Best Things To Do in Kyoto, Japan

1. Nonomiya Shrine

   4.2 (96 Votes)
   

   Religious Site

   A Shinto Shrine, the Nonomiya Shrine is surrounded by a dense bamboo grove giving it an enchanting aura. Although small, the shrine is famous with students and single people because one of its deities is the god (kami) of relationships and learning! Trivia: after you enter through the main wooden gate (torii) you will find a stone on the left hand side. This stone is called Kame No Ishi and it ...Read more

2. Kyoto Railway Museum

   4.5 (1292 Votes)
   

   Museum, Exhibition , Specialty Museum

   Started on the 100th anniversary of the start of railway operation in Japan, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum was opened in the year 1972. The museum was opened with the intention to preserve the history of the steam locomotive. The exhibitions at the museum portray the railway history and railway culture of Japan. The museum houses an impressive array of steam locomotives, a turntable used ...Read more

3. Honen-in

   4.4 (102 Votes)
   

   Religious Site, Temple

   A picturesque temple, everything about the Honen-in is charming, right from the approach road to its moss covered gate to the actual temple itself. Established in the year 1680, the temple honours Honen who was the founder of the Jodo sect. A popular hanami in Kyoto, the temple is a must visit during April to witness spectacular cherry blossoms. The main hall of the temple, Hojo Hall, houses pa...Read more

4. Jojakuko-ji Temple

   4.5 (89 Votes)
   

   Religious Site, Temple, Off Beaten Path

   Founded in the year 1596, the Jojakkoji Temple is a quaint temple located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Although most of the attractions in this district are famous and crowded during peak tourist season, the Jojakkoji Temple is a hidden gem and is rarely crowded (except during autumn season when the leaves turn a heavenly orange). If you want to visit an off the beaten path attraction i...Read more

5. Shisendo Temple

   4.4 (18 Votes)
   

   Religious Site, Temple

   A delightful temple that is rarely visited by tourists but frequented by locals, the Shisendo Temple should definitely make it to your Kyoto itinerary if you are in search of some serenity. The name Shisendo Temple roughly translates to ‘hermit’s retreat’ and the peaceful environment of the temple definitely justifies the name. The temple was established by Jozan Ishikawa who ...Read more

6. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

   4.4 (116 Votes)
   

   Garden, Walking Area, Palace, Architecture

   A huge public garden situated in the heart of the city, the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is roughly 1.3 kilometres in length and 0.7 kilometres in breadth. During the Edo period, this area used to be the Court Nobles’ Residential Area. Thus, even today you will find some historic architectural structures within the garden, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace. If you want to escape the hust...Read more

7. Kyoto Municipal Museum Of Art

   4 (35 Votes)
   

   Art And Culture, Art Museum

   One of the oldest art museums in Japan, the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art was opened in the year 1928 and has been displaying fantastic art by celebrated and upcoming Japanese artists since then. If you are in town in the months of May or June, you should visit this museum as it hosts the Kyo-ten exhibit then. This special exhibit features some of the best artwork of artists from Kyoto.

8. Kurama Onsen Onsen Ryokan

   4.3 (41 Votes)
   

   Hotel, Outdoors, Hot Spring, Leisure

   Located amidst lush green mountains, the Kurama Onsen Hot Spring is a must visit for people who want to spend some time in the tranquillity of nature. The small village of Kurama is located at an hour’s drive from Kyoto and boasts of a natural hot spring. The hot spring can be visited via a hotel that is located at the foothills of a mountain. Providing the option of lodging, the hotel al...Read more

9. Yasaka No To Pagoda

   4.5 (109 Votes)
   

   Off Beaten Path, Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

   Believed to be dating back to the 15th century, the Yasakanoto Pagoda is a unique place to visit in Kyoto. Having survived wars, fires and earthquakes, the pagoda stands tall amidst the ruins of the nearby temples. The entire area will also double up as a beautiful backdrop to your Kyoto photographs. If you love to off the beaten path attractions, you should visit the Yasakanoto.

10. Yasui-konpiragu

    

    Walking Area, Monument

    Established by Kamatari Fujiwara to pray for the prosperity of his clan and of his descendants, the Yasui-Konpiragu shrine is a quirky place to visit in Kyoto. Although the shrine itself is like any other shrine in Kyoto, the powerful stone monument located in the shrine’s premises is what attracts hundreds of visitors each day. This stone monument is believed to have powers that help peo...Read more

11. Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

    4.6 (72 Votes)
    

    Religious Site, Temple, Statue, Sculpture

    Dating back to the 8th century, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple was founded by Empress Shotoku. A quaint looking temple, a unique feature about it are the 1200 plus stone statues of the disciples of Gautama Buddha. All the Rakan (stone sculptures) have funny expressions and were sculpted by mostly armatures under the guidance of Kocho Nishimura. It was in the year 1981 that these now moss covered s...Read more

12. Adashino Nenbutsu- Ji

    4.2 (969 Votes)
    

    Temple, Historical Site, Statue, Restaurant

    Situated in Arashiyama district, the Adashino Nenbutsu ji is an evocative, heart rending temple. Heart rending because in the early 9th Century, when the temple was founded, a monk named Kobo Daishi placed stone Buddhist statues in memory of those people who died without kin. Today, the temple grounds are covered with approximately 8000 such statues. While you are there, do pray for the souls.

13. Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade

    4.2 (138 Votes)
    

    Food And Drinks, Street Market, Shopping Center

    A covered shopping street, the Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade lies in downtown Kyoto. If you have souvenir shopping on your mind, this is the place to head over to! One of the biggest shopping arcades in Kyoto, the Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade is also home to several eateries where you can satisfy your hunger after you are done shopping for various goodies for yourself and for your loved ones back ...Read more

14. The Museum Of Kyoto

    

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Arts And Crafts

    If you want to know and understand the history and culture of Kyoto, the Museum of Kyoto is the place to be. Divided into sections such as the History of Kyoto, the Movie Hall, the Movie Gallery and the Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery, the museum has interesting and captivating artefacts and information on display. The museum’s red brick building itself is an Important Cultural Property; it ...Read more

15. Imamiya Shrine

    4.3 (27 Votes)
    

    Religious Site

    Also known as Tamanokoshi Jinja, the Imamiya Shrine is dedicated to the gods who provide protection against epidemics. The three main deities of this shrine are the Okuninushi, Kotoshironushi and Kushinadahime. Within the shrine complex is a stone known as Ahokashi-san. It is believed that the stone has healing properties. If a sick person rubs the stone and then rubs an injured part of their b...Read more

• Previous
• 1
• ..
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• ..
• 72
• Next