15 Must Visit Kyoto Attractions & Travel Guide

05/01/2026 Tommy Ooi Kyoto 49

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1. Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺)

Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of the most iconic Zen Buddhist temples in Japan, renowned for its top two floors being completely covered in gold leaf.

Originally, the building was intended to serve as the retirement villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Shortly after his death, it was converted into a Zen temple.

During the Muromachi period, the harmonious relationship between the temple’s architecture and its surrounding landscape was highly emphasized, marking this era as a classical age of Japanese garden design.

How to Get to Kinkajuji Temple

By Bus : Kinkakuji-michi – 12, 59, 101, 102, 204, 205

Book: Kyoto City Highlights Bike Tour

Another option is to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple together with other attractions in Kyoto, all in half a day. If you wish for exploring Kyoto more efficiently, take this Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour.

2. Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺)

Kiyomizu-dera was originally founded in 778 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. The temple was established long before Kyoto became the capital of Japan.

Over the centuries, Kiyomizu-dera has been destroyed by fire multiple times. Most of the current buildings were reconstructed by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, during the early Edo period (1631–1633).

At the base of Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall lies the Otowa Waterfall, which features three separate streams. Each stream is believed to grant a different blessing: longevity, success in education, and a blissful love life. Visitors traditionally drink from the streams using cups attached to long poles.

How to Get to Kiyomizu Temple

By Bus: Kiyomizu-michi – 86,100, 106, 110, 202, 206, 207

Book Online: Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour

3. Arashiyama (嵐山)

Arashiyama has been a popular destination since the Heian period, especially during cherry blossom season and fall foliage, thanks to its beautiful natural scenery. The area is compact and easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk between attractions.

Notable highlights include Tenryu-ji Temple, the Bamboo Forest, and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

How to Get to Arashiyama

By Train: JR Saga Arashiyama Station

By Bus: Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae – 11, 28, 93

4. Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine dedicated to the god Inari and is renowned for its seemingly endless Senbon Torii, or thousands of vermilion gates. Each torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha has been donated by a Japanese business, a tradition that continues to this day.

The shrine was originally dedicated to the gods of rice and sake by the Hata family in the 8th century. Foxes are believed to be Inari’s messengers, which is why many fox statues can be found throughout the shrine grounds.

How to Get to Fushimi Inari Taisha

By Train: Keihan Line – Fushimi Inari Station

5. Nishiki Market  (錦市場)

Nishiki Ichiba Market, often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a bustling, narrow shopping street in central Kyoto known for its lively atmosphere and wide variety of local foods. Started as a wholesale district in 1310, the market stretches about five blocks and features over a hundred shops and stalls offering fresh seafood, pickles, seasonal produce, traditional sweets, and specialty ingredients used in Kyoto cuisine.

It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, providing a sensory-rich experience of Kyoto’s culinary culture and a convenient place to sample authentic Japanese flavours in one vibrant location.

How to Get to Nishiki Market

By Bus – Shijo Karasuma Station. Bus No 5,8,11,12,26,32,46,91,101,201,203,207

By Subway – Karasuma Station (K09). 5 mins walk from the station.

6. Hokanji Temple

Hōkan-ji Temple, commonly known as the Yasaka Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Its striking five-story pagoda, dating back to the 6th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto and a popular subject for photographers. The temple’s picturesque setting, nestled among traditional streets and historic buildings, offers a timeless glimpse into old Kyoto and is a charming highlight for visitors exploring the area.

How to Get to Hokanji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

By Bus : Kiyomizu-michi – 86,100, 106, 110, 202, 206, 207

7. Gion District (祇園)

Famously known for its geisha, Gion originally developed to serve weary visitors to Yasaka Shrine. It is important to note that geisha are professional entertainers, not prostitutes.

Starting from Yasaka Shrine, a straight walk will lead you to Shijo-dori, a modern shopping district filled with department stores and bustling pedestrian streets.

How to Get to Gion

By Bus: Gion – 12, 46, 100, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207

8. Tenryu-ji Temple

In the 9th century, Empress Tachibana no Kachiko (786–850) founded Danrin-ji, Japan’s first Zen temple, on the site where Tenryu-ji now stands. Later, in 1339, Tenryu-ji was established by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo.

Tenryu-ji is ranked first among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples. Since its founding, the temple has been devastated by eight major fires. However, its garden survived in its original form and remained unaffected by the destruction.

How to Get to Tenryu-ji Temple

By Bus: Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae – 11, 28, 93

By Train: JR Saga Arashiyama Station

9. Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)

Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is located between the popular Gion and Higashiyama districts.

The shrine dates back to 876, when the priest Enjō invited Gozu Tennō, the god of illness prevention, to the shrine in an effort to halt the epidemics and disasters that were affecting Kyoto residents at that time.

How to Get to Yasaka Shrine

By Bus : Gion – 12, 46, 100, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207

10. Nijō Castle (二条城)

Nijo Castle was built by the Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu in 1603 to protect Kyoto Imperial Palace. The building is also used as a residence for the shogun when he visited Kyoto. It was completed in 1626 by his grandson, Iemitsu.

After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site.

How to Get to Nijo Castle

By Bus: Nijojo-mae – 9, 12, 50, 101

11. Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until the capital and the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

Visitors are able to visit the palace and garden by themselves or by joining the complimentary guided tour. No prior appointment is needed.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9.00am to 4.30pm. Closed on Monday

Entrance Fees: Free

Free Guided Tour Schedule: English or Chinese – 10.00 am & 2.00 pm (50 min tour)

How to Get to Kyoto Imperial Palace:

By Bus – Karasuma Marutamachi 10,93,202,204

12. Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is an observation tower right in front of Kyoto Station. The tower was completed in 1964 in conjunction with Tokyo Olympic.

The tallest tower in Kyoto stands at 131 meters high from its base to the tip of its spire. There are plenty of restaurants surrounding the Kyoto Tower & Kyoto Station. We recommend visiting the food court below the Kyoto Tower and the Ramen Alley on the 10th floor in Kyoto Station.

How to Get to Kyoto Tower

By Bus – 4,5,9,17,26,28,50,81,86,88,100,101,103,104,105,106,110,205,206,208

By Train – Kyoto Station

13. Heian Shrine (平安神宮)

Heian Shrine was built to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the capital’s foundation in Kyoto.

In 794 AD, the Emperor Kanmu moved the capital from Nara to Kyoto and named the new city “Heian-kyo”, which means “the capital of eternal peace”.

Getting there

By Bus: Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan (Heian-jingu) mae – 32, 46

14. Philosopher’s Walk (哲学の道 Tetsugaku no Michi)

Credit: @chai_work

The Philosopher’s Walk (哲学の道) is a tranquil, scenic path in Kyoto that follows a narrow canal lined with cherry trees, stretching between Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji Temple. Named after the influential philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is said to have used the route for daily reflection, the walk offers a peaceful escape from the city with its gentle ambience, seasonal blooms, and nearby temples and cafes. It is a popular route for leisurely strolls, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms create a stunning canopy overhead.

How to Get to Philosopher’s Path

By Bus – Ginkakuji-mae 32,100

15. Walk around Kyoto in Kimono

Credits: @mackiddbill

One of the most memorable experiences in Kyoto was renting a kimono for a full day of sightseeing. Contrary to popular belief, kimono rental is quite affordable.

Tip: Arrive at the shop 15 minutes before opening to be among the first customers. This will give you a wider selection and allow you to make the most of a one-day rental. However, note that most shops require the kimono to be returned by 6 p.m.

Book Online: 20% OFF Book a Kimono Rental Hana Plan in Kyoto / Kimono rental services in central Kyoto

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About Tommy Ooi 509 Articles
Luxury Hotel Reviewer & Destination Blogger. Passionate for travel, exploring new culture & indulging divine food, Tommy has traveled to 42 countries & 140+ destinations.
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49 Comments

  1. Hi Tommy,

    WOuld like to enquire on the Kyoto attractions. Is it easy to take the Bus to go to the places – when and how would you know where to board and get off.

    • Hello Tommy.. Your blog is most helpful… Super thanks.. May I ask your advice?.. Planning to go to Osaka and Kyoto this November 2016 and would like to know iwhere to base ourselves.. Arashimaya, Fushimi Inari, Osaka castle are among the places we missed at our last trip. Your must-see sites in both areas are in my to-do list. Thank you and more power to you.. ?

    • Hi Samantha, Osaka just stay near a metro or Namba area should be convenient to get around. Kyoto perhaps near Kyoto Station since getting around kyoto mostly involve in bus

  5. Hi Tommy, any recommendation on budget onsen for a night stay somewhere near Kyoto/Osaka? I see most of the onsen are quite expensive, do you know is there any good one with cheaper rate? thanks!

  6. Hi Tommy. We’re going to Kyoto in November for autumn season. We plan to stay there for 3 days. What’s you recommend for places to visit; you have “8 must visit Kyoto” for us, we don’t think we can do 8. So what are the best one for autumn?

  7. Hi Tommy

    We have booked airtickets to Narita Tokyo and leaving from Kansai Airport, in early to mid Dec 2016, for 11Days 10Nights trip (2 Adults 1 Teen 2 older children).

    Our planned itineraries as follows (INCOMPLETE AS RESEARCHING STAGE):-

    Tokyo – 4 Nites (DisneySea, Asakusa Temple, Science Museum)
    Kyoto – 3 Nites (Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nishiki Market)
    Osaka – 3 Nites (USJ)

    Questions:-

    1) The number of days allocated at the 3 locations seems all right?
    2) Any other places of interest that you can recommend?

    Appreciate your guidance as its our first family Free & Easy holiday (stress mode for us parents ;p)

  8. Hi Tommy,

    I will be in Osaka for a 8 days. I plan to stay in Kyoto for 4 days and remaining 4 days in Osaka.

    Please advise what pass I should get to travel around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and maybe Kobe or Himeji.

    Also how do I travel from Osaka to the airport because I am afraid to miss the flight back!

    Thanks in advance.

      • Hi Tommy, thanks for your reply. Here are my itinerary appreciate you could advise especially Kyoto.
        Day 1: Reach tokyo 9.30am rest afternnon to Odaiba.
        Day 2: Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Shinjuku.
        Day 3: Asakusa, Ueno Park, Ginza.
        Day 4: Disneysea.
        Day 5: Yokohama (Optional seem like ntg much to see).
        Day 6: Kawaguchiko, Kochi Kochi Ropeway stay 1 night.
        Day 7: Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda night take bus to Kyoto.
        Day 8: Reach early in the morning to Arashiyama, Sagano Scenic railway stay Kyoto 2 nights.
        Day 9: Gion, Philosopher’s path, Nanzenji temple, Maruyama Park, Higashiyama DIstrict (Optiona), Pontocho.
        Day 10: Fushimi Inari shrine, Golden pavilion, Ninnaji transfer to Osaka for 3 nights.
        Day 11: Aquarium, Namba, Dontobori, Shinsaibashi.
        Day 12: Osaka castle, Umeda sky building (still thinking transport back to tokyo).
        Day 13: If take flight reach tokyo in afternoon to tokyo tower, Chidorigafuchi or Megurogawa.
        Day 14: Any suggestion place?
        Day15: Free and easy.
        Day16: Back to KL.

        Thank you in advance.

  11. we hv 8/10days for Japan trip . Will go Tokyo . So between Osaka n Kyoto with one better ? My friends say 3places too rushing . N can go Mount Fuji as well ? Fly to which place 1st more convenience ? Pleas advice
    Thanks .

  12. For a 24-hour trip to Kyoto in early August, is it realistic to go to all of these temples:
    Kinkaky-Ji Temple (Golden Pavillion)
    Arashiyama (Bamboo)
    Fushimi Inari Taisha (Famous)
    Nijo Castle
    Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    Gion District (Known for Geisha)

    Any recommendation for dinner, breakfast and lunch? We will be around the Rokkaku Takakura Higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku area. Thank you much.

  13. Hi Tommy,

    Your blog post was really helpful. Im planning to visit Kyoto/Nara, do you think we can cover both places in 6 days? Thank you.

    Yukisha

  14. Thanks for the swift reply! 🙂 Im planning to go there with my friend anything u can advise as we never been to Japan before.

    Thanks Tommy.

  16. Hi Tommy, this is one really helpful blog. Could you help,which one is close to another. How many sites can we visit in one day? We are 20 pax travelling (9 are aged 12-16) for 7 days, Dec 20-27 -Osaka, Kyoto, Nara only.. Thank you so much.

  17. Hi Tommy, i have 7 days for a Japan trip. Is Tokyo-Kyoto better or Tokyo Osaka? Should i spend more time in Tokyo or Kyoto/Osaka? This is more of a food trip cum to unwind. Thank you.

  18. Hi Tommy ,
    Thank you for your time and efforts in replying to all those Questions.
    I am going to Osaka & Kyoto for 8 nights and would like to stay in a private Onsen for 1 or 2 nights ( not too expensive ) and taste the exquisite food.
    Do you have any to recommend ? And how to I get there

  19. Hi Tommy,

    Thanks for your guide,

    would like to have your guide for my itinerary,

    plan to have 7 days in Osaka, plan to go osaka, kyoto, nara, kobe all round,

    my question is, is it worth if overnight in kyoto?

    my plan is as below

    Day 1 morning reach Kansai Airport -> Kyoto, overnight kyoto
    Day 2 Kyoto whole day, Kyoto overnight
    Day 3 Kyoto -> Nara -> Osaka overnight
    Day 4 Osaka -> Kobe -> Osaka overnight
    Day 5 Osaka
    Day 6 Osaka

    Thanks in the advance for the advice.

    thanks

    • Hi Xue, i think kyoto should be the main focus as there are more historical places in kyoto than osaka. it’s like ancient japan in certain neighborhood. To be honest you will need 3 nights min for Kyoto. From your plan Kobe should be just touch n go. Maybe perhaps skip Kobe so u have more time for Kyoto?

  20. Hi Tommy,
    Any places closer by Osaka or Kyoto where we can see snow? I have family members of four visiting Osaka/Kyoto from Dec 3 till Dec 14 this year.

  23. Hi Tommy,

    Thank you for your guide.

    I am going to Japan for my honeymoon. I really need your help to plan my Kyoto cuz it seems like all the good places are scattered around in Kyoto.

    Nevertheless, would like to share with you my plan for the whole trip
    Day 1: Touch down Haneda & head to Mt. Fuji, overnight at onsen ryoukan
    Day 2: Head off to Osaka in the late afternoon & overnight in Osaka
    Day 3: Osaka (USJ)
    Day 4: Osaka till late afternoon & head to Kyoto
    Day 5: Kyoto Full Day
    Day 6: Kyoto till late aftenoon & head to Tokyo
    Day 7: Tokyo
    Day 8: Tokyo & head to Haneda airport at about 8pm & home sweet home

    What do you think of this itinerary? is it too rush?

    Do you think I can cover Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama in 1 day or it is advised to split to 2 day?
    I am thinking of renting a kimono for the Day 6 for touring of the city areas.

    How would you advice?

    • Hi Sitong, if you are asking for our opinion. First advise not to combine Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka in a trip. It is way too rush and your Japan Rail pass cost is almost the same as your flight cost. Most importantly you are on honeymoon, pace should be slower

  27. Hi Tommy. My family and I are going to Kyoto on 24/11/2019-27/11/2019 and we will be staying in Kyoto River View House Kyoraku. We will be arriving in Kyoto on the midnight of 24/11/2019 which means we can only start exploring Kyoto on 25/11/2019. We will leave Kyoto on 27/11/2019 for Osaka. What are your recommendations for places to visit in Kyoto for that period. Thanking you in advance.

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