Japan Kyoto Travel Guide
Kyoto has an undisputed beauty in any season. In spring, the Arashiyama mountain is dyed pink with cherry blossoms. In summer, women wearing bright yukatas gather at the corner of Gion street. In autumn, maple trees turn red in the Tofukuji Temple. In winter, the Kinkakuji Temple is covered in snow. So, what are the must-see attractions when visiting Kyoto?
Kyoto must-visit attraction recommendation: Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple was first built in the 8th century and has been destroyed several times. The current buildings were constructed in the early Edo period and are a world cultural heritage site. Kiyomizu-dera is located on Mount Otowa and is officially named Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera. The main attraction of Kiyomizu-dera is the suspended Kiyomizu stage, which offers a view of the streets of Kyoto. The main hall houses an 11-faced Kannon statue that is believed to bring good fortune, and the Niomon Gate, Sai-mon Gate, and Sanjū-no-tō Pagoda are all important cultural assets.
Ticket prices: Adults 300 yen, primary and secondary school students 200 yen; Night visit: Adults 400 yen, primary and secondary school students 200 yen.
Kyoto must-visit attraction recommendation: Kinkaku-ji Temple
The Golden Pavilion was built in 1379 as the villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a shogun, and later converted into a Zen temple. The name "Golden Pavilion" comes from the reliquary hall where Yoshimitsu practiced Zen, which was decorated with gold leaf on the outside. The public began calling it the Golden Pavilion, and the temple became known as such. In 1950, the Golden Pavilion was intentionally set on fire and destroyed, and the golden building seen today is a restoration. Friends interested in this history can read Yukio Mishima's novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion".
Ticket prices: Adults 400 yen, students (primary and secondary) 300 yen.
Kyoto must-visit attraction recommendation: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is located at the foot of Mount Inari, mainly enshrining various Inari gods headed by the Uga no Mitama no Okami. It is one of the most popular shrines among Kyoto locals, with the most prosperous incense. Inari gods are fox gods, believed to bless the harvest of the five grains and derived into commercial prosperity. Inside Fushimi Inari Taisha, foxes with rice ears or grains in their mouths can be seen everywhere, accepting people's worship and respect. The biggest highlight of Fushimi Inari is the Senbon Torii, countless fresh red torii gates erected on a long mountain road, all donated by individuals or companies. It takes about two hours to walk through all the torii gates, and you can turn back according to your own situation.
Kyoto must-visit attraction recommendation: Nijo Castle.
Nijo Castle is a world cultural heritage site. It was built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Kyoto. It has a wall of about 500 meters east to west and 400 meters north to south, with moats dug around it. The corridors are paved with floors that make a nightingale-like chirping sound to prevent intruders. Nijo Castle is known for its rich variety of cherry blossom species and is a top cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. In the cherry blossom garden inside the castle, you can admire the dignified and luxurious appearance of the Yaezakura, which is known as the "king of cherry blossoms".
Ticket prices: Adults 600 yen, middle and high school students 350 yen.
Kyoto must-visit attraction recommendation: Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a famous scenic area in northwest Kyoto. During the Heian period, it was a gathering place for aristocratic mansions, and unlike the many fires and several redevelopment plans experienced by the Kyoto city center, Arashiyama has retained many remnants of the Heian dynasty. The Arashiyama scenic area is home to many ancient temples and shrines, with the Tenryu-ji Temple being a world heritage site. The bamboo forest path between the Nonomiya Shrine and the Okochi Sanso Villa is also the filming location for director Ang Lee's movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". As a holy place for cherry blossom and maple viewing, Arashiyama attracts a large number of visitors in spring and autumn, and the Sagano Scenic Railway is often sold out. However, the winter and summer seasons are very quiet and suitable for travelers who like tranquility. There are many old restaurants, wagashi shops, and cute grocery stores in the Arashiyama area, and you can also rent a kimono. It is a very suitable place to slow down and discover.
To visit all the major attractions in Kyoto, it takes about 4 days. As many attractions are far from the railway lines, purchasing a one-day bus pass is the most convenient option for exploring the city. There are convenient trains to historical sites such as Arashiyama, Uji, Kurama, Mount Hiei, Ohara, and Lake Biwa from within Kyoto city.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a great place to visit during the day or at night. it is a somewhat strenuous hike should you want to make it to the top.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto. When I went there in the evening, it was crowded with many tourists. It might be better to go early in the morning!
This feels like a different world 🗺️ in the other universe! Simply spectacular hike and marvelous experience! Definitely recommend going there!
JR Inari Station is out of the station. The clear door is attracted to the comfortable color. The steps are inexhaustible. The countless bird houses are two or three hundred altitudes. It feels far-reaching. It is halfway back. It is not willing to climb to the highest point. The new road returns. If the foot is not enough, stop.
a temple with thousands of Tori gates. it gets lesser crowd as you head further up and the gates gets bigger. tip: go early before 9am so that you don’t get any crowd in your pictures.