to split off the path! The big draw of Kinkakuji is the Golden Pavilion, which you cannot go into but the set walking route takes you around 3 sides of it. The rest of the walk takes you around the lovely part-manicured, part-wild and very aesthetic grounds and past various buildings, which you cannot go into either. But there are opportunities all around to purchase votives and leave them at the many open air small shrines. There are easily located restrooms.
I feel that because of the easy access for tour buses this will be the most heavily touristed one of the three for you, as it was for us, so prepare for the crowds and none of them will be locals (although they will be Japanese tourists). Lots of Westerners who love this particular aesthetic.Written January 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diana M5 contributionsKiyomizu temple is my favorite temple in Japan. Very traditional itself and the view from the main deck is so beautiful too.Written January 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maurice C3 contributionsToo many people taking selfies all over ruining the experience a bit, but when you get past that and can immerse yourself in the nature around you, it feels amazing. The bamboo is tall and majestic.Written January 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julia MIndianapolis, Indiana496 contributionsA must-see site right in the center of Kyoto. You will pay a fee to get into the grounds, and more fees for access to the 2 palaces within. One palace (the Shogun one) you can pay for as you enter the complex but the other (the Imperial palace) requires advance reservations. We didn't know about the advance reservation situation so missed going in to that one, but you can still walk around the outside and stroll the pretty gardens. Be prepared to take your shoes off and bring/wear socks. It's chilly inside the Shogun palace in January! Plan to spend a good half-day exploring the site. There are 2 tea shops that make for good break and warm-up stops, but they are overpriced.Written January 11, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CanuckJamesNishinomiya, Japan1,793 contributionsThis is the heart of the entertainment district in Kyoto. You can't avoid this place. It is noisy, overcrowded, and expensive but a must-see.
This is where Hankyu & Keihan railway networks start, the two major department stores are here, the core where tea houses and restaurants all congregate.Written December 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 649001Springfield361 contributionsIt is a magical place.
The main hall contains a big Buddha sitting on a lotus flower surrounding 1001 (!) standing golden Kannons (Goddess of Mercy) about human height made from cypress wood almost 1000 years ago. It's a shining army! The statues have 21 pairs of arms which symbolizes 1000 arms. There are different objects in the statues' hands. The statues have many faces (there are 11 small heads attached to the Main head). There are many other statues: G-d of Wind, G-d of Thunder, Heavenly Kings, etc. Some are playing musical instruments, some have wings, some have horse head on their head, some have fin-like brows, etc.
Unfortunately, you cannot take a picture there.
There is also a nice small garden outside.
Allow at least an hour.Written October 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sarah AustraliaMelbourne, Australia5 contributionsGreat market for foodies and people looking to immerse themselves into the local culture. Lots of seafood, tempura, sake, sweets and souvenirs at reasonable price on offer. Recommend trying wagyu gyozas, fresh salmon sashimi and black sesame ice cream! Go early in the day before lunch to avoid crowds.Written January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LVVTakatsuki, Japan69 contributionsI wasn't familiar with this temple but I had seen it recommended in a travel guide. It was on the way from the silver pavilion so we dropped by. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this temple was. It's very spacious so you will need some time to explore everything. Unlike Ginkakuji, this temple was almost empty, so we could really enjoy the serene atmosphere.Written May 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HonestTelLeicester, UK264 contributionsBit of a walk from our hotel but worth it in the end.
The temple is stunning and the park is beautiful. There is so much to walk around and see.
It was a very popular spot and there was a good mix of westerners and locals.Written November 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HarisankarChennai (Madras), India187 contributionsWandered through this area multiple times during my Kyoto visit. Since, I stayed in Gion, accessing this area was especially easy. This is one of the signature areas of Gion and gets very crowded especially during mid day. The cobble stone paved narrow alleyways lined up with multiple shops, restaurants and cafes gives this place its identity alongside the famous Yasaka Pagoda. This place truly shines after nightfall and the whole place gains a fairytale or manga atmosphere.Written November 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pushkar SinhaNew Delhi, India801 contributionsIt’s a picturesque walk along a canal. Fall leaves color is a delight to watch. You can sit and enjoy the serene beauty around.Written November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tony ESwitzerland590 contributionsSo much of Japan is of cultural and historical significance that it was a refreshing change to visit a modern, bang-up-to-date site which is equally impressive. The station is gigantic, built in black and gray granite and topped by a glass canopy above the concourse. There is a huge shopping centre, lots of restaurants and a long, multi-level elevator. The glass tunnel above the concourse offers a dizzying view of the whole edifice.Written December 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Soko37Budapest, Hungary14,040 contributionsNice park area with historical buildings, we have few visits of different religious places and I started to be confused. Nice wooden temple with position walk aroundWritten October 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CanuckJamesNishinomiya, Japan1,793 contributionsThis smaller entertainment district runs parallel to the Kamo River, directly north of the bigger Gion district. A narrow road that used to house the red light district is now filled with tiny tea houses, bars of all types, izakayas, and other types of night entertainment. During the day, this area is pretty boring but after dark, it's worth a stroll.
One notable place is Bee's Knees, one of Asia's best bars.
Be aware that there are still a few places that operate 'the world's oldest profession' along this district.Written December 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
