51 Tourist Spots in Kyoto

Introducing recommended sightseeing spots for a trip in Kyoto.

Full of must-see places of Kyoto that is a treasure warehouse of history and culture, including popular classic spots, such as Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Arashiyama, and unexpected hidden spots.

Now, Time Visit Kyoto That Improves Its Charm Day by Day

Charms of Kyoto, the one of the best sightseeing places of Japan, after all, are streetscapes that you can feel history, and numerous of temples and shrines.

When you walk in Gion, you can indulge in elegance on cobble paving street, and when in the ground of Kiyomizu Dera Temple, you can fully feel the history of Heian solemnly.

It is also a rare area where you can enjoy the elegance of each season throughout of a year.

Foreign tourists increase, and it is more and more improving the charm as the sightseeing spot.

Now is the time that you will find a new aspect of Kyoto as well as a hidden spot.

Why don’t you try exploring in Kyoto?

Gion/Higashiyama Area

It is the area where embraces Gion and Kiyomizu Dera Temple, the center of history sightseeing of Kyoto.

There remains elegant landscape that suits the best to the expression of “Hannari (graceful and elegant)”, and you may occasionally meet with apprentice geishas(Maiko) on a street if you are lucky.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Kiyomizu Dera Temple is the sightseeing spot that represents Kyoto.

It is registered as the world heritage.

There, including the three-story pagoda in the middle surface of Otowa-san Mountain, the main building known for the stage of Kiyomizu, and the inner sanctuary, are forming the massive temple buildings.

Let’s enjoy the view of Kyoto city streets from “the stage of Kiyomizu” after your worship.

*The main building of Kiyomizu Dera Temple is now covered with a temporary roof as scaffolding for repairing.(2019/07)

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Jishu Jinja Shrine / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

It is a Chinju-sha (Shinto shrine on Buddhist temple grounds dedicated to the tutelary deity of the area) located in the north side of the main building of Kiyomizu Dera Temple.

It is famous as Gods of love and relationships and there is crowded with worshipers that wish for good relationship.

Walking from the stone with your eyes closed and if you can reach safely to the stone of the other side, it is said that your prayer for love will come true.

The Koiuranai-no-ishi (love fortune stones) is very popular.

Let’s try challenging.

Ninen zaka slope, Sannei zaka slope, Kiyomizu zaka slope / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Continuing from Kiyomizu Zaka through Sannei Zaka to Ninen Zaka slopes, the approach of Kiyomizu Dera Temple is the one of the best sightseeing streets, crowded with many visitors throughout of a year.

There are many cute shops, including souvenirs, desserts, and Japanese miscellaneous goods, lined up along the slope streets of elegance.

As there is a tourist information center “Musubiya” along Ninen Zaka slope, and as you can use a rest room, it is convenient to a short break during your strolling.

Kodaiji Temple / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

It is the temple built by Kitanomandokoro Nene, a legal wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and it is also known and loved as “Nene’s temple”.

It is also famous as a sightseeing spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and it will be illuminated during each of the best season.

An elegant cobble path, spread with granite, “Nene’s path” is also recommended for strolling.

Kenninji Temple / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

It is the oldest temple of the Zen sect in Kyoto.

Created by Sotatsu Tawaraya, a famous national treasure, “the image of Wind God and Thunder God” (a replica) is a must-see.

After you worship, please for sure try experiencing transcribing a sutra that you can join even without reservation (donation for transcribed sutra submission is 1,000 Yen).

Also, there are Zen sitting meditation experiencing held by free of charge from 8AM on every second Sunday of a month.

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Yasui Konpiragu Shrine / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

With the distinctive and noticeable “power stone monument for breaking off bad and initiating good relationships”, the shrine breaks off bad relationship and initiates good relationship.

After you worship at the main hall, write down your prayer, including relationship that you like to break off, and relationship that you like to start, on “Katashiro (a substitution charm)”.

And holding the katashiro with reciting your prayer, you go under the stone from the front to back, then from the back to front, and lastly when you stick the katashiro onto the monument, it is completed.

Yasaka Jinja Shrine / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Known and loved as the shrine where you can receive the benefit for warding off of evil, prevention of a plague, and thriving business, it is a guardian deity of Kyoto town.

It is also famous for Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) that is counted as the one of the three largest festivals of Japan, and there are held Yamahoko Junko (procession of Gion Festival Floats) marched by 33 floats on July 17th and 24th as the high-light of the festival that is held for a good one month of July.

“Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival” is registered in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

There is sprung out sacred water in front of the shrine building, and it is popular as “beauty water”, which improves skin health and mind beauty.

You cannot also miss a votive tablet of cute heart shape.

Also, Dokakuji(Bronze Pavilion) Temple is near Yasaka Jinja Shrine.

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Gion (Hanamikojidoori street) / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

It is the street running in the center of Gion Machi town from south to north, it extends from Sanjo Dori street at the north until a front of Kenninji Temple at the south.

There are Ochaya (a tea house) and Japanese restaurants traditionally as in the past lined up in an area from Shijo Dori street till Kenninji Temple.

And there expands graceful streetscape with atmosphere of Hanamachi (geisha district) elegance.

You may happen to see Geisha and apprentice geisha.

As there are many popular Japanese coffee shops and dessert shops around here, why don’t you stop by, while you are strolling?

Note that sometimes Maiko dressed tourists are walking.

Actually, tourists ask if it is fine to take photos to them, and such tourists are refused, being said like this “sorry I’m Korean”…

Minamiza / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Stood at the foot of Shijo Ohashi Bridge, it is the theater proud of tradition and history of about 400 years.

It is said that it is the origin place of Kabuki, where Izumo no Okuni began “Kabuki dance”.

The building that is designated as the national registered tangible cultural treasure is much worth to see.

 

 

Around Kyoto station Area

Around Kyoto station that is a gateway of a trip, there gather many spots that a family can enjoy, including Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Aquarium.

You cannot also miss the fulfillment of Kyoto station building.

Kyoto station building / Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

The new station building opened in 1997 is the one of the largest class of complexed facility as the station building facility.

There all gather facilities, including a hotel, a department store, and cultural facility.

As there are also many variety shops and restaurants in the station building, it is very convenient to get Kyoto souvenirs even when you are on your way home.

Lunch boxes and desserts are also satisfactory fulfilled.

Kyoto Tower / Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the first landmark of Kyoto that you see, when you get off at Kyoto station.

The tower of 131 meter height was built with an image of a light house, and from the observation room of 100 meter height from the ground, you can enjoy the view of 360 degrees and overlook the whole city streets of Kyoto.

Inside the building, there are restaurants and souvenir shops, and items of “Tawawa chan (a character designed of Kyoto Tower)” are must-see.

There is also a big public bath underground, and it is recommended to the one who arrived by an express intercity bus.

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Kyoto Aquarium / Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the big aquarium of inland-type that was the first in Japan.

You can observe aquatic lives, while feeling close history and natural features of Kyoto.

As there is also prepared the exhibition of a woodland mountain near a village that reproduced the natural ecosystem, you may forget that you are in the center of Kyoto.

Kyoto Railway Museum / Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

It opened in April, 2016, with the concept of “the hub of railway culture that progresses with its community”.

Everybody can enjoy by “look, touch, and experience”, as its center exhibit, including an experiencing exhibit “the SL Steam”, that makes you ride on cars towed by a real locomotive.

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Togukuji Temple / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Located at the foot of Tsukinowa Yama Mountain, it is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The principal image is Shaka Nyorai (Gautama Buddha), and there are Garan (temple buildings) and Tatchu (sub temples) in a wide temple ground.

It is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, and there are about 2000 Kaede (Japanese maple) trees on the ground.

A view especially from “Tsutenkyo bridge” is overwhelming.

Rengeouin Temple (Sanjusangen-do temple) / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

In the main building of 118 meter length, with centered the seated statue of Senju Kanon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with a 1000 arms), a national treasure, it is a magnificent view that one thousand standing statues of Senju Kanon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with a 1000 arms) are lined up.

Every Kanon statue has different face a bit by bit, and it is also told that there is surely a similar statue as someone you want to meet with.

Kyoto National Museum / Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

It stores about 12000 items with centered to cultural treasures related to Kyoto, the thousand years of capital.

In the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, as the exhibits are constantly replaced, you can see numbers of famous items that are stored in the museum.

A symbol of the museum, Meiji Kotokan Hall was designed by Tokuma Katayama, and is designated as the national important cultural treasure as the building constructed with bricks in baroque style.

Around Kinkakuji Temple

It is the must-sightseeing area of Kyoto where three World Heritages gather.

Let’s enjoy slowly and completely the beautiful temples and gardens.

Kinkakuji Temple / Kita Ward, Kyoto City

It is a temple of the Shokokuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and although it is famous in the name of “Kinkakuji Temple”, it is officially called as Rokuonji Temple.

It has different building styles in each three layer, and the appearance that is made of 200 thousands gold foils is so beautiful that gathers attention from people all over the world.

If you visit to Kyoto for the first time, it is the famous place that you cannot miss.

Ninnaji temple / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism.

There are numbers of temple buildings lined up, including Kondo (Golden main hall) of the national treasure, the Nio-mon gate that ensconced Kongorikishi statues both left and right sides, Goten (palace), and five-story pagoda.

There are woods of Omuro Zakura (cherry blossoms) that is famous for the last blooming cherry blossoms spot in Kyoto, and these are known and loved by people since the past.

Ryoanji Temple / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

A famous temple of Zen sect.

Hojo Teien garden that is famous as a stone garden is the beautiful Karesansui garden (a traditional Japanese dry garden) that is made only with 15 stones and white sands in an area of 75 tsubo (247.93 square meters) surrounded by roofed mud walls.

It was made with elaborate calculation that you cannot see all the 15 stones at one time.

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Kinukake Road / Kita Ward, Kyoto City

This is the road of about 2.5 kilometer, connecting three World Heritages, including Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, and Ninnaji temple.

There are temples and shrines, including Tojiin Temple and Myoshinji Temple, besides, also many restaurants and coffee shops.

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Nishijin, and Kyoto Imperial Palace

It is the center place of once capital, including Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Nijo-jo Castle.

It is an area of charm also for richness of green, including popular temples and shrines for energy vortex, places along Kamogawa River, and “Tadasu no Mori Forest”.

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine / Kita Ward, Kyoto City

It was built as a tutelary deity of a powerful family, Kamo Clan, who lived in this place since before of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo.

Since the built of shrine building in 678, it has been revered for more than 1300 years, and is the one of the oldest shrine in Kyoto.

It is registered to the World Heritage.

It is also famous as the energy vortex, there are many spots to see in the wide ground, including Tatesuna (the two cone-shaped sand mounds) that is shaped as Koyama Mountain where Gods descended, and “Kataoka sha Shrine”, Gods of love and relationship, that is told that even Murasaki Shikibu had visited and worshiped.

There is held “Aoi-matsuri (Hollyhock Festival)”, the one of the three large festivals of Kyoto, on May 15th every year, and people in the appearance of the Heian nobles march from Kyoto Imperial Palace towards Kamigamo Jinja Shrine.

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Kamotaketsunomi-no-mikoto, the grandfather of, and Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, the mother of Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-no-Kami, who is enshrined in Kamigamo Jinja Shrine, are enshrined here.

It is also famous for the wide primeval forest “Tadasu no Mori Forest” that appears in “The Tale of Genji (a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu)”, and is also famous for “Yabusame (the art of shooting arrows on horseback) Shinto ritual” that is held as a pre-ritual event of Aoi Festival on May 3rd every year.

There is “Kawai-jinja Shrine” known as prayer for beautiful woman near Shimogamo Jinja Shrine.

While praying as “wish to become beautiful”, you will dedicate a votive tablet of mirror made up with cosmetics that you usually use.

And it is popular among women.

From 2016, the shrine collaborates with Teamlab and shows arts every year in summer.

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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine / Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the head shrine of Tenmangu shrines in Japan, where enshrines Duke Michizane Sugawara, who is God of learning.

It is revered as the origin place of Tenjin faith, and now people become more devoutly religious as God of academic achievement, improvement of arts and sciences, and warding off of evil and disaster, and many students who are preparing for taking examinations visit and worship.

It is also famous place for plum blossoms, and you can fully enjoy red and white plum blossoms around February through March.

Also, on the 25th day of every month, there is held “Tenjin-ichi (market)” (Tenjin-san), and there will be lined up many street stands in the ground.

It is recommended as you can get antique items and antique kimonos with low price.

Orinasukan Fabrics Museum / Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City

Stood at a corner of Nishijin that is a town of fabrics, it is the museum of handwoven.

You can observe process of handwoven of Nishijin Ori and weaving process of kimono obi (sash belt), and besides, handwoven fabrics nationwide are exhibited.

If you make a reservation (more than three persons and with charges), you can also experience hand weaving.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden / Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is a vast park of about four kilometer circumference, surrounding Kyoto Imperial Palace.

It is said that about 50 thousand trees are growing in the park, and you can enjoy strolling throughout four seasons, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and Japanese maple leaves.

Nijo-jo Castle / Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the castle that in Keicho 8 (1603), Ieyasu Tokugawa started building as protection of Kyoto Imperial Palace and as accommodation for entry of the shogunate to Kyoto, and Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, had finished building.

There are some spots to see, including construction that makes you feel massive power of Tokugawa family, wall paintings, and Karamon gate of which sculpture is splendid.

Ninomaru Palace Hall, where Yoshinobu, the 15th Tokugawa Shogun, made an announcement of the Restoration of Imperial Rule is also a must-see.

In spring, there bloom cherry blossoms everywhere in the castle, and it will be embraced by flowery atmosphere.

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Sanjo / Shijo Area

Restaurants and coffee shops are newly opened one after another, and on the other hand, there remain many long-established shops.

It is the Kyoto’s best downtown where old and new fusion.

Nishiki Shijo (Market) / Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City

There are lined up some 130 stores on both sides of a narrow street, and it is Kyoto’s kitchen where you can find everything, including fresh foods, such as fresh fish, and processed foods, and food stuff of Kyo dishes.

As there are some shops where you can taste samples, and are some shops where you can eat as it is, you can also enjoy eating around while walking around.

Kyo Japanese pickles that are popular among tourists are must-eat!

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The Museum of Kyoto / Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is the museum built as a part of 1200 years’ commemoration project of the Heian capital establishment.

It is the comprehensive cultural facility that introduces understandably to culture and history of Kyoto.

There are varieties of special exhibits and introduction of excellent goods related to Kyoto, and playing also premier movies.

Design of the building is created by Kingo Tatsuno, who designed Tokyo station, and is of the former bank of Japan, Kyoto branch.

It has a presence as the modern western-style construction existing in Kyoto city street.

Rokkakudo(hexagonal building) Temple / Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City

The old temple is conveyed as it was established by Shoutoku Taishi, and it is called as Rokkakudo (hexagonal building) Temple from the shape of the main building.

It is said that offering of flowers to Buddha developed to the art of flower arrangement by Ikenobo, the priest of the Rokkakudo Temple, so it is also known as the origin place of Ikebana (a flower arrangement).

Located in the center of sightseeing places of Kyoto, the spot is convenient to access from Nishiki Shijo Market and Shijo Kawaramachi.

Around Ginkakuji Temple

It is an area where you can enjoy strolling as the landscapes by four seasons are beautiful.

There also are many museums, so art-lovers must see.

Ginkakuji Temple / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

A mountain villa built by Yoshimasa Ashikaga (the eighth shogun during Muromachi Period (1336 – 1573)) was changed to a temple of Rinzai Sect after Yoshimasa passed away, and was named as Jishoji Temple.

The origin of name of Ginkakuji is said that in the Edo Period it became to be called as Ginkakuji Temple, compared to Kinkakuji Temple.  (Kin means gold, and Gin means silver in Japanese.)

It is a popular spot where you can feel the worldview of wabi (taste for the simple and quiet) and sabi (quiet simplicity), reflecting the sense of beauty of Yoshimasa.

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Heianjingu shrine / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

With Emperor Kanmu enshrined as deity, it was established in the Meiji 28 (1895) of 1100 years from the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo.

The shrine building, which stands on the ground spread with white sands, in vermilion and green is beautiful, and especially in spring, as cherry blossoms profoundly bloom, there will be crowded with tourists who gather with their camera on a hand.

“Jidai Matsuri Festival” held on October 22nd is famous, and the procession passes from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine with the sound of drums.

Higashitennou Okazaki Jinja Shrine / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

As enshrined deity was given many children of three girls and five boys, it is known as God of “Kosazuke and Anzan (the conception after the shrine visit, and easy delivery)”.

The area around here is a living place of hares since the past.

As hares are known and loved as a symbol of “Kosazuke and Anzan”, there are many statues of hares in the shrine ground.

So, it is also popular as “a hare shrine”.

When you pour water onto the Kosazuke hare statue, rub its belly, and say a prayer, it is said that you will be given many children and will be easy delivery.

Those things are popular to observe that such Kosazuke hare statues, a cute hare fortune slip, and guardian hares, not guardian dogs, of initiating a good relationship.

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Tetsugaku-no-michi Street (philosophers’ path) / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is a path along a canal that continues from Nyakuouji Jinja Shrine to Ginkakuji Temple, and it is known that Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher representing Japan, meditated on the path, thus the name was taken after.

It is also popular as a famous place for cherry blossoms, in spring about 450 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees color the pathway of about 2 kilometer.

It is the path that you can enjoy differently whenever you visit, including fresh green and autumn leaves.

Fushimi / Uji Area

Fushimi where developed also as the place of brewing sake industry, and Uji where known as the production place of Ujicha (prized Japanese green tea cultivated around Uji).

It is an area of scenic beauty, where you can feel the breath of history.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine / Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City

It is the head shrine of Inari Jinja Shrines of as much as about 30 thousand shrines in Japan.

Having good reputation from foreign tourists in recent years, there visit many people even on weekdays.

The main building stands at the foot of Inari Yama Mountain, and there are many Hokora (a small shrine) and Tsuka (a mound) scattered in Inari Yama Mountain of the back of the main building.

Also, there is the Senbon Torii (a thousand Torii, a gateway of shrine), where many votived Torii continue.

Please for sure visit also to “Omokaru Ishi, heavy or light stones” that is located beyond after you pass through the Senbon Torii.

After you say a prayer in front of the stone lantern, it is said that when you lift up the Ku-rin (the ether ring) of the head part of the lantern, if you feel lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and if heavier than expected, will not come true.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum / Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City

It is the museum of Sake, using the brewery that was built by “Gekkeikan” during Meiji period.

Inside of the building of imposing structure, there exhibit tools and process of Sake brewery, so you can feel the Sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto.

After observation, you can also enjoy sake tasting, including Ginjo syu (premium sake made with only the best part of the rice).

Sake of limited sales is recommended as souvenirs.

Teradaya Inn / Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City

Fushimi is also famous as the place related to Ryoma Sakamoto.

It is an inn of the regular inn of Ryoma Sakamoto, who is known for the Teradaya incident, but it is said that it was regrettably burnt out during the Battle of Toba–Fushimi, and was rebuilt.

Inside the building, there exhibit many historic materials related to the leading spirits of the Restoration, and in Ume no Ma (chamber), items related with Ryoma are open to public.

Byodoin Temple / Uji City

Yorimichi, a son, changed a second home of Fujiwara no Michinaga to a temple in 1052, and it became called as Byodoin Temple, and now it is registered to the World Heritage.

Hoo-do (The Phoenix Hall) known as the design of 10 Yen coin is remained even now as a symbol of Fujiwara sekkan (regents and advisers) government period.

In Byodoin Museum Hoshokan, you can watch vivid reproduced movie exhibit with computer graphics and see Buddha statues.

Ujibashi Bridge, Statue of Murasaki Shikibu / Uji City

Ujibashi bridge is said that the first full-scale bridge in Japan.

The current one is the one rebuilt in 1996.

It is matching design with historical image and with landscape around, and the view of upstream is superb.

Because Uji was the stage of “The Tale of Genji (a classic work of Japanese literature)”, there is also a statue of Murasaki Shikibu at a foot of the bridge, and it is recommended as a photo shooting spot.

Mimuroto-ji Temple / Uji City

It is a famous place for hydrangeas, called as “an hydrangea temple”.

Matching with the best seasons, a hydrangea garden, where about 50 kinds of 10 thousand hydrangeas profoundly bloom will be open to public.

It is an old temple which is conveyed that Emperor Konin built in Nara Period, and there is ensconced a statue of Amida Nyorai Buddha of yosegizukuri (joined block construction), also there are Kannon Seishi Bosatsu and a statue of Syaka Nyorai Buddha as flanking attendants.

You can enjoy flowers of each four season, including azalea and lotus.

Tea houses of Uji

You cannot miss Japanese desserts that use powdered green tea and wasanbon (refined Japanese sugar) when you visit to Kyoto.

The one of the most famous tea-growing places in Japan, Uji is fulfilled with powdered green tea and green tea desserts.

Please try finding your most favorite shops, including long established famous shops, such as”Kyuemon Ito Head office”, “Nakamura Tokichi Honten”, and “TSUEN”, and also shops gathered attention.

Ohara, Kurama, Kifune Area

It is a popular area with abundant nature as a back room of Kyoto.

An area from Kifune to Kurama is recommended also for a hiking trail.

Sanzen-in Temple / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is said that the origin was En-yu-bo Temple that was established in Hieizan Mountain by Saicho, and after that it moved repeatedly.

After the Meiji Restoration, it moved in the current place of Ohara, and it has such history.

There are many spots to see, including two Kyoto City Designated scenic gardens, which are Shuhekien Garden and Yuseien Garden, and Ojo-Gokuraku-in (Amida Hall) designated as the important cultural treasure, and Hondo (the main hall).

Kurama Dera Temple / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

In Nara Period, Gantei-Shonin, the best pupil of Ganjin-wajo (Jianzhen, a Chinese monk), enshrined Bishamonten (God of Success) here, and opened the mountain.

The statue of Bishamonten, the National Treasure, is ensconced in Reiho-den (sacred treasure hall).

It is also famous as a temple where Minamoto No Yoshitsune called as Ushiwakamaru spent his boyhood.

In Kurama yama mountains, you can move around by a cable car.

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Kifune Jinja Shrine / Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is an old shrine, and its approach continues along Kifunegawa River that is an original stream of Kamogawa River.

Enshrined God of water, it is the one of the best energy vortexes in Kyoto, and it is also popular as the shrine of initiating good relationships.

Let’s select a fortune slip at counter, and then float it onto the water offered to God, sprung out from Kifuneya Mountain.

When you put the fortune slip on the water, characters are slowly coming up.

Try challenging “hydromancy” for sure.

In winter season, the main shrine building will be illuminated only on days of accumulated snow as “the illumination only on accumulated snow day”.

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Arashiyama, Sagano Area

Once it was a popular area as the place of second houses of nobles.

The area is crowded with many tourists for one of the best scenic places of Kyoto.

Chikurin no Michi(Bamboo Forest Path) / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is an elegant path where bamboo grow lush on both sides continues from the north gate of Tenryuji Temple to Okochi Sanso.

It is the sightseeing spot representing Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Sounds of rustling leaves blowing in the wind are comfortable, and the space that is made woven by fresh blue green and sunlight filtering through trees is fantastic as if you are in a different world.

TogetuKyo Bridge / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is a symbol of Arashiyama crossing over Oigawa River.

You can enjoy each splendid view of four seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn with Arashiyama mountains as background.

You can also see ukai (fishing with cormorants) in summer.

A sightseeing boat that you can enjoy beautiful landscapes riding on a yakatabune (a Japanese houseboat) is also recommended.

Also, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is close to TogetuKyo Bridge, so please visit for fun.

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Tenryuji Temple / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is an old temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, which once included Arashiyama, Togetsukyo, and Kameyama Koen Park that spreads in the west of Tenryuji Temple, in its temple ground.

The ground became now one tenth of that time because of repeated big fires and Jochi rei (changed the proprietary of lands to Shogunate’s)

Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) that remains origin of that time, and which is a strolling pond garden with borrowed landscape of Kameyama Mountain and Arashiyama Mountain is designated as the special scenic spot.

Nonomiya Jinja Shrine / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

Located in bamboo forest of Sagano, it is a shrine where green is beautiful.

It is popular for the benefit of initiating good relationships and for blessed with children.

It is said that when you rub the sacred turtle-shaped rock, also called as “Turtle Rock”, your wish will come true within one year.

It is also known as the shrine related to The Tale of Genji (a classic work of Japanese literature).

Kurumazaki Jinja Shrine / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

Kurumazaki Jinja Shrine , where enshrined Gods of economic fortune, good relationship, academic work, and performing arts, is popular as an energy vortex.

It is said that the name of the shrine was taken from the story that an ox carriage of Emperor Go-Saga had stopped and could not move in front of the shrine because an axle was broken.  (Kurumazaki means a broken wheel in Japanese.)

It is said that when you are given Kinen Shinseki (God’s stone for prayer) at a shrine office, and recite strongly your prayer in front of the main shrine building, so that you will receive benefit if you carry the stone with you everyday.

And, once you achieve wish, there is the custom that you return double, so there are many stones of gratitude accumulated like a mountain.

The Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Trolley train) / Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is a tourist train running between and from Sagano station to Kameoka station, reusing the track of 7.3 kilometer, which was abandoned because JR Sagano Line (Sanin Line) became a double line.

From the window of the car that runs slowly for 25 minutes, you can fully enjoy the view of Hozukyo Gorge of each superb view in four seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and desolate fields and snow scapes in winter.

“The Rich” (the number 5th car) that is an open air car with no window glass is also popular.

All seats of The Sagano Romantic Train are for reservation.

The seats of The Rich (the number 5th car) are available only for sale on the day of a ride.

And you can buy ticket in advance from one month before the day of a ride.

TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK , Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

It is an amusement park of movie mainly with historical dramas.

Inside the park, you can see not only filming sites but also back stages of filming.

Observation shows like “Ninja Show SASUKE” and “Samurai Sword Fighting Lesson” are of course popular, but various programs for experience are also popular, including “Samurai Course -Sword Beginner’s Class-“, which you will learn directly from a professional actor, and “Transformation Experience”, which you will become a samurai or a princess with the same make-up of an actor or an actress.

For more information, visit official site.

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HOZUGAWA RAFTING (Hozukyo Gorge) / Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture

Going down the gorge of about 16 kilometer from Kameoka to Kyoto Arashiyama, it is a river rafting for about two hours on a boat that a boatman operates.

The rafting is full of thrills, running through huge and strangely shaped rocks while splashing water.

The beauty of gorge colored by cherry blossoms and autumn leaves is also exceptional.

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Access to Kyoto and Map

– From Tokyo

JR Tokyo station to JR Kyoto station (Tokaido Shinkansen, the Super-express Nozomi) for about 2 hours and 15 minutes

– From Osaka

JR Osaka station to JR Kyoto station (Special Rapid Service) for about 30 minutes

Hankyu Umeda station to Kawaramachi station (Hankyu Kyoto Line) for about 45 minutes