Central and Southern Kyoto

The two major sights in central Kyoto are the opulent Nijo Castle and the more modest Imperial Palace. The latter requires permission, and you must join a guided tour. Central Kyoto is a big shopping destination: west of the Kamo-gawa to Karasuma-dori and on the north-south axis between Shijo-dori and Oike-dori, there are department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.

The most interesting southern Kyoto sights are three religious structures: Tofuku-ji, Fushimi-Inari Taisha, and Byodo-in, which is actually in the tea-producing city of Uji. Both Fushimi-Inari Taisha and the temple Daigo-ji in southern Kyoto are set on mountains with trails to explore.

Central and Southern Kyoto at a Glance

Elsewhere in Kyoto

Arashiyama
Eastern Kyoto

Northern Kyoto
Western Kyoto

Kyoto Places

Central and Southern Kyoto