Kyoto

What to know

Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. Today it is one of the country's ten largest cities, home to 1.5 million people and a modern urban landscape.

Over the centuries, Kyoto endured many wars and fires, but its exceptional historic value spared it from atomic bombing during World War II. Countless temples, shrines, and other priceless historical structures still stand in the city today.

Activities and attractions

Nijo Castle (Nijojo)Former Kyoto residence of the shogunKyoto Railway MuseumLarge, excellent museum about trains in JapanKyoto Sento Imperial PalaceImperial palace with beautiful gardensNishiki MarketFresh food market street in central KyotoKyoto Imperial PalaceThe Imperial Family’s residence until 1868PontochoNarrow lane offering atmospheric diningNijo JinyaFormer inn for visiting feudal lordsHonganji TemplesHead temples of the Shin-Jodo sectsteamLab Biovortex KyotoImmersive digital art museumKyoto Manga MuseumMuseum about mangaKyoto AquariumModern aquarium west of Kyoto StationKyoto StationKyoto’s futuristic railway station buildingKyoto TowerModern landmark of KyotoKiyomizudera TempleTemple famous for its large wooden terraceHigashiyama DistrictPreserved historic district around KiyomizuderaGinkakuji (Silver Pavilion)Beautiful temple not actually covered in silverNanzenji TempleZen temple with beautiful stone gardenKyoto National MuseumWell presented exhibitions on history and artKenninji TempleOldest Zen Temple in KyotoPhilosopher's PathScenic cherry blossom walking trail in KyotoKodaiji TempleBuilt in memory of Toyotomi HideyoshiShorenin TempleA Tendai temple with garden next to ChioninHeian ShrineModeled after the ancient Imperial PalaceChionin TempleHead temple of the Jodo sect of BuddhismEikando TempleOne of Kyoto’s most famous autumn color spotsGionKyoto's most famous geisha districtShogunzuka MoundMountain top temple with observation decksShinnyodo TempleLess famous temple known for its autumn colorsYasaka ShrinePopular shrine hosting the Gion FestivalMaruyama ParkKyoto’s most popular park for cherry blossomsFushimi Inari ShrineThe ultimate torii gate experienceDaigoji TempleFamous temple southeast of KyotoTofukuji TempleTemple with spectacular autumn leavesToji TempleLarge temple with Japan’s tallest pagodaFushimi Sake DistrictTraditional district with sake breweriesKinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)Temple building covered in goldShugakuin Imperial VillaImperial villa at the outskirts of KyotoNinnaji TempleTemple turned former imperial residenceKibuneMountain village with a historic shrineKuramaRural town with temple and hot springRyoanji TempleZen Temple with famous rock gardenOharaRural area famous for Sanzenin TempleSanzenin TemplePopular temple in rural Ohara north of KyotoTakaoWooded valley with temples north of KyotoEnryakuji Temple (Hieizan)Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sectDaitokuji TempleLarge Zen temple complexKamo ShrinesTwo of Kyoto’s most important shrinesKitano Tenmangu ShrinePopular shrine hosting a monthly flea marketEnkoji TempleA serene Zen temple celebrated for its vibrant autumn foliageManshuin TempleImportant temple near Shugakuin Imperial VillaArashiyama and SaganoPleasant district at the outskirts of KyotoKokedera (Moss Temple)Famous for its moss-covered gardenKatsura Imperial VillaImperial villa with stunning landscape gardenYoshiminedera TempleTemple on Kyoto’s western mountainsDaikakuji TempleLarge temple and former imperial palaceTenryuji TempleZen Temple in the Arashiyama districtMyoshinji TempleZen temple complex with many subtemplesUzumasa Kyoto VillageTheme park and film set combinedHozugawa River CruiseScenic boat ride down a river towards ArashiyamaSagano Scenic RailwayNostalgic sightseeing train through a scenic valleySuntory Yamazaki DistilleryOffering a museum and guided toursMuko Bamboo PathPleasant walking path through bamboo grovesGion MatsuriJapan's Most Famous FestivalAoi MatsuriHistorical parade from the Heian PeriodJidai MatsuriHistorical parade covering an entire millenniumKoyasan (Mount Koya)Atmospheric temple mountainNaraJapan’s first permanent capitalKinosaki OnsenPleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resortOsakaLargest city of the Kinki RegionHimejiSite of Japan’s most beautiful feudal castleUjiCity south of Kyoto known for its temple and teaAmanohashidateOne of Japan's three most scenic viewsKobeHarbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquakeIga UenoHistoric castle town famed for ninjaMiyamaRural town with lots of thatched roof housesAsuka and SakuraiThe cradle of Japanese civilizationKokaRural city known as a homeland of the ninja