Top 10 Must-Sees in Kyoto

Welcome to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, where ancient traditions blossom and every street corner whispers tales of a rich, bygone era. With an overwhelming array of shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens, each narrating its own historical saga, it can be difficult to know where to start your Kyoto journey. 

Allow us to guide you through the labyrinth of Kyoto's fascinating past and present, spotlighting the top 10 must-see sights embodying this magical city's soul, and preparing your itinerary for an unforgettable vacation.

Any great Kyoto journey must begin at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic Shinto shrine known for its mesmerizing torii gate pathway. As you ascend the vibrant vermilion gates, each one donated by individuals and companies throughout Japan, you’ll be rewarded with tranquil sub-shrines, peaceful forest views, and a sense of connection with the divine. Pay homage to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and agriculture to whom the shrines are dedicated. As you traverse up the path, keep an eye out for the stone fox statues — the messengers of Inari, each carrying a symbolic object in their mouths or beneath their paws.

The Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji is the epitome of the resplendent beauty and deep-rooted spirituality that Kyoto embodies. The "Golden Pavilion", as it is colloquially known, owes its name to the top two floors adorned with brilliant gold leaf. 

The temple is a sight to behold, reflecting majestically into the pond amidst small islands of rock and pine. This golden spectacle takes on a different shade of beauty with every season, be it the cherry blossoms of spring, the verdant greens of summer, the fiery hues of fall, or the pristine white snow of winter. The Golden Pavilion isn’t just about beauty; it’s also a testament to the transient nature of life, having been rebuilt multiple times throughout the centuries due to war and arson.

A stroll through the narrow, lantern-lit alleyways of Gion will make you feel like you’ve somehow stepped through the doors of a time machine. This is the Kyoto of yesteryears, where geisha – or “geiko" as they’re known locally – and their apprentice “maiko”, flit like elusive butterflies between traditional tea houses and exclusive restaurants, entertaining their guests with their refined skills in music, dance, and conversation. Amidst the rustic charm of the wooden merchant houses, traditional tea houses, shops, and restaurants, you’ll find yourself engrossed in the entrancing dance of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and timeless beauty.

Imagine being surrounded by sky-touching bamboo stalks that sway gently with the breeze, filtering the sunlight to cast a soothing, dappled glow on the ground. This is Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – an ethereal journey that transports you into a realm of tranquility and harmony. The bamboo grove isn’t the only allure of Arashiyama, though. The region is home to the stunning Togetsukyo Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Hozu/Katsura Rivers below, and the Zen Buddhist Temple of Tenryu-ji renowned for its exquisite landscape garden.

Nestled along the banks of the Lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, the Philosopher’s Path is a testament to the fleeting beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms). This stone walkway, lined by hundreds of cherry trees, owes its name to one of Japan’s most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro, who would meditate during his daily commute along this path. Every spring, the cherry blossoms form a floral tunnel over the path, creating a spectacle that is as poetic as it is enchanting. It’s not just about the Sakura season though; every season brings a different hue to this path, making it a year-round attraction. 

Perched on the foothills of Otowa Mountain, Kiyomizu-dera offers a stunning view of Kyoto city from its wooden terrace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose name translates to “Pure Water Temple”, owes its name to the Otowa Waterfall that runs through the temple grounds. The temple’s main hall, a wooden structure held together without nails, is a testament to ancient Japanese craftsmanship. This temple’s beauty reaches its zenith during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, as the lush trees enveloping the temple explode into a riot of colors.

Nijo Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, allows you to step back into the era of the shoguns and samurai. Built in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle is renowned for its “nightingale floors” that chirp (yes, like a bird) when walked upon – a security measure to protect the inhabitants from intruders. As you walk through the castle’s ornate interiors, adorned with elaborate wood carvings and colorful murals, and explore its expansive gardens with stone fortifications and moats, you can almost hear the echoes of the powerful shoguns who once ruled Japan.

For gourmets and gastronomes, Nishiki Market is a sensory feast. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this bustling market is a food-lovers paradise, where you can find everything from fresh seafood and vegetables unique to Kyoto, to local delicacies and traditional Japanese sweets. As you navigate the labyrinth of vendors, take time to sample some of the local dishes, like takoyaki (octopus balls), yuba (tofu skin), matcha-flavored treats, and more. It’s not just about food, though. The market is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, such as traditional Japanese knives, cookware, and crafts.

One of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas, Pontocho is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamogawa River. Packed with everything from inexpensive yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) joints to exclusive establishments that offer high-end traditional Japanese kaiseki course meals, Ponotocho is a gastronomic delight. Many of the restaurants along the eastern side have a charming view of the river. In summer, they build temporary platforms over the flowing water where patrons can dine while enjoying the cool air. Pontocho is also known for its geisha culture, and if you’re lucky, you might spot geisha and maiko heading to their evening appointments. Ponotocho is not just a place for food and geisha, though, it’s a snapshot of traditional Japanese nightlife, offering you a chance to step back in time and enjoy the city’s rich history and traditions.

Step into the silent world of Zen Buddhism at Ryoan-ji Temple, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Designed in the karesansui (dry landscape) style, the rock garden is a serene space that sparks contemplation and introspection. Fifteen meticulously arranged rocks of varying sizes stand amidst a sea of white gravel, raked daily by the temple’s monks. However, the intriguing aspect of the design is its optical illusion; no matter where you sit, you cannot see all fifteen rocks at once. This design element is a nod to the Zen concept of the “hidden meaning”, encouraging a deeper sense of exploration and understanding.