Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, has many spots that you should visit.
In this article, we will introduce the top 3 famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, which we recommend first-time travelers to visit.
The charm of Kyoto lies in its seasonal changes, such as the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
All of the spots are spectacular, so you will find many places you will want to photograph.
Please check them out.
1. Fushimi Inari-taisha
Fushimi Inari-taisha is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto.
The “Senbon-torii,” a series of red vermilion-lacquered torii gates, is very popular, and with the advent of social media, it has become a popular “photo-worthy” destination.
The shrine often appears in movies and animations set in Kyoto, and many people visit the shrine to make pilgrimages to sacred places for movies and animations.
＜Movies in which Fushimi Inari-taisha was used as a filming location＞
・Memoirs Of A Geisha
・My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday, amongst others
＜Manga and anime series that take place in Fushimi Inari-taisha＞
・Jujutsu Kaisen
・The Quintessential Quintuplets
・Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha
・Hello World
・Blue Exorcist
・Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (end credits), amongst others
The history of “Fushimi Inari Taisha” dates back to 711, and the main shrine was rebuilt in 1499. Many of its buildings are designated as important cultural artefacts.
The shrine is believed to be the god of business prosperity and family safety, so let's pray for business success and family safety.
The “Oyama Meguri” tour, a pilgrimage to the peaks of Mount Inari behind the main shrine, is also popular.
It is about 4 km long and takes about 2 hours to walk around the mountain, so we recommend hiking while feeling the fresh mountain air.
If you visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, be sure to take a picture of the Senbon-torii.
Renting a kimono and taking pictures with the Senbon-Torii in the background is also recommended.
Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine
Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-641-7331
Open all hours
Prayer and response time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Closed: Open all year round
2. Kiyomizu-dera
The second famous sightseeing spot in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kiyomizu-dera is an old temple with a long history, built in 798, and is registered as a World Heritage site.
It is known for its wooden main hall, a national treasure, called “Kiyomizu-no-butai” (stage of Kiyomizu). The view from the stage is spectacular, and the dynamic “Kiyomizu-no-butai” itself, seen from a little distance, is truly spectacular.
Most of the present buildings were rebuilt between 1631 and 1633, and the Niomon Gate, the West Gate, and the three-story pagoda, all important cultural properties, welcome visitors against the backdrop of Mount Otowa in the Higashiyama area.
The main hall, which appears to float high above the ground, is unique in that it was “constructed without the use of any nails.
This is a traditional Japanese craftsmanship!
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is covered with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and the temple is illuminated at night during the tourist season, which is also a spectacular sight to see.
It is worth a visit in each season.
Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-551-1234
Hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm (closes at 9:30 pm when the temple is illuminated)
Admission: 400 yen for adults and high school students, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students
3. Kinkaku-ji
The third and final of the top 3 famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto is Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Kinkaku-ji is a glittering temple with buildings painted in gold, and it is worth seeing at least once.
The reflection in the pond is also beautiful, especially in the snowy landscape.
The temple is also registered as a World Heritage site and often appears on the cover of Kyoto guidebooks.
The history of Kinkakuji Temple dates back to 1397, when Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the ruler of Japan at that time, took over a mountain villa of the Saionji family, a noble family.
After Yoshimitsu's death, the villa was renamed “Rokuonji,” the official name of Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The second and third floors are covered with gold leaf, hence the name “Kinkaku-ji” (lit. golden pavilion temple).
The garden is also beautiful and is designated as a special historic site and a special place of scenic beauty by the government.
Kinkaku-ji Temple is surrounded by nature, so visitors can enjoy different scenery in spring, fall, summer, and winter.
The golden color of Kinkaku-ji Temple is especially beautiful in winter when it is covered with snow.
If you come to Kyoto, you should definitely visit Kinkaku-ji at least once.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-461-0013
Hours: 9 am-5pm
*Hours may vary due to special occasions
Closed: Open all year round
Admission: Adults (high school and above) 400 yen
Official website:https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
Enjoyable memories at Kyoto's famous sightseeing spots!
In this article, we have introduced the top 3 famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto.
If you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, you should keep the above 3 spots in mind.
In addition to the above, there are many other great spots in Kyoto, which we will introduce in other articles!
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