Menu Search Destinations & Attractions

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions BE INSPIRED

in Kyoto

Written by Bryan Dearsley

Nov 17, 2020
We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by the hills of central Honshu, Kyoto is one of Japan's largest

cities. It's also the educational hub of western Japan and boasts several 19 Best Places to Visit in the United
States
universities and higher educational establishments. Although one of
Japan's great tourist destinations, it is famous for having preserved much
of the atmosphere of the past, having been the only major Japanese city to
escape the devastation of WWII.

Celebrated as the residence of the Emperor, and Japan's principal cultural

center for almost 1,100 years, Kyoto today boasts numerous things to do
and great places to visit, including exploring the fine examples of
sculptures, paintings, and other art forms in its many museums and
galleries.
12 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts
in the World
Your Kyoto travel itinerary should include seeing non-touristy sites, too.
These should include the many examples of its centuries-old architecture,
much of it influenced by Buddhism, which can still be seen in the many
splendid temples located in the quieter, less visited corners of the old city.

Kyoto continues to play an important role in Japanese religion, with 30 of

the city's temples still serving as centers of various Buddhist sects, along
with some 200 Shinto shrines within the city limits. All told, UNESCO World
Heritage Site status has been designated to 17 historic buildings in Kyoto.

Find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions in 15 Best Tropical Vacations
Kyoto.

See also: Where to Stay in Kyoto

Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and
safety issues.

1. Nijo Castle
17 Most Beautiful Islands in the
World

BE INSPIRED!
MORE PICTURES OF JAPAN

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō), complete with well-preserved walls, towers,

and a moat, was built in 1603 and later served as the seat of
government. The complex has several buildings containing many
significant works of art, and is famous as the location chosen by the
emperor to issue the rescript abolishing the country's once powerful
Shogunate.

Highlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main
entrance), as well as the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its
fine carvings and decorated metalwork. Beyond this, the elaborate
Mikuruma-yose is another must-see. The castle's fine gardens are
also fun to explore.

The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace. Consisting

of five separate buildings linked by corridors, it boasts exquisite
interiors decorated with many paintings by Kano Tanyu and his
pupils. The principal apartment is the Hall of the Imperial
Emissary (Jodan-no-ma), matched in splendor by the adjoining
rooms, Ni-no-ma and Tozamurai-no-ma with their paintings of
tigers.

Also of interest is the adjacent building with its large Audience Hall
surrounded by a gallery and with sliding doors with large paintings FOLLOW US
of larches on a gold background. The fourth building, the Kuro- We're sharing tips, tools,
Shoin, has animal paintings by Kano Naonobu, while in the advice, and new inspiring
Shogun's private apartments are paintings of mountain landscapes. locations for you to check
out on Facebook and
If traveling as part of a tour, be sure to request a chance to tread Twitter.

the castle's famous "nightingale floors." These squeaking

floorboards were specially designed to replicate the chirping of a
Advertisement
nightingale.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

604-8301

Official site: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

Nijo Castle Map (Historical)

···

2. Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

One of Japan's most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Taisha

Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto. Founded in AD 711 and
dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto,
the shrine is still frequented by merchants and tradesmen who pray
for prosperity.

The main building dates from 1499 and features a spectacular four-
kilometer-long avenue of bright orange "torii," or arches, each
dedicated by a business (it takes some two-hours to travel past the
1,000 arches lining the route). Also notable are its many sculptures
of foxes, reputed to be messengers of the gods.

A great time to explore the shrine is at night. Not only will you be
rewarded with a unique glimpse of this wonderfully illuminated
heritage site, you'll be rewarded with few if any crowds.

Fortify yourself with the purchase of traditional Japanese fortune

cookies from the shops and stands at the shrine's entrance. And to
beat the crowds, visit as early in the day as possible (a 7am or 8am
start is well worth it for the chance to avoid other visitors).

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Official site: http://inari.jp/en/

···

3. Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion

Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for Shogun

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and now a Zen Buddhist temple, the
magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most
picturesque attractions.

Taking its name from the gold leaf adorning the top two of its three
floors - a design element believed to alleviate any negativity
associated with death - the structure has been rebuilt in its original
form a number of times, this most recent incarnation dating from
the late 1950s.

Built over a large pond, the site is also famous for its beautiful
grounds, as well as its old stone pagoda and the Sekkatei
Teahouse with its traditionally served beverages. For a different
perspective of this wonderful tourist attraction, plus avoiding the
summer crowds, time your visit for either winter or autumn (the
latter is spectacular thanks to the fall colors).

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-

836

···

4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an important

UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on
Otowa Mountain overlooking the city. Visitors can enjoy a delightful
stroll to the temple along quaint Tea-pot Lane with its small shops
and craft stores.

This beautiful temple was founded in AD 790 and dedicated to the

11-headed Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy whose statue
can be seen here. The existing buildings were erected after 1633 in
the period of the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, and stand mainly
on a rocky outcrop high above the Otowa Waterfall.

Highlights include the large terrace of the Main Hall, built on 30-
meter-tall pillars with five rows of cross-beams and used as a stage
for temple dances and ceremonies. The terrace affords spectacular
views over the city and the surrounding wooded hills, especially
when the leaves change color in fall. Personalized English
language guided tours are available.

Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto

Prefecture 605-0862

Official site: www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Kiyomizu Temple Map (Historical)

···

5. Sanjūsangen-dō Temple

Sanjūsangen-dō Temple

Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengyoin Temple), or the Temple of the 33

Niches, takes its name from its rather unusual structure: its façade
is divided into 33 (sanjusan) niches (gen) to reflect the belief that
Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, could take on 33 different
personifications.

Originally built in 1164, the present elongated building was

constructed in 1266 after a fire destroyed its predecessor. Evidence
of its former importance as a place of training in archery can still
seen in the many holes in its ancient pillars and timbers made by
arrowheads.

The most important of its many works of art is the Kannon with a
Thousand Hands, a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-tall statue.
Dating from the 13th century, it's famous for the 500 standing
figures of Kannon lined up on either side of it. Also of note are the
additional sculptures of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits
considered subordinate to Kannon, located behind it.

Address: 657 Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-

0941

···

6. Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho), built in AD 794

and replaced several times after being destroyed by fire, remains
one of the city's most visited historic sites. Although the present
building was constructed in 1855, it still impresses.

Occupying a large (once-walled) enclosure near the heart of the

city, highlights include its finely decorated gates and important
rooms and buildings. These include the Hall for State Ceremonies
(Shishinden), the Emperor's Residence (Seiryo-den), the
Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.

While the lovely grounds of this Kyoto landmark are open to the
public, the palace itself can only be visited as part of a guided tour
operated by the Imperial Household Agency. Be sure to plan ahead
and check their website for reservations and application forms.

Address: 3 Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

602-0881

Official site: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

···

7. Nishi Honganji Temple

Nishi Honganji Temple

The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji

Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture.
Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall. Rebuilt in 1760, notable
features of this fine structure include a number of rooms decorated
with paintings on gold backgrounds, and numerous important
statues, some dating from the 6th century.

Also of interest is the Founder's Hall (Daishi-do). Here, you'll find

the much-revered statue of Shinran, carved in 1244 and later
covered with a coat of lacquer mingled with his ashes.

Another notable building is the Daishoin, or Treasury, with various

rooms named after the exquisite wall and ceiling paintings with
which they're decorated. These include the Sparrow Room
(Suzume-no-ma), the Room of the Wild Geese (Gan-no-ma), and
the Chrysanthemum Room (Kiku-no-ma) with its fine 17th-century
paintings of flowers in gold and white by Kaiho Yusetsu.

Also of interest is the Higashi-Honganji Temple of the Jodo-

shinshu sect. Founded in 1602, it's home to a number of examples
of fine artwork.

Only a few parts of these temples are open to the public, so be sure
to make arrangements through the temple's website in advance of
your visit to include other areas not normally accessible.

Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8501

Official site: www.hongwanji.kyoto/en/

···

8. The Kyoto National Museum and Municipal Museum

of Art

The Kyoto National Museum and Municipal Museum of Art

In addition to its many fine old temples with their important

artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in
its world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps the best known is
the National Museum, an art gallery established in 1897 that is
widely considered the most important such museum in Japan.

Focusing predominantly on pre-modern Asian art, particularly

examples from Japan, the museum has been completely renovated
and includes a new wing designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi.
Highlights of a visit include seeing numerous examples of historic
art and applied arts, along with regular exhibitions (be prepared for
plenty of walking).

Also worth seeing is Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art. Opened in

1928, this fine gallery features important works by Takeuchi Seihō,
one of Japan's leading artists of the 20th century.

Address: 527 Chayacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0931

Official site: www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

···
··· Ad