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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21. 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 -
22. Daitoku-ji Temple
Kita-kuThis major temple complex of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism dates from 1319, but fires during the Onin Civil War destroyed it in 1468. Most buildings now here were erected under the patronage of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century. The four subtemples below are open to visitors much of the year, and several others are open during the spring and autumn. Daisen-in is best known for its Muromachi-era garden, attributed to Soko Kogaku (1465–1548). The rock-and-gravel garden depicts the flow of life in the movement of a river, swirling around rocks, over a waterfall, and finally into an ocean of nothingness. Ryogen-in has five small gardens of gravel, stone, and moss. The Ah-Un garden includes a stone with ripples emanating from it, symbolizing the cycle of life, from the "ah" sound said at birth to the "un" said at death, encompassing all in between. Koto-in is famous for its long, maple tree–lined approach and the single stone lantern central to the main moss-carpeted garden. Zuiho-in has Hidden Christian roots. Its rock garden suggests an abstract cross; a statue of Mary is supposedly buried under the stone lantern in an adjacent garden.
53 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 603-8231, Japan075-491–0019Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free to grounds; subtemples ¥350–¥500 each -
23. East Hongan-ji Temple
Shimogyo-kuThe high walls, immense wooden gates, and enormous roof of the Otani headquarters of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism are sufficiently impressive to convince some newcomers they're looking at the Imperial Palace. In the current complex, largely an 1895 reconstruction, the cavernous Hondo (Main Hall), also called the Amida-do, the second-largest wooden structure in Japan, dwarfs everything else. During the temple's construction, female devotees offered their hair, which was woven into strong, thick ropes used to set heavy timbers into place. A coiled length of one of these kezuna is within a glass case in a passageway between the Amida-do and the Daishi-do, a double-roof structure notable for its graceful curving lines.
Karasuma Shichijo-agaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8505, Japan075-371–9181Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
24. Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji) Temple
Higashiyama-kuNext to the Nanzen-ji temple complex, Eikan-do (also known as Zenrin-ji) was built after the original temple, dating from 855, was destroyed in the 15th century. Visitors come throughout the year to see the image of Amida Buddha statue, which represents the time when Eikan paused in his prayers and the Buddha turned his head to encourage him to continue. The temple draws the most visitors in autumn, when people come to see the colorful foliage, and in November, when there's an excellent display of painted doors.
48 Eikando-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8445, Japan075-761–0007Sight Details
Rate Includes: Nov. ¥1,000; Dec.–Oct. ¥600 -
25. 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 -
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26. Hakusa Son-so Garden
Higashiyama-kuA century-old villa (the name means "inn of white sand") with a large stroll garden, this was once the home of the painter Kansetsu Hashimoto (1883–1945). Combining influences from various Japanese periods and drawing inspiration from Chinese imagery, Hashimoto created a unique style of painting. A new museum contains many of Hashimoto's sketches and paintings, as well as works by his Chinese and Japanese contemporaries and an enthralling collection of Greek and Persian pottery. An exquisite stone garden and a teahouse are also open to the public. If you book at least two days in advance, it's possible to experience a complete tea ceremony. Adjacent to the estate is the Noa Noa café, which serves light casual fare from ¥1,500.
37 Ishibashi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8406, Japan075-751–0446Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥1,300 -
27. Heian Jingu Shrine
Sakyo-kuThe massive vermilion torii gate of Heian Jingu is one of Kyoto's best-known symbols. Built in the 1890s to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, Heian Jingu pays homage to the two emperors who bookend the city's era of national prominence: Kammu, who brought the imperial throne here in 794, and Komei, whose reign ending in 1866 saw the sun set on Kyoto's days as the capital. An assertion of Kyoto's unfaded splendor, Heian Jingu was built as a slightly smaller replica of the Imperial Palace, destroyed in 1227. The architecture reveals China's strong influence on the early Japanese court. The gate, the biggest in Japan, is particularly impressive, as are the three elaborate gardens behind the main shrine, conceived by the master designer Ogawa Jihei, which draw on Kyoto's landscaping origins. The complex makes a wonderful backdrop for several annual events, most famously the brazier-lighted plays of Takigi Noh Drama every June 1 and 2, and the Jidai Costume Festival on October 22.
Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8341, Japan075-761–0221Sight Details
Rate Includes: Gardens ¥600 -
28. Hirano Shrine
Kita-kuThe gorgeous cherry blossoms at this modest shrine near Kinkaku-ji have been the focus of an annual spring festival since AD 985. The pale-pink petals contrast with vermilion lanterns lining the lanes of the Heian-style complex. The shrine was brought here from Nagaoka, the country's capital after Nara and before Kyoto. The four buildings open for touring date from the 17th century. Installed next to a 400-year-old camphor tree is a huge magnetic boulder from Iwate Prefecture, chosen for the power it is said to contain.
1 Miyamoto-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 603-8322, Japan075-461–4450Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
29. Honen-in Temple
Sakyo-kuSouth of Ginkaku Temple on the Philosopher's Path lie the serene grounds of a once rural temple. Tall spindly bush camellia and slender maple trees form a canopy over the long entry path. Inside the temple's thatched gateway, two long regular mounds of sand are formed into shapes symbolizing the changing seasons. While strolling through the verdant garden, you may notice the tombs of several notables, including novelist Junichiro Tanizaki (1886–1965), economist Hajime Kawakami (1879–1946), and artist Heihachiro Fukuda (1892–1974). The temple, built in 1680, is on a site chosen in the 13th century by Honen, founder of the populist Jodo sect of Buddhism. This is a training temple. Year-round, monks place 25 flowers before the Amida Buddha statue in the main hall, representing the 25 bodhisattvas who accompany the Buddha to receive the souls of the newly deceased.
Shishigatani-Goshonodan-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8422, Japan075-771–2420Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
30. Jakko-in Temple
Sakyo-kuThe small and beloved nunnery was completely rebuilt in 2005 after a devastating fire, but its history is almost as old as the city. Rival clans had their final battle in 1185, taking the lives of all except Kenreimon-in, the 29-year-old mother of eight-year-old Emperor Antoku. Kenreimon-in returned to the capital and eventually this remote place to spend her days in prayer. Years passed until a visit by a retired emperor who was moved to write a poem about her harsh existence as embodied by the gnarled remains of a cherry tree on the ground. Jakko-in is on the west, or opposite side of the valley from Sanzen-in. The steep stairway approaching the nunnery evokes the solitude Kenreimon-in and the other nuns who lived here endured.
676 Oharakusao-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 601-1248, Japan075-744–3341Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 -
31. Jikko-in Temple
Sakyo-kuSmaller than other nearby temples, this one is less visited and quieter. A gong has been placed its humble-looking entrance for visitors to strike before stepping down inside. The garden for viewing is small and delicate; there's a larger stroll garden as well. Within the Main Hall are 36 portraits of Chinese poets by members of the Kano School. Near Sanzen-in, Jikko-in is easily combined with a visit to that temple.
187 Ohara Shorinin-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 601-1241, Japan075-744–2537Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥800 for entrance and a bowl of green tea -
32. Kamigamo Shrine
Kita-kuThe approach at one of Kyoto's oldest and most stately shrines takes visitors along a path in the middle of an expanse of lawn and through the red torii gate. That same path is the scene of horse racing on May 5 and the approach of the imperial messenger of the Hollyhock Festival on May 15 as he reports the events of the court to the resident gods. At this favorite place for weddings, visitors may be pleasantly surprised to see one taking place in the inner shrine. The grounds are vast, with smaller shrines and a stream into which believers write their wishes on pieces of kimono-shape paper and set them afloat. In recent years, the shrine has become the setting for a torch-lit Noh drama play on the evening of July 1. On other days, families spread out their picnic blankets on the lawn or in shadier spots and enjoy the day.
339 Motoyama, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 603-8047, Japan075-781–0011Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
33. Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House
Higashiyama-kuThe house and workshop of prolific potter Kanjiro Kawai (1890–1966) has been transformed into a museum showcasing his distinctive works. The asymmetrical vases, bowls, and pots on display represent only a fraction of his output of this leading light of the Mingei (folk art) movement of the 1920s. Besides the intriguing workshop and enormous kiln preserved in an inner courtyard, there is residence itself, an old country farmhouse Kaiwai had moved to this location. A little hard to find, this compound is along a small street one block west of Higashi-oji-dori and two blocks south of Gojo-dori.
569 Kanei-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0875, Japan075-561–3585Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥900 -
34. Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine
Kamigyo-kuA Shinto shrine of major importance to the city, Kitano Tenman-gu is famous for the hundreds of plum trees on its grounds. Built in AD 947 to honor Sugawara no Michizane, a celebrated scholar and politician, this was the first shrine in Japan where a person was enshrined as a deity. It is also well-known to students, who come to ask the gods' help in passing exams. On the 25th of every month, Tenjin-san, streets around the shrine turn into a huge market. Treasures, old and new, food, bonsai, gadgets, and other items delight throngs of shoppers.
Imakoji-agaru, Onmae-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8386, JapanSight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Treasure House ¥800 -
35. Kodai-ji Temple
Higashiyama-kuOn a quiet stone-inlaid street in the Eastern Hills district, Kodai-ji is a jewel of a Momoyama-era temple complex. A koi pond figures in the beautifully tended garden, whose teahouses sit elegantly on higher ground. Many of the splendid paintings and friezes inside the temple buildings were relocated from Fushimi Castle, parts of which were used to construct Kodai-ji in the early 1600s, most notably the sinuous covered walkway. A back-lacquered altar filled with tiny images is a masterpiece of that craft. The temple was a memorial to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–98), a powerful warrior and political leader, commissioned by his wife Nene (1548–1624). The road in front of the temple is called Nene-no-michi in her honor. On the hills overlooking the main temple, which dates to 1912, are teahouses designed by a pupil of the tea master Sen-no-Rikyu; they are identifiable by their umbrella-shaped bamboo ceilings, thatched roofs, and large circular windows. Evening illumination in April, November, and December is popular among locals and visitors.
Shimogawara-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0825, Japan075-561–9966Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 -
36. 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 -
37. Kyoto Aquarium
Shimogyo-kuInspired by the multitude of rivers that flow into the Kyoto basin, this landlocked city opened an aquarium to display Kyoto's native salamander, a large specimen that dwells deep in forest streams. Holding 500 tons of water, the main pool is truly one of a kind. A horseshoe-shape pool gives you the illusion that you're swimming with sea lions. The penguins and dolphin stadium are also popular.
35--1 Kankijicho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8835, Japan075-354–3130Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥2,200 -
38. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Japan's oldest public botanical garden has been welcoming visitors since 1924 and features a huge variety of plants and flowers from around the world, including Japan's famous bonsai. The sprawling gardens are filled with seasonal blooms, so colorful displays are guaranteed throughout the year. It also happens to be one of the best places in the city to catch cherry blossoms in the spring or the stunning tones of autumn in the fall. The showpiece conservatory is home to over 4,000 kinds of flora, divided into tropical collections, desert environs and an alpine temperate zone.
Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Kyoto-fu, Japan075-701-0141Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥200, Conservatory ¥250 -
39. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kamigyo-kuAlthough it tops many tourists' list of must-see sights, the former Imperial Palace often leaves them disappointed because visitors may not enter any of the buildings on the subdued hour-long tour. The original building burned down in 1788, as did some of its replacements. The present structure dates from 1855. The garden, however, is a revelation, the work of a century of master landscapers. Its noteworthy facets include the stone shoreline of the pond, the graceful bridges, and the magnificent trees and flower selection. To see the palace, you must receive permission from the Imperial Household Agency. You can usually arrange a same-day visit by showing your passport at the office, in the park's northwest corner, but you can also apply there earlier or make a request online. Guided tours in English begin inside the imperial park at the Seishomon entrance.
Kunaicho, Kyoto Gyoen-nai, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8611, Japan075-211–1215Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
40. Kyoto International Manga Museum
Nakagyo-kuMany famous artists have signed the walls at this bilingual museum that claims to have the world's largest collection of manga materials. Most international visitors likely associate manga with Tokyo, but Kyoto is a significant hub for the stylized comic books thanks to its rich traditions and universities specializing in the visual arts. The main permanent installation answers the question "What is manga?" and temporary exhibitions probe topics such as depictions of war in the comics. The museum's approximately 300,000 artifacts include items from outside Japan and early examples of the genre. The shelves of the Wall of Manga hold 50,000 publications you can peruse on site.
Karasuma-Oike, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-0846, Japan075-254–7414Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥900, Closed Tue. and Wed.
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