Kyoto
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kyoto - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Byodo-in Temple
In 1083 the Fujiwara no Yorimichi, a member of a very powerful clan, built this villa, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose image graces the face of ¥10 coins. The main building, the Amida-do, is known as the Phoenix Hall, owing to the sweep of its curved roofline. A large statue of Amida Buddha, compassionate and benevolent, sits in repose as he views those below him. Small mounted images of bosatsu (enlightened beings) drift through clouds, playing instruments and dancing, an 11th-century image of paradise. The landscaped garden and pond reflect Amida's paradise. A video in the museum takes viewers back a millennium to demonstrate what the original bright colors would have looked like. Other small images of the 52 small wooden kuyo or reverent bosatsu have been put on display here.
116 Ujirenge, Uji, Kyoto-fu, 611-0021, Japan0774-21–2861Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600; additional ¥300 for Phoenix Hall -
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi-kuThis shrine's thousands of red gates may well be the quintessential image of Japan. The gates line the path up the mountainside, parted at irregular intervals by shrines, altars, mausoleums, and hundreds of foxes in stone and bronze. This is the central headquarters for 40,000 shrines nationally that pay tribute to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. As Japan's economic focus shifted from agriculture to other businesses, Inari was adopted as the patron deity of any kind of entrepreneurial venture—the gates in the path are donated by businesses from around the country seeking a blessing. Walking the whole circuit takes about two hours, a bit longer if you stop at the shops selling snacks along the way. Hikers can continue up the path and follow it along the Higashiyama Range and into central Kyoto.
68 Fukakusa Yabu-no-uchi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 612-0882, JapanSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
3. Daigo-ji Temple
Fushimi-kuGoju-no-to, the five-story main pagoda of the Daigo-ji Temple complex, dates from AD 951 and is reputed to be the oldest existing structure in Kyoto. Daigo-ji, which includes many subtemples, was founded in AD 874 in the Eastern Mountains foothills in what is now the southeastern suburb of Yamashina Ward. Many of the smaller temples, along with the pagoda, can be found on the lower, entry level, with more up a long stone stairway that takes 45 minutes to ascend. By the late 16th century the Daigo-ji enclave had begun to decline in importance, and its buildings showed signs of neglect. The warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi paid a visit when the cherry trees were in bloom, and their beauty so delighted him that he ordered the complex restored. Among the notable subtemples is Sanbo-in, a 1598 reconstruction commissioned by Hideyoshi of a temple built here in 1115. The present structure has a Momoyama-period thatched roof; displayed inside are colorful, gold-leaf paintings of Chinese village scenes. The adjacent multistone garden combines elements of a chisen-kaiyu (stroll garden with a pond) and a karesansui (dry garden). Visitors cannot stroll the main garden, but a newer one to the left of the entrance can be entered. Daigo-ji holds the Daigo-ichi, a monthly bazaar held on the 29th, with food and clothing stalls that line the temple walkways.
22 Higashi Oji-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 601-1325, Japan075-571–0002Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥800 for lower level; ¥500 for upper level -
4. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Fushimi-kuNot far from the Fushimi-Inari Shrine lies a district of high-walled sake breweries and warehouses, some dating to the early Edo period—Gekkeikan, founded in 1637, is one of the oldest and best known. Its museum displays many artifacts connected to the brewing process. The admission fee includes a tasting and small bottle of sake or plum wine. Fushimi is noted for its pure springs. If your water bottle is empty, fill it up at the on-site well.
247 Minamihama-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 612-8660, Japan075-623–2056Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 -
5. Kosho-ji Temple
One of the few Soto sect Zen temples in Kyoto, Kosho-ji was founded in the 13th century in Kyoto, where it remained until it burned down four centuries later. The temple was rebuilt in Uji in the 17th century from timber provided by the Tokugawa shogunate, and it has remained unchanged ever since. The Chinese influence is evident in the architecture and dolphin finials gracing the roof. Kosho-ji, across the river from Byodo-in and upriver from Uji-gami Shrine, is popular in spring for its azaleas and in autumn for its maple trees. Walk a ways on the loop trail to the right of the temple for a view of Uji City.
2--7--1 Yamada, Uji, Kyoto-fu, 611-0021, Japan0774-21–2040Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Taiho-an Teahouse
Uji is renowned throughout Japan for its excellent tea, and this teahouse along the picturesque banks of the Uji River is a fine place to enjoy a cup of the green variety with a seasonal Japanese sweet. To experience a full tea ceremony, you must book it in advance.
1-5 Ujitogawa, Uji, Kyoto-fu, 611-0021, Japan0774-23–3334 -
7. Tale of Genji Museum
The Tale of Genji is an 11th-century literary masterpiece that depicts the life of an imperial prince. The final chapters, set in the Uji region, are commonly referred to as the Uji-Jujo, or the Ten Uji Chapters. The museum offers a glimpse into this classic epic through life-size displays, colorful murals, and interesting related videos, as well as temporary seasonal exhibits.
45--26 Uji-Higashiuchi, Uji, Kyoto-fu, 611-0021, Japan774-39–9300Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 -
8. Tofuku-ji Temple
Higashiyama-kuThe immense Sanmon Gate at the west entrance of Tofuku-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple, is the oldest gate in Japan and one of three approaches to this medieval complex of 24 temples. Modeled after its counterpart at Todai-ji, in Nara, the 72-foot-high gate was destroyed several times over the years by fire. The gate was disassembled and reconstructed in 1978. Entry is not permitted through the gate, but you can observe it up close. Tofuku-ji was established in 1236 and ranks, along with Myoshin-ji and Daitoku-ji, among the most important temples in Kyoto. Arranged around the main hall are four contrasting gardens (separate admission), both dry gravel and landscaped, including a stroll garden. The Heavenly Way Bridge that spans a maple-filled ravine is one of Kyoto's most popular autumn viewing spots. The gardens in the Hojo (abbot's quarters), completed in 1939, were the first large-scale commission of Shigemori Mirei, a famous garden designer.
15--777 Hon-machi, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0981, Japan075-561–0087Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 temple; ¥500 gardens -
9. Uji Shrine
Across the river from Byodo-in, this small Shinto shrine is known for its rabbit motifs. It can be reached by walking along the Sawarabi-no-michi, a picturesque winding road which also leads a little further on to the larger Ujigami Jinja, said to be the oldest remaining Shinto shrine in Japan.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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