Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

September 30, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto-fu) is a prefecture of Japan in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.
Restaurants in Kyoto Prefecture

1. Hashikisan Enjoji Temple

873 Hashigi, Mineyamacho, Kyotango 627-0001 Kyoto Prefecture +81 772-62-0957
Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hashikisan Enjoji Temple

2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-551-1234 https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,531 reviews

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.

Reviewed By 674pavelk - Redmond, United States

It is beyond impressive to have such a massive structure made entirely from wood centuries ago and without a single nail as far as I know. You feel humbled while inside. And the view of the city from the hill next to the water fountain (which you definitely should wait in line for to drink the water from it) is stunning if you get a nice weather going on for you.

3. Nijo Castle

541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8301 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-841-0096 http://www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo/
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,979 reviews

Nijo Castle

This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.

Reviewed By EllenW707 - Philadelphia, United States

We’ve been to a few castles in Europe and have come to feel that most of them are about fortifications, stables and canons. This one was so much better. Granted, this is our first visit to Asia, so everything is exotic and fascinating. First, Nijojo-mae, as the home of the Shogun, also contains elaborate palaces and gardens. So the purpose was not just military. The architecture and art are beautiful and inspiring. The history and insights into Japanese culture you get here are mind expanding. Secondly, as with everything we’ve experienced in Japan so far, your tour through the castle grounds is perfectly orchestrated and organized by the audio guide - available in several languages. Be sure to spend the extra yen to rent one. Then enjoy. By the way, it’s very easy to get here by subway.

4. Otome Shrine

Masudome, Mineyamacho, Kyotango 627-0053 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Otome Shrine

5. Gion

Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-531-2288 http://www.gion.or.jp/
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,276 reviews

Gion

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.

Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea

We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.

6. Eikando Zenrinji Temple

48 Eikandocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8445 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-761-0007 http://www.eikando.or.jp/
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,700 reviews

Eikando Zenrinji Temple

Reviewed By HDavidMc - Brisbane, Australia

We booked the Eikan Do dinner followed by viewing of the illuminated gardens in late November. The dinner was an interesting experience, as we were the only foreigners in the room and not so used to eating on tatami mats on the floor. Struggled but enjoyed the ambience. The gardens were spectacular and the illumination added greatly to the experience.

7. Byodoin Temple

116 Uji Renge, Uji 611-0021 Kyoto Prefecture +81 774-21-2861 http://www.byodoin.or.jp/
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,628 reviews

Byodoin Temple

Temple near Kyoto; famous statue of seated Buudha by 11th-century sculptor, Jocho.

Reviewed By suzannep34

This temple is an excellent half day's visit from Kyoto. As it's on the JR Nara line, it can be easily combined with the Fushimi Inari shrine, we stopped there on the way back from Uji and had plenty of time to see both. There are some beautiful cherry trees and wisteria in the grounds, and on a sunny day the reflections of the temple in the water must be stunning. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and although there were crowds of tourists, the traditional tea room was quiet and the matcha green tea, served hot or chilled, is definitely worth trying! Nearby there are lots of matcha souvenir shops and more places to enjoy traditional green tea, also ice cream sprinkled with matcha powder, enjoy!!

8. Amanohashidate

Monju Amanohashidate Park, Miyazu 629-2244 Kyoto Prefecture +81 772-22-8030 http://www.amanohashidate.jp/spot/amanohashidate/
Excellent
43%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 727 reviews

Amanohashidate

Reviewed By Adaying - Singapore, Singapore

Went on a cloudy day with light drizzle. Spent about an hour walking around the area. There is a chair lift and monorail to bring passengers up the mountain to see the view. You need to bend between your leg for an unique view.. a small amusement park at the top of the mountain. Would like to have spent more time rent a bicycle to ride along the pine trees...

9. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001 Kyoto Prefecture http://www.2nenzaka.ne.jp
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,234 reviews

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China

After visiting the famous temple uphill, it was highly suggested to take an hour's walk along Sannenzaka Ninenzaka. It was a slanting pathway of stone-steps with traditional Japanese houses on both sides and being converted as souvenir and snack shops. It was normally crowded with visitors and difficult to move along easily. For photo-lovers, the place was good for snapshooting with so many backdrops for your choice. Have a nice day there.

10. Taneji Temple

346 Taneji, Maizuru 625-0152 Kyoto Prefecture +81 773-68-0026
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Taneji Temple

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