Kyoto is a magical city with over 1,000 years of history as Japan’s former capital. It’s where ancient temples, peaceful gardens, and rich traditions come together. From golden pavilions to bamboo forests, there’s so much to explore. If you’re planning your trip, thinking ahead about what to pack can make all the difference—especially for a place as unique as Kyoto.
The city still keeps its past alive, with monks performing rituals and chanting in temples. Every time you visit Kyoto, you’ll find something new. Keep learning to help you find the best places to visit, and there will always be more to see.
Recommended Places to Visit in Kyoto
Kyoto offers a rich blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty. Below are the top places to visit that will give you a glimpse into the heart of this enchanting city.
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrine, known for its thousands of bright red torii gates. These gates create beautiful tunnels that go up the forested trails of Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and has many fox statues because foxes are believed to be messengers of the god. The shrine has been around for more than 1,200 years.
Visitors can see important structures like the Romon Gate, which was donated in 1589 by a powerful samurai leader named Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the main hall, where people make offerings. The famous Senbon Torii trail is lined with gates that have names and dates of people who donated them. The trail leads halfway up to Yotsutsuji, where you can see beautiful views of the city. You can keep going to the top of the mountain or stop along the way to try Inari sushi, a local dish.
A large torii gate stands before the Romon Gate at the shrine entrance.
Image Source: japan-guide.com
2. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a beautiful Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. Its top two floors are covered in real gold, which makes it shine brightly, especially when the sun hits it. It was built in 1397 as a retirement home for a powerful leader named Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later became a temple.
The temple has been burned down a few times, including once in 1950 when a monk set it on fire. It was rebuilt in 1955 and still stands today. Each of the three floors of the building has a different style—one looks like an old palace, one like a samurai house, and one like a Chinese temple. The whole building reflects beautifully in the large pond in front of it.
Visitors can walk around the peaceful gardens, see a special pond called Anmintaku Pond, and stop by a historic teahouse. Near the exit, people can also enjoy matcha tea or buy souvenirs. Kinkaku-ji is one of the most amazing places to see in Kyoto!
The Golden Pavilion (Rokuon-ji)
Image Source: GaijinPot Travel
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most amazing places to visit in Kyoto, Japan. The tall bamboo trees reach up high into the sky. When the wind blows, the bamboo makes soft sounds, which feels peaceful and relaxing. The path through the forest is short—only about half a kilometer—but it feels like a magical walk.
The forest is in western Kyoto, next to the pretty Katsura River and near Mount Arashiyama. While you’re there, you can also visit cool places nearby like Tenryu-ji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine, and a quiet garden called Okochi Sanso.
If you have more time, you can walk across a famous bridge called Togetsukyo Bridge and visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park. There, you can see wild snow monkeys and even feed them!
If you like temples or quiet gardens, there are lots more to explore in the area. Arashiyama is a fun place to enjoy nature, take pictures, and learn about Japanese culture.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Image Source: Inside Kyoto
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizudera, or “Pure Water Temple,” is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. It was built in the year 780 next to a waterfall. The temple has a big wooden stage that gives great views of cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall. It was built without using any nails! Inside, there’s a special statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Behind the main hall is Jishu Shrine, where people pray for love. If you can walk with your eyes closed from one special stone to another, it’s said you’ll be lucky in love.
At the bottom of the temple, you can drink from the Otowa Waterfall. Each of its three streams gives different good luck—long life, doing well in school, or finding love. The temple grounds also have smaller halls, a pagoda believed to help with safe childbirth, and a dark hallway that feels like a mother’s womb. On the way to the temple, you can walk through a fun street with lots of shops and snacks. The temple also lights up at night during special times of the year, like cherry blossom season.
The gate leading to Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Image Source: GaijinPot Travel
5. Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a long, narrow shopping street in Kyoto known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen." It’s packed with over 100 shops and restaurants that sell all kinds of food, like fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, pickles, sweets, and sushi. Some shops even offer free samples or snacks you can eat right there! There are also small restaurants, but most places only have a few stools or a counter to sit at. Just remember—it's considered rude to eat while walking in the market.
The market has been around for hundreds of years, starting as a fish market in 1310. Many of the stores have been run by the same families for generations. Today, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists who want to try tasty Kyoto specialties and see what the city’s food culture is all about.
Nishiki Market
Image Source: japan-guide.com
6. Gion – Kyoto’s Geisha District
Gion is a famous area in Kyoto. It is known for its geisha culture, old wooden houses, and delicious food. It’s located between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River. There are many shops, restaurants, and teahouses called ochaya. In these teahouses, geiko (geishas) and their apprentices, maiko, entertain people with dances, tea serving, and games. If you are lucky, you might see a geiko or maiko walking to an event—just be respectful and don’t take pictures without asking.
The most popular street in Gion is Hanami-koji. It has narrow wooden houses, fancy restaurants, and cozy alleys. Another peaceful place is along the Shirakawa Canal—here you can see willow trees and more teahouses. Tourists can watch maiko shows at Gion Corner or see the Miyako Odori dance performances in April. Gion is also famous for the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s biggest festivals. Walking through Gion and the nearby Higashiyama District is a fun way to explore Kyoto’s culture and history.
Hanami-koji Street
Image Source: japan-guide.com
7. Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a busy area in the center of Kyoto. It's a covered shopping street that runs next to Teramachi Street, which is part of the city's main shopping district. Shinkyogoku is known for its lively atmosphere and caters to younger crowds.
The street is a great place to see street fashion and people watch. The arcade has hidden shops and is full of surprises, like pachinko parlors, cozy cat cafes, and unique stores selling souvenirs, shoes, t-shirts, yukata, geta, and tasty snacks. It’s a popular spot for students because of its affordable prices.
If you love street food, Shinkyogoku is perfect for you. The area has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite. The district is full of winding pathways and small alleys, mixing modern shops with traditional spots. While you’re exploring, you might also come across a temple tucked along the street.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Image Source: Trip.com
8. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle in Kyoto was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. It was later expanded by his grandson. After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1867, it became an imperial palace and is now open to the public. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
The castle has three main areas: Honmaru (the main defense area), Ninomaru (the secondary defense area), and gardens. The Ninomaru Palace, where the shogun lived, is famous for its "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn of intruders. The Ninomaru Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond and pine trees. Visitors can also explore the Honmaru area, walk through gardens, and enjoy the views from the old castle keep's foundation.
The castle grounds are known for cherry and plum trees, which bloom in the spring, and colorful maple trees in the fall. The Seiryuen garden hosts cultural events like tea ceremonies.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Image Source: japan-guide.com
9. Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道) is a quiet stone walkway in northern Kyoto. It follows a small canal lined with cherry trees that bloom beautifully in early April. Many people visit during this time to enjoy the flowers.
The path is about two kilometers long, starting near Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ending near Nanzenji Temple. It’s named after a famous Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here to think and relax.
Along the way, there are small cafes, shops, and temples. One special temple is Honen-in, known for its pretty entrance, especially in autumn.
The canal is part of the Lake Biwa Canal system, built in the Meiji Period to bring water to Kyoto. You can also see a nice old aqueduct near Nanzenji.
Philosopher's Path
Image Source: Japan Travel.com
10. Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous Zen temples, known for its mysterious rock garden. It used to be a noble’s house, but it became a Zen temple in 1450. The garden is made of white pebbles and 15 large rocks placed in small groups. What's interesting is that no matter where you stand, you can never see all 15 rocks at the same time—one is always hidden.
No one knows exactly who built the garden or what it means. Some think it shows a tiger and her cubs crossing water, while others believe it represents islands or something deep like infinity. The meaning is left up to each visitor to decide.
The garden is viewed from a calm wooden building that used to be the head priest’s home. Inside, there are old paintings and quiet tatami rooms. Behind the temple, there’s a big pond, peaceful walking paths, and a small restaurant that serves Yudofu, a boiled tofu dish that Kyoto is known for.
Zen Garden at Ryoan-ji
Image Source: Discover Kyoto
Final Words
Kyoto is a city full of beautiful places, peaceful nature, and cool history. Whether you’re walking through quiet streets, trying local food, or learning something new, there’s always something fun to see and do. Take your time and let Kyoto’s beauty create lasting memories.