Sightseeing in Kyoto

Sightseeing in Kyoto

If you’re in Kyoto and not sure where to visit, we’ve included a sample of the best sightseeing routes that the Ancient Capital offers. Feel free to mix and match these sights as you see fit for your ideal tour, as these routes are just our suggestions:

The Best of Kyoto in 3 Days

Day 1 –

AM: Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu Temple → Lunch at Nishiki Market

PM: Sanjusangendo

Day 2 –

AM: Kinkakuji → Ryoan-ji → Lunch at an Obanzai Restaurant

PM: Nijo Castle

Day 3 –

AM: Arashiyama – Tenryu-ji → Arashiyama Bamboo Forest → Lunch

PM: Continue to explore Arashiyama (shops and cafes)

Kid-friendly Route

AM: Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu Temple → Lunch

PM: Arashiyama

If you want to learn more about each destination in detail, check out Kyoto divided into regions:

North

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle served as one of the residences of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the ruling military leaders of Edo period Japan.  A stronghold that demonstrates the power of one of the three Great Unifiers, this castle is renowned for its deep cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

京都東, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji is one of the most famous Zen Buddhist temples in Japan, seeing visitors from residents and tourists every day. Literally translated as the Golden Pavilion, the golden-leaf-covered Kinkakuji oversees a large pond that reflects its radiance.

East

Kiyomizu Temple

A celebrated temple of Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple offers a panoramic view of the city with its wooden stage that juts out of the main hall. At the base of Kiyomizu Temple is Otowa Waterfall, where visitors may drink one of the three streams in hopes of success, longevity, or love.

South

Fushimi Inari

One of the most recognizable sights in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari has thousands of vermilion Torii Gates lining the path to the top of Mt. Inari. Along the 2-3 hour hike to the summit, you can find restaurants offering local dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon noodles.

West

Tenryu-ji

The greatest of The Five Great Zen Temples, Tenryu-ji is most known for its beautiful garden that has persisted since the 14th century.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Just behind Tenryu-ji is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where its emerald green scenery is one of the most iconic sights in Japan.

Katsura River & Togetsu Bridge

Togetsu Bridge is a 155 meter (500 feet) bridge that cuts across the Katsura River, providing incredible views of Arashiyama Mountain and its seasonal flowers. There are shops and restaurants where you can get souvenirs and have lunch nearby.

Central

Nishiki Market

With over 100 shops and restaurants lining this narrow shopping street, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to try local delicacies in Kyoto. Besides trying the delicious food, you can also shop for excellent cookware and ceramic ware here.

Toji Temple

Toji Temple is home to the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, standing 55 meters (180 feet) high. In the main hall of the temple are wooden statues of Buddha and his attendants dating back to the 1600s. Next to Toji is Kanchi-in Temple, which houses ink paintings of the legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi.

Sanjusangendo

The longest wooden structure in Japan with a 120 meter (400 feet) length, Sanjusangendo Temple contains 1001 wooden statues of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Kannon. The hall’s main object of worship is a giant statue of a thousand-armed Kannon, designated as a national treasure of Japan.

Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tour Types

Rediscover Tours arranges amazing trips whether you are traveling with your family, on your honeymoon, as a couple or as a group of friends. We work with you to make sure everything is exactly as you want it.