Kyoto's Top 3 Attractions
Kyoto Prefecture is the heart of Japan's culture and history, home to countless temples, shrines, and historic buildings. It offers visitors a taste of traditional Japan.
Kyoto Prefecture is the heart of Japan's culture and history, home to countless temples, shrines, and historic buildings. It offers visitors a taste of traditional Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a historic temple celebrated for its beautiful views and cultural importance. Its magnificent cantilevered stage famously inspired the saying “to jump from the stage at Kiyomizu.”
Kinkaku-ji, located in Kita, Kyoto, is a Zen temple famed for its stunning gold-leaf façade. Its pond reflection creates a dreamlike scene that captivates with its seasonal charm.
Arashiyama, in western Kyoto, is a picturesque district renowned for its stunning natural scenery year-round. Its famed bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge draw crowds during both cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Gion, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a historic district celebrated for its traditional teahouses and geisha culture. Its cobbled streets and classic townhouses create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, is a famous shrine renowned for its thousands of torii gates. As the head shrine of Inari shrines nationwide, it is believed to bestow blessings of abundant harvests and prosperous business.
Byodoin Temple, located in Uji, Kyoto, is a historic temple celebrated for its stunning architecture and cultural significance. Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994, it was founded in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi to recreate the Pure Land. Its central Phoenix Hall enshrines a statue of Amida Nyorai and even appears on the 10-yen coin.
Nijo Castle, located in Nakagyo, Kyoto, is a historic castle built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Known for its National Treasure Ninomaru Palace and exquisite gardens, it stands as a symbol of Tokugawa authority. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, it continues to captivate visitors.
Sanjusangen-do, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a Buddhist hall of the Tendai sect, officially known as Rengeo-in. It houses 1,001 statues of Kannon—the Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy—whose sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship are celebrated as a pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist art.
Tenryu-ji, located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, it ranks first among Kyoto’s five Zen temples and is especially famed for its Sogenchi Teien garden.
Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Sakyo, Kyoto, officially called Jisho-ji. Originally built as the retirement villa "Higashiyama-dono" by the 8th shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it is famed for its National Treasure Kannon Hall (the Silver Pavilion).