Kyoto
Kyoto is usually at the top of the list for tourists who are visiting Japan, and with good reasons. The historical capital city of Japan can seem like one big open-air museum with a wealth of historical treasures and neighborhoods. Because the city was spared in WW2, traditional Japan can truly be felt in Kyoto. It can be difficult to decide where to go when you are making plans to visit Kyoto, so we wrote this travel guide to help you!
With its history dating back to the 6th century, there are places of interest of all ages that can be visited. There are some world-famous highlights such as the Golden Pavillion and the Fushimi Inari. You can go to Gion to try and spot a maiko or geisha on her way to work. Some of the best traditional Japanese food can be had in Kyoto. If we can give you one tip, it would be to at least spend a few days in this wonderful city.
-
Kyoto Imperial Palace Guide
What is the Kyoto Imperial Palace? The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or Kyoto Gosho (京都御所), was the residence of Japan’s emperors for over 500 years—until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. Nestled in the heart of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, this sprawling complex preserves the refined aesthetics of classical Japanese court life and architecture. Unlike…
-
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
What are Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka? Ninenzaka (二年坂) and Sannenzaka (三年坂) are two of Kyoto’s most charming stone-paved slopes, located just south of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the historic Higashiyama district. These pedestrian-only lanes gently wind downhill through traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, souvenir shops, and restaurants—offering a glimpse of Kyoto’s old-town atmosphere. Though they are often mentioned…
-
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
What Is the Philosopher’s Path? The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi) is a scenic 2-kilometer walkway that runs alongside a cherry tree-lined canal in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Named after the famous Kyoto University philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used the path for daily meditation walks, it offers a calm and contemplative escape from the city bustle.…
-
Ninna-ji Temple | Beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto
Not far from the famous Golden Pavillion is Ninna-ji temple. If you come during cherry blossom or maple leave season you can’t skip this temple, but also outside these seasons it’s worth a visit.
-
Uji Kyoto | World Heritage Sites and Green Tea Production
How to experience green tea town Uji on your Japan tour? Let us share with you our favorite places in this beautiful little town near Kyoto!
-
Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto | Quiet Atmosphere and Beautiful Trees
The ideal spot for some quiet thinking and to enjoy the 4 seasons of Japan, the Philosopher’s Path is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Find out how you can enjoy this wonderful little corner in Kyoto!
-
Kyoto Station | It’s a transportation hub and a shopping destination
Kyoto station is not just a place to catch the train, as there is plenty to see and do besides arriving and departing. Find out what makes Kyoto station worth visiting during your Japan tour!
-
Nijo Castle | with its Gorgeous Architecture and Many Treasures
Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. In 1940 the palace was first opened to the public. Today it is one of the most important tourist spots in the city of Kyoto.
-
Kinkakuji | The Most Beautiful Buddhist Temple
Kinkakuji was founded in 1397 as a resting villa for the third shogun of the Muromachi era, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. This shogun asked his son to turn the villa into a Zen temple when he died, and so it happened.
-
Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful natural scenery and various power spots
The Kiyomizu Dera temple in Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples and with good reason, as it is one of the most beautiful constructions in the old capital city.
-
Arashiyama, Kyoto | Mysterious and beautiful bamboo forest
Arashiyama in Kyoto is famous for its mystical bamboo grove, but the area is actually a lot larger than just the bamboo forest. It is a very pleasant environment to have a walk past traditional shops, temples, and nature.
-
Kimono Forest, Kyoto | Beautiful Traditional Japanese Costumes
Find out more about Kimono Forest, a must-see promenade for people heading to the bamboo forest, located in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto.
-
Byodoin Temple with its shining golden phoenix
The Byodoin temple is the most famous landmark in a part of Kyoto that is especially known for its green tea production, Uji. The image of the temple is very well-known throughout Japan.
-
Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful landscape gardens and decorations
Kodaiji Temple is located in Higashiyama. It was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro as a memorial to her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was one of the most important men of his time.
-
Heian Jingu, Kyoto | Travel back in time to the Heian Period
The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today’s Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
-
Sanjusangendo, Kyoto | Thousand golden-colored statues of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
The Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164, and it is especially famous for its 1001 statues.
-
Gion | Travel back in time to the Edo period
Gion is the place where the famous geisha, the cultural symbol of Japan, are still doing their work every night. Geisha literally means ‘artist’, although in Kyoto they are called ‘geiko’ which means ‘woman of art’.
-
Beautiful Nishiki Market supports Kyoto’s food culture
The best way to learn about everyday Japanese life and what people like to cook at home is to visit one of its many food markets. Nishiki Market is in the center of Kyoto, and a popular market to visit for tourists.
-
Ryoanji Temple,Kyoto | Beautiful stone garden and a temple where a dragon sleeps
Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple located in Kyoto which was built by a minister of the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1450. The temple is especially famous for its stone landscape garden.
-
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto | The most beautiful thousand torii gates in the world
Known worldwide for its more than 10,000 torii gates in a row, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine attracts around 3 million visitors the first three days of the year alone and is one of the most famous attractions of Kyoto.