Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Kyoto

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, although it lost this official status, remained one of the main cities of the country. For many centuries, the imperial families rebuilt Kyoto, giving it its present features. The architectural features of the districts are difficult to convey in two words. The number of buildings in the traditional Japanese style is impressive. These are tea houses, pagodas and pavilions. Among them there are a lot of wooden structures, which is not usually peculiar to cities with millions of inhabitants.

The main attractions of Kyoto are temple complexes. Some of them are converted from palaces and villas of shoguns, for example, the Golden Pavilion. Japan’s national characteristics have not been forgotten in modern times. A visit to the Gion quarter or Nishiki market allows tourists to plunge into the flavour of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

Gion

 0/5

The most famous geisha district in the country. It began to take shape in the Middle Ages. The streets are still lined with old buildings, mostly tea houses, restaurants and matiya – traditional Japanese houses. Geisha classes are available to tourists: you can learn to dance, play instruments, ceremonies or just try on an outfit. The neighbourhood is partially declared a National Historic Site.

Pontocho

 4.6/5

287 reviews

One of Japan’s traditional nightlife districts. The small street is filled with tea houses, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. You can meet a geisha in the neighbourhood and also visit the kabuki theatre. Twice a year, the neighbourhood puts on an unusual performance – a legacy of Pontotyo Kaburenjo Theatre. The colourful show is a symbiosis of dance, musical instruments and geisha ceremonies.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Sannenzaka Path

 4.3/5

12329 reviews

Located in the foothills of the Higasiyam hills. The streets are narrow, steeply rising upwards, and there are steps. There is a superstition: if you fall on Sannen-zaka, death will catch up with you within three years. On both sides of the streets are wooden houses. They house shops. Typical local products are hand-painted pottery. If you wish, you can watch the process of creating the crockery.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Fushimi Inari Taisha

 4.6/5

65183 reviews

The very first buildings on this place appeared in the VIII century. However, it was not until 1499 that Fushimi Inari became a full-fledged Zionist temple. Then the main hall was erected. The imperial house actively supported the temple during the Heian period. On the territory there are many statues and images of foxes. These animals are messengers of Inari, the god of rice. According to legend, the temple is dedicated to his crossing the country.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kinkaku-ji

 4.5/5

47927 reviews

It is part of the Rokuon-ji complex. It was built in 1397 and was the residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He moved here permanently when he grew tired of the affairs of state. There is a vast green area around, including both man-made parks and “wild” forests. After the Shogun’s death, the villa was turned into a Buddhist temple. The area was redesigned. Religious symbols appeared in the main hall.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kiyomizu-dera

 4.5/5

48630 reviews

The temple complex dates back to the XIV-XVI centuries. The translation of the name is “temple of pure water”. The ensemble includes many buildings and objects. The most notable are the main temple, pagoda, prayer hall, bell shelter, sutra storage and horse corral. Most of the complex is dedicated to the goddess Kannon. As she is characterised by reincarnation, various images of Kannon can be seen in the temple.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Higashiyama Jisho-ji

 4.5/5

12799 reviews

It is located at the foot of a mountain covered with dense forest. Together with the garden, the pavilion is part of a single complex. It dates back to the end of the 15th century. The palace was built for Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga. The two floors are crowned by a traditional-style roof and a statue of the Phoenix on top of it. A gallery runs along the perimeter of the first floor. A man-made lake has been created right in front of the entrance to the pavilion.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Ryōan-ji

 4.4/5

8328 reviews

Dated 1450. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It became famous largely due to its rock garden. It was created for meditation by Buddhist monks. The area is covered with white sand and gravel, and surrounded by a wall of clay. The arrangement of the stones has a certain interpretation. On the temple grounds is Ryoan-ji Tsukubai, a stone vessel whose oxen are used for rituals.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tōji Temple

 4.5/5

14635 reviews

The temple complex was founded in 796. With a height of 57 metres, its main pagoda holds the title of the tallest wooden building in the city. The five-tiered structure is open to tourists only a few days a year. Despite a number of reconstructions, the complex has remained within its original boundaries and retained its original style. One of the halls of To-ji is the Treasury. It houses artefacts and valuables from different periods.

Open time

Rengeōin (Sanjūsangendō) Temple

 4.6/5

12363 reviews

The construction was completed in 1164. The name can be translated as “The Hall of Thirty-three Do”. Do is a measure of length in Japanese architecture. After the great fire in 1249, the temple complex was not restored completely. It was limited only to the main hall, which has survived to this day. Sanjusangen-do is famous primarily for its collection of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Nanzenji Temple

 4.5/5

9810 reviews

The city’s main Buddhist temple. It has overseen the five Great Temples of Kyoto since 1386. A villa was originally built on this site, and it was converted into a religious site in 1293. The complex is distinguished by several temples and two gardens. Two bodies of water have been created in the South Garden. Nanzen-ji is famous for holding the longest shogi game on record: it lasted a week.

Open time

Monday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM

Nijō Castle

 4.4/5

32708 reviews

The construction started at the very beginning of the 17th century and lasted for several centuries. The total area of the complex, including the park zone and gardens, is 275 thousand m². In the past, the castle was the residence of the Tokugawa family. In 1867, the transfer of power from the last Japanese shogun to Emperor Meiji took place here. Since 1940 the territory can be visited by anyone. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Open time

Monday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

 4.4/5

14314 reviews

Construction began in 794. During its history, the palace was burnt to the ground several times. During reconstructions, the complex was modified in accordance with the wishes of the reigning emperor at the time. The premises were mothballed at the end of the century before last when the capital was moved to Tokyo. Two more coronations were held in Kyoto. The surrounding area is a garden, otherwise known as the Emperor’s Park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:20 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:20 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:20 PM

Kyoto International Manga Museum

 4.2/5

5816 reviews

It has been in operation since 2006. It is also a research centre based at Seika University. The exhibition includes about 200,000 copies of manga. The Manga Wall occupies three floors, displaying publications from the last five decades. In the manga cafe you can have lunch and read, and the visitor pays at the exit for the amount of time spent in the institution. The museum is open all days except Wednesday.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Kyoto Railway Museum

 4.5/5

15377 reviews

Occupies a vast area and tells the history of Japan’s railways. The heart of the exhibition is 36 trains in perfect condition. Among them are old models – real rarities – as well as modern high-speed trains. The museum has a library with 34 thousand magazines and books about different types of transport, but the railway is in the first place. There are driving simulators on the territory.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

KYOTO SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM

 4.7/5

5612 reviews

Located closer to the city centre. The museum collection covers 5 periods in total from 794 to 1868. Among the specimens there are especially valuable authentic clothes, armour and weapons. During the tour the guide tells about the life style of samurai and ninja. For a fee you can be photographed in full attire of Japanese ancient warriors.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Kyoto National Museum

 4.3/5

6654 reviews

Founded during the reign of Emperor Meiji. Tokuma Katayama, a follower of Western styles of architecture, was responsible for the design. Therefore, the museum was built in the French Renaissance style. The exhibitions are divided into three areas: fine arts, crafts and archaeological finds. The permanent exhibitions include not only Japanese treasures but also artefacts from other Asian countries.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Nishiki Market

 4.2/5

34015 reviews

The history of the market goes back several centuries. It is also called the “kitchen of Kyoto”. The narrow street in the centre of the city is surrounded by hundreds of stalls and shops. Many of them have been run by families for generations. Nishiki sells traditional Japanese pickles, sweets, fruit, fresh seafood and all sorts of dishes prepared right here. The trade goes on until the evening.

Open time

Kyoto Tower

 4.1/5

12709 reviews

The tallest building in the city. It is 131 metres high. The construction was timed to coincide with the Olympic Games in Kyoto in 1964. The plan caused a lot of controversy. Some believed that the tower would spoil the look of the old capital, while others insisted on the need to modernise the panoramic view. In the end, the tower was erected on a 9-storey building where shops and a hotel are open. The structure can withstand strong earthquakes and typhoons.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Togetsukyo

 0/5

It is crossed over the Oigawa River. It is about 150 metres long. The name translates to “bridge crossing the moon”. Emperor Kameyama named it so because he noticed that at night it looked as if the moon was touching the bridge. In December, the area hosts a night-lighting festival. Tourists can take a boat ride: boatmen wait right by the bridge. Locals come here to go fishing.

Sagano Scenic Railway

 0/5

It was put into operation in 1990. It is 7.3 kilometres long. It connects Saga and Kameoka stations. Trains use heat traction, there is no electrification. The trains consist of 5 wagons. Some of them are open. This allows you to take better photos. There are several stops on the way. Tourists can get off, buy souvenirs and look around. Of particular interest to travellers is a huge diorama.

Maruyama Park

 4.3/5

5373 reviews

It was opened in 1886. There are more than 800 cherry trees planted in the park. The most famous of them is the Gion, the main natural attraction of Maruyama. Spending time here is not just about strolling or photo shoots. It offers restaurants and tea houses. To the west is the Yasaka Shrine, so many tourists prefer to go there through the park.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Philosopher's Path

 4.5/5

753 reviews

Also called Tetsugaku-no-michi. It is laid at the foot of Mount Higashiyama. It’s about 2 kilometres long. There are many temples nearby. The path runs along a canal lined with stones. Sakura trees planted nearby make the area even more picturesque. During the blooming season, the trail becomes a tunnel of blossoms. Tetsugaku-no-michi is listed as one of the 100 most popular tourist paths in Japan.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

 4.4/5

7091 reviews

It is located in the vicinity of the city. For convenience, special paths and bridges are laid in the forest: in some places the soil is very loose, and it would be problematic to walk without them. The protected zone has been known since the XIV century. It was created by monks led by Muso Soseki. Its area now reaches 15 km². In the evening, lanterns are lit along the paths. You can buy bamboo crafts at the entrance.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

 4.5/5

9767 reviews

It is located in the suburbs of Kyoto. The park is home to about 200 species of primates. They feel very comfortable here. The area around the park is often used as a film set, and the park itself is owned by a film company. The monkeys can be fed by hand if you buy special food. The park is located on a hill, so you can enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Open time