Must See Places in Kyoto, Japan
Must See Places in Kyoto, Japan

Must See Places in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is one of Japan's most historically significant cities, and home to some of the country's finest architecture, Buddhist Temples, Shinto Shrines, Palaces, and Gardens, making it a popular tourist destination.

To help you get the most out of your trip to Kyoto, we've put together a checklist of our top favorite attractions in Kyoto.

The best ways to view this list are as a table or a map. We've grouped it by different categories of activities, but you can group it based on locations as well. You can change the view settings below the description (on desktop) and on the top right corner (on mobile).

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Life with the Clements
Life with the Clements
28th October 2022 in travel
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Category
Historical Shrines & Temples

Fushima Inari Shrine

Fushima Inari Shrine

This shrine is a popular tourist destination in Kyoto, Japan. Dedicated to the kami Inari, the shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion pillars arranged along trails in a forested area.

Location
Fushimi Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples
Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines. Millions of visitors and residents make their way past the shrine each year.

Location
Ukyo Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples
Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple

This Zen Buddhist temple was established in 1291 and was formerly known as Zenrin-Ji.

Location
Sakyo Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples
Ginkaku-Ji

Ginkaku-Ji

Ginkaku-ji Temple is one of the most famous constructions that represents the Higashiyama Culture of the Muromachi period.

Location
Sakyo Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This is Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, Japan. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

Location
Higashiyama Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples
Tenryu-Ji

Tenryu-Ji

This temple is known as the most important temple in the Arashiyama area.

Location
Ukyo Ward
Category
  • Historical Shrines & Temples

Category
Recreational

Pokemon Centre

Pokemon Centre

Are you a Pokemon fan? Then the Pokemon Centre is a must-visit destination when you are in Kyoto. It serves as a haven for avid fans to purchase exclusive souvenirs and merchandise.

Location
Shimogyo Ward
Category
  • Recreational
Monkey Park

Monkey Park

This is a beautiful place that attracts both locals and tourists. It is inhabited by a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys, who roam freely in their natural habitat.

Location
Nishikyo Ward
Category
  • Recreational
Paddle Boating

Paddle Boating

Enjoy the stunning view of nature with an afternoon paddle boat ride after strolling at the monkey park.

Location
Ukyo Ward
Category
  • Recreational

Category
Food

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a traditional market that dates back in the early centuries in Kyoto, Japan. It's rich with history and tradition, and known as the place to obtain many of Kyoto's famous foods and goods.

Location
Nakagyo Ward
Category
  • Food

Category
Park & Paths

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a park in Kyoto, Japan. It is the main center for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, and can get super crowded at that time of year.

Location
Higashiyama Ward
Category
  • Park & Paths
Philosopher's Path

Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Walk is a walkway following a cherry-tree-lined canal in Kyoto, Japan and is home to dozens of small tea shops.

Location
Sakyo Ward
Category
  • Park & Paths

Category
Nature

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

One of the most popular sites in Kyoto because of its soaring standing bamboos.

Location
Higashiyama Ward
Category
  • Nature
Togetsu-Kyo Bridge

Togetsu-Kyo Bridge

A 400-year-old wood footbridge in Kyoto, with beautiful views of spring blossoms and fall colors on mountain slopes.

Location
Ukyo Ward
Category
  • Nature