Kyoto Tourist Attractions

JpanTravel Kyoto

Prefectural Capital : Kyoto
Population : 2,610,353
Area : 4,613㎢

Kyoto Prefecture is an enchanting tourist destination where traditional Japanese culture and heritage come to life. Notable attractions include temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Additionally, the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, the boat rides on the Kamo River, and the picturesque Hanamikoji street in Gion are also captivating spots. Visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and delicious Japanese cuisine. Particularly during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage, breathtaking views abound. As you explore the historic buildings and charming streets, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere that only Kyoto Prefecture can offer.
List of Kyoto Tourist Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji, is a temple located in the northwest of Kyoto City, famous for its distinctive pavilion called the "Golden Pavilion" covered in go...

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is a prestigious temple located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, boasting a history of over 1,200 years. This temple attracts many tourists from both Japa...

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines located in Kyoto. It is believed that the deity Inari was enshrined here in the 4th year of Wad...

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, originally built as a retreat for the Shogun, can be described as a place condensed with Japan’s history and culture. Constructed in 1603 by the first Shogun, T...

To-ji Temple

Toji Temple (official name: Kyo-o Gokokuj), is the only existing structure from the Heian-kyo period and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded two years aft...

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a historic marketplace located in the heart of Kyoto, which began as a fish wholesaler known as "Nishino-ten" during the Tensho period (about 400 years ago...

Togetsukyo Bridge

The Togetsukyo Bridge, which connects Arashiyama and Sagano, is a bridge rich in history and charm, spanning the Katsura River. The first bridge was built by the monk Dosho ...

Byodo-in Temple

Byodoin Temple is a historic temple located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, renowned for its Hall of Phoenix. Established in 1052 by the regent Fujiwara no Yorimichi, it is c...

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, with Emperor Kanmu as its deity. Located in the Oka...

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally, this site was the location of Danrin-ji...

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, commonly known as "Gion-san," is widely cherished. This shrine is particularly significant as the head shrine of the approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrines and sh...

Sanjusangen-do Temple

Sanjusangendo, officially known as Rengeoin, is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. Rebuilt during the Kamakura period, this temple boasts a main hall that is approxi...

Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum, opened in 2016, is one of the largest railway museums in Japan, designed to be a fun and educational facility with the theme of "see, touch, and ex...

Tofuku-ji Temple

Tōfuku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1236 by Kujō Tadayoshi, with its main hall completed in 1255. It is counted among the five great ...

Kamikamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine) is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, dedicated to the god of thunder, Kamo-wake-ikazuchi no Ōkami. The shrine grounds host nati...

Ninna-ji

Ninna-ji Temple was founded in 888 at the behest of Emperor Kōkō and is known for Emperor Uda's entry into the temple after shaving his head. It serves as the head temple of...

Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium is a large inland aquarium located in Umekoji Park in the Shimogyo Ward of Kyoto City. It is conveniently accessible, being about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto ...

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is a special scenic spot located in Miyazu Bay, facing the Sea of Japan in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture. It is one of the "Three Views of Japan," alo...

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower was built as a "major center for industry, culture, and tourism," with the purpose of "contributing to the development of Kyoto City." Completed in the same year...

Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)

Shimogamo Shrine (officially known as Kamo Mioya Shrine) is located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto City and is registered as a World Heritage site as part of the "Cultural Asset...

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu is a historic site in Kyoto that is widely revered as the deity of learning and the arts. This shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politici...

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place of great importance in Japanese history and culture. This vast area is located within the Kyoto Gyoen in the city center of Kyoto, covering ...

Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum was opened in 1897 as the Imperial Kyoto Museum. Located in Kyoto, this museum houses approximately 14,600 artworks and cultural properties from Ja...

Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Kibune, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, and it is the head shrine of about 500 Kifune Shrines nationwide, dedicated to Takao Kami, the ...

Ryoan-ji

Ryōan-ji is a Zen temple of the Rinzai school located in the Ukyo-ku district of Kyoto, founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto during the Muromachi period. Its world-famous h...

Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji is a prominent Zen temple of the Rinzai sect located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It was founded in 1291 when Emperor Kameyama transformed his detached palace into a Zen ...

Kenninji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple, founded in 1202 by the Zen master Eisai, is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and serves as the head temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect. Built ...

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, officially known as Jishō-ji, is located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto City and is affiliated with the Rinzai school of the Shokoku-ji sect. Originally built as a v...

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, was opened in 1963 in Okazaki Park, Kyoto. This museum covers a wide range of art genres, including Japanese painting, oil painting...

Kōdaiji

Kodaiji Temple, founded in 1606 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene (Kita no Masahiro), to honor her husband's memory, is a temple of the Rinzai sect's Kenninji school. It fe...

Kyoto Area specialty food

Kyoto Area specialty food