Kyoto is a beautiful city in Japan known for its history and culture. It was once the capital and has many famous temples, like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari with its red gates.
Here is a list of 10 places you cannot miss while traveling in Kyoto!
Ninenzaka
Ninenzaka and Sanneizaka are two charming streets in Kyoto, located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They are famous for their traditional wooden buildings, quaint shops, and tea houses, creating a picturesque atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Ninenzaka, meaning “two-year slope,” is known for its steep, cobblestone path lined with shops selling local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Sanneizaka, or “three-year slope,” has a similar charm but is slightly steeper. Both streets are popular for their beautiful views, especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine in Kyoto, known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that create stunning pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Established in the 8th century, the shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and agriculture.
The torii gates, donated by individuals and businesses, form trails that lead to various smaller shrines and offer breathtaking views of the city. Visitors often hike the trails, which can take several hours, experiencing the serene beauty of the forested mountain. The shrine is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset.
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, famous for its breathtaking architecture and serene surroundings. Originally built in the 14th century, it is covered in gold leaf, which reflects beautifully in the pond that surrounds it.
The temple is set in a picturesque landscape of gardens, with carefully designed paths that allow visitors to enjoy the changing seasons, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage times.
Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, attracting many tourists who come to admire its beauty and tranquility.
Shijo Kawaramachi
Shijō Kawaramachi is a bustling area in Kyoto that serves as a major shopping and entertainment district. Located at the intersection of Shijō Street and the Kamo River, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
This area is popular among both locals and tourists, offering everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions, such as the historic Gion district, famous for its geisha culture. With its blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Shijō Kawaramachi is a vibrant hub in the heart of Kyoto.
Enjoy High Quality Wagyu at Shijokawaramachi
10-minute walk from Shijokawaramachi area, Yakiniku Issho Itamae Shijokiyamachi is a popular restaurant in Kyoto where you can enjoy delicious grilled meat, known as yakiniku.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and allows you to grill your own meat at your table. They offer a variety of high-quality cuts, along with tasty dipping sauces and side dishes. It’s a great place for friends and family to gather and enjoy a fun and tasty meal together.
Make a Reservation
Kibune Shrine
Visitors often enjoy the walk to the shrine, which features lovely stone steps and lanterns. A unique highlight of Kibune Shrine is its floating altar, where visitors can enjoy meals during the warmer months while dining over the river.
Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dates back to the 6th century and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Nestled in a forest at the Kamo River and the Takano River, the shrine is dedicated to the deities of the Kamo clan and is known for its beautiful, quiet surroundings.
A highlight of the shrine is the surrounding forest, known as Tadasu no Mori. Revered for centuries, it embodies Shinto beliefs in the sacredness of nature and serves as a dwelling place for kami (deities).
Enjoy Traditional Kyoto Cuisine Near Shimogamo at Kyo Kaiseki Kichisen
This restaurant represents Japan’s Kyoto Kaiseki, and has been awarded 3 stars by Michelin Kyoto and Osaka for 6 consecutive years.
Kyo Kaiseki Kichisen serves traditional hospitality cuisine that follows the flow of tea kaiseki. The owner, Mr. Tanigawa, met 50 masters during his experience in many workplaces. He rose to a position on par with long-established restaurants in just one generation.
At Kichisen, each dish is carefully crafted to reflect the changing seasons, making every visit unique. The chefs prioritize freshness and quality, using locally sourced ingredients to create harmonious flavors. It’s a perfect place for those looking to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage and enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Reservations are typically recommended due to its popularity!
Make a Reservation
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a popular district in Kyoto, famous for its stunning natural scenery and cultural attractions. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is known for the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors can stroll through towering bamboo stalks.
The area also features the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers lovely views of the Katsura River and surrounding mountains. Nearby, you can explore temples like Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the gardens.
Enjoy Famous Tofu Dish in Arashiyama at Yudofu Sagano
Yudoufu Sagano is located in a purely Japanese building surrounded by Tenryuji Temple. It is located in Arashiyama, a popular spot in Kyoto.
Yudoufu Sagano has been serving Kyoto’s traditional Saga Tofu in Yudofu style. Yudoufu is a quintessential Kyoto dish featuring tofu simmered in a simple broth or hot water. It is often served with dipping sauces like soy sauce.
Enjoy your meal in a modern sukiya-style building designed by the master architect Togo Murano, while enjoying a view of the beautiful Japanese garden.
You can make a reservation HERE.
Make a Reservation
Gion District
Gion is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and charming streets. This historic area is filled with tea houses, restaurants, and shops, creating a unique atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
In Gion, visitors may catch glimpses of geisha, known as geiko in Kyoto, as they make their way to appointments in their elegant kimonos. The district is also home to the iconic Shirakawa Canal, lined with weeping cherry trees, which is especially beautiful in spring.
Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji Temple is a prominent Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. Founded in the 13th century, it is one of the most important temples in the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
The temple complex features a large sanmon (main gate), which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and a beautiful hojo (abbot’s residence) with serene gardens. Visitors can explore various sub-temples within the complex, each showcasing unique art and tranquil landscapes.
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