Serving as the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is one of the most recognizable cities in the world. If you’ve ever seen those glamorous cherry blossom pictures from Japan, there’s a solid chance they’ve been taken in Kyoto during the Sakura season.
Kyoto has an extraordinary historic value. Many of its priceless structures, temples, and attractions are still in place to this day, ready to impress visitors from all over the world.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most significant sightseeing districts, this bamboo forest offers an immersive experience. The majestic appearance of this forest is like nothing else in this area.
The forest is close to the downtown area and has a bunch of attractions as you explore, from shrines to temples. It’s one of Kyoto’s hidden gems, and it may take up to half a day to fully explore it. Furthermore, you can always have a snack or some coffee while around, so there is nothing to worry about there.
Researching it will display some stunning pictures, but the bamboo forest is much more magical in real life, so make sure you don’t miss it. Also, get your camera fully charged upfront, chances are you’ll take lots of pictures.
At Mount Arashiyama (quite near the bamboo forest), you get to meet and feed monkeys while walking around. The scenic sights at the mountaintop are breathtaking as well.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine isn’t just one of the most popular spots in Kyoto, but one of the most visited locations in the entire Japan. It’s ideal for those who love adventure too because it requires a bit of hiking. Plus, throw in a hidden bamboo forest and you have the perfect location for half a day out.
While it looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere, Fushimi Inari Shrine can be reached with many breaks, and cafes and shops are on the way. The 10,000 torii gates represent the most attractive feature of this location, but that’s clearly not everything.
The main shrine is surrounded by numerous small attractions.
For example, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is just around the corner, not to mention the beautiful Tofukuji Temple.
Kinkakuji Temple
The Kinkakuji Temple is heavily visited during the peak season, so make sure you get there early. It’s one of the most picturesque temples in the country. You’ll be invaded by a plethora of colors as soon as you spot it. It’s not just pleasing to the eye, but it also carries a heavy spiritual load.
The top two floors of the temple feature gold leaves. Located on water, its reflection offers a stunning scenario for pictures. Visiting around sunrise or sunset (but within opening hours) will give you a unique mix of colors, especially given the vegetation around it.
The problem is the golden part can’t be accessed. In other words, you’re not allowed inside the building.
However, it’s a beautiful place to visit if you like exploring gardens and taking surreal pictures.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
The Buddhist temple is located centrally and provides access to an astonishing main hall, based entirely on wood. What makes this temple unique is the fact that you won’t be able to find any metallic elements in its build. In other words, there are no screws or nails to support it, but wood only.
The name was given by a special water fountain. The fountain, known as Kiyomizu, is associated with health and long life, so make sure you fill your bottle.
Hang around the temple and visit the gardens as well. You’ll find a sacred shrine, dedicated to the god of love.
According to a local legend, there are two secret stones in the area. Whoever manages to find them and walk from one to the other with their eyes closed will find the love of their life.
Nishiki Market
The market isn’t just a place to try out the Japanese cuisine or ingredients for your meals but also a tourist attraction due to its vibrant atmosphere.
You’ll find over 100 different types of food to try out. Some places in the market can even cook it for you on the spot.
Many chefs from local restaurants visit the market early in the morning, only to get the best catch.
Some of the things to try out include anything between black sesame ice cream and tofu dumplings. If you hang around takeaway shops, you’ll find over 600 different dishes to experience.
Foodies will love this market, but experiencing the local Japanese market is just as attractive for any other type of tourist.
Yasaka Pagoda
A lot of couples go to the Yasaka Pagoda for their wedding photography. Not only is it beautiful for backgrounds, but it’s also considered sacred. If you can get under the big stone next to it, it’s said that you’ll be able to protect yourself against bad witchcraft for the rest of your life.
You can visit the pagoda in less than half an hour, and that includes pictures as well. However, since you’re there, you might as well take a look at the Yasui Kompiragu shrine close to it. There are more temples in the area, not to mention the Higashiyama district, which is renowned for its numerous attractions.
If you’re planning to crawl under the big stone, you should also make sure to buy some colorful balls from nearby merchants. They’re said to make your wishes come true. Worth a try!
Pontocho
Back in the day, Pontocho used to be a place for merchants bringing all kinds of stuff from Osaka. Located close to the riverbank, this narrow alley is full of bars and restaurants. It’s the best place to go if you want to experience the local nightlife.
Pontocho is also a great place for food lovers too. You’ll mainly discover Japanese cuisine, but you’ll also find Italian or Chinese restaurants, among many others. You’ll find street food, as well as fancy restaurants.
Pontocho is considered the second-largest geisha area. As you walk around, you’ll see them everywhere, going in and out of teahouses and representing a real attraction for the average tourist.
Ryoanji Zen Garden
In Japanese, Ryoanji translates to the temple of the dragon at peace. Located close to the Golden Palace, this is one of the most calming and tranquil places in the entire Japan. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s totally worth a visit.
Prior to the 1970s, the garden wasn’t so famous. However, the temple was visited by Queen Elizabeth during those times and that’s what brought international fame.
One of the best attractions consists of 15 different rocks placed in a rectangular position. No matter how hard you try, you can’t see all of them at once. And here’s a good challenge for you, so feel free to give it a try.
Kifune Shrine
You’re less likely to find this shrine in local tourist guides, mainly because it’s not located in the central part of Kyoto. In fact, it’s a bit out of the way, but that’s a nice experience if you think about it. Use local transportation or a taxi to see more of Kyoto.
Once you get there, you’ll find a calm and tranquil place. Since there aren’t too many tourists, you’ll love the calmness. Great for pictures too.
If you visit Kyoto in the summertime, you can enjoy a drink and a picnic in a floating cafe, which is ideal for the hot season. Even if you visit in the wintertime, you’ll enjoy some great views over the city. Plus, nothing beats the colorful lanterns in the snow.
Nijo Castle
Last, but not least, don’t miss the Nijo Castle, which was built more than 500 years ago. It used to be Tokugawa Shogunate’s residence until its end in 1867.
Unlike other castles, this one looks like a temple rather than a fortress. That’s because it wasn’t built during wars or tense periods in Japan’s history, but during peacetime. In other words, there was no need to make it too sturdy.
You’ll notice floors squeak wherever you go. It’s not because of its age, but because these were ninja floors. Back in the day, the Japanese used to make floors squeaky under anything, only to detect sneaky ninjas, which used to raid such places on a regular basis.
Take a look around its gardens too, just as beautiful, but they require a different fee.
Final words
Kyoto is like a symbol of Japan’s enduring history and culture, showing off its rich heritage for everyone to see. This old city used to be the big capital for a long time and still holds onto its special charm that never gets old.
Each of these top ten spots in Kyoto, no matter when you go, will give you a mix of experiences that make this charming city truly unforgettable on your trip through Japan’s ancient past. Just FYI, the images you see here are for illustration only.
