Kyoto is a city full of culture, history, and things to do. If you are travelling to Japan soon, then it would be a safe bet that Kyoto is on your itinerary. But with all the options for what to see and do in Kyoto, it can all be a little overwhelming, and not everyone has days to explore this wonderful city. For those who have less than 24 hours in Kyoto, and want to see as much as they can, then this top 5 list of things to see and do in Kyoto should come in very handy. For those who have more time in Kyoto, make sure that these five things are on your itinerary.
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha, better known as Fushimi Inari Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations. It gained fame by have thousands of bright orange torii gates which line the pathways that scale the mountain side.
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important shrine in the Shinto Faith, and was originally founded some years before the capital of Japan became Kyoto in 794. The Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari. Fushimi Inari Taisha has been built on Mount Inari, and the path of Torii gates snakes up 233 metres to the summit.
2. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)
The Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), otherwise known as the ‘Golden Temple’, is a Zen temple In Kyoto, where the top two floors are covered in gold foil. The temple was once the retirement house of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and following his death in 1408, the villa became a Zen temple as per his will. The grandson of Yoshimitsu, built Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple, on the other side of Kyoto which was inspired by Kinkaku-ji. In modern days, Kinkaku-ji is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, and is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, attracting millions of visitors annually.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Located in Western Kyoto city, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. Thousands of bamboo stalks line the pathways of this area, and is one of the most scenic and photographed locations in Kyoto. Along the paths, you will likely find people in Kimono’s taking photos here. A walkthrough the Arashiyama Bamboo grove is free, and only takes 15-20 minutes to complete the loop.
4. Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizudera is one of the most reverred temples in Japan. Kiyomizudera temple translates to Pure Water Temple, as the temple was founded in the late 8th century near to Otowa Waterfall, which is fed from a spring on the hill Kiyomizudera temple was built upon. It’s a popular sightseeing spot in Japan, attracting millions to the temple grounds yearly as the temple offers unforgettable views and cultural experiences.
In 1994, Kiyomizudera, along with several other popular destination in Kyoto, were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
5. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, or Nijōjō, is a Japanese castle in Kyoto, near the city centre. It is probably one of the more unique castle grounds you will come across. Most Japanese Castles will be located atop mountains or hills, these served as an extra fortification for the castle in case of an attack. The Nijo Castle is quite the opposite, and is what’s called a flatland castle, meaning that the castle keep was built on flat ground and not on a hill or a mountain. This allowed for more space to build the palace which severed as a residence and office for the Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first Shogunate of the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Tours in Kyoto
On Klook, there is a number of tour operators who run tours, and similar experiences to help make the best out of your time in Kyoto. If you have some time in Kyoto, then check some of them out.
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