If you’ve seen the film Memoirs of a Geisha, then the city of Kyoto in Japan is surely on your bucket list. And it’s no wonder. Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, captivating you with its rich history and culture. Read on to discover the best places you absolutely must visit in Kyoto.
The Best Places to Visit in Kyoto, Japan
Any good travel guide would advise you to visit those 5 places and landmarks in Kyoto.
- Gion District
Gion is one of the oldest and most famous districts in Kyoto. Do you know why? It’s the last place in all of Japan where the art of true geishas is still taught, and it’s also a place where you can encounter a real geisha. A geisha who wears a traditional kimono and spends her afternoons with select company in a teahouse.
- Ryōan-ji Temple
The Zen temple Ryōan-ji, also known as the “Temple of the Peaceful Dragon,” is located in the northwestern part of the city. The temple’s biggest attraction is its Zen garden, known as karesansui (a dry landscape garden). Don’t expect a garden full of blooming flowers here. On the contrary, the garden consists of just 15 stones arranged on white gravel.
Interesting fact: No matter where you stand in the garden, you will always see only 14 stones, but never all 15 at once.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
One of the best places to visit in Kyoto, Japan, is the Fushimi Inari Shrine—a Shinto shrine dedicated to the rice goddess Inari, established in the early 8th century. This shrine is particularly popular with tourists for its iconic red torii gates, which line the path all the way to the summit of Mount Inari.
- Higashiyama District
The Higashiyama District is characterized by traditional wooden houses, narrow alleys, and historic temples. Here, you’ll find one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples—Kiyomizu Temple. In addition to temples, Higashiyama is home to many souvenir shops and offers the chance to try local specialties in traditional restaurants.
- Nishiki Market
Speaking of food, one of the best places to visit in Kyoto is Nishiki Market. This covered market, located in the heart of Kyoto, is often referred to as the „Kitchen of Kyoto.“ Here, you‘ll find numerous stalls selling everything from fresh fish and fruits to vegetables and sweets.
Not sure what to try?
- Tsukemono: Pickled vegetables, which are often served as a side dish.
- Takoyaki: Fried dough balls filled with minced or diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions.
- Dango: A traditional Japanese sweet in the form of small dumplings made from rice flour (mochi).
Good to Know Before You Go
To wrap up, here are a few practical tips that will come in handy when planning your visit to Kyoto.
When to go? If you want to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, we recommend visiting between March and May. Another great time to visit Kyoto is in October and November.
How many days to spend in Kyoto? It depends on how enthusiastic you are about history. However, if you want to see all the major attractions without turning your vacation into a marathon, we recommend spending at least two days.
How to get around Kyoto? Looking at the map of Kyoto, you’ll see that Kyoto is not a small city (827 km²), and the various landmarks are quite spread out. This should suggest that walking to all the sights is impractical. Therefore, you can either rent a car or use the local public transportation.
Ready to Set Off?
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re enticed by Zen temples, traditional Japanese specialties, or real geishas, you won’t be disappointed. Kyoto in Japan is a city full of history, culture, and beautiful nature that will capture the heart of every visitor.
