Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Attraction
These two 17th-century stone-paved alleys are lined with traditional shops selling ceramics, matcha, and local crafts. Each shop has been in the same location for decades.
Nishiki Market
Market
This 400-meter-long indoor market is packed with local food stalls. Try the fried tofu at the Murakami-ji stall, octopus skewers, or matcha treats.
4.3(51,147 reviews)
Hanamikoji Street
Tourist Attraction
This is the historic geisha district of Gion. If you walk through between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, you may see real maiko on their way to appointments.
4.4(502 reviews)
Ryōan-ji
Buddhist Temple
This temple is home to the world's most famous rock garden, consisting of 15 rocks on perfectly raked white gravel. Visitors have been coming here for 500 years to contemplate its meaning.
4.5(11,028 reviews)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Scenic Spot
This iconic bamboo forest features stalks reaching 20 meters in height. It is best to visit before 8:00 AM to avoid the crowds.
4.3(21,733 reviews)
Tenryu-ji
Buddhist Temple
This temple features the oldest Zen garden in Kyoto, dating back to 1339. The garden is designed to look different from every angle, so it is best viewed from inside the temple.
4.4(16,273 reviews)
Nijō Castle
Castle
This was the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in Kyoto. The castle features unique wooden floors designed to chirp when walked upon, serving as an alarm system against intruders.
4.4(41,449 reviews)
Kinkaku-ji
Buddhist Temple
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this stunning structure is completely covered in gold leaf. It is recommended to visit before 9:00 AM.
4.5(67,166 reviews)
Kiyomizu-dera
Buddhist Temple
This historic temple is built on a mountainside using only wood, without a single metal nail. From the main terrace, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Kyoto.
4.6(68,580 reviews)
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shinto Shrine
This shrine is famous for its thousands of orange torii gates that wind up the mountain for four kilometers. A 40-minute walk is enough to appreciate the scale of the site.
4.6(87,063 reviews)
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