Places To Visit In Kyoto

One of the top places to visit in Kyoto, the Nijo castle was built in 1603 in the Edo period and is currently a UNESCO world heritage site. In 1867, the castle was used as an imperial palace as the Tokugawa Shogunate fell and after a few years, the castle was donated to the city.

The castle today is one of the important historical sites in the city where you can witness the amazing Japanese architecture. The castle is divided into three parts, the main circle of defense, the second circle of defense, and the gardens. You can witness the amazing gardens and take a stroll in the gardens.

Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan

Timings: 8:"45 AM - 4:00 PM

The Kyoto Railway Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Kyoto where you can witness over 50 retired trains, steam locomotives, and also electric trains. The museum also has a vast collection of railway uniforms and tools and you can visit the roundhouse building to look at the collection of steam locomotives. You can also witness many interactive exhibits in the museum where you can get a chance to be a train conductor or drive a train simulator.

Location: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5/:00 PM

One of the best places to visit in Kyoto, the Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in the city. You can head over to the viewing platform which is 100 meters above the ground and you can witness a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city. If the day is clear, you can also look as far as Osaka. The Kyoto tower also has many cafes, restaurants, and a souvenir shop where you can shop for gifts to take back home.

Location: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Timings: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM

One of the top tourist places to visit in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The Fushimi Inari is one of the most important shrines which worship the god of rice. You can also see many fox statues as foxes were considered to be messengers back in the day. You can explore the mountain trails which lead up to the sacred Mount Inari which is 233 meters in height. It is recommended to visit the shrine and pay respect to the resident deity while your visit here,

Location: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

Kinkaku-Ji is a zen temple located in northern Kyoto which is famous for the two top floors which are covered with gold leaf. One of the most famous tourist places to visit in Kyoto, the Kinkaku-Ji is a beautiful structure that is built overlooking a large pond with impressive architecture on each floor.

The first floor of the building is built in the Shinden style which was often used for palaces in the Heian period., The second floor is built in the Bukke style which was used in samurai homes and the exterior is covered by gold leaf.

Location: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Kyoto is known to be home to many temples and one of the most famous places to visit in Kyoto is the Kiyomizu-Dera temple which was founded in 780 at the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills. Popular for its wooden stage, the temple also offers amazing views of the beautiful cherry and maple trees during spring and fall.

You can also visit the Jishu Shrine, which is located just behind the main hall and is dedicated to the gods of love. Head over to the Otowa waterfall at the base of the temple's main hall which is divided into three streams. It is said that drinking this water has many benefits such as success, good love life, and healthy life,

Location: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is one of the top places to visit in Kyoto during the fall seasons to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms. One of the popular attractions here is the Togetsukyo Bridge which is a central landmark and you can visit many small shops, cafes, and restaurants here. You can also head towards the north of Arashiyamawhere you can find many small temples which are located at the base of the wooded mountains.

Location: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan

Another Zen temple on the list, Higashiyama Jisho-Ji is located in the east mountains of Kyoto. Built in 1482, the temple includes a silver pavilion, around 6 temple buildings, a moss garden, and a dry sand garden. One of the best places to visit in Kyoto, you can walk along the circular route and admire the beautiful view of the buildings.

The Silver Pavilion has two stories that have different architectural styles and a statue of Kannon who is the Buddhist Goddess of mercy. You can also head over to the sand garden which has a large sand cone called the "Moon Viewing Platform".

Location: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan

Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

One of the top tourist places to visit in Kyoto, the Nishiki Market is a five-block shopping center with over a hundred shops and cafes. Among the various places to visit, there are various things you can do in Kyoto market like tasting the street food and roaming around the streets. The market is also known as Kyoto's Kitchen, and you can find many options like fresh seafood, produce, and many seasonal specialties like sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Most of the shops also hand out free samples of dishes that can be tried before purchasing. This is also one of the oldest markets in the city and the first shop was opened in 1310.

Location: 609, Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan

One of the most famous rock gardens in Japan, the Ryōan-Ji was converted into a Zen temple in the year 1450. The garden on the site is known to have many rectangular plots of stones that are surrounded by earthen walls. The Ryōan-Ji also features a beautiful park with a pond located below the main temple building.

You can also find many walking trails here which is perfect if you are a beginner and would like to indulge in some outdoor activities, You will also find many restaurants which specialize in a Kyoto specialty called Yudofu which is boiled tofu.

Location: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan

Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Also known as The Philosopher's Path, the Tetsugaku No Michi is a beautiful stone path located in the northern part of Kyoto. One of the top places to visit in Kyoto in the fall, the path leads to a canal that has hundreds of cherry trees. The path is around 2 km long and begins at the silver pavilion and ends in the Nanzenji area.

The path is named as the Philosopher's Path because of the popular philosopher Nishida Kitaro who used to practice meditation while walking on this path. You can also find many cafes, boutiques, and restaurants on the path where you can grab a bite or purchase some souvenirs.

One of the top tourist places to visit in Kyoto, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan's Imperial palace until the year 1868. The complex of the palace is enclosed by long walls, many gates, halls, and gardens. You can visit the palace grounds on a guided tour with a professional expert who will help you learn about the history of the place. You can also head over to Kyoto Imperial Park which has many broad gravel paths, lawns, and tree groves.

Location: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan