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Explore the 10,000 gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha
This shrine is a number one site for everyone who goes to Kyoto. It is rewarded 1st prize from Trip Advisor in the category, Japanese Site Popular With Foreign Tourists. And it is for a reason.
Seemingly endless arcades of vermilion torii (shrine gates) spread across a forested mountain create a world unto its own. The whole complex consists of five shrines and dozens of sub-shrines on a 4km pathway up to the mountain. Although often crowded, this journey to the top makes one peaceful hike and one of the most memorable sights in Kyoto. TIP: If you are up for an adventure though, exploring 10,000 gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha at night is a whole different experience.
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Wander through the Gion District Between modern Kyoto city downtown and ancient Yasaka shrine, there is a historic district called Gion. Originally, it was a place where travelers relaxed in the teahouses after a visit to Yasaka shrine. By the mid-18th century, the area was Kyoto’s largest pleasure district. Yes, Gion is the most famous geisha district and if you’re patient enough, you will surely catch a glimpse of one graciously passing by. Gion has some of the old charms and ancient look with many tea ceremony places, maiko (trainee Geisha) houses, old houses, traditional Japanese restaurants, art galleries and shops specializing in antiques. The best way to experience Gion is through an evening stroll around the atmospheric streets brightened up with lanterns — and getting lost in the little alleys catching the ancient spirit of Japan.
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Feel the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. You’ll be unable to resist trying to take a few photos, but you might be disappointed with the results; photos just can’t capture the magic of this place.
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Enjoy the spectacular gardens of Kyoto Imperial Palace Park Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is essentially Kyoto’s Central Park. As its name suggests, the park surrounds a palace called Kyoto Imperial Palace. Which was the home of the Emperor in the Edo-era when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. As such, the park surrounding the palace was designed by skilled landscape artists and include some interesting trees and features. Perfect for runners, walkers, romantic couples, picnickers, and plant lovers — planted with a huge variety of flowering trees and open fields, the park is most beautiful in the plum and cherry blossom seasons.
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Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji – “The Temple of Golden Pavilion” Kinkaku-ji is Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, designated as one of the World Heritage Sites. Impressive structure is built overlooking a large, reflecting pond. With its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, it is truly spectacular. Kinkaku-ji has burned down numerous times throughout its history and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The story about the monk is fictionalized in a novel by Yukio Mishima “The Temple Of The Golden Pavillon” – a strong recommendation for every bookworm out there.
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Visit the peaceful Ginkaku-ji – “The Temple of Silver Pavillon” Ginkakuji is a Zen temple along Kyoto’s eastern mountains. The complex consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed. If you are looking for a true Zen garden, without too many visitors, especially early on, this is the place to go.
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Visit the impressive Chion-in Temple It is a collection of soaring buildings and spacious courtyards. Chionin Temple is also the Head Temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, the largest school of Buddhism in Japan. It’s the most popular pilgrimage temple in Kyoto and it’s always a hive of activity. The gates of this temple are massive and open up to a huge staircase up to the main temple area. For visitors with a taste for the grand, this temple is sure to satisfy.
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Eat the best Japanese traditional food at Kikunoi restaurant If you are a foodie, Kikunoi is the place to be. One of the finest Kaiseki (Japanese Traditional Cuisine) restaurant you will ever experience! It is located in a serene and intimate location at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain. There, everything is set for a full over-the-top kaiseki experience. From setting to service to exquisitely executed cuisine, led by famous Michelin-starred chef, Mutara. Creativity is also one of the main factors of success for Kikunoi. Every passing season is reflected in the change of the interior of Kikunoi. Artwork, flower arrangement, and other displays, as well as meal and ingredients, are altered to suit the season.
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Browse the lively Nishiki Market Nishiki market is a shopping street lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. It is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and is also Kyoto’s largest traditional food market. While modern food shops and souvenir shops are starting to move in, there are still enough traditional shops to give you a glimpse of what traditional shopping streets must have looked like. A lively market where you can try and buy all the weird and wonderful foods. From cute Japanese sweets to octopus on a stick. This is a great stop for extra hot or rainy days, as the entire market is shaded. There, in Aritsugu store, you can also find some of the best Japanese chef’s knives money can buy.
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Climb to the top of Kurama Mt. and find peace at Kuramadera Temple Kurama is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City. Kurama’s main attraction, Kuramadera, is a mountain temple with a long history and a unique atmosphere. It is considered by some to contain special spiritual energy. Over the years, many famous people have come here to meditate. Mt. Kurama is also believed to be the birthplace of Reiki, a type of “energy therapy� which utilizes spiritual elements. This magical place gains a lot of its power from its brilliant natural setting. There is a path from the main hall which circles the mountain through groves of towering cedar trees which scent the fresh air. As you go nearer to the temple buildings, the air is scented with incense.
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