Kyoto Travel Guide

Attractions

Central Kyoto

1 Nijo Castle

Former Kyoto residence of the shogun.
User rating: 86/100 (1088 votes)
Visited by: 1971 users

2 Nishiki Market

Fresh food market street in central Kyoto.
User rating: 82/100 (496 votes)
Visited by: 930 users

3 Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Imperial Family's residence until 1868.
User rating: 82/100 (758 votes)
Visited by: 1449 users

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Eastern Kyoto

1 Kiyomizudera

Temple famous for its large wooden terrace.
User rating: 95/100 (1453 votes)
Visited by: 2554 users

2 Ginkakuji

Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver.
User rating: 87/100 (1071 votes)
Visited by: 2027 users

3 Higashiyama

Preserved historic district around Kiyomizudera.
User rating: 86/100 (230 votes)
Visited by: 459 users

4 Sanjusangendo

Temple with 1001 human sized statues.
User rating: 88/100 (570 votes)
Visited by: 1001 users

5 Nanzenji Temple

Zen temple with beautiful stone garden.
User rating: 82/100 (384 votes)
Visited by: 746 users

6 Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
User rating: 85/100 (1310 votes)
Visited by: 2325 users

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Northern Kyoto

1 Kinkakuji

Temple building covered in gold.
User rating: 92/100 (1681 votes)
Visited by: 2955 users

2 Shugakuin Villa

Imperial villa at the outskirts of Kyoto.
User rating: 89/100 (65 votes)
Visited by: 145 users

3 Ninnaji Temple

Temple turned former imperial residence.
User rating: 83/100 (272 votes)
Visited by: 569 users

4 Kurama

Rural town with temple and hot spring.
User rating: 87/100 (125 votes)
Visited by: 269 users

5 Ryoanji Temple

Zen Temple with famous rock garden.
User rating: 86/100 (738 votes)
Visited by: 1329 users

6 Kibune

Town with shrine in the northern mountains.
User rating: 86/100 (14 votes)
Visited by: 34 users

View more sights in Northern Kyoto

Western Kyoto

1 Arashiyama

Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto.
User rating: 90/100 (759 votes)
Visited by: 1435 users

2 Kokedera

Called moss temple because of its garden.
User rating: 88/100 (92 votes)
Visited by: 215 users

3 Katsura Villa

Imperial villa with stunning landscape garden.
User rating: 87/100 (117 votes)
Visited by: 246 users

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Southern Kyoto

1 Fushimi Inari Shrine

The ultimate torii gate experience.
User rating: 95/100 (863 votes)
Visited by: 1445 users

2 Byodoin Temple

Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden.
User rating: 86/100 (406 votes)
Visited by: 871 users

3 Tofukuji Temple

Temple with spectacular autumn leaves.
User rating: 83/100 (311 votes)
Visited by: 599 users

View more sights in Southern Kyoto

Events

1 Gion Matsuri

The most famous festival of Japan.
User rating: 89/100 (301 votes)
Visited by: 573 users

2 Hanatoro

Twice annual light up event.
User rating: 88/100 (65 votes)
Visited by: 133 users

3 Aoi Matsuri

Historical parade from the Heian Period.
User rating: 85/100 (71 votes)
Visited by: 158 users

4 Jidai Matsuri

Historical parade covering an entire millenium.
User rating: 77/100 (45 votes)
Visited by: 109 users

Side Trips from Kyoto

1 Mount Koya

Atmospheric temple mountain.
User rating: 93/100 (303 votes)
Visited by: 549 users

2 Nara

Japan's first permanent capital.
User rating: 90/100 (1783 votes)
Visited by: 3537 users

3 Osaka

Largest city of the Kinki Region.
User rating: 86/100 (2211 votes)
Visited by: 4388 users

4 Himeji

Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle.
User rating: 85/100 (913 votes)
Visited by: 1826 users

5 Miho Museum

Unique art museum in the mountains.
User rating: 89/100 (41 votes)
Visited by: 73 users

6 Kinosaki

Pleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resort.
User rating: 85/100 (116 votes)
Visited by: 249 users

7 Amanohashidate

One of Japan's three most scenic views.
User rating: 82/100 (153 votes)
Visited by: 305 users

8 Kobe

Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake.
User rating: 81/100 (1028 votes)
Visited by: 2196 users

9 Iga Ueno

Former castle town famous for ninja.
User rating: 75/100 (174 votes)
Visited by: 401 users

Special Interest Guides

Kyoto Shopping Guide

Guide to Kyoto's shopping districts.

Kyoto Food Guide

Guide to Kyoto's local cuisine.

Kyoto Museum Guide

A list of some of Kyoto's best museums.

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Spots

A list of popular cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.

Kyoto Autumn Color Spots

A list of popular autumn color spots in Kyoto.

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