Top 10 Destinations To Visit In Kyoto

This capital city of Japan has so many things to offer for visitors. It has amazing temples, historic palaces, beautiful gardens, natural attractions, and so many things. Even though there are unlimited things to explore, find below some of the must-visit destinations in Kyoto.

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Address: Japan, 〒605-0028 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Bunkicho, 61.

Maps & Direction

If you are a nature lover, this would be a paradise for you. It is also known as the Sagano Bamboo forest located at Arashiyama, Kyoto. You can enjoy walking through the amazing pathways sided by thousands of Bamboo trees.

2. Nijo Castle

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This castle was built in 1603 and it was the official residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu. Unlike other popular castles, it is made up of woods and looks so attractive. Two concrete rings were used for this fortification with a circular courtyard between the two. You can explore elaborate gates, massive stone walls, Japanese paintings, mosaic ceilings and beautiful gardens over here.

3. Ninna-Ji

Address: 33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8092, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This temple is located in Western Kyoto and founded in AD 888 by the retired Emperor Uda. This temple is a part of the UNESCO Heritage site. This is considered as the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Popular things you can visit here are the main hall, the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate, and the five-storied pagoda. This is the best spot for visiting in Cherry Blossom season.

4. Kyoto National Museum

Address: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0931, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This Museum was opened in 1897 where you can understand the history, culture, and everything related to Kyoto. Its permanent collections include archaeological relics, sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, costumes, and temporary exhibitions also used to conduct here. This museum is the best example of Meiji architecture.

5. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This is one of the most visited attractions in Kyoto. This Shinto shrine is very attractive with thousands of vermilion torii gates which stretch around 230 meters. This is an important pilgrim site in Kyoto. The trail leads to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto city.

6. Sento Palace

Address: Japan, 〒602-0881 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Kyotogyoen, 2−番地.

Maps & Direction

This imperial palace is located in Kyoto Imperial Park built-in 1630 as the retirement palace of Emperor Gomizuno. Presently this palace is used as a guest house for the present Prince and Princess during their visits to Kyoto. It has an amazing garden which is the best example of a strolling garden.

7. Ginkakuji Temple

Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This temple was a previous retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and after his death, this villa was converted into a temple. Things you can explore here are two-story Kannon Hall, the Silver Pavilion, beautiful gardens like unique dry sand garden and moss garden.

8. Kyoto Railway Museum

Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This museum was opened after renovation in 2016 in Shimogyō-Ku, Kyoto. This is one of the greatest railway museums in Japan. It has amazing collections of retired trains, parts, locomotives, etc from the ancient period to present-day electric trains. You can understand more about the interior functioning of the train.

9. Nishiki Market

Address: 609番地 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This is the busiest market located in the heart of Kyoto. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the traditional dishes of Kyoto. This narrow street consists of more than 130 food stalls with a variety of tasty dishes and a good number of restaurants.

10. Kinakuji

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan.

Maps & Direction

Kinakuji is also known as the Golden Pavilion is a Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto. This three-story building has three types of Japanese architecture like Samurai, Zen, and Shinden and painted with a yellow and golden color and the temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Leave a comment