Kyoto Attractions
What to See in Kyoto
Kyoto is the place to experience the ‘real’ traditional Japan. Just a simple walk along the narrow streets will show that the many old wooden shops, stores, teahouse and private homes of the past are still very much in evidence and are ready to draw you back into the rich history of Japan.
The sliding doors and scents of local restaurants plus the old-style advertisements and shop displays along the way are part of the everyday Kyoto charm. There is a long list of ‘must-visit places’ in this ancient capital that includes the Imperial Palace and shogun castles as well as temples, shrines, Zen gardens, cherry blossom-filled parks and Buddhist temples. Here are a few suggestions for attractions in Kyoto.
While most of Fushimi is occupied by residential and industrial areas, the historic sake-making streets in the township are lined with quaint white-walled sake-houses and there is still plenty of nature to appreciate. Fushimi has a number of excellent places to see the cherry blossoms in spring and the fierce autumnal colours. Read More...
From the oldest remaining Buddhist temples to the flagstone-paved lanes and traditional teahouses Higashiyama attractions offer a taste of a traditional way of life that is still maintained today. Catch a glimpse of the illusive geisha with their precise steps in seemingly impossible geta clogs. Read More...
Kamigyo attractions are diverse presenting ancient shrines and temples with the Kyoto Imperial Palace highest on the list. Being a centre of the tea ceremony, this is a good place to learn how to appreciate this fine art. Places like WAK Japan offer visitors the opportunity to learn a number of traditional Japanese arts. Read More...
Kita Ward is home to the most iconic of Kyoto attractions, the Golden Pavillion, Kinkaku-ji which draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every years to view its most serene setting. There’s more history to be told at the Daitoku-ji an enormous compound of Zen Buddhist temples and sub-temples, enough to fill an entire day’s sight-seeing. Read More...
Kyoto’s most iconic landmark the five-storey pagoda of Toji Temple is Minami’s main attraction. Being an historic gateway to Kyoto the area is primarily residential and home to a large Korean population. Read More...
You will need more than a few days to fully explore all that Nakagyo Ward has to offer. Castles, museums, exquisite gardens and dramatic temples present a diverse array of attractions. Read More...
Among Nishikyo’s attractions is the Katsura Imperial Villa which was built as a retreat for nobles to go moon viewing. The villa is also an opportunity to witness some purely Japanese architecture and landscape design as the gardens of the villa are priceless in their own right. Read More...
Like its neighbouring wards of Higashiyama and Yamashima, Sakyo is rich with religious sites of great historical significance. From the Silver Pavillion and Nanzen-ji along the Philosopher’s Walk to Yoshida Shrine and Heian Shrine, some of Sakyo Ward’s treasures date back to the 7th century. Read More...
From the ultra-modern structure that is Kyoto Station to the ancient grace of Buddhist temples, Shimogyo ward has plenty to offer interested visitors. A number of museums provide insight into aspects of Kyoto’s history from ancient times, through the industrial revolution right up to the modern era. Read More...
The list of attractions in Ukyo is impressive with a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The districts of Sagano and Arashiyama are where most are to be found often sitting within exquisite gardens or natural groves such as the tranquil Bamboo Forest which connects ancient Tenryu-ji temple with Okochi Sanso the palatial home of a late movie star. Read More...
A stroll around the streets of Yamashina will reveal some areas of beautiful nature and some man-made marvels as well such as the Kaju-ji Temple dating back to the 9th century. The ward has numerous small temples each with its own charm and tranquility. Read More...
Other Areas
Ayabe Astronomical Observatory 'PAO'
This astronomical observatory was founded in 1995 and is located in Ayabe, north of Kyoto. It features a 95-cm reflecting telescope and a 150-inch large screen high-definition television. Here, you’ll find quite a few interesting exhibitions related to astronomy. Join their star watching every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late evening until 21:30. If the weather is clear you can see many interesting stars during daytime hours.
Opening Hours: Tue, Wed, Thu from 09:00 – 16:30 and Fri, Sat, Sun from 09:00 – 21:30, closed on Mondays
Location: In Ayabe City (JR Sanin Main Line to Ayabe Station)
Tel: +81 (0)77 342 8080
Coca-Cola Kyoto Factory
Coca Cola is one of the most recognized products in the world and a tour of the Kyoto Coca-Cola Factory can be an interesting one. The tour is free and occurs three times per day. Pre-booking only. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30, 13:00 and 15:00
Location: About 10 min by bus from Kintetu Okubo
Tel: +81 (0)77 443 5522
Suntory Kyoto Brewery
Beer is very popular in Japan and there must be more than 300 micro-breweries throughout the country. Suntory Beer is one of Japan’s major beers, available everywhere from bars to convenience stores and this Kyoto brewery offers free factory tours several times per day with English-speaking guides. Advance booking is a must and visitors not only observe the beer production but also to taste the freshly brewed product. Cheers!
Opening Hours: Dec - Mar 10:00 – 15:00, Apr - Nov 10:00 – 15:30
Location: Nagaokakyo City
Tel: +81 (0)75 952 2020