Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions, sublime gardens, and breathtaking temples. Known for its scenic beauty and deep historical roots, this city is a treasure trove of unique experiences, each telling a story of its illustrious past. Here's a complete guide to the top attractions that every tourist should visit while in Kyoto.

A visit to Kyoto would be incomplete without walking through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. This iconic site is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. Hike up the mountain trails behind the shrine to explore smaller sub-shrines and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.

As you step into the shrine, you are greeted by the vibrant vermilion torii gates, which are the most distinguished features of Fushimi Inari. These gates cover hiking trails that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari, offering a spiritual and physical journey that can take several hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can explore numerous smaller shrines, each adding to the serene and mystical atmosphere.

One of the most striking aspects of Fushimi Inari Shrine is its thousands of torii gates, donated by individuals and businesses hoping to receive blessings for prosperity. The names and dates inscribed on each gate tell stories of dreams, hopes, and gratitude, creating a personal connection between the divine and the mundane.

Besides the torii gates, the shrine complex is also home to various fox statues. Foxes are considered the messengers of Inari, and they are revered as guardians and protectors of the rice god. These statues, often seen with a key in their mouths, symbolize the key to the rice granary, further emphasizing the shrine's association with agriculture and prosperity.

Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple, is famed for its stunning golden pavilion which seems to float on the mirror-like surface of the pond it overlooks. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting an opulent era of Japanese architecture. The surrounding gardens are equally majestic, providing a perfect backdrop for contemplation and photography.

For a surreal experience, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you wander through towering stalks of bamboo, the entire path radiates a serene and otherworldly glow, especially captivating at sunrise or sunset. Nearby, you can also explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site with one of the best Zen gardens in Kyoto.

As you step into the Bamboo Grove, the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the rustling of the leaves and the soft creaking of bamboo swaying gently in the breeze. The path, lined with hundreds of towering bamboo stalks, creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time.

The experience of walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is often described as walking through a natural cathedral. The towering stalks of bamboo form arches that mimic the ribbed vaults of Gothic cathedrals, with the wind playing the role of a quiet organ, creating a serene soundtrack to this peaceful walk.

Beyond the grove, Arashiyama offers more to explore, including the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its stunning landscape garden. The area also boasts the scenic Hozu River, perfect for a relaxing boat ride to take in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Experience the power and politics of feudal Japan at Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. The castle is famous for its "nightingale floors," designed to chirp when walked upon to alert guards to any intruders. The expansive gardens are a highlight, featuring cherry trees that spectacularly blossom in spring.

Step back in time in the Gion district, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. The area offers a glimpse into old Kyoto, with its well-preserved machiya (merchant houses). At dusk, the district transforms as lanterns are lit and geiko and maiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha and apprentice geisha) can occasionally be seen hurrying along to their appointments.

Gion's atmosphere transforms as the sun sets. The wooden-latticed facades of the teahouses glow under the warm light of traditional lanterns, and the clip-clop of geta sandals on cobblestone streets fills the air. This is the time when you might catch a glimpse of geiko (Kyoto’s geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they hurry along to their evening appointments, their elaborate kimonos and refined grace embodying the cultural heritage of this ancient city.

Walking through Hanami-koji, the main street in Gion, is like stepping back in time. Every turn and alleyway holds a story, from the famed teahouses where geiko and maiko entertain, to the intimate restaurants offering kaiseki ryori, Kyoto's haute cuisine. The preservation of these buildings and traditions is a testament to the district's resilience and dedication to cultural heritage.

The Yasaka Shrine, at one end of Gion, offers spiritual solace with its bright vermillion gates and peaceful grounds. This shrine, especially vibrant during festivals like Gion Matsuri, is an integral part of the district's life, providing a backdrop for both everyday life and extraordinary celebrations.

For those interested in the arts, Gion is also a center of traditional performances. The Gion Corner is a popular spot where tourists can experience an array of Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, flower arranging, and kyo-mai (Kyoto-style dance) performed by maiko.

Explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its elegant gardens, once the residence of Japan’s Imperial family until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The Palace grounds are serene, featuring classical Japanese garden designs and significant historical buildings. Access to the palace requires joining a free guided tour, which provides insights into the imperial family's fascinating history.

The Philosopher’s Path is a quaint and picturesque walk that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal in Eastern Kyoto, named after the famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro who was said to meditate while walking this route. The path links several temples and shrines, each offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to reflect.

Perched on the side of Otowa Mountain, Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple’s veranda juts out of the mountainside, providing visitors with stunning views of the city and the nearby cherry and maple trees, which dramatically change colors with the seasons.

Whether you’re exploring its historic temples or enjoying its breathtaking landscapes, these must-visit places in Kyoto promise an unforgettable journey. Still looking for more inspiration? Keep scrolling to explore more must-visit places in Kyoto that might be your next favorite destination!

Known for its mysterious and serene rock garden, Ryoan-ji Temple is a quintessential stop in Kyoto for anyone interested in Zen Buddhism and meditation. The rock garden's simple yet profound design consists of fifteen rocks laid out in such a way that, from any viewpoint at least one rock is always hidden from sight. The temple also features a beautiful pond that is often overlooked by visitors but is worth exploring.

Sanjusangen-do is famous for its impressive hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The long wooden hall, the longest in Japan, contains rows of statues, each with a unique face and posture, all meticulously crafted during the Heian period. It’s a stunning display of Buddhist art and spirituality.

With its large torii gate and bright orange structures, the Heian Shrine offers a modern contrast to Kyoto's many ancient temples. Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the city, the shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city. Its gardens are particularly beautiful, featuring weeping cherry trees that bloom spectacularly in spring.

Famous for its autumn colors, Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple is a must-visit for those traveling in fall. The temple is renowned for its statue of the Amida Buddha, which is unique because it looks over its shoulder rather than straight ahead. The grounds are extensive and beautifully landscaped, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A major Zen temple in Southeast Kyoto, Tofuku-ji is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors and its large number of sub-temples. The main attraction is the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees, showcasing a vivid explosion of colors in the fall. The temple’s main gate is also the oldest sanmon gate in Japan and is considered a national treasure.

Kyoto serves as a beautiful reminder of Japan’s vast, culturally rich history interwoven with the modern world. Each attraction offers a distinct glimpse into the Japanese way of life, making Kyoto a must-visit for those looking to dive deep into Japan’s cultural heritage. So, make sure to secure your flight to Japan and book your hotel around the top attractions only with Traveloka.