Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan without a doubt. Known to be a place saturated with Japanese culture, tradition, and nature, many experience the best of Japan in Kyoto. It is also a convenient city where many of the popular tourist spots are located within walking distance from train stations, as well as from each other. If you are planning a short trip to Kyoto, check out the great spots in Kyoto for rushing travelers.
1. Yasaka Shrine
One of Kyoto’s famous tourist destinations is Yasaka Shrine. It is located just 12 minutes from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kawaramachi Station by foot. One of the reasons why Yasaka Shrine is famous is because of the natural spring water that you can find there. It is called the “Biyousui”, which is thought to provide benefits for beauty when you splash it onto your face.
Yasaka Shrine
Address 625, Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Access: 12 minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kawaramachi Station
Website: Yasaka Shrine
2. Heian Shrine
Heian Jingu Shrine is a shrine with an extremely long history. One of the icons of Heian Shrine is the huge Torii gate at the entrance of the shrine. The red gate has a formidable height of 24.4 meters (26.7 yards). Apart from learning about the history of Japan in the shrine, you can also explore the wonders of Japanese architecture at places within the compounds, such as the Seihoike pond and Soryuro.
Heian Shrine
Address Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: 15 minute walk from Keihan Oto Line Jingu-Marutamachi Station
Website: Heian Shrine
3. Kamogawa River Delta
Kamogawa is a 33 kilometer (21 mile) long river that flows through Kyoto. It is one of the more famous rivers in Kyoto and it flows through various famous spots in the Sanjo and Yojo area. It starts out from the mountain called Sajikigadake. A small and quiet park is located at the delta area, with benches and grassy spaces, which serve as great picnic spots. You can also spend a great time at the river, hopping across the jumping stones placed there.
Kamogawa Delta
Address Imadegawadori, Kamigyo, Kyoto City
Access: 3 minute walk from Eizan Electric Railway Main Line Demachiyanagi Station
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4. The quiet street of Gion
Gion Street is one of the popular streets in the day where you can appreciate the traditional Kyoto style streets. However, it actually is also a place you can explore at night. The street, buzzing with life in the day, will have a relaxed atmosphere at night. Not only is this a great place for those who love Japanese style architecture, it will also provide great photo taking spots!
Gion Shopping Street
Address Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Access: 4 minute walk from Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station
Website: Gion Shopping Street
5. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan prior to the Meiji Era, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace is where the emperor used to live. In the past, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was only opened to public twice per year in spring and autumn, but was extremely packed due to high demands. From July 2016, however, it became open to the public and you can now admire the amazing compound that the emperor used to reside in.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Address 3, Kyotogyoen, Kamigro Ward, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm (last admission 4:20pm)
Entrace fee: FOC
Access: 7 minute walk from Karasuma Line Imadegawa Station
Website: Kyoto Imperial Palace
6. Nishiki Market (from USD 88.0)
Explore the culinary treasures of Kyoto with this Nishiki Market and Gion Tour, a delightful three-hour journey through iconic attractions. Begin at the bustling Nishiki Market, a haven of local Kyoto foods and treasures, including pickles, sake, seafood, and street food.
Follow your expert local guide through Pontocho Alley, Teramachi Shopping Arcade, Shijo, and Kiyamachi Streets, tasting delectable Kyoto treats including Yuba (tofu skin), Onigiri rice balls, and Hamo (one kind of eel). Gaze upon the picturesque Kamogawa River and immerse yourself in Gion’s historic charm. You may even come across a geisha while you are here.
Nishiki Market and Gion Tour in Kyoto
Duration: 3hours
7. The UNESCO World Heritage Site: Nijo Castle
The Nijo Castle is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, and was built in 1603 for the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. This castle has seen the various turning points in Japan’s history, including the end of the Tokugawa Era. At Nijo Castle, not only will you be able to learn about Japan’s history at the galleries, you will also be able to admire the amazing architecture and intricate designs of Japan’s ancient castles.
Nijo Castle
Address 541, Nijjojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 8:45am - 5pm (last admission: 4pm)
** Entrance fee**: Kindly refer to the website
Access: 7 minute walk from Nijojo-Mae Station
Website: Nijo Castle
8. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Many of you have probably seen photos of your friends in Japan posing by the Senbon Torii, or “One-Thousand Torii Gates” in English. The Torii gate is a red gate found in shrines in Japan which serves as a gateway to the sacred space. In Fushimi Inari Taisha, you will be able to witness this amazing row of bright red Torii gates lined up in a row - perfect for a commemorative photo!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Address 68, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
Entrance fee: FOC
Access: A minute walk from JR Nara Line Inari Station
Website: Fushimi Inari Taisha
9. The breathtaking scenery of Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a place that used to be a villa of aristocrats in the past, and is today a famous tourist spot in Kyoto. At Arashiyama, many visit this particular bridge called the Togetsukyo Bridge. This 155 meter (169 yard) long bridge provides one of the most amazing views of Arashiyama. Bright pink Sakura flowers can be enjoyed in spring while the mountain transforms to shades of orange and red in autumn.
Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge
Address Saganakanoshimacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: 6 minute walk from Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Main Line Arashiyama Station
10. A building made of gold!? Kinkakuji Temple
The Kinkakuji Temple was built in the 14th-century as a villa for then Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimizu. This temple, completely covered in gold, is perhaps one of the brightest and most astonishing temples that you can find in Japan. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to enter the temple, but the view of this building embellished with pure gold is simply stunning!
Kinkakuji Temple
Address 1, Kankakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (last admission: 4:20pm)
Entrance fee: 400 yen for adult/ 300yen for junior high/high school students
Access: 12 minute bus ride from Kitanohakubaicho Station
11. Kiyomizu Dera
Kiyomizu Dera is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. In this temple, not only will you be able to experience the traditions on Japan, you will also be able to appreciate the amazing nature in Kyoto. Kiyomizu Dera is gorgeous all year round, but is especially beautiful in autumn. From November to December, the temple will be lit up at night, allowing visitors to envy the marvels of Japanese architecture and the art of nature together. It’s expected to open from Nov11 - Dec 3 in 2017.
Kiyomizu Dera
Address 294, 1-chome Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 6am -6pm
Entrance fee: 400 yen for adults above high school students and 200 yen for primary school/unior high school students, Access: 30 minute bus ride from Kyoto Station to Shimizumichi Bus Stop, followed by a 10 minute walk
Website: Kiyomizu Dera
Experience your most amazing trip to Japan ever!
A trip to Kyoto is like no other - the amazing array of landscapes you can view there are sure to enchant you and the rich history and culture of the place will show you the best of Japan. Book your tickets and accommodation in advance, and make sure to add these locations to your itinerary!
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Kyoto Guide -The Embodiment of Japan's Culture and NatureTrip101 Editorial -
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