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What to do and see in City Center, Kinki: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Nijo Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,979 reviews
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.
2. Konchi-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
We happened upon this temple walking back to the subway from Nanzen-ji and decided to stop because it cost only about 400¥ each to get in. It looked peaceful and something was drawing us here. You follow the path going around the shrine in a circle, starting at a pond with koi fish in it. The gardens all around here are beautiful and the path is clearly marked. Make sure to wear bug spray. We got bit a bunch of times as it was muggy and the vegetation was thick in here. You come to the main shrine and it seems to be very historic. The trees open up to a huge zen garden and we just took off our shoes and sat here enjoying the peace and quiet. There was one other small group of people here at the time who were very quiet and respectful, so we basically had the place to ourselves. We sat for a good 20 minutes.
3. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By DellaG_12 - Coquitlam, Canada
Once again a magnificent garden surrounds the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately we did not check in advance to see the procedure required to take a tour of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and we were not able to view the palace grounds. Fortunately, the surrounding gardens were opened to the general public. As always, the imperial garden is an expansive garden space with attractive walkways, special shrines located away from main traffic areas and offers a quiet respite for prayers or private contemplation. It is beautiful in late autumn and the deciduous trees are at its best displaying their fall colors. Beautiful walks by the lake and small bridges to cross over. Such a wonderful reprieve from the major city area, just a lazy afternoon observing nature, couples and young children at play.
4. Shimogamo Jinja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,027 reviews
Reviewed By Kupitdom_2019
Today I spent almost three hours at one of the nicest shinto shrines in Japan I prayed boughtbtraditional EMMA (?wooden blessed by shrine) and you can write your own wishnifvyou believe it Emma from this shrine
5. Murinan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Murin-an is a Japanese villa, a Western building and a garden built between 1894 to 1896 by Aritomo Yamagata, an Elder Statesman (advisor to the emperor) from the Meiji and Taisho Period. Jihei Ogawa VII (7th) created this garden under Yamagata’s instructions and to this day it is a favorite one of both Japanese and visitors from abroad. Its central point being Higashiyama Mountains with a spacious and bright open lawn area creates a naturalistic scenery, unique for its time. Also,the water of the flowing stream is taken in from the Lake Biwa Canal, a pioneer in such water construction in the villa cluster of the Okazaki neighbourhood. Today, we offer a variety of workshops to enjoy Japanese culture in the beautiful environment of a Japanese garden, ranging from Japanese tea to Noh theatre. Also, the gardeners invite to learn about the garden and its artistry as well as are avaialable for guidance (Reservation required). Murin-an is the spot to enjoy and learn about Japanese gardens. Why not enjoy your holiday afternoon with a cup of matcha tea at Murin-an?
Reviewed By E881EMlisac
The Murinan tea house and garden were the place I enjoyed the most in Kyoto for the relaxing atmosphere and the traditional architecture and landscapes. I went early enough to be the only visitor for a while. You can enjoy a cup of tea on a tatami overlooking the breathtaking view of the garden, which is much nicer than any touristic tea ceremony to my opinion...
6. Shinnyodo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By gungho-traveller
Shinnyodo is often bypassed by tourists in favor of Eikando & other popular temples so its less crowded even in peak autumn season. you can stroll through the garden leisurely, sip Jap tea and dessert & admire surrounding autumn colours without mass crowd blocking your view or path. Best to go on weekdays between morning to 3pm on a sunny day, sunlight makes the leaves glow in vibrant red, yellow, orange & green, a stunning sight. Shinnyodo has the most vibrant red colors of all temples I visited and best of all, its FREE (note: only inner temple & zen garden require a fee)
7. 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
8. Doshisha University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
9. Kyoto State Guest House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethpV8634SC
Are you looking for something interesting, beautiful and a bit different, that not everyone does when visiting Kyoto? Then I recommend making a reservation for a guided tour of the State Guest House which is located in the Gyoen National Garden, that surrounds the Imperial Palace. This is where foreign dignitaries and Heads of State are received and stay during State visits to Kyoto. The Guest House was completed in 2005. The year-round public opening for visitors began in 2016. We elected to take a guided tour. For this, it is best to reserve in advance. Alternatively you can do a self-guided tour without a reservation. Considering that the guided tour costs only 500 yen more, it makes sense to have a guide because you learn a lot more. The tour lasts one hour. Our guide was outstanding. In the main banquet hall, the artistry of the furniture, the individually designed chairs and lacquer banquet table are exquisite. The table is 12 meters in length and no two chairs are exactly alike. The rooms used for meetings, entertaining and receptions are adorned with beautiful tapestries that extend across entire walls. The design of the building is simple, contemporary and elegant and exudes peace and calm. There is a pretty Japanese garden and lake in the middle with enormous golden and orange carp. You will learn about the artisans who crafted all the wonderful works of art, as well as understanding the architectural intricacies of the construction of the building. It is permitted to take photos. It was a fascinating tour and very worthwhile!
10. 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.
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