Best Things To See In Kyoto

Did you know that Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and one of its most beautiful cities, was once considered as the place to drop the atomic bomb? It was spared through the intervention of Henry L. Stimson, US Secretary of War, as he understood its cultural significance. Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is the birthplace of many ancient Japanese traditions, like geisha culture, its elaborate tea ceremony, traditional Japanese drama like Noh and Kabuki, Haiku poetry, and sumo wrestling, and more. Plus, due to the limited bombing, it’s one of the best-preserved cities in Japan, full of beautiful traditional wooden architecture and many historic temples and shrines. Kyoto is a must-visit city in Japan, offering many things to see and do and a priceless glimpse into ancient Japanese history and traditions.

Best Things To See And Do In Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital from the 8th to 19th century, has such compelling cultural significance most Japanese citizens try to visit at least once in their lives and 30% visit annually. Read on to learn why and the best things to see and do when visiting Kyoto.

Explore The Higashiyama District And Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha Distric

Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, one of its best-preserved historic districts, sits east of the Kamo river, running to the slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. It’s the best place to see and experience traditional Kyoto, full of narrow alleyways, picturesque wooden buildings, houses and shops (machiya), teahouses (ochaya), art galleries, restaurants, temples, and shrines.

Nestled within Higashiyama, is Gion, Japan’s most famous geisha district, topping the list of places to see in Kyoto. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see one dashing off to an appointment in the early evening here.

About Geisha

A geisha, known as geiko in Kyoto dialect, literally means “lady of the arts”. They’re professional entertainers, highly trained in traditional Japanese arts of dancing, singing, playing music, and conversation.

This area became important in the Middle Ages as many travelers came to visit the Shrine in Gion. As it grew and prospered, so did its reputation as a geisha district. And today, many centuries later, these cultural ambassadors still work here today. They entertain dignitaries and elite businessmen in traditional teahouses (ochaya) and select restaurants. Places that require strong relationships (which can take generations) and wealth to attend. Or an invitation. Unfortunately, places most tourists do not have access to.

Their apprentices, maiko, which literally means “dancing child”, also entertain. Maiko are under 21 and dress differently, with less formal hairstyles, more colorful kimono, and different makeup, most identifiably with lipstick only on their bottom lip.

Both geiko and maiko are in such demand by tourists, popularized by the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”, they’re, unfortunately, often stalked and harassed. In fact, Gion has had such a problem with tourists, they’ve banned photography on private streets. You’ll see signs here stating there is surveillance and fines of ¥10,000 (about $90).

Major public streets like Hanamikoji-dori, Shirakawa-dori, and Sannen-zaka Slope (near Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizudera below) are currently still OK photo zones. But be on the lookout for updates and signs on specific streets. And if you do see a geiko or maiko on the street, remember to be respectful.

Top Things To See and Do In Gion, Kyoto

Gion, with its ancient Kyotoite charm, is quite small. So small it only takes few minutes to walk from one end to the other.

Centering around Shijo street, its boundaries run from Kamo river to the west, Yasaka Shrine to the east, Shinbashidori to the north, and Kenninji Temple to the south. But with its beautifully preserved machiya, ochaya, temples and shrines, this tiny, but historically rich area is one of the most fascinating places to see in Kyoto. Make sure to visit both day and night, as it’s exceptionally charming in the evening (and the best time to see a geiko or maiko).

How To get To Gion: From Kyoto Station, take bus 100 or 206, to the Gion bus stop. The ride is about 20-minutes. If you prefer, you can walk, taking about 40-minutes. Gion is just east of the Kamo River. Click here for directions.

Shirakawa-dori (白川通り), or Shirakawa street, along Shirakawa canal, is one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto. Its name means “white river”, for the beautiful river here lined with swaying, weeping willow, trees, charming footbridges, and lanterns. This area is very atmospheric and much less crowded that Hanamikoji. Also lined with high-end restaurants and teahouses overlooking the canal, Shirakawa is another area to possibly see a geiko or maiko.

How To Get To Tatsumi Bridge: Tatsumi Bridge is located at the juncture of Shinbashi-dori and Gion Shirakawa, just southwest of Gion Shin Bridge.

Ichiriki Chaya (一力茶屋)

If you’re interested in seeing one of Gion’s most famous tea houses, visit Ichiriki Chaya. By invitation only, this exclusive, high-end establishment, which can cost 500,000-800,000+ yen, is off limits to most, including tourists. 🙁

Although you can’t go in without an invite, it’s interesting to see. And you never know who you’ll see coming and going (don’t stalk though!).

This teahouse is also famous for its role in the legendary story of the 47 Ronin, the leaderless samurai that avenged the death of their master in the 18th century.

How To Get To ichiriki Chaya: This teahouse is about 5-minutes west of Yasaka Shrine, near the corner of Hanamikoji-dori and Shijo-dori.

Gion Corner (ギオンコーナー)

If you want to see a gieko or maiko and haven’t been lucky enough to see one wandering, visit the theater at Gion Corner. Although touristy, you’ll see them perform Japanese dances, play traditional music, a formal tea ceremony, and more.

How To Get To Gion Corner: Gion Corner is a 5-minute walk east from Gion-Shijo Station.

Geiko/Maiko Spring Dances (芸妓・舞妓春の踊り)

Another way to see geiko and maiko perform is to visit Kyoto during the Spring Dances, which are held for the public. There are 4 events in the spring. Kitano Odori is held in March, Kyo Odori and Miyako Odori in April, and Kamogawa Odori is in May.

Dressing As A Geisha

If you’re really set on a personal encounter, try to book your own geiko. Expect it to be very expensive though, ranging somewhere between $400-1,000 per person. Of course, if you need an interpreter, that will be extra. You’ll need a local to help you arrange it. If you don’t know how to do that, ask at high-end hotels.

Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)

Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) festival, Japan’s most famous festival, is hosted at Yasaka Shrine annually. Dating back to the 9th century, it lasts the entire month of July. One of its highlights Is the huge street parade, with decorated floats, on July 17.

How To Get To Yasaka Shrine: Take the bus from Kyoto Station to Gion-Shijo Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk east of Gion-Shijo.

Maruyama Park (円山公園)

Adjacent to Yasaka Shrine is Maruyama Park. This Japanese style garden is the main viewing spot for cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

The park’s main attraction is its shidarezakura weeping cherry tree. When this 90+ year old tree is in bloom, it’s floodlit at dusk, making a spectacular presentation against the dark sky. You will find several snack shops and a Michelin starred restaurant here, helping you to enjoy the grounds.

Top Things To See In The Higashiyama District, Kyoto

Surrounding the Gion District is the Higashiyama District, where you’ll find Yasaka street, Kiyomizudera Temple and Yasaka Pagoda, as well as the charming pedestrian streets, Sannei-zaka and Ninei-zaka Slope, leading to them.

Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺)

The Buddhist temple of Kiyomizudera dates back to the 8th century, although reconstructed in the 17th. Built with a large deck overlooking the valley, it offers stunning views. Particularly in spring when the cherry trees bloom and fall, when the trees turn colors. Otowa waterfall sits below the main hall, with three channels of water falling into a pond. Sipping from these rivulets is believed to grant wishes.

How To Get To Kiyomizudera: From Kyoto Station, take the bus to the Gojo-zaka bus stop. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk up the hill.

Sanneizaka Slope (産寧坂) And Nineizaka Slope (二寧坂)

Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka) Slope, and Nineizaka (Ninenzaka) Slope are old pedestrian streets paved with stone near Kiyomizudera Temple. These must-visit streets approach Kiyomizudera along an old 9th century sloping road lined with well-preserved traditional Japanese architecture, cafes, gardens, and a small museum, Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum.

How To Get To Sanneizaka Slope: From Kyoto Station, take bus 206 to Kiyomizumichi stop. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

Top Temples To See in Kyoto

Kyoto, also known as the city of Ten Thousand Shrines, has over 2,000 temples and shrines. The Temples are Buddhist, while the Shrines follow Shinto religion. The ones noted above are just the top temples and Shrines in the Higashiyama District.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺), The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji literally means ”Temple of the Golden Pavilion” and is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. Lavishly covered in gold leaf, this temple literally shimmers on a sunny day.

Set amid spectacular grounds, and positioned to reflect in the lake before the pavilion, it’s no wonder this is such a popular temple. Try to visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built his retirement palace complex here in the 14th century, boasting 13 buildings.

After his death, his grandson, who built Ginkaku-ji below, turned it into a Buddhist temple honoring his wishes.

How To Get To Kinkaku-ji Temple: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto city bus 101 or 205. The ride is about 40-minutes.

Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺), The Silver Pavilion

Ginkaku-ji, “The Serene Temple of the Silver Pavilion”, created by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, grandson of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, is not silver plated (as one would expect after Kinkaku-ji). Ashikaga modeled it after Kinkaku-ji, but with wabi sabi asthetics, which include simplicity, modesty, and the appreciation of nature. Modest except for its size, as it once held 30 pavilions and was 30 times larger than it is today.

How To Get To Ginkaku-ji Temple: From Kyoto Station, take bus 5 or 17 to Ginkakujimichi stop. The ride takes about 40-minutes. To get here from Kinkaku-ji, take bus 102 or 204.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine  (伏見稲荷大社)

This Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of brilliant torii gates, known as Senbon torii.

The torii, lining the 2.5 miles (4 km) of trail up the mountain, are sponsored by merchants and businesses, engraved with their name. Small torii start at about $3,500.

The main shrine sits at the base of the mountain, with many smaller shrines placed throughout. It takes 2-3 hours to walk to the top, where you’ll find stunning views of Kyoto. This temple also gets very crowded, walking single file through the torii, so visit early or late if possible.

How To Get To Fushimi Inari Shrine: Located in Fushimi-ku Kyoto, take the JR Nara, or Keihan line to Inari Station. It’s a 5-minute walk from there.

Kennin-ji Temple (建仁寺)

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It’s located just south of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district. Most of the grounds are free, but the central buildings have an entrance fee. The interior is noted for several works including dragons and gods. There are also lovely Japanese gravel and moss gardens.

Nijō Castle (二条城)

Nijō Castle, purposely constructed overlooking the Imperial Palace as a reminder of the power the shogun had over the Emperor, was the home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first in a line of powerful Tokugawa shogun. These shogun ruled the country from the 17th to 19th century.

With opulent design details, beautiful screen paintings, and serene Japanese landscape, this castle makes a stunning visit. A unique design detail is its nightingale floors”, designed to sound like chirping birds to warn of intruders.

How To Get To Nijō Castle: From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and walk or take the bus to Nijojo-mae Station. 

Top Museums To See In Kyoto

Kyoto National Museum (京都国立博物館)

The Kyoto National Museum museum offers an impressive collection of pre-modern Japanese and Asian art as well as historical artifacts.

National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (京都国立近代美術館)

Also known by the acronym MoMak, Kyoto’s National Museum of Modern Art was originally built as annex for the Tokyo’s National Museum of Modern Art. W

Kahitsukan Museum of Contemporary Art (何必館 京都現代美術館)

Hosting a wide range of exhibits, its name, Kahitsukan, means ”always doubting established theory”. It’s located in the Gion geisha district.

Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum

This family-friendly museum offers an immersive experience along with history. You can dress as a samurai, throw Ninja stars, learn to use a Ninja blowgun, and more.