Kyoto, a city steeped in history and tradition, is a treasure trove of cultural wonders and natural beauty. As the former capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto offers a glimpse into the country's rich past through its temples, shrines, and historic districts. It's no wonder that Kyoto is hailed as one of the 'Best Tourist Spots in Kyoto,' drawing in visitors from around the globe with its enchanting blend of ancient and modern attractions.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, Kyoto has something to offer everyone. Join us on a journey through Kyoto's top attractions, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, creating a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.

Kyoto presents a rare chance to immerse yourself in the old, traditional culture of Japan, seamlessly blending with the fast-paced modern world. Let’s explore the best tourist spots in Kyoto, highlighting the top destinations to visit in each area!

Established in 1897, Kyoto National Museum stands as one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious museums, ranking among the Best Tourist Spots in Kyoto. Its halls are graced with rotating permanent exhibits and temporary special exhibitions, showcasing a captivating array of relics, sculptures, calligraphy, costumes, and more.

Focusing primarily on pre-modern Japanese works, the museum boasts the largest collection of Heian period artifacts, offering visitors a profound glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Additionally, it showcases a wide array of Asian art, including rare and ancient Chinese and Japanese sutras.

Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, stands as a symbol of Kyoto's rich history. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the shoguns of the Edo Period, this architectural marvel offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Comprising three distinct areas—the Honmaru (main circle of defence), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defence), and surrounding gardens—the castle offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The Ninomaru Palace, in particular, serves as a focal point, once serving as the residence and administrative centre for the shogun during visits to Kyoto.

This blend of architectural sophistication and historical significance makes Nijo Castle a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike, solidifying its place among the Best Tourist Spots in Kyoto.

Nestled along the western outskirts of Kyoto, this beloved tourist spot is renowned for its charming collection of small shops, restaurants, temples, and more, making it one of the Best Tourist Spots in Kyoto.

Visitors, especially during the vibrant fall foliage and cherry blossom seasons, are drawn to its stunning natural beauty. The Togetsukyo Bridge and the enchanting bamboo groves are among the main attractions that captivate tourists' hearts.

Known as Kyoto's Kitchen, this bustling five-block shopping street is renowned for its array of shops and stalls offering everything from fresh seafood and produce to Japanese pickles, sushi, and other Kyoto specialties.

The market is predominantly run by families that have passed down their businesses through several generations, adding to its charm and authenticity. Originally established as a wholesale fish market around 1310, the market has evolved over the centuries into the vibrant culinary hub it is today, making it a must-visit among Kyoto's Best Tourist Spots.

Originally constructed in 1630 as the residence for the retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, the Sento Imperial Palace has undergone multiple reconstructions due to fires, leaving only the gardens and its tea houses standing today, making it one of the Best Tourist Spots in Kyoto.

While visitors are now offered tours of the palace, they are unable to enter the buildings and can only admire them from the outside, preserving the historical integrity of this ancient site.

Kyoto City, in collaboration with Kyoto Seika University, established this museum to collect, preserve, and exhibit manga materials. The museum's centrepiece is the "Wall of Manga," showcasing approximately 50,000 publications from the 1970s. Spanning three floors, visitors can explore shonen (boys') manga on the first floor, shojo (girls') manga on the second floor, and seinen (young adults') manga on the third floor.

Located in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine was dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and sake by the Hata Clan in the 8th century. It became famous through its appearance in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha." The shrine's tunnels of torii gates are a popular spot for tourists to take photos. These tunnels also lead to trails that go through the forest of Mount Inari.

Overlooking a peaceful pond, this Zen temple was first designed as a retreat for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It features three floors: the first floor is constructed in the Shinden style with wooden pillars and white plaster walls, while the exteriors of the second and third floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

The Higashiyama district is the ideal place to immerse yourself in old Kyoto, with its narrow lanes flanked by traditional wooden shops and restaurants. Visitors can easily spend half a day or more strolling through the district, taking in sights such as Kiyomizudera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and more along the way.

Established in 888, this World Heritage Site serves as the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Unfortunately, due to numerous fires and natural disasters that have struck Kyoto over the years, none of the buildings from the ninth century have survived. The oldest structures on the temple grounds today date back to the sixteenth century.

Other famous tourist attractions in Kyoto are easily accessible by bus or subway. For example, Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho), one of the city's most popular historical spots, can be reached by a comfortable 10-minute subway ride from Kyoto Station.

The palace served as the former residence of the imperial family for over 1,000 years. Although the current building was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire, its architecture retains its ancient style. Situated in the expansive Kyoto Gyoen park, visitors can explore other significant historical sites and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho), one of the city's most popular historical sites, can be reached by a comfortable 10-minute subway ride from Kyoto Station. The palace served as the former residence of the imperial family for over 1,000 years.

Although the current building was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire, its architecture retains its ancient style. Situated in the expansive grounds of Kyoto Gyoen, visitors can explore other significant historical sites and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace.

Ryoanji Temple is renowned for its rock garden, considered the most famous in Japan. Originally a noble's villa during the Heian Period, it was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The temple's exact construction date and the designer of its famous rock garden remain uncertain. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks arranged in small groups on patches of moss. One intriguing aspect of the garden's design is that no matter the viewing angle, at least one rock is always hidden from view.

Located further north in the mountains, Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine are two historical sites renowned for their spiritual significance. This area is hailed as the ideal spot for hiking on the sacred mountain, allowing visitors to explore the spiritual sites nestled in nature. The atmosphere here is markedly different from the city, offering a serene and unforgettable experience. Despite being a bit off the beaten path, the journey to these sites is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Tofukuji Temple is renowned for offering one of the best views of the vibrant autumn foliage. As one of Kyoto's principal Zen temples, it boasts a large temple site that encompasses a Zen garden and the oldest gate among Zen temples in Japan, designated as a National Treasure.

If you're planning to visit Japan and explore the top attractions in Kyoto, don't forget to book your hotel and flight tickets through the Traveloka App. Enjoy a smooth and unforgettable travel experience with the best services from Traveloka.