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Things to do in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Historic Sites
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Mirei Shigemori Residence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
2. Keage Incline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By junnd2016 - United Arab Emirates, null
I can say that this spot is one of the best Sakura viewing during April. It may be crowded during the season but it's really worth it going there. I think it's an unused railway with tons of cherry blossoms along the way and it's really near from Keage Station. Directions: from Keage Station 1)Take exit 1 2) When coming out of the station onto the street, turn right and walk about 80 meters down the street until you come to a small pedestrian tunnel on your left 3) pass the tunnel (it is only about 10 meters long) 4) immediately after the tunnel, turn left and walk up a small slope for about 80 meters 5) you are now at the top of the Incline and enjoy the Sakura
3. Nostalgic Architectural Structure at Sanjodori
4. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,434 reviews
This location was the home of the Imperial Family until 1868 when the formal residence was relocated to Tokyo. Free, guided tours are given daily but only to those who have made reservations in advance.
Reviewed By Jamie_P_Traveller - County Durham, United Kingdom
This place is great to visit - huge inside, free to get in and the route you walk around takes you all the way round so you can see all the best bits of the old palace. Lots of information and photo opportunities, it's free too, and guided tours are available a couple of times during the day if you turn up at the right time.
5. Sento Imperial Palace (Sento Gosho)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By JindyJohn
This palace can be viewed by permit only, booked in advance but free of charge. At the time of my visit they were not taking new bookings because of the coronavirus epidemic, but they were honouring existing bookings. The tour was in Japanese but most of us were using audio guides in English, Chinese, Korean, French or Spanish. After a quick look in passing at the palace, less imposing than its neighbours in the Imperial Palace compound, we entered the main focus of the tour: the beautiful garden. It centers on a lake divided into ponds by islands and peninsulas. The tour route criss-crosses the lake by means of picturesque bridges, covering the views comprehensively. At Seikatei, the elegant tea house at the southern end, the view takes in the su-hama, an artificial pebble beach, and the zigzag bridge which the tour crossed earlier. The wisteria pergola on this bridge would surely be a glorious sight in season. The whole garden has a harmonious and serene feel.
6. Takasegawa Ichino Funairi
7. Shinsenen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By 711ayat - Arlington, United States
This shrine is not famous at all. I found this in a guide book as a hole-in-the-wall spot. The property is very small and nothing fancy but it gives tranquil, zen atmosphere right next to the busy street. I sat on the bench and stared at the pond for a while to relax after all day of walking. The red bridge is gorgeous. Easy access from Nijo station.
8. Heian Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,222 reviews
This shrine was built in 1895 in celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto. Admission is free but there is a small fee for entrance to the gardens, which are home to several beautiful weeping cherry trees which are in bloom during the spring months.
Reviewed By foulaman - Kelowna, Canada
This shrine has beautiful shrine buildings around a large open space. There were not a huge number of tourists which was a relief after a number of other Kyoto sites. Make sure to go into the garden (separate entry off to one side towards the back). It is a wonderful large Japanese garden where you can spend a half-hour or hour unwinding. There is a small tea garden in the middle of the garden. Mostly flat easy walking. Decent toilets. There was free wifi throughout the area. The whole shrine and garden was quite peaceful, in spite of the fact that just outside the shrine is a series of large gift shops and parking for dozens of buses indicating that at times it is probably very busy.
