Kyoto is the cultural and historical capital of Japan. There is an incredible amount of interesting things to see here. There are over two thousand temples and shrines alone! Markets, tea houses, geisha performances, first-class restaurants, riverside walks and picturesque surroundings. What to choose and try in a few days of traveling? In this article, I have compiled 10 Kyoto places that every traveler must see.
1. Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera temple complex is the most popular in Kyoto and one of the most beautiful! It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, whose sacred water is believed to have healing properties and bring good luck. Many people drink water from the waterfall and perform rituals.
The hallmark of Kiyomizu Temple is its massive wooden veranda (often called a “stage”), which offers a stunning view of the city. Built on 12-meter-high wooden pillars without a single nail, it became the subject of a popular belief during the Edo period: if you jumped from the veranda (the equivalent of jumping from a fourth-story window) and survived, any wish would be granted. This daring practice was so widespread that the Japanese language adopted the phrase “jump from the Kiyomizu stage,” meaning “to take a decisive step.”
Kiyomizu-dera Temple has been a sacred site for over 1,200 years, where visitors come to pray to the goddess Kannon. Due to the large number of tourists, an entrance fee is now required. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. Two famous historic streets – Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka – lead up to the temple. During the day, they often get crowded with people, so coming early lets you enjoy their charm in peace.
2. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a must-see attraction in Kyoto. It was built in the early 17th century as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shogun. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s not just Japanese history that makes it worth a visit. The architecture and design of the castle is stunning! Each room is painted with landscapes and symbols. Unwanted visitors were put to the painted tigers to intimidate them. The mountains and flowers were for friends and family. Not a single person could walk through the castle unnoticed! The floors were made with special technology and with every step they make a creaking sound, like a bird chirping. Legend has it that the castle has several secret rooms. And even the doors aren’t just doors. At the shogun’s pedestal, there were bodyguards waiting at the ready behind each of them.
I recommend purchasing your castle ticket online in advance to save 20–30 minutes in the queue. Every spring and fall, there’s an evening show featuring illuminated projections and music at the castle.
ALSO READ: What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan
3. Kyoto Golden Temple Kinkaku-ji
Kinkakuji Golden Temple is one of the most popular places in Kyoto. It was originally the villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsumu in the 15th century, and after his death, the building was converted into a temple. And yes, it really is entirely covered in gold leaf!
Gold has always been a symbol of status and power. It is also associated with divine radiance, purity of spirit, and spiritual strength. The Golden Pavilion embodies the idea that worldly splendor can serve as a bridge to spiritual renewal. The temple’s reflection in the waters of the Kyōko-chi Pond is incredibly picturesque – an ideal spot for a photo!
A beautiful traditional Zen garden surrounds the temple. Every path, stone, and pond creates a sense of tranquility. Unfortunately, it’s not the best place for meditation – crowds of tourists arrive early in the morning, so try to come right at opening time. Payment at the entrance by cash or card. Save your admission ticket! It is made in the style of an amulet that brings good luck and guards against evil forces.
During its long history, Kinkaku-ji has burned down several times. The most recent incident was a tragic case in which a monk, having lost his faith, set the temple on fire. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955.
4. Gion Geisha District and Tea Ceremony
Gion is Japan’s most famous geisha district. It is home to traditional restaurants, shops, and teahouses where guests are still entertained by real geishas and their apprentices, called maiko. During the Edo period (1603–1868), Gion was considered an entertainment quarter and a hub of art, theater, and culture. Many of its original buildings from that era remain to this day. Across all of Japan, only two teahouse districts are designated as cultural heritage sites: Gion in Kyoto and Kazuemachi in Kanazawa.
READ ALSO: What to see in Kanazawa in 1 day
Hanami-koji is the main street of Gion. It stretches across the entire district down to Kennin-ji Temple in the south (which, by the way, is stunning — definitely worth a visit!). The street becomes especially enchanting in the evening. You might even be lucky enough to spot a real geisha hurrying to a dinner appointment at one of the local teahouses.
You’ll recognize a geisha instantly by her light, graceful walk (if you’ve ever tried wearing geta, the traditional Japanese wooden sandals, you know how difficult it is to move in them), her refined manners, and her exquisite kimono — made of silk and costing several thousand dollars each.
Photography and chasing geisha are strictly prohibited. In fact, some private streets and teahouses in Gion have been closed to tourists due to intrusive behavior.
Attending a private evening with a geisha costs a huge amount of money. A budget-friendly alternative is an odori performance, which geisha and maiko present several times a year. I went to the spring Kitano Odori at Kamishichiken Kabukai, and I loved it. The show was inexpensive, and the audience was almost entirely Japanese.
I also recommend reserving a tea ceremony in Gion. I’ve attended the one at Maikoya at Gion Kiyomizu multiple times, and it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip. It’s best to book a few months in advance. Definitely opt for the kimono option!
5. Nishiki Market and Ninja Museum
Nishiki is a bustling five-block shopping street in downtown Kyoto known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” The market has been here since the 14th century, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal with history. Some of the stalls here are about a hundred years old! For example, Nishiki Daiyasu, with seafood and fresh oysters, has been open since the early 19th century. Hiroshige Nishiki Market is another delicious seafood place. Nishiki Sushi Shin and my favorite ramen is Kyoto Engine Ramen.
Nishiki Market has one fun attraction. Samurai Ninja MuseumThe Samurai Ninja Museum, where you can learn about ninjas and samurai, try on traditional outfits for photos and take part in a hira-shuriken (ninja star, a traditional weapon) throwing contest. The museum is open late, so it’s best to come here in the evening.
READ ALSO: What to bring from Japan: 13 things you won’t regret buying
6. Thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari is another must-visit spot in Kyoto. This long pathway, lined with bright red torii gates, stretches for several kilometers along the slopes of the sacred mountain. The Inari Shrine is one of the most important in Japan and is dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity.
By various estimates, more than 10,000 torii gates have been installed here. They are donated to Inari by individuals and companies as a prayer for success. The average cost of a torii ranges from about 400,000 yen (around 2,700 USD) for smaller ones to 1–2 million yen (7,000–12,000 USD) for larger ones. Many donors wait several years in line for their turn.
Fushimi Inari is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. If you arrive an hour to an hour before sunset, go up to the Fushimi Inari Yotsuji observation deck. It offers the best view of the sunset city. Down by the temple, don’t miss the Omokaru Stone site. There are two stones there. You must make a wish and lift one of them. But before lifting it, imagine how much you think the stone will weigh. If it turns out to be heavier than you expected, your wish may be difficult to fulfill. If it feels lighter, your wish is likely to come true in the near future.
7. Kōdaiji Jūgyūan Restaurant
Food is always a matter of personal taste. But one thing is certain: Japanese cuisine is both an art form and entertainment in itself. In Japan, you can eat delicious and affordable meals almost anywhere, and the country is also home to some of the world’s most refined restaurants and the highest number of Michelin stars. The restaurant you’re reading about now is meant as an example – a recommendation to try something unique during your trip. I’m sure there are many worthy alternatives in both Kyoto and Tokyo. But the dinner I had at Kōdaiji Jūgyūan in Kyoto left an unforgettable impression.
The restaurant is located in a traditional Japanese house, complete with tatami floors and a beautiful garden. The dishes are stunning both in presentation and flavor combinations. The entire experience feels like a ritual of appreciating food and atmosphere. I recommend arriving hungry and setting aside about three hours for the tasting. Kōdaiji Jūgyūan is open for both lunch and dinner. The price is above average, but entirely justified. The restaurant has one Michelin star, so I highly recommend booking a table in advance.
8. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a picturesque historic district where Japanese nobility once retreated between the 8th and 12th centuries. Today, it’s especially famous for its bamboo grove. Try to arrive no later than 8–9 a.m. – the earlier you get there, the fewer people you’ll encounter. From Kyoto Station, you can take the direct San-In Line Local (Sonobe) train to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is beautiful – and very touristy. If you want great bamboo forest photos without the crowds, head to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple instead. The entrance is paid, but the small bamboo grove there will feel almost like your own private sanctuary. Nearby, you’ll also find my favorite temple in Arashiyama – Otagi Nenbutsuji, founded in the 8th century. Its grounds are adorned with more than a thousand small statues covered in soft green moss. Take a walk through the quiet, non-touristy neighborhood along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street for an even more peaceful experience.
In Arashiyama, you can spend a whole day walking around the temples and restaurants. There is a park with Japanese monkeys. The park is located on a mountain, where the trail leads a little more than a kilometer. You can feed the monkeys (they sell special food on site). From the top opens a beautiful panorama of the city. Entrance is paid, only cash is accepted.
READ MORE: Japan’s Jigokudani snow monkeys
9. The Temple of a Thousand Buddhas Sanjūsangendō
A temple you won’t see on Instagram: photography and video are forbidden at Sanjusangendo, and perhaps that’s why many tourists miss out on this treasure. Inside its wooden hall – one of the longest in Japan – are 1,001 statues of the goddess Kannon. It’s an absolutely awe-inspiring sight!
A thousand gilded statues of Kannon stand in ten rows and fifty columns on each side of the hall. Of these, 124 have survived since the temple’s founding in the 12th century; the rest were restored after a fire in 1249. The life-size statues surround a larger central Kannon figure with a thousand arms – symbolizing the ability to save those in need – and eleven heads, representing insight into all the world’s suffering. Each statue has a unique facial expression.
Legend says that among them, you may find one that resembles the person you dream of meeting.
Sanjusangendo is also linked to a fascinating event: the Tōshiya archery tournament. Since the 16th century, this competition took place in the temple’s 120-meter hall, lasting 24 hours for adults and 12 hours for young participants. Archers would continuously shoot arrows from the southern end of the building toward a target at the northern end. The winner was the one who fired the most arrows with the highest number of hits. The record was set in 1686 by Wasa Daihachirō, who fired 13,053 arrows in one day – about nine per minute – and hit the target 8,133 times.
The original competitions were discontinued in 1861, but the temple still holds Ōmato Taikai every year. They are open to boys and girls in their early twenties. In Ōmato Taikai, young people take turns firing two arrows at a target 60 meters away for two minutes. Participants must hit the target with both arrows and demonstrate their skill, discipline and focus. This ritual symbolizes the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
10. Uji – Match City
Uji is a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto. This small town is famous for its rich tea culture, historical sites and serene river scenery. If you love matcha, you should definitely come here! The famous Byōdō-in temple, which is depicted on the 10-yen coin, is also located in Uji. In The Tale of Genji, one of the greatest works of Japanese classical literature, several chapters are dedicated to Uji.
Uzdi is a great day trip from tourist-crowded Kyoto to take a peaceful walk, drink delicious tea and relax by the river with a view.
READ ALSO: Uji, Kyoto: What to See in Japan’s Matcha Capital
Where to stay in Kyoto
In Kyoto, try to book a hotel near the train station. The subway in the city is not as developed as in Tokyo, and the sights are far away from each other. Kyoto Station is a central transportation hub.
If you can’t find anything near the station, consider Karasuma and Gojo stations.
- Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo
- Auberge AZABU
- Henn na Hotel Premier Kyoto
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
- Kyoto Shijo Takakura Hotel Grandereverie
I don’t recommend staying in the Gion area — there’s not much to do there after sunset. All the entertainment, shops, and restaurants are located around Kawaramachi.
For more Tokyo and Kyoto hotel recommendations, check out the guide.
READ MORE:
- 25 ideas for things to do in Tokyo
- Japan in Two Weeks: Best places to visit
- 27 Ways to Save Money in Japan
