Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

This shrine, dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture, is known for its famous torii gate path, which winds up the mountain it sits on.

2. Kinkaku-ji

Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist temple is completely covered in gold leaf and is set over a beautiful reflecting pond.

3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This famous Buddhist temple from the Heian period offers stunning views over Kyoto, especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn color seasons.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

This dense bamboo grove is one of Kyoto's top sights and offers an ethereal walking path.

5. Nijo Castle

Built in the Edo period, this castle exhibits the power of the Tokugawa shogunate during the peak of samurai power.

6. Gion District

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, this area is filled with traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and high-end Japanese restaurants.

7. Philosopher's Walk

This scenic path follows a cherry-tree-lined canal in Kyoto, named after the 20th century philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here for daily meditation.

8. Ryoan-ji Temple

This Zen temple is home to Japan's most famous rock garden and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

9. Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji is not only a Zen Buddhist temple, but also a complex, featuring several other important temples and gardens.

10. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gardens

The imperial residence until the capital moved to Tokyo, this complex is renowned for its gardens, halls, and villas. It's a beautiful showcase of Japanese architecture and garden design.