Things to do in  Kyoto

To experience Kyoto in a nutshell, head to Arashiyama. The perennially popular area is rich in temples and a riot of fall colors in November, with pink cherry blossoms in April. The area contains several major sites, including Tenryu-ji, Gio-ji, Jojakko-ji, Daikaku-ji temples, and the famous Bamboo Grove. Another highlight is the Moon Crossing Bridge, which offers views of Mt. Arashiyama.

The classically curved eaves, ceremonial steps, and oversized two-story gateway mark Chion-in as something special, even in temple-filled Kyoto. As the main temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism—the largest school of Buddhism in Japan—Chion-in is a very grand affair. Highlights include its huge main hall and its image of the sect’s founder, Honen.

One of Kyoto’s most sacred temples and among the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is dedicated to Inari, the God of rice. The shrine’s five magnificent temples lie at the foot of the Inari mountain, and thousands of red torii gates (the Senbon torii) mark the forested trails to the top.

Gion Corner is a convenient place for art lovers to visit while in Kyoto, as it brings seven traditional Japanese performing arts together under one roof. Attending one of its nightly performances is an ideal way to spend an evening in the heart of the Gion entertainment district while learning about traditional Japanese culture.

With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight. Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.

The Japanese royal family lived in Kyoto Imperial Palace(Kyoto Gosho) until 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo. It’s located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, which also houses other palaces and shrines. This must-visit attraction allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying landscaped gardens.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle, a fortified complex dating from 1603, was the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. Walk in the pretty gardens or visit Ninomaru Palace to see fine Japanese artworks. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, a city already full of must-visit attractions.

If you think this classic furled-roof temple looks familiar, take a look at a 10-yen coin and you’ll see why. One of Japan's most famous temples—and an UNESCO World Heritage Site—the temple’s 11th-century Phoenix Hall graces both the 10-yen coin and 10,000-yen note. It’s also one of the best examples of Heian-era architecture.

With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. It's no surprise then that Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.

Built in 1164, Sanjusangen-do Hall impresses with its 1,001 golden Buddhist statues flanking the giant seated Kannon (goddess of mercy). It’s considered one of the world’s top collections of wooden statuary. The 400-foot (122-meter) hall gets its name from the 33 spaces between its columns.

If you only have time for one day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, make it Himeji Castle (Himeji-Jo), renowned as Japan’s most beautiful historic citadel. Also known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO-listed hilltop structure was built in 1580 and features a five-story central tower with surrounding moats, walls, and pagodas.

Built in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s birth, the Heian Shrine is hailed as one of the city’s most attractive landmarks. The multi-tiered Shinto shrine is characterized by its distinctive red color, and being featured in the film Lost in Translation cemented its status as a must-see Kyoto landmark.

One of Japan's designated “three most scenic views,” Amanohashidate is a pine-covered sandbar that connects the two sides of Miyazu Bay. Amanohashidate, which translates to "bridge in heaven," got its name for its beauty: it is said to look like a pathway between heaven and earth.

A 700-year-old pine tree welcomes visitors to Hosen-in Temple, a lodging site for Buddhist pilgrims since the 11th century. Part of this temple’s ceiling is made from blood-stained wooden floorboards from Fushimi Castle, which was invaded in 1600, resulting in a mass Samurai honor suicide.