Kyoto is a city located at the centre of Honshu Island, Japan. Located about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, Kyoto has all of Japan you can ask for – great history, Japanese culture, fantastic natural landscapes, and also one of the best Japanese cuisines ever.
There are many temples in Kyoto, more so than many other Japanese cities. Many of them are concentrated close to the city area, making traveling around the tourist spots in Kyoto extremely convenient. The most-recommended transportation options around Kyoto are by cycling or public bus. A 1-day bus pass is available at the Japan Railway Kyoto Station bus terminal. Here are 8 destinations you should visit in Kyoto:
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1. The golden pavilion: Kinkaku-Ji
Kinkaku-Ji, perhaps one of the most famous temples in Japan, is located about 40 minutes from Kyoto station by bus. It is one of the many World Cultural Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The official name of the temple is Rokuon-Ji, meaning “deer garden temple”. However, its stunning appearance from the gold that covers the temple gave it its other name, Kinkaku-Ji, which means “temple of the golden pavilion” – an apt name for the beautiful architectural gem. It definitely is one of the places that best represents Kyoto!
Rokuon-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan
Access info: 40 mins by public bus from JR Kyoto Station bus terminal
Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-461-0013
Entrance fee: 400 JPY (3.60 USD) for adults
2. The silver pavilion: Ginkaku-Ji
Also a World Cultural Heritage Site, Ginkaku-Ji is about 30 minutes from Kinkaku-Ji by bus. Ginkaku-Ji, meaning “temple of the silver pavilion”, was built after Kinkaku-Ji. Although it is not as vibrant looking as the previous temple, Ginkaku-Ji is known as a temple that demonstrates the Zen spirit, with inner beauty that appeals to the Japanese people. The garden around Ginkaku-Ji is filled with various types of tree, which gives the site a different expression according to the seasons.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402, Japan
Access info: 40 mins by public bus from JR Kyoto station bus terminal
Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:30
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-771-5725
Entrance fee: 500 JPY (4.50 USD) for adults
3. The head of Inari shrines: Fushimi Inari Shrine
There are about 30,000 Inari shrines around Japan, where Inari refers to the god of food and agriculture. Foxes, treated as messengers of the gods, are revered at these shrines. Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head shrine of the all the Inari Shrines and is only 7 minutes from Kyoto station via Japan Railway. It is most famous for the Senbon Torii, where thousands of Torii (gates in Japanese shrines that serve as a boundary between gods and humans) line up to create a mysterious atmosphere. The quaint location has even starred in Japan Railway’s advertisements as well as in the Hollywood movie SAYURI.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan
Access info: in front of JR Inari Station
Opening hours: all day
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-641-7331
Entrance fee: free
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4. Coming across to Geisya? Classical Kyoto Street at dusk
Do you feel lucky if you come across to Geisya during Kyoto Stay rather than chase her? Ponto cho area is west shore of Kamogawa river and it’s the area for people enjoys Geisya party and dining at night. You will be shy to open a door into the restaurants on the street as it looks not welcoming you but once you open the door, you will be surprised by the great view of Kamogawa river or you will see a narrow counter table to serve very limited people but with full hospitality during your dining. Thus, the chance to encourter Geisya around this street is pretty high. Why don’t you try?
5. Find true love at Kiyomizu-Dera
Kiyomizu-Dera is a temple located within Kyoto city and is also a World Heritage Site. The name of the temple, which means “pure water temple”, originates from the clean waterfall located within the site. Apart from the spectacular view from the temple, one of the famous destinations within Kiyomizu-Dera is the “love stones”. Located in front of the Jishu Shrine (within the temple complex), two stones are placed about 18 meters (60 feet) apart and it is said that if one successfully walks from one stone to the other, with the eyes closed, the person will be able to find true love.
Kiyomizu-dera
Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Access info: 15mins by walk after 15mins bus ride from JR Kyoto Station
Opening hours: 6:00 - 18:00
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-551-1234
Entrance fee: 400 JPY (3.60 USD) for adult
6. Kyoto Tower – the city’s landmark
Kyoto is famous for its historical architecture, but the modern buildings are equally beautiful too. The 131-meter-high (430-foot-high) Kyoto Tower is located at Kyoto station. The observatory there is open from 9:00 to 21:00 daily. It is a great place to have a vast view of Kyoto city. There are many restaurants in the building as well as a public bath to enjoy. This is the perfect place to spend your time while waiting for your next train!
Kyoto Tower Observation Deck
Address: Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721−1
Access info: 5 mins walk from JR Kyoto Station
Opening hours: 9:00 – 20:40
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-361-3215
Entrance fee: 770 JPY (7 USD)
7. Everyone can be a philosopher on this stretch
Nanzen-Ji is located about 30 minutes from Kyoto station by train. Built in 1264, it was dedicated as a temple in 1291 and is famous for its Sanmon (main gate) that is listed as one of Japan’s Three Best Gates. The 22-meter-tall (72-foot-tall) gate is accessible and the 3rd floor gives a splendid view of the entire temple compound. The scenery is superb, especially during autumn when the leaves are bright yellow and red. A path of Philosopher is from the north exit of Nanzen-ji towards Ginkaku-ji and it takes 30mins walk.
Nanzen-Ji
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8435, Kyoto Prefecture
Access info: 10 mins walk from Keage station
Opening hours: December 1 - February 28 (8:40 – 16:30) March 1 – November 31 (8:40 – 17:00)
Fixed holiday: December 28 - 31
Contact: +81 75-771-0365
Entrance fee: 500 JPY (4.50 USD)
8. Natural beauty Arashiyama and Samurai drama theme park
Arashiyama area is accessible from JR Kyoto Station and it takes only 20 mins ride. If Kyoto is the jewel box of cultural architecture, Arashiyama is the jewel box of natural beauty of mountain side. Even local people still discover fresh suprise in every season to visit Arashiyama area. Bamboo stretch and a small trekking of Arashiyama, also there is a mecca of Japanese samurai drama shooting studio called Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Usually you will need half a day to go around Arashiyama Area.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Access info: Approx. 10 mins walk from JR Hanazono Station
Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 75-864-7716
Entrance fee: 2,200 yen (20 USD)
Uniquely Japan
Although Kyoto does not have an international airport, access is possible from Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport, both in Osaka prefecture. It is only an hour away from Osaka by train.Furthermore, Kyoto is not only a great destination in itself, but is also located near to other popular sites such as Osaka and Nara. Make sure to add this fantastic city to your list when planning a trip to Japan!
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