Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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THE 10 BEST Kyoto Sights & Landmarks
Kyoto Landmarks
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (623)
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Western Kyoto
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Shinkyogoku Shopping District
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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Shimogyo-ku
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Southern Kyoto
Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Western Kyoto
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travellers are saying
- Amouage1399Melbourne, Australia403 contributionsBeautiful shrine lined with hundreds of Tori gates as you walk through to the top. Lots of huts selling tea and souvenirs along the way. No fee is required. Takes about 40 minutes to hike to the top on well paved pathways.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- flo220New York City, NY396 contributionsThe Golden Pavillion is one of the most beautiful buildings we saw in Japan. In a Budhist temple, the pavillion is covered in pure gold leaf. The grounds surrounding the pavillion are also beautiful and include a 600 year bonsai tree. The downside though is that the attraction is very crowded with tour groups and school groups so much so that it detracts from the peacefulness and atmosphere of the attraction. Despite the crowds still worth a visit.Written 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CanuckJamesNishinomiya, Japan1,777 contributionsThis place is a must-go when you are in Kyoto - no doubt about it. What everyone has already said about the beauty of this place is correct.
It is one of the places that people recommend to see the Autumn colors. It was breathtaking.
The cost of ¥500 to get inside and to be able to wander the back lot is well worth the price of admission.
However, there were so many people crammed into this location that it was a major detraction from the beauty. Trying to take a photo WITHOUT other people in the photo is almost an impossibility. You are shoulder to shoulder from the bottom of the street to inside the temple property, winding up and down the path. You need to jostle and push your way to a remotely suitable place to take a photo.
Full disclosure: we probably went on one of the busiest days of the year. It was the day that people said the Autumn colors would be at the brightest. It probably was.
We want to go back to enjoy the temple without the overcrowded visitors.Written 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nina K2 contributionsArashiyama is absolutely enchanting! The bamboo forest feels like stepping into another world—so calm and magical. Walking by the river with the mountains in the background was breathtaking. The little shops and traditional atmosphere added such charm. It’s a perfect blend of nature and culture!Written 12 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HonestTelLeicester, UK264 contributionsVery interesting to walk round. We saw lots of great restaurants and also tiny shops up narrow alleys.
Gives a real taste of Japan.Written 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - selamawit sAddis Ababa, Ethiopia15 contributionsThis place is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty and grandeur. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring and appreciating the entire compound.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 649001Springfield361 contributionsIt is a magical place.
The main hall contains a big Buddha sitting on a lotus flower surrounding 1001 (!) standing golden Kannons (Goddess of Mercy) about human height made from cypress wood almost 1000 years ago. It's a shining army! The statues have 21 pairs of arms which symbolizes 1000 arms. There are different objects in the statues' hands. The statues have many faces (there are 11 small heads attached to the Main head). There are many other statues: G-d of Wind, G-d of Thunder, Heavenly Kings, etc. Some are playing musical instruments, some have wings, some have horse head on their head, some have fin-like brows, etc.
Unfortunately, you cannot take a picture there.
There is also a nice small garden outside.
Allow at least an hour.Written 20 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Vince LOrange County, CA120 contributionsMAKE SURE TO BRING CASH! Cuz most of the places only serve cash! But what a place this was! It's called Kyoto's kitchen and you can see why, all of Kyoto's best food stalls are here, and from raw seafood to fried foods it's all here. Love going to these food markets because it's a culinary knowledge that you'll get to learn more about the city when you taste their food.Written 1 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LVVTakatsuki, Japan63 contributionsI wasn't familiar with this temple but I had seen it recommended in a travel guide. It was on the way from the silver pavilion so we dropped by. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this temple was. It's very spacious so you will need some time to explore everything. Unlike Ginkakuji, this temple was almost empty, so we could really enjoy the serene atmosphere.Written 8 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HonestTelLeicester, UK264 contributionsBit of a walk from our hotel but worth it in the end.
The temple is stunning and the park is beautiful. There is so much to walk around and see.
It was a very popular spot and there was a good mix of westerners and locals.Written 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HarisankarChennai (Madras), India188 contributionsWandered through this area multiple times during my Kyoto visit. Since, I stayed in Gion, accessing this area was especially easy. This is one of the signature areas of Gion and gets very crowded especially during mid day. The cobble stone paved narrow alleyways lined up with multiple shops, restaurants and cafes gives this place its identity alongside the famous Yasaka Pagoda. This place truly shines after nightfall and the whole place gains a fairytale or manga atmosphere.Written 8 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pushkar SinhaNew Delhi, India801 contributionsIt’s a picturesque walk along a canal. Fall leaves color is a delight to watch. You can sit and enjoy the serene beauty around.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tony ESwitzerland590 contributionsSo much of Japan is of cultural and historical significance that it was a refreshing change to visit a modern, bang-up-to-date site which is equally impressive. The station is gigantic, built in black and gray granite and topped by a glass canopy above the concourse. There is a huge shopping centre, lots of restaurants and a long, multi-level elevator. The glass tunnel above the concourse offers a dizzying view of the whole edifice.Written 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Soko37Budapest, Hungary13,924 contributionsNice park area with historical buildings, we have few visits of different religious places and I started to be confused. Nice wooden temple with position walk aroundWritten 13 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 649001Springfield361 contributionsThis place is nice but not a must. It has a five-story Pagoda (the tallest in Japan), Kondo (main hall with 3 Buddhas), Kodo (a hall with 21 Buddhas, one of them is riding an elephant - no pictures of Buddha image is allowed), a small garden, and Kanchi-in Temple (house interior consisting of almost empty rooms with tatami mats, sliding doors, and an ink painting of attacking eagles on the wall - take off your shoes at the entrance).
Allow at least an hour.Written 20 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
