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Kyoto served as Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years, from the late eighth century until the court moved to Tokyo in 1869, and that long run left it with an extraordinary concentration of temples, shrines, gardens and wooden townhouses. The city fills a basin ringed by forested hills, laid out on a grid modeled on the Chinese capital Chang'an.
Walking is the best way to absorb it. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, thousands of vermilion torii gates climb the slopes of Mount Inari. On the eastern hills, the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera looks out over the rooftops, and the sloping lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lead down past the Yasaka Pagoda toward Gion, where old teahouses line the streets near Yasaka Shrine. In the north, the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji reflects in its pond, while the Philosopher's Path follows a canal from Ginkaku-ji beneath cherry trees. Arashiyama, to the west, pairs its bamboo grove with the gardens of Tenryu-ji. Nijo Castle and the narrow food stalls of Nishiki Market fill out a day downtown.
Kyoto suits unhurried travelers drawn to history, architecture, gardens and food. Cherry blossom season and November's autumn color are beautiful but very crowded, so early starts pay off. Buses and subways reach most districts, and Nara and Osaka are easy day trips by train.
WiserMap travel guideKyoto Japan Fushimi Inari Gates and Arashiyama BambooExplore Kyoto's best places, from Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera to Arashiyama and Gion, with tips on seasons, buses, subway passes and avoiding the crowds.Read the guide
Kyoto's most famous shrine, dedicated to the rice god Inari, with thousands of bright orange torii gates forming tunnels up Mount Inari. The full hike to the summit takes two to three hours past fox statues and small shrines. Go at sunrise or late evening to avoid crowds. Free entry.
A hillside temple founded in 778, famous for its huge wooden stage built without nails, jutting out over a forested slope with views across Kyoto. Drink from the Otowa waterfall's three streams for luck. Especially beautiful in cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, with night illuminations.
The Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, reflected in a mirror pond surrounded by pines. A set walking path circles the garden past a teahouse and stone lanterns. It is busy all day, so arrive at opening for the clearest photos.
Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, has a raked sand garden, a cone of sand said to mirror the moon and mossy hillside paths. From here the Philosopher's Path follows a canal for 2 km under cherry trees, past small temples and cafes. Lovely in spring and autumn.
Built in 1603 for the first Tokugawa shogun, this castle has ornate gates, painted screens and the Ninomaru Palace with its nightingale floors that chirp when walked on to warn of intruders. Stroll the moats and gardens after. Allow about two hours.
The former residence of Japan's emperors until 1869, set in the vast Kyoto Gyoen park. Free self-guided visits pass ceremonial halls, gates and elegant gardens. The surrounding park has wide gravel paths, plum and cherry trees, and is a calm place for a walk.
Stone-paved slopes leading up to Kiyomizu-dera, lined with wooden shops selling pottery, sweets and tea, with the five-story Yasaka Pagoda rising above the rooftops. It is one of the best-preserved old streetscapes in Kyoto. Visit early morning for quiet streets and photos.
Kyoto's famous geisha district, with wooden teahouses along Hanamikoji Street and the canal-side lanes of Shirakawa. At its eastern end, the vermilion Yasaka Shrine glows with lanterns at night and hosts the Gion Matsuri festival every July. Best explored in the evening.
A narrow lantern-lit lane running beside the Kamo River, packed with restaurants, bars and teahouses, some offering riverside platforms called kawayuka in summer. It is a classic place for dinner, from yakitori to kaiseki. Look for maiko hurrying to appointments at dusk.
In western Kyoto, a path winds through towering bamboo stalks that sway and creak in the wind. Next door, Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple with a famous landscape garden. Add the Togetsukyo Bridge, the monkey park and a river boat ride for a full day. Arrive early to beat crowds.
A covered, five-block market street known as Kyoto's Kitchen, with more than 100 stalls selling pickles, tofu, fresh seafood, wagashi sweets, knives and tea. Many stalls offer small bites to try, like grilled skewers and soy milk donuts. Go before late afternoon, when shops start closing.
One of Japan's largest railway museums, with more than 50 trains from historic steam locomotives to early bullet trains, a working roundhouse and hands-on driving simulators. Kids can ride a real steam train on a short loop. Easy to reach on foot from Kyoto Station.
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