Kyoto is bound to be on your itinerary when visiting Japan for the first time. Generously scattered with temples and shrines, gardens and teahouses, Kyoto retains its rich history and picturesque scenery.
Temples and shrines
From 794 to 1896 Kyoto was the home of the Emperor and capital of Japan. Many of the temples and shrines of the region are infused with the stories of rulers and their struggles to hold power.
Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Temple, Japan by Phillip Heaney
Torii Gates Fushimi Inari Shrine, Japan by Abbie Bell
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, pre-dating 794. Behind the shrine's main buildings, thousands of vermilion Torri gates create red-orange tunnels from trails leading into the forest of sacred Mount Inari.
The Fushimi Inari Shrine’s grounds are scattered with statues of foxes, the animal believed to be Inari’s messenger. Each gate represents a donation from individuals, families or companies, acknowledged by an inscription.
Hiking to the summit and back takes a few hours, but you can experience elevated views of Kyoto after walking for half an hour to 45 minutes to the Yotsutsuji intersection.
Kinkajuji Temple
Kinkakuji in snow, Japan by Mirza Ariadi
Known as the “Golden Pavilion”, Kinkaku-ji Temple’s upper two floors are covered in gold leaf. Set within beautiful gardens, this World Heritage site was rebuilt in 1955 in a detailed reconstruction project. The Zen temple’s spectacular architecture overlooks a large pond, with each floor representing a different architectural style.
Originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Takauji during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), the villa was bequeathed to become a Zen temple following his death.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Also built by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, Tenryuji Temple is ranked first among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo after his passing to appease the spirit of the former emperor — the two were allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in the struggle for power over Japan.
While the temple buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt due to fires and war, the gardens have survived in their original form, designed by famous landscape artist and priest, Muso Soseki.
Tenryu ji, Japan by Tracie Fleay
Culture and shopping
Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, containing shops, restaurants and teahouses (ochaya) where geisha and apprentices entertain. Kyoto’s most expensive and exclusive teahouses and restaurants grace this district, where guests are entertained by geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geisha apprentices).
Hanami-koji Street is the busiest part of the district. For somewhere quieter, the Shirakawa has more classy restaurants and teahouses, many overlooking the willow-lined Shirakawa canal.
Merchant houses lining the streets in this district are traditional wooden machiya homes, built with narrow facades of five or six meters (historically, taxes were calculated based on street frontage) and extending up to 20m back from the street.
It is imperative to be respectful if you see geisha on the streets during the day. It may be considered impolite to interrupt and ask for a photo opportunity, or to take photographs without permission. The ultimate experience of the geisha tradition is to attend an exclusive dinner or tea ceremony with a geisha as a hostess, where you can witness the exquisite talent, discipline and skill geisha employ. At Gion Corner, there is a daily cultural show for overseas visitors, which introduces viewers to the traditional Japanese arts, plays and dances.
Of course, the Gion district also offers plentiful opportunities for shopping, where you can find crafts, pickles, souvenirs and traditional shops.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto’s largest local market is a foodie’s delight, with fresh seafood, dry goods, cooking tools, tableware and seasonal produce. Enjoy some lunch, and remember to sit down to enjoy your meal, it’s considered impolite to eat whilst you walk.
Nature, gardens and scenery
Philosophers Path
Philosophers Path, Japan by Rosemary Priest
Found in the north part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, the Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no Michi) is a two-kilometre stone path following a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Its name remembers the well-known Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who was said to meditate while walking this path daily to Kyoto University.
There are restaurants, cafes and boutiques along its length, and of course, temples and shrines, with the Honen-in temple entrance particularly worth a visit in autumn. In early April, the cherry trees lining the path explode with cherry blossoms, making it a highly popular cherry blossom viewing location.
Okochi Sanso Garden
If this isn’t your first time in Kyoto or you’ve seen the main attractions and have some time to spend, the Okochi Sanso Garden is stunning through every season. Okochi Sanso is the former home of Japanese film star Denjiro Okochi who appeared in historical drama films in the early 1900s. The traditional Japanese garden offers views over Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.
There’s also a teahouse where visitors can enjoy the scenery while sipping matcha and tasting Japanese sweets.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Spanning the Katsura River west of Kyoto, this 155m bridge was first built in 836 and recently re-built in 1934. From the bridge, you can see the Arashiyama Mountain. With cherry blossoms in spring, fiery red autumn leaves or winter snow, the views of Arashiyama Mountain from this location are a photographer’s dream.
The name ‘Togetsu’ means “moon crossing” and comes from a story from the Kamakura period where Emperor Kameyama observed from a boat that the moon appeared to be crossing the bridge.
Togetsukyo Bridge, Japan by Adobe Stock
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Japan by Adobe Stock
Located next to Tenru-ji Temple, walking through the emerald-green Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is an otherworldly experience. Sunlight filters through the trees to leave a lasting impression on visitors. At the top of the bamboo grove is a villa and teahouse, and nearby Nonomya Shrine is revered by those seeking good marriages and safe childbirth.
Things to do in Kyoto at night
At night, Kyoto is transformed into a romantic vista, much sung in Japanese folk music and poetry, whose authors were inspired by the lantern-lit narrow alleyways, tranquil temples and softly lit traditional wooden buildings.
Nijo Castle
For those fortunate to visit at particular times, UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle is lit up with digital art in the evenings. If this isn’t one of those times, you can see the lights of the city at night from the Kyoto Tower or the adjacent Kyoto Station.
Unique things to do in Kyoto
Sake tasting experience
The Fushimi Sake District is a traditional and leading Japanese sake (pronounced “sah-keh”) brewing district, in southern Kyoto, home to over 40 sake breweries along the willow-lined Horikawa River. Clean, soft water flows from the river’s underground springs and the district is strategically located at the junction of two rivers, a prime position for shipping and trade.
Some of these sake breweries are open to the public, providing the opportunity to taste exclusive samples and learn how sake is made from fermented rice, using rice, water, yeast and a mould called koji.
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s beauty and history any time of the year
Kyoto is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but arguably most stunning in spring and autumn. You can travel to Japan from Australia from major capital cities to delight in the unique experiences in store. Learn more about Bunnik’s Japan Discovery tours or keep exploring what to see in Japan as you dream up your next escape to Asia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kyoto best known for?
Kyoto is home to over 400 Shinto shrines and over 1,600 Buddhist temples, it’s a true spiritual hub in Japan. The two religions Shinto and Buddhism co-exist, with many Japanese following both in their daily lives.
What are some under-appreciated attractions in Kyoto?
Okochi Sansa Garden is a less-visited location that provides vistas across Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.
How do you get to and around Kyoto?
This beautiful city is easy to access by train, and once you arrive you can get around using public transport, bicycle or walking.