Kyoto offers a wide variety of attractions, whether you’re bustling through shops as a modern visitor or exploring the traditional, serene cultural strength Japan has to offer.
May you find a reflective, peaceful mind as you explore.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
This is the famous, seemingly never-ending line of vibrant red torii gates that curve up and down Mount Inari.
Over 10,000 torii gates snake and stack throughout the mountainside.
It is delightful to see the protective fox statues that are sprinkled throughout the path, along with other lovely finds.
These foxes (kitsune) are sacred messengers and guardians of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice, agriculture, and business prosperity.
It is very crowded at the beginning, but it thins out as you keep walking. Most people walk a little bit to take some photos and then walk back.
We walked the whole thing, and I was very tired, but my partner really enjoyed it. It does take time and energy; most people say it takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
We made it to the top, took a break there, and were rewarded with the sunset view.
We made it back down in time before it got too dark.
Kinkakuji Temple
This was a short visit but a beautiful gold temple to take photos of. A nice backdrop, though it was also very crowded and popular.
Make sure to have cash to purchase tickets at the gate.
Eikandō Temple
This is one of our favorite temples to visit in Kyoto.
We could walk around the complex.
In some areas, we were required to take off our shoes while we explored.
The gardens and fall leaves made the grounds feel zen and memorable.
It isn’t crowded and offers plenty of space to reflect and take in the peace.
Around this temple, there are many lovely places to explore and wander when you have some time. The Nanzen-ji Temple and Tenjuan Garden are also nearby.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
What an impressive temple! Not only was it founded in 778, before Kyoto was even the capital. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It sits high above a 13-meter wooden stage with immense views over Kyoto. Entirely made of wood, with not even a screw.
It is crowded, but it is worth braving to experience this magnificent temple.
Kiyomizu-Zaka Street
The nearby areas have lots of shops and views to explore. You may find fewer people if you go early or later in the day to window shop.
The cutest storefronts as we continue to explore the area.
Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
I enjoy seeing this pagoda from various places, at different angles, and at different times of day. You can see where I book my lodging at the end of this post for night views up close.
Ryōzen Kannon Temple
We were drawn to this temple while exploring. We didn’t end up going in, but we absolutely loved stumbling upon this and seeing it here.
Arashiyama Bamboo
I’ve always been curious, seeing so many photos of this famous bamboo forest. I think the name forest on the US map is misleading. It is more of a path. My expectations may have been a bit too high, but it is still rare and a wonder to see.
The area is a beautiful, relaxing walk. We grabbed Arabica coffee before heading further in.
It was also a bit too crowded for me to really take in and enjoy the stretch of bamboo.
Perhaps going at a time with fewer people would make it more enjoyable. Brave idea for this couple to take wedding photos here while navigating the crowds during their photo session.
The view on the way back made the experience more enjoyable. The way the sunrays hit and fewer people made a difference to me.
My partner enjoyed visiting and seeing the bamboo grove.
Tenryu-ji Temple
I found Tenryu-ji Temple at the end was worth the small entrance fee, and it made for a more pleasant experience. It has a 14th-century garden and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After visiting the bamboo path, we wandered to a nearby area and found a quaint, unlikely restaurant for lunch called Ogura Cha-Ya.
The walk around was beautiful.
Find out more about the restaurant in my Kyoto Food Find post here.
Yasaka Shrine
This shrine looks beautiful at night and is in the Gion District of Kyoto.
It is situated next to a popular and huge shopping and historic walking district.
Shijō-dōri Street
There are lots of great shopping nearby. It has a mix of modern and traditional styles.
The Gion district intersects the popular shopping street and, over the years, has introduced and updated rules restricting entry into certain private lanes and limiting photography.
Some areas of the shopping street get crowded with people shopping for popular food and souvenirs.
Kyoto holds a special place in my soul. It is no wonder people worldwide want to experience it. I hope you make space for yourself to enjoy all this place has to offer and find a reflective, peaceful mind as you explore.