Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

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Kyōto featuring landscape views, a garden and forest scenes
Yasaka Shrine featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Kyōto showing interior views and a city as well as a large group of people
Tofukuji Temple showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes markets
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Kyoto Prefecture must see attractions

1. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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Kiyomizu Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

2. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travelers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

3. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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Nijo Castle featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a pond

4. Nishiki Market

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.
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Nishiki Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, this one is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
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Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

6. Kyoto Tower

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.
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Kyoto Tower

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizu Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Kiyomizu Temple

4.5/5(759 reviews)

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

Kiyomizu Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

Fushimi Inari Shrine

4.5/5(1,177 reviews)

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nijo Castle featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a pond

Nijō Castle

4.5/5(584 reviews)

Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

Nijō Castle
Nishiki Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Nishiki Market

4.5/5(253 reviews)

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

Nishiki Market
Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower

4/5(463 reviews)

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

4.5/5(566 reviews)

Kyoto Imperial Palace is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

4.5/5(3 reviews)

During your visit to Kyoto, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pontocho Alley. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Pontocho Alley
Springtime in Kyoto's Gion district. #asia #japan #kyoto #gion #sakura #streetphotography #travel

Shijo Street

4.5/5(8 reviews)

During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Shijo Street

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto Prefecture

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(1,806 area reviews)

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

Central Kyoto
Kyōto featuring a garden, forest scenes and landscape views

Arashiyama

5/5(51 area reviews)

Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, Arashiyama offers attractions like Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryū-ji temple, and Sagano bamboo forest. Easily accessible and walkable, it's perfect for exploring Kyoto's western outskirts.

Arashiyama
Gion which includes cycling, street scenes and night scenes

Gion

5/5(208 area reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

Gion
Kyoto Tower featuring a city, a high rise building and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

Discover bustling Shijō Street's shopping district and explore attractions like Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Railway Museum. Easily navigate the area from Kyoto Station, a major transport hub.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Teramachi Street and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Traditional-style buildings and protected status define this part of Kyoto, with entertainment in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Must-see attractions include Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.

Higashiyama Ward

Popular day trips from Kyoto Prefecture

Izushi Shrine which includes heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Toyooka

Photo by Breathing Means More

Ibaraki

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Kyoto

Photo by Cathy Fuentes

Shimamoto

Photo by Therese Foley

Muko

Lake Biwa Canal featuring a river or creek

Otsu

Uji

Uji

Photo "Yawata" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Yawata