Top Things To See In Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the must visit city in Japan which also become one of the most touristy place. Even so, here we can feel the less crowded Japan, see the beautiful Japan's culture, visit a countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures. You should at least do a day trip in Kyoto or in my opinion, the best time is do the 2 days 1 night trip since Kyoto have a lot to offer. So, without a furthermore here I give you my personal top things to see in Kyoto. Enjoy!

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto Shrine in Kyoto. It's well known for its thousand bright orange tori gates which lead into the forest of Mount Inari.

We can hike to the summit of the mountain and back and it takes 2-3 hours. But we also can walk as far as we want before turning back.

If you happen going to Inari during the sunset, the view is also breathtaking. These are taken at the exit way.

Route info:

The best way to reach Fushimi Inari is by train because the bus stop is a little bit far. From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara line to JR Inari Station (about 5 minutes) and Fushimi Inari is located just outside the station.

Arashiyama

If you want to relax, see the natural beauty of Japan, and take in the scenery, then Arashiyama is the best place to go. Its main attraction is Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Being in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is like being in another world. If we keep going straight and follow the street, we even can see the local village at the end of the big road.

I also decided to rent a beautiful kimono in Arashiyama.

But the actual landmark of Arashiyama is not the Bamboo Grove, it's the Togetsukyo Bridge. This is the image I took from google because of some reasons I can't use my own images.

Route info:

Arashiyama is a little bit far whether you go there by bus, train or taxi. The most convenient way is by train to avoid the traffic. From Kyoto Station, take JR Sanin Line (JR Sagano Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station (about 30 minutes). Walk for about 5-10 minutes to reach the central.

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera is one of UNESCO world heritage sites that stand 13 meters above the hillside below and famous for its wooden stage. This one is the main hall, taken from my first trip to Japan during autumn season because the second time I went there which is in April, the main hall was under renovation.

So basically we get a bonus view: a little bit of Kyoto's city from above. As you can see, the tallest building is Kyoto Tower.

There are a lot of temples or other historical structure arround this area. One of them is Ryozen Kannon, beside Kodaiji Temple. 10 years after the end of World War II, the Ryozen Kannon was built in memory of the soldiers on both sides who had died in the Pacific War. The concrete and steel statue of Kannon (Avalokitesvara) is 24 meters tall and weighs about 500 tons. The statue was unveiled on 8th June 1955.

Another fun part in Kiyomizudera is walking through the traditional old Kyoto, Higashiyama District. Many shops, restaurants, and cafes are available along this district.

Higashiyama District also connect Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine for about two km.

Route info:

The best way is by bus. From Kyoto station take bus number 100 or 206 (about 15 minutes) and get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. It take a 10 minute walk from those stops.

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji is a Zen temple completely covered in gold leaf. However, visitors only allowed to see this magnificent temple from accross the pond.

The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix.

Wecan continue to see the garden, teahouse and souvenir shops before exit.

Route info:

From Kyoto station take bus number 101 or 205 and get off at Kinkakuji bus stop (about 40 minutes).

Ginkakuji

If Kinkakuji is a gold pavilion, then Ginkakuji is known as silver pavilion. But actually it's not really covered in silver. It is explained that moon light reflecting on the building's dark exterior (which used to be covered in black lacquer in the past) gave it a silvery appearance. However, I didn't make it to go to Kinkakuji because I was too late and the temple was already closed.

Route info:

From Kyoto Station take bus number 5, 17 or 100 and get off at Ginkakuji bus stop(35-40 minutes).

Gion

Gion is a popular district filled with shops, restaurant and also Kyoto's famous geisha district. Gion is located between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River, which is a good area to spend a night in Kyoto.

We can take a seat, relax and enjoy the view beside Kamo river, a popular place also for local people to hang out. We also can walk around Gion area and go to the alleys where there are a lot of good restaurants, cafes and bars hiding in this tiny little street.

Route info:

From Kyoto Station take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Gion bus stop (arround 10 minutes). Or you can walk from Yasaka Shrine or Kiyomizudera if you go there before.

So there are all my personal top things to see in Kyoto, hopefully it can help your trip to Japan a little bit. Feel free to leave a comment down below if you have anything to ask or please check my other post to know more about my itinerary or anything related to my Japan trip. Enjoy!

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