Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture

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D29***94

Book tickets early. Otherwise seat allocated (odd number) may not give you good views as compared to even number seat. Cannot see river, unless you stand up. There will be staff asking if you will like to take and buy a photograph for souvenir. Not all visitors are approached. So if you want photos, do look out for them.

hutian

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, is located on the mountainside of Mount Otowa in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Founded in 778 as the temple of Emperor Kanmu during the Heian period, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The main buildings include the Niomon Gate, the main hall, and a three-story pagoda. The Kiyomizu Stage in front of the main hall is particularly famous; supported by 139 thick wooden beams, it is suspended on a mountainside slope and is a National Treasure of Japan. The temple also houses an eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon statue, and the Otowa Waterfall's clear water is divided into three streams, representing longevity, health, and wisdom, attracting many visitors to pray for blessings.

贝小贝193

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its Thousand Torii Gates and Foxes. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous shrine in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in the 8th century, Inari is the deity of agriculture and commerce, and pilgrims come to pray for good harvests, prosperous business, and safe travel. It is one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto. The shrine boasts a variety of stone fox statues, as foxes are considered messengers of the deity Inari. Ema with fox-like faces is a special feature. The most famous feature is the dense cluster of vermilion Thousand Torii Gates behind the main shrine building, a symbol of Kyoto and even featured in the film "Memoirs of a Geisha." Hundreds of these vermilion torii gates form a path leading to the summit of Mt. Inari, interspersed with dozens of stone fox statues.

Randomstuffsg

Gion is one of Kyoto’s most enchanting districts, where old Japan comes alive through preserved wooden machiya houses, quiet tea rooms, and the occasional sight of a geisha hurrying down lantern-lit streets. It’s beautiful both day and night, offering a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and timeless charm.

KuMa_Y

Lying serenely on the banks of the Hozu River in the western suburbs of Kyoto, Arashiyama takes its name from "mountain mist," and indeed, a thin mist often lingers in the mornings, like a veil covering the face, adding a touch of mysterious beauty. In spring, Arashiyama's waters shimmer beneath the Togetsukyo Bridge, where cherry blossoms shimmer in the water. A blanket of pink and white cherry blossoms hangs down, weighing down branches. Occasionally, petals drift onto the river, drifting eastward with the current, like a scene from a ukiyo-e painting come alive. Visitors row boats upstream or stroll along the shore, mesmerized by this fleeting beauty. The Sagano train whirrs through the mountains, its windows framing a moving painting. In late autumn, a different atmosphere unfolds. The mountains transform from green to red, layer upon layer, a vibrant display. The stone steps of Jojakko-ji Temple, blanketed in crimson leaves, rustle as they step, like the earth's own sigh. The bamboo forest path is deep and secluded, the rustling of bamboo tips like crackling jade, and sunlight filtering through the gaps creates a dappled, shimmering scene. The tranquility of this place contrasts perfectly with the bustle of tourists not far away. Movement and stillness, noise and silence, coexist in remarkable harmony. There are temples in the mountains, and within these temples are monks. In the dry landscape garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, one or two monks can often be seen sweeping fallen leaves with brooms, their movements slow and Zen-like. They sweep more than just leaves; they clearly sweep the grime of our hearts. Occasionally, the long, deep ring of a bell echoes from the Great Compassion Pavilion, startling a few jackdaws, which suddenly fly off into the distance. Drifting down the Hozu River, the water is clear and shallow, and fish swim and flutter. The boatman, holding a bamboo pole, tells legends of mountain spirits and water monsters in a raspy yet intimate Kansai dialect. A teahouse stands on the shore, where an elderly woman kneels to serve tea. The bitter aroma of matcha blends with the sweetness of wagashi, evoking a sense of tranquility. The beauty of Arashiyama lies not in its dramatic heights but in its tranquility; not in its bustle but in its serene stillness. The scenery changes with each season, but the beauty of its tranquility remains constant, inviting one to forget the worries of the world and simply wish to become a wisp of mist in the mountains, a leaf in the forest, living with nature.

mosy2018

I went to this place for a walk. It is actually the only way to Kiyomizu Temple. It was like going back to the Tang and Song dynasties. The buildings and scenery on the street have well preserved the style of ancient China. I didn't expect that I could travel through Kyoto in a completely natural way. There were a lot of pedestrians wearing kimonos, both men and women, and their hairstyles matched, which was very eye-catching. There was a scene every step up the slope. Walk and rest and look at the goods in the surrounding shops. It was very local and a very leisurely street. The feeling in the morning and evening was completely different. The lights were dim at night, and it was still very beautiful. People would not feel tired while walking around. It was really great!

BiancaAriel

I was surprised that there were many foreign tourists after getting off at the bus stop. The direction signs stand out. There are security personnel wearing uniforms on the crosswalk at the entrance. Admission tickets are only available in cash. The size of the tourist area is not large, so you don't have to walk for a long time. The trees are well managed. I can't get close to the building, but I was moved enough just to see it from a distance. If I live nearby, I might come here for a walk every day.

Ricky tan sg

history of all of Japan railway, many interactive displays, real trains for photo taking, value for money, recommended for 3-4hour visit!

机智的胖胖啊

I rode my bicycle from Shijo Hilton and saw a rainbow. There was a delicious izakaya next to it. I drank until I was tipsy and waited for the night to arrive. I toured the castle of the Shogun at night. The feast of light and shadow was worth the price of the ticket.

Anonymous user

Good experience and great for first-time visitors. The ride is about 1 hour 40 minutes. The dock is easy to find—just go to the counter, show your QR code, and exchange for the ticket. The process is smooth and you board quickly. They give you a life jacket. There are three captains on the boat, and they’re funny and share the history of the place. We took the 1 PM boat, but it started to rain a little, so we bought raincoats at the waiting area for 1,000 yen each.