Best places to visit in Kyoto

Nishiki Market is a long, narrow shopping street filled with hundreds of shops and food vendors, offering traditional Japanese sweets, local food, and souvenirs.

Gion is the old quarter and main entertainment district of Kyoto, known for its historic streets, buildings, speciality shops, bars, and eateries.

Arashiyama, on the outskirts of western Kyoto, was a former retreat for emperors and offers attractions such as the Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryuji Temple.

Yasaka Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, founded over 1,350 years ago, popular with tourists visiting Gion and Higashiyama.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a popular place to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon/early evening to avoid crowds; walking upwards will lead to fewer crowds.

Kyoto Station is a major transportation hub in Kyoto, accessible by train from Kansai International Airport and a stop for the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a popular site where going super early is the best option to avoid crowds; shops and restaurants in Arashiyama start closing around 5 PM.

A river offering a peaceful boat ride surrounded by lush forests and rock formations, from Kameoka to Arashiyama.

A serene park adjacent to the Gion District, known for its seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms in Spring and rich foliage in Autumn.

A river where the further north you walk, away from the tourists, the more peaceful and special the experience becomes.

Yasaka Pagoda, officially known as the hokanji temple, is the last remaining structure of a 6th Century Temple complex.

Sannenzaka is a historic cobblestone street lined with old wooden machiya houses, charming shops, and tea houses.

Kiyomizu-dera is a temple complex with iconic structures and a wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, especially beautiful in autumn.

Ninenzaka is a beautiful hilly street with preserved traditional Japanese houses located on the way to Hokan-ji pagoda.

A major city in Japan, easily accessible from Kyoto, offering diverse attractions and culinary experiences.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most recognizable buildings in Kyoto, with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A train ride known for its scenic beauty along the Hozugawa River, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons.

The Sagano Romantic Train is a scenic train ride along the Hozugawa River, known for its beauty in all seasons, and it's recommended to book tickets in advance.

A stunning example of feudal-era architecture and a symbol of the Tokugawa shogunate's power, featuring opulent rooms and meticulously maintained gardens.

A nearby city famous for its stunning temples and hundreds of wild deer roaming freely in Nara Park.

Tenui Temple is famous for its beautiful landscape Garden and remains an important spiritual and cultural Landmark.

Pon too alley, a narrow Lantern-lit Street along the C River, offers casual and Exquisite dining.

A historical site where visitors can learn about the history of the Imperial Palace.

Ginkakuji, known as the Silver Pavilion, was once the home of an art obsessed Shogun and became the center of higashiyama culture in Kyoto.

Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Temple) closes at 5 PM, so visiting late is not an option; going super early would probably be the best option to avoid crowds.