Kyoto

Kyoto National Museum

京都国立博物館 Kyoto Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan

It is near Sanjusangen-do, and has a large collection of ancient Japanese sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, painting, and other artifacts. (It's quite similar to the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo/Ueno.) The Museum building is fairly grand, but the statue of Rodin's The Thinker out front is a bit out of place, as there's no Western art inside. It's seven minutes east of Shichijo Keihan.

Tue-Sun 09:30-18:00 · Admission ¥500 (¥1500 during a special exhibition period) · Wi-Fi · Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible

Kyoto Imperial Palace

京都御所 Kyōto-gosho

The palace is a reconstruction (dating from 1855), though the Emperor doesn't spend much time there, and the guided tour doesn't enter the palace buildings, only peeking at them from the outside, but nevertheless, it provides interesting insight into the lives of the Imperial Court and it's the only Imperial site in Kyoto that offers English guides. Show up an hour before the tour at the Imperial Household Agency building (west of Kyoto Imperial Palace), and they'll let you join if there's space, or make a booking for another day if there isn't. If you don't want to chance it, advance bookings can also be made online through the Imperial Household Agency's official website.

English tours Mon-Fri at 10:00 and 14:00 (by appointment only) · Free · Built 1337

Ryōan-ji

龍安寺

Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. There is also a small cafe, serving food including vegetarian yudōfu dishes, from 11am to 3pm. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond.

Mar-Nov: daily 08:00-17:00; Dec-Feb: 08:30-16:30 · ¥600 · Limited wheelchair access · Heritage listed · Built 1450

Nijō Castle

二条城 nijō-jō

Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto, with fine gardens and splendid centuries-old structures. The castle was built by the Tokugawa shoguns to serve as the shogun's residence in Kyoto. After the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as an imperial residence before being converted to a museum and opened to the public. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru Palace complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on so as to give advance warning when someone was approaching. From the empty base of the donjon that once overlooked the innermost section of the fortress (known as the Honmaru), you can get good views over parts of the castle compound and the wider city beyond. The donjon and original Honmaru Palace burnt down in two separate fires; the current Honmaru Palace was originally part of a prince's residence, and moved to its current location in the Meiji Period (late 19th century). The Honmaru Palace was opened to the public for the first time in 18 years on September 1, 2024, but reservations are required, and it will cost an additional ¥1,000. See also Japanese castles.

Daily 08:45-16:00 (Gate closes at 17:00), Ninomaru Palace closed on Tuesdays. · ¥1,300 for adults; ¥400 for junior and senior high school students, ¥300 for elementary school students, free for children under 6 years · Limited wheelchair access · Heritage listed · Built 1601

Kinkaku-ji Temple

金閣寺

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji (鹿苑寺), is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. (The story became the basis for Yukio Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.) The beautiful landscaping and the reflection of the temple on the face of the water make for a striking sight, but keeping the mobs of visitors out of your photos will be a stern test for your framing abilities. Get there early if you can to beat the school groups. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops. It's only a short walk from Ryōan-ji (below), making for an easy pairing (and study in contrasts).

Daily 09:00-17:00 · Admission fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for children · Built 1397 · Heritage listed

Tō-ji

東寺 Tō-ji; East Temple; Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji (教王護国寺)

An impressive complex of Buddhist temple buildings, this site features the tallest pagoda in Japan. Bright colors decorate the interior of many buildings on the site, and Buddhist sculptures compliment the color choices. The grounds include a relaxing garden, and cherry blossoms. The Kōbō-san market fair is held here on the 21st of every month.

Daily 08:30-17:30 (until 16:30 from mid-September to mid-March) · Admission to grounds free; Kondō & Treasure Hall ¥500; Pagoda ¥800 · Limited wheelchair access · Heritage listed

Katsura Imperial Villa

桂離宮, Katsura rikyū

A real cultural treasure, renowned for its magnificent gardens and fine classical architecture. You can obtain permission to join a tour of the property either through the Imperial Household Agency's official website (which also contains a detailed list of instructions ) or by applying in person at the agency's Kyoto office (near the Imperial Palace). Be sure to apply well in advance of your visit: slots are extremely limited and the much sought-after online permits are rationed out through a lottery selection process.

Entry 1000 JPY · Built 1616

Ginkakuji

銀閣寺, or Jishoji 慈照寺

This temple, known as the Silver Pavilion and restored between 2008 and 2010, is at the northern end of the Philosopher's Walk. Much like its golden counterpart Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond. Unlike its counterpart, however, the Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver; only the name had been applied before the plans fell apart. Be sure not to miss the display of Very Important Mosses!

Mar-Nov 08:30-17:00; Dec-Mar 09:00-16:30 · Admission ¥500 · Heritage listed

Kamigamo Shrine

Collectively, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they were highly favored by the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. The shrine is most famous for the tatesuna, the two large sand cones. Their origins and original purpose are unknown, but it has been speculated that they represent nearby mountains. Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites.

Mo-Su 08:30-17:00 · Free · Free entry · Heritage listed

Shimogamo Shrine

It was built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital. Shimogamo is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, they are known as the Kamo Shrines. These shrines were one of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who made often made offerings here. The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. Shimogamo is also a great place to experience Japanese festivals, as many special events are held here, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's top three festivals.

Mo-Su 05:30-18:00 · Free · Free entry · Heritage listed

Kyoto Tower

京都タワー Kyōto-tawā

A source of bitterness of locals due to its futuristic feel, which counteracts the historic feel the city is known for, the Kyoto Tower is an overpriced viewing tower where you can observe Kyoto's urban sprawl at its finest. There is also a hotel and banquet hall at the tower.

Daily 09:00-20:30 · Free to visit lobby & hotel, charge for going to the top: adults: ¥770; students: ¥620; teens: ¥520; children: ¥150

Sentō Imperial Palace

仙洞御所 Sentō-gosho

This palace is one of the most competitive for reservations, because this is the palace where the Imperial family stays when in Kyoto.

Kyoto Railway Museum

京都鉄道博物館

An expansive and modern railway museum with over 50 historical Japanese rollingstock, primarily used in service by JR West and its predecessor, JNR. Three Shinkansen models are on display, along with an extensive collection of preserved steam locomotives, including one you can ride. Many informative displays and exhibits of railway technology, operations and systems line a three story main building, coupled with an outdoor locomotive garage complete with railway turntable mean it is easy to spend hours in here. In addition, a very popular train simulator and miniature railway display complete the experience; the former is so popular it requires a lottery to get a turn!

Daily 10:00-17:00 · ¥1,500 · Wheelchair accessible

The Museum of Kyoto

京都文化博物館, kyōto bunka hakubutsukan; 通称, bunpaku

The museum features many ancient artifacts relating to Kyoto life and history. It has an expansive ancient ceramics collection.

Tue-Sun 10:00-19:30 (until 18:00 during special events) · Adults: ¥500; students: ¥400; children: free. For special exhibits: adults: ¥1,400; students: ¥1,000; children: ¥500

Hosomi Art Museum

細見美術館 Hosomi Bijutsukan

A museum that showcases Japanese religious art from all periods of history. Exhibits change each season but typically feature famous artwork from local temples and shrines.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · Prices vary depending on the exhibit

Higashi Ōtani Mausoleum

東大谷; 大谷祖廟 Ōtani Sobyō

Located in a cemetery, tourists typically visit this site accidentally however, because some of the ashes of Shinran, the founder of Jōdo-Shin Buddhism, are contained inside the mausoleum, it is a popular place for Buddhists to come to pay their respects.

Entrance to the grounds is free

Ryozen History Museum

霊山歴史館 Ryōzen Rekishikan

A museum dedicated to displaying artifacts and information about the Meiji Period.

Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00

Nijō-Jinya

二条陣屋

A private residence, Nijo-Jinya is a former samurai house. Tours discuss the roles of samurai and the dangers experienced during that time period. The house features unique trap doors and escape routes used by samurai and former residents to escape fires and attacks. Guided tours are available in Japanese by a family member of the current residents. You are welcome to bring an interpreter.

Daily 10:00-16:00

Shinsen-en Garden

神泉苑

Although cherry blossom-viewing and festivals can be seen all over Japan today, Shinsen-en Garden is where the very first organized cherry blossom viewing festival took place.

Daily 09:00-22:00 · Free

Kyoto Butoh-kan

京都舞踏館

In the heart of the city is located the Butoh-kan, the world's first theatre devoted to weekly performances of the elusive dance of Butoh. Performances are by world-famous Butoh dancer Tenko Ima, every Thursday at 18:00 and 20:00. She is accompanied by live Shamisen music. The "theatre" is an ancient plaster storehouse, so the atmosphere is vivid and intimate, because there are only eight seats per show. Due to Covid-19, the theater has been closed since May 2021.

Thursdays 18:00 and 20:00 · ¥3,000

Pontochō

先斗町

One of Kyoto's most traditional nightlife districts, the restaurants here run the gamut for super-exclusive geisha houses to common yakitori bars. Many have pleasant open-air riverside terraces. Rule of thumb is, any establishment with a menu and prices outside is OK, but others are best skipped.

Ryōzen Kannon Statue

霊山観音

A memorial to the unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, with a 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon.

Daily 08:30–16:30 · Admission is ¥200, including a lit incense stick to place in front of the temple

Zuishin-in

随心院

According to legend, this is where Ono no Komachi, one of Japan's famous femme fatales, resided. She made Prince Fukakusa agree to court her for 100 days before she would agree to marry him, but on the 99th day, he died, leaving her single and her beauty to fade.

Daily 09:00-16:30 · ¥400

Kitano Tenman-gū

北野天満宮

Kitano Tenmangū Shrine was built to appease the soul of Michizane Sugawara, who was a respected member of the Heian Court until he was exiled to Kyushu after falling into disfavor with the Emperor. He died while in exile, and soon after his death, a series of natural disasters mysteriously began plaguing Kyoto. Many suspected that it was the soul of Michizane seeking vengeance, so in order to console his spirit, he was made the God of Learning, and Kitano Tenmangū was built to honor him. Many plum trees were planted within and around the grounds of the shrine, because they were Michizane's favorite flowers, so this shrine is especially beautiful during the plum blossom season from mid-February to mid-March.

Normal hours: 09:00-17:00, on the 25th of every month 07:00-21:00 · The shrine is free to enter, the treasure house costs a separate ¥300

Shūgakuin Imperial Villa

修学院離宮, Shūgakuin Rikyū

A beautiful villa commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno-o in 1655 and completed four years later. The area is separated into three separate villas. In the lower villa, you'll find a lovely garden with a stream running through it and the Jugetsukan, where the emperor relaxed before making his way to the upper villa. The middle villa is home to the Rakushi-ken, princess Akinomiya's home, and the Kyaku-den, which was also given to Akinomiya when the consort that it was built for died prior to its completion. These buildings contain some particularly beautiful artwork, and an interesting flat pine tree. After seeing all of that, you will finally be escorted to the upper villa. Upon entering the villa, you will ascend the stairs to discover a gorgeous view of the garden and Yokuryū Pond. The tour ends with a stroll along the outer edges of a pond, past a waterfall and the bridges. Princess Diana was once a guest here, a fact the tour guides love to share with visitors. The best time to visit is said to be the autumn when the leaves are changing. If you plan to visit, make your reservation 3 months in advance for the best chances. One-hour tours (in Japanese) start at 09:00, 10,00, 11:00, 13:30, 15;00.

Free

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

東映太秦映画村, tōei uzumasa eiga mura

An active film studio built by the Toei Company, one of Japan's largest entertainment companies. The highlight is the backlot with recreated Edo-period streets, where many period dramas (時代劇 jidaigeki) were filmed, and continues to be in active use so you may catch a filming session going on if you're lucky. Also has many shows and exhibits about filming techniques, as well as plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, provided of course they can speak and understand Japanese.

Togetsukyō Bridge

渡月橋

This picturesque bridge spans the Hozu River, which usually has a healthy and fast current of water in it. Please note that the sidewalks are one-way.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

伏見稲荷大社

Another of Kyoto's jewels, located just south of Higashiyama in the Fushimi area. Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, Fushimi-Inari-taisha is the head shrine (taisha) for 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates). A visitor could easily spend several hours walking up the hillside, taking in the beautiful views of the city of Kyoto and walking through the torii, which appear luminescent in the late afternoon sun. Countless stone foxes, also referred to as Inari, are also dotted along the path. Watch your fingers as you go - the fox spirits are said to be able to possess people by slipping through their fingernails.

No opening or closing times are listed, but if you arrive before 08:00 you'll beat most of the crowds · Admission is free · Heritage listed

Kajū-ji

勧修寺

A temple with a peaceful lily pond and a variety of cherry trees.

Daily 09:00-16:00 · ¥400

Kenninji Temple

建仁寺

Japan's oldest Zen temple, has handsome halls and sand and moss gardens, and is of particular interest to art lovers. Sōtatsu's famed Edo-period screens of the Wind and Thunder Gods are on display. And on the high ceiling of the Hatto Dharma Hall writhe Koizumi Junsaku's splendid Twin Dragons, painted and installed in 2002.

Daily 10:00-16:00 · Admission is ¥500