The 20 Best Highlights to See in Kyoto

The ancient capital of Kyoto may not catch the eye as much as the bright lights of Tokyo or Osaka, but do not be mistaken, this humble cultural goldmine is the beating heart of Japan. This living encyclopedia has been the core of the nation’s spiritual and cultural life for centuries, and continues to do so to this day. Whilst hosting some of Japan’s historic elite, the city has held onto more treasures and artefacts than any other place in the country.

More importantly, many travellers and locals see Kyoto as the truest representation of Japan. So in that case, here are the 20 best things to see in Kyoto!

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Fushimi Inari

Not only is Fushimi Inari the greatest and most recognisable highlight of Kyoto, but it’s also one of the most famous attractions in all of Japan and a must-see in Kyoto to see. This Shinto shrine inspired over 40,000 similarly designed Inari shrines scattered throughout the country. The iconic image of a thousand crimson torii gates winding up the forest-covered trails of sacred Mount Inari is known worldwide. Originally built in 794 as a dedication to the Shinto god Inari – the deity of rice and sake – each torii gate is donated by individuals or companies, with their names and dates inscribed on them.

The trail begins at the Romon Gate, beyond which stands the shrine’s main hall, the Honden. Here, visitors pay their respects to the resident deity and often make a small offering. From there, the crimson tunnels lead towards the main shrine at the mountain’s peak, passing numerous smaller sub-shrines scattered along the way. About halfway up, the trail splits into a circular route around the summit, helping to disperse the crowds. This crossroads also opens to a clearing in the forest, where you can see a stunning view back toward the southern side of Kyoto.

Bamboo Groves

Along with Fushimi-Inari, most see this as the top photo-op in Kyoto! The world-famous photogenic scenery of the Bamboo Groves has been the focus of countless artists, photographers and poets alike. This manicured wonder is located in the quiet town of Arashiyama, just outside the city.

It’s easy to feel insignificant walking through the parting branches, like a tiny insect walking amongst blades of grass. The forest is at its finest on a breezy day when the bamboo waves to the will of the wind as if it were beneath the ocean, releasing a gentle chorus of creaks.  

Gion

Beginning as nothing more than a handful of teahouses, for centuries the streets of Gion have been the home of pleasure and entertainment. The authentically preserved 17th-century-style streets are home to one of the most recognisable pieces of Japanese culture: the mysterious and allusive geishas. The district is the birthplace of the art form and where the highest concentration of these highly trained entertainers remains to this day.

The streets are lined with lantern-lit restaurants and ochayas (teahouses), where geishas and apprentice maikos gather to entertain paying guests. You might even catch a glimpse of an authentic geisha hurrying to her next appointment. However, this is no easy feat. The window of opportunity is narrow, typically between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Those hoping to attend a performance should be prepared to pay a hefty sum. While snapping a photo of – or with – a genuine geisha may seem like the perfect Kyoto souvenir, visitors should proceed with caution. Taking photographs on the streets is technically prohibited and can result in heavy fines. Although the rule is not strictly enforced and many tourists still take photos, the restriction is understandable: inconsiderate behaviour often delays the geishas, which is considered highly disrespectful in Japanese culture.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kyoto has seemingly hundreds of temples to see, so naturally, a few must be considered true highlights. Kiyomizu-dera is possibly the most significant temple of the lot. The UNESCO World Heritage site on the eastern edge of the city was founded under the Hosso sect (one of the oldest schools of Buddhism) in 780. The best-known feature of the temple is a wooden stage that extends outwards from the main hall above the hillside. From here, visitors can observe the changing colours of spring and fall, paying particular attention to Japan’s centrepiece flora, the famous cherry blossoms. Within the main hall is an eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon, the temple’s main object of worship.

The temple grounds also hold a number of other quirky little attractions. A popular one amongst couples is a dedication to the deity of love, the Jinshu Shrine. Here, prospective lovers can bring luck to their relationship by attempting to walk from one stone to the other with their eyes shut. The waterfall situated beside the temple’s main hall is also an attraction in and of itself. The waters flow into 3 separate streams, each providing its own benefits of longevity, a successful love life and success in your career. Visitors are encouraged to drink from the streams, though taking from all three is considered greedy.

Ryozen Kannon

The temple complex in its entirety is a dedication to the fallen of both sides of the Pacific War. The notable centrepiece is a 24-meter-high figure of the Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) which overlooks the temple’s courtyard. Upon entering, visitors are handed a thick stick of incense, which can be placed in a large cauldron before the temple’s main hall. Within the statue is a collection of eleven different images of Kannon, each represented with separate shrines. Whilst roaming through its hollow centre, the statue resonates with the blissful chanting of the faithful in the temple beneath.

However, one of the temple’s most unique features stands beside its main hall. It’s a small chapel-like structure with a central altar to the fallen of the war. Within are collections of filing cabinets containing documents detailing each victim (both Japanese and otherwise) who died on Japanese territory. Additionally, there’s a display that contains samples of soil collected from each Allied cemetery that participated in the Pacific War.

Kinkaku-ji

Known as the “Golden Pavilion”, Kinkaku-ji is another nationally famous Zen temple. The temple’s centrepiece is a gold leaf-covered main hall surrounded by a tranquil pond, providing a spectacularly serene view. Originally functioning as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, following his death, it was converted into a temple by his son. Built to represent the extravagant aristocratic cultures that surrounded Kyoto at the time, each floor represents a different architectural style. The present structure had to be reconstructed to its original standards following a fire caused by a fanatic monk with a strong obsession. Sadly, visitors are unable to walk within the pavilion itself. It’s only possible to catch glimpses of the seated Kannon and golden phoenix held within from a distance.

Higashiyama District

The streets that wind through the Higashiyama District are some of the best-preserved historic streets in the city. These streets are considered a true Kyoto highlight by visitors who come from far and wide to see the beautifully preserved culture and heritage, which resonates with them. Situated between Kiyomizu-dera and Maruyama Park, it’s a collection of narrow lanes and traditional wooden buildings housing traditional machiyas, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. The added bonus of people sauntering amongst the alleyways wearing rented kimonos gives an authentically ancient feel to the area.  

Arashiyama

The region of Arashiyama is worthy of an entire guide itself – a name which refers to a region on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Though still within the city limits, it’s a perfect escape from the sprawl of the streets and an opportunity to get back to nature. The same reason the area became so popular with the nobility of old became a haven of relaxation.

The central landmark of the region is Togetsukyo Bridge, which marks the beginning of Sagano, the region containing the biggest treasures. The city’s love of temples demonstrates itself beautifully in Arashiyama, with several temples dispersed in the area. They include the likes of Daikakuji Temple, Jojakkoji Temple and Nisonin Temple. The most worthy of note would be the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryuji Temple and the gardens that surround it. This is considered to be one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. The wide variety of attractions on offer also extends to a Monkey Park and Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street.

Kennin-ji

Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, constructed in 1202, is located just south of Gion’s geisha district. The temple itself was founded by a Buddhist monk who introduced both Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation to Japan following his visit to China. It still serves as one of the main temples of the Rinzai Sect of Japanese Buddhism, and another one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.

Visitors are welcome to explore the interior main buildings as well as the immaculate Zen gardens that surround them. The interior sliding doors display terrific examples of decorative artwork which incorporate images of dragons and the gods of wind and thunder. Equally as striking is the spectacular mural of twin dragons which adorns the roof of Dharma Hall, a commemoration of the temple’s 800^th anniversary.

Nijō Castle

Built in 1603, this castle functioned as the official residence of the shogunate rulers until 1867. From then on, the UNESCO World Heritage Site became an imperial palace before being donated to the city as a historic site. Through the walls of the Ninomaru (secondary defence circle) stands the Ninomaru Palace, considered the castle’s main attraction. The palace served as the residence and workplace of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto.

Within the palace, you’re able to observe areas that only a select few individuals would have had the privilege of seeing. This includes the shogun’s main audience room from which he commanded his subordinates and his living chambers, as well as those of his female “companions”. Visitors will also experience the “nightingale floors”, which squeak while walking across them, a security measure to alert the inhabitants of approaching intruders. Through the Honmaru walls (main defence circle) is the secondary palace complex and the former site of a five-story castle. Sadly, these structures were never rebuilt following their destruction in the 18th century. The gardens, however, remain open, as well as the stone foundations of where the palace once stood.  

Kodai-ji

Kodai-ji was constructed in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his faithful wife Nene. The temple that would become their final resting place now belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Once enveloped in gold, these days the main hall has been replaced with a more modest construction following its burning in 1912. The grounds of the temple include beautifully interconnected structures, zen gardens representing oceans and even a miniature bamboo grove.

Kodai-ji’s highlight is its gardens, the Tsukiyama style garden being its best. Consisting of a tranquil pond and a scattering of pines and maple trees, it comes into whole new light during the autumn months. Other structures include the memorial hall Kaizando, where Nene would pray for her late husband, and a mausoleum designed with rich powdered gold and silver.  

Imperial Palace

Kyoto’s Imperial Palace was at one time the official residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until the capital was moved to Tokyo. The palace’s main hall played host to the enthronements of a number of the country’s Emperors. Located in the centre of Kyoto Imperial Park, it’s amongst a scattering of smaller temples and even a tea-house on the edge of a koi-filled pond. The surrounding park includes a collection of cherry trees which blossom during spring. For many years, the palace was only accessible through tour groups, though in recent years it has become open to the public. That being said, you’ll be unable to enter any of the buildings on site.  

Nishiki Market

For the foodies amongst you, this is a Kyoto must-see! Known locally as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the marketplace is famous for its specialised foods and cookware. Nishiki Market consists of narrow shopping streets containing hundreds of tiny stores and restaurants. This is where hordes of shoppers and observers alike come to explore the culinary side of Kyoto. It’s the best place to see a number of Kyoto delicacies such as dried seafood, pickles and sweet treats.

The history of the market spans generations of store owners as far back as 1310, when it began as a humble fish market. Over time, the variety of produce expanded as did the market itself. Today, it remains an important attraction to both tourists and an important source for locals. Some stores might be kind enough to provide samples to entice passing potential customers. The restaurants have limited space, so don’t expect too many free seats.  

Ginkaku-ji

Hints of déjà vu come with Ginkaku-ji, as its inspiration came following Kinkaku-ji’s construction. It’s yet another retirement villa owned by the very same shogun, built with an equal lack of modesty. Where Kinkaku-ji was covered in gold, Ginkaku-ji was originally intended to be covered in silver. Despite the imagined decor never coming to fruition, it gave the villa its name: the“Silver Pavilion”. Just like Kinkaku-ji, the villa then became a Zen temple following his death.

The temple is at the centre of an elegant garden surrounded by a pond, a covering of pines and white sand raked to symbolise mountains and a lake. Ginkaku-ji became the centre of the Higashiyama culture, revolving around art, flower arrangement, garden design and development of the tea ceremony. All of which had a wider influence on the entire country.  

Sanjūsangen-dō

Within Sanjūsangen-dō’s main hall, crowds shuffle from one side of an enormous, dimly lit wooden hall to the other while observing the extraordinary number of identical statues in the midst of the earthy scents of burning incense. At the centre of the hall stands a 1000-arm Kannon with 500 smaller life-like structures on either side. The central statue has 11 faces to better observe the suffering of man, and such a number of arms to help fight against it. Unfortunately, like many Japanese temples, you are not able to take photographs within the temple itself.  

Hokan-ji

Sometimes referred to as Yasaka-no-to or Yasaka Pagoda, the 46-meter-high pagoda built in 589 by an Imperial prince is mostly commonly known as Hokan-ji. Though pagodas aren’t in short supply in the country, it’s the location which makes it quite special. Slotted in the middle of the popular Higashiyama district, it provides some beautiful scenes in an already beautiful neighbourhood. Perhaps not a surprise to find out that its construction came from a dream’s inspiration.  

Philosopher’s Path

The stone path leading away from the Higashiyama district gets its name from one of the country’s most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro. The serene walkway runs parallel to a canal lined with cherry trees and a succession of restaurants and cafes, along with a number of temples and shrines, the most important of which is Honen-in. Here is where Kitaro would practice his daily meditation on his way to Kyoto University. The canal itself was purpose-built to revitalise the local economy, and used to power the country’s first hydroelectric power plant. Naturally, the most scenic time of year is during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Kyoto National Museum

Not only is this one of the oldest museums in the country, but Kyoto National Museum is also one of Japan’s top 4 museums. Opened in 1897, the museum is home to a number of permanent and rotating special exhibitions such as archaeological relics, statues and paintings.  

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple has the distinction of housing Japan’s most famous rock garden. The intrinsic placement of the 15 rocks on a miniature island of moss brings with it a lot of discussion about what it supposedly represents. Some believe they represent islands in the ocean or a tiger carrying her cubs, while others believe they represent abstract ideas such as infinity. It’s yet another temple that was once an aristocrat’s villa.

Kifune Shrine

Hidden away in the forest-covered valleys of Kyoto’s northern mountains, Kifune Shrine is a site of such significance that it resulted in the construction of the entire town of Kibune around it. Legend tells that it was built where the goddess of rain and water ended her journey from Osaka. Like many shrines and temples in Japan, visitors are able to receive fortunes on slips of paper, though these come with a unique twist. The messages on the fortune paper only reveal themselves when put in water.

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