Sights
Historic·Temples, scenery & street sights in Kyoto, Osaka · 23 spots
Fushimi Inari Taisha
A shrine famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates (Senbon Torii) winding up the mountainside.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A temple whose wooden stage on a cliff overlooks Kyoto. The autumn-leaf night openings are popular.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A path under a canopy of bamboo. Combine it with Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji.
Gion · Hanamikoji
Kyoto's old district lined with traditional wooden teahouses, most atmospheric when the lanterns light up in the evening.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A temple famous for its gold-leafed pavilion reflected in a pond — Kyoto's signature view.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
A temple with a simple pavilion and the 'Ginshadan' sand garden, at the start of the Philosopher's Path.
Philosopher's Path
A 2 km canal-side path, famous for spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Nijo Castle
The Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked on.
Sanjusangendo
A temple whose 120 m main hall holds 1,001 statues of the thousand-armed Kannon.
Yasaka Shrine
A vermilion shrine at the end of Gion's main street, heart of the Gion Matsuri in July.
Sannenzaka · Ninenzaka
Stone-stepped slopes leading up to Kiyomizu-dera, lined with shops in traditional houses.
Heian Jingu Shrine
A shrine with a giant vermilion torii and spacious gardens.
Nanzen-ji Temple
A Zen temple with a huge Sanmon gate and a red-brick aqueduct.
Tofuku-ji Temple
A temple famous for the autumn leaves seen from Tsutenkyo, a covered bridge across a ravine.
Ryoan-ji Temple
A Zen temple famous for its rock garden of 15 stones on white gravel.
Tenryu-ji Temple
A World Heritage temple with a beautiful pond garden set against the Arashiyama hills.
Togetsukyo Bridge
A bridge across the river at Arashiyama; its mountain backdrop is an emblem of Kyoto.
Pontocho
A narrow alley along the Kamo River. In summer, riverside 'noryo-yuka' terraces open.
Kyoto Tower
The white observation tower in front of Kyoto Station — get your bearings as soon as you arrive.
To-ji Temple
A temple with Japan's tallest wooden five-story pagoda. A market is held on the 21st of every month.
Byodo-in (Uji)
The temple with the Phoenix Hall shown on the 10-yen coin. Uji is famous for matcha.
Kifune Shrine
A mountain shrine famous for its lantern-lined stone steps. In summer, 'kawadoko' platforms over the stream serve meals.
Chion-in Temple
The head temple of Jodo Buddhism, with one of Japan's largest wooden gates and a giant bell.