Kyoto | Travel Guide
Kyoto is usually at the top of the list for tourists who are visiting Japan, and with good reasons. The historical capital city of Japan can seem like one big open-air museum with a wealth of historical treasures and neighborhoods. Because the city was spared in WW2, traditional Japan can truly be felt in Kyoto. It can be difficult to decide where to go when you are making plans to visit Kyoto, so we wrote this travel guide to help you!
With its history dating back to the 6th century, there are places of interest of all ages that can be visited. There are some world-famous highlights such as the Golden Pavillion and the Fushimi Inari. You can go to Gion to try and spot a maiko or geisha on her way to work. Some of the best traditional Japanese food can be had in Kyoto. If we can give you one tip, it would be to at least spend a few days in this wonderful city.
Green Tea Village Uji | Kyoto Travel Guide
How to experience green tea town Uji on your Japan tour? Let us share with you our favorite places in this beautiful little town near Kyoto!
9 Family Friendly Activities in Kyoto
Are you coming to Kyoto with kids between 6 and 16 years old? See which 9 family-friendly activities you can add to your Kyoto trip to add some fun for the whole family to the itinerary!
Kyoto Highlights and Hidden Gems Itinerary
Would you like to get some ideas for your perfect Kyoto itinerary? We listed our 5 favorite Kyoto highlights along with 5 lesser-known spots in Kyoto that really make you able to taste the local atmosphere in this beautiful city.
Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo)
Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. In 1940 the palace was first opened to the public. Today it is one of the most important tourist spots in the city of Kyoto.
A Zen Experience in Kyoto
There is a Zen temple in Kyoto called Koshoji, located near Kuramaguchi Station, which is not a typical tourist sightseeing spot. Even though tourists are discouraged from going in, it is an interesting place to visit.
Kinkakuji | Kyoto travel Guide
Kinkakuji was founded in 1397 as a resting villa for the third shogun of the Muromachi era, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. This shogun asked his son to turn the villa into a Zen temple when he died, and so it happened.
Kyoto ‘s 5 Recommended Places
While planning a trip to Kyoto, it can be difficult to make the decision to choose where to go if you have a limited amount of time due to the large number of amazing sights that exist in Japan's ancient capital city. This is a list of the 5 best places to visit during your stay in Kyoto.
Nishijin Textile Center in Kyoto
If you are into artisanal goods or textiles, be sure to visit the Nishijin district if you are in Kyoto. You will love the traditional houses, small workshops, and the Nishijin Textile Center.
Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto
The ideal spot for some quiet thinking and to enjoy the 4 seasons of Japan, the Philosopher's Path is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Find out how you can enjoy this wonderful little corner in Kyoto!
Kyoto Station
Kyoto station is not just a place to catch the train, as there is plenty to see and do besides arriving and departing. Find out what makes Kyoto station worth visiting during your Japan tour!
Riverside Kibune in Kyoto
Kibune is a riverside area in the northern part of Kyoto. You can visit the famous Kifune Shrine, hike to Kurama Temple over the mountain, or enjoy lunch at one of the riverside open restaurants.
Yasaka Shrine | Kyoto Travel Guide
One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto is located in the famous Gion district in Kyoto. The Yasaka Shrine stands out for its great beauty and interesting historical architecture.
Kiyomizu Dera Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
The Kiyomizu Dera temple in Kyoto is one of Japan's most famous Buddhist temples and with good reason, as it is one of the most beautiful constructions in the old capital city.
Gion Corner | Kyoto Travel Guide
If you don't have the budget to see Kyoto's geisha in action in an actual tea house, Gion Corner in Kyoto is an alternative that gives you a great overview of traditional Japanese performing arts.
Arashiyama | Kyoto Travel Guide
Arashiyama in Kyoto is famous for its mystical bamboo grove, but the area is actually a lot larger than just the bamboo forest. It is a very pleasant environment to have a walk past traditional shops, temples, and nature.
Kimono Forest | Kyoto Travel Guide
Find out more about Kimono Forest, a must-see promenade for people heading to the bamboo forest, located in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto.
Rurikoin Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
When we hear or see the words 'yuka midori in Japan', it is considered as a herald of early summer. Learn what this means in this personal account of our visit to the Rurikoin temple in Kyoto.
A Local Neighborhood in Kyoto
If you have already finished the beginners‘ course of travel in Kyoto and traveled around the many touristy spots, it is time to explore the daily lives of the locals!
Machiya : Traditional Japanese Houses in Kyoto
A 'machiya' is a traditional wooden house that is especially typical of Kyoto city. It was the artisans and merchants of the cities who lived in machiya.
Nishiki Market | Kyoto Travel Guide
The best way to learn about everyday Japanese life and what people like to cook at home is to visit one of its many food markets. Nishiki Market is in the center of Kyoto, and a popular market to visit for tourists.
Byodoin Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
The Byodoin temple is the most famous landmark in a part of Kyoto that is especially known for its green tea production, Uji. The image of the temple is very well-known throughout Japan.
Kodaiji Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
Kodaiji Temple is located in Higashiyama. It was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro as a memorial to her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was one of the most important men of his time.
Heian Jingu | Kyoto Travel Guide
The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today's Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
Sanjusangendo | Kyoto Travel Guide
The Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164, and it is especially famous for its 1001 statues.
Gion | Kyoto Travel Guide
Gion is the place where the famous geisha, the cultural symbol of Japan, are still doing their work every night. Geisha literally means 'artist', although in Kyoto they are called 'geiko' which means 'woman of art'.
Chionin Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
The Chion-in temple in Kyoto is a Buddhist temple and is the home of Jo-do Buddhism. It was founded in the 12th century, and besides its historical significance, there are a few other reasons why this is an interesting temple to visit!
Tofukuji Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
One of my favorite Zen temples is the Tofukuji temple located in the east of Kyoto city. What makes this temple very special are its magnificent landscapes of maple trees and cherry blossoms.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine | Kyoto Travel Guide
The shrine of Kitano Tenmangu was built in the 10th century by the emperor of the time in honor of a scholar and politician. Now, it is especially known for its popular flea market.
Ryoanji Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple located in Kyoto which was built by a minister of the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1450. The temple is especially famous for its stone landscape garden.
Fushimi Inari Taisha | Kyoto Travel Guide
Known worldwide for its more than 10,000 torii gates in a row, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine attracts around 3 million visitors the first three days of the year alone and is one of the most famous attractions of Kyoto.
Toji Temple | Kyoto Travel Guide
Toji means Eastern Temple, and this temple in Kyoto has a very long history. The religious foundations of Kyoto were laid here, and Buddha has protected the city from where Kukai founded the temple since 796.
