Location: Western Kyoto
Top Things to do in Western Kyoto
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What to do and see in Western Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Sacred & Religious 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. Myoshinji Temple
2. Koryu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Founded in 622, the temple houses impressive Buddhist statues, possibly from the 6th or 7th century.
3. Gio-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By Caro3166 - Tannum Sands, Australia
Just beautiful. So we went here. If you love gardens you will really appreciate this temple. We went in mid December and there were still lots of autumn leaves.
4. Daikaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By poh3 - Singapore, Singapore
If you hate crowds but love the architecture and grounds of Japanese temples, spend the morning of one Kyoto day here. This is not to be missed. As an imperial villa of Emperor Saga during the Heian Period, this temple is huge with ornate interior doors yet with the austerity of a religious location. The gardens on the property are large, along with a large pond in the back that has three islands in it. It is a great place to wander, soak in the tranquil and lush atmosphere and relax. The temple is a no-shoes zone. Plastic bags will be provided for you to carry your shoes around or leave them at the entrance of the temple. There is also a treasure hall that is open sometimes where you can look at historical artifacts and holy relics and statues of Buddhist deities for a fee. Another bonus I found was that part of the money offerings made will go to an international nature charity. It was unexpected as one would expect the temple to absorb the funds for the upkeep of the grounds and building as well as the services carried out, so it was a pleasant discovery.
5. Tenryuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,958 reviews
Reviewed By PXJin - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Spent some quality time here. Great atmosphere and excellent Autumn foliage. When you mix all of the good things, it always come with crowds. However, the crowds are somehow discipline and have minimum noise, probably cause of the zen in this garden. Great place to visit if you're around Arashiyama region.
6. Jikishian
7. Jojakkoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By ccfchew_23 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A wonderful temple at the non-touristy side of Arashiyama. It boosts an amazing view during autumn like no other. Not the biggest of temple and it very much goes up the hill. It is layers and layers of red, yellow, orange, all on top of each other, just so many wonderful maple leaves in a small area that makes it quite stunning. As you climb the temple, you will find that you get a nice view of Kyoto and the backdrop is this vibrant autumn colours. There are some areas to sit where you get to marvel at the sight in your own zen state. For 500 yen, this is a steal and despite having quite number of people during autumn, you can still find your own inner peace here!
8. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
The temple, originally called Otagi-ji Temple, was first built in the Otagi District (The central part of present-day Kyoto) by order of Emperor Shotoku in the latter half of the 8th century. At the beginning of the Heian period (794-1192), the temple building was washed away when the Kamo River flooded. The temple was reestablished by Senkan Naigu (918-984), a priest of the Tendai sect, and became a branch of Enryakuji, the Tendai temple complex on Mt. Hiei. Over a period of three years beginning in 1922, the temple was transfered to its present location in the Saga District, in order to preserve it. The temple has a wonderful array of 1,200 carved stone figures of Rakan (disciples of Shaka, the founder of Buddhism) made by people from various parts of the country from 1981 to 1991 for the reconstruction of the temple.
Reviewed By VinnieLondon_SE2 - Doha, Qatar
Fascinating little shrine some 20 minutes walk up hill from the bamboo forest. Headstones are in rows and on the hillside of the shrine in the shape of characters. There is also a beautiful bronze statue which you are allowed to touch. Super interesting site worth a visit. 300 yen entrance fee.
9. Taizo-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple has been beloved by people for more than 600 years. It showcases a dry landscape garden by Kano Motonobu, a Zen painting "Catching a Catfish with a Gourd", known as "Hyonenzu" and a Japanese botanical pond garden "Yoko-en" with Suikinkutsu, which is an ornament for the garden as well as a music device named after a Japanese musical instrument, Koto. Access BY TRAIN: Take a JR train on Sagano Line. 12min. from Kyoto Station. Please get off at Hanazono Station. 7 minute walk from Hanazono Station. BY BUS: Several buses are available from the major tourist sites in Kyoto. Please get off at either Myoshinji-mae Stop or Myoshinji Kitamon-mae Stop.
Reviewed By Eric_Greeney
Taizo-in is one of the highly rated Kyoto Gardens and righlty so. Taizo-in is one of the many subtemples of Myoshin-ji and easily found close to the south entrance to the complex. The Myoshin-ji compound resembles structurally that of the perhaps more famous Daitoku-ji, both are large areas with stone-paved streets and wider squares between temple halls and subtemples, many of which are not open to public. Taizo-in provides many areas of beauty and has some rare characteristic features: the entrance to the garden area is dominated by a huge cherry tree that must be quite a sight at the cherry blossom season. Unfortunately I visited in October, missing this glory. The raked gravel fields on two sides of the entrance are of different color: the one on the right is of dark ravel rather than the more usual white one. The grooves are wide and deep, the display more dramatic than that of an average karesansui. Deeper in the garden there is a pond and a stream flowing to it. Trees, bushes, water, form a harmonious setting, best viewed from the pergola at the deepest end of the garden. There is also a separate pavilion for enjoying green tea. One of the most beautiful sights during my Kyoto garden tour this time! I almost missed the rock garden behind the temple hall, but it can be seen from the far end of the area available for visitors and is very nice, more of a mainstream karesansui display.
10. Hogonin Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited here twice before for autumn colors. Each time the temple does not disappoint. If you walk along the temple wall before entering you can see the tree tops and gauge if the colors are perfect - this is useful only if you have a few days in Arashiyama, which we did. Arrive early the morning in an effort to avoid the crowds and to give you a chance to walk through the garden twice. The light is wonderful for photography in the early morning, but as noon approaches the light becomes too harsh - another reason to arrive early. Take your time here - lovely sights will reward you: moss, unusual rocks, stone lanterns, Rakan statues, paths and ponds and running water and bridges, a tea house and, of course, Momiji against the borrowed scenery of the Arashiyama hillsides. When we visited the monks were entertaining a dignitary and there was much hustle and bustle in addition to the crowds of visitors which increased as the morning wore on. After walking through the garden at least twice by the time we left it was very, very crowded indeed.
