Sightseeing
Highlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main entrance); the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork; and beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose. The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace, consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, and with exquisite interiors decorated with paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils.
1725 locals recommend
Nijo Castle
541 NijōjōchōHighlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main entrance); the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork; and beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose. The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace, consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, and with exquisite interiors decorated with paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils.
One of Japan's most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto.
A great time to explore the shrine is at night; not only will you be rewarded with a unique glimpse of this wonderfully illuminated heritage site, you'll be rewarded with few if any crowds.
23 locals recommend
Fushimi Inari Taisha Otabisho
One of Japan's most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto.
A great time to explore the shrine is at night; not only will you be rewarded with a unique glimpse of this wonderfully illuminated heritage site, you'll be rewarded with few if any crowds.
The magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most picturesque attractions.
1389 locals recommend
Kinkaku-ji
KinkakujichōThe magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most picturesque attractions.
In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on Otowa Mountain overlooking the city.
1521 locals recommend
Kiyomizu-dera
In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on Otowa Mountain overlooking the city.
The most important of its many works of art is the Kannon with a Thousand Hands, a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-tall statue, which dates from the 13th century and is notable for the 500 standing figures of Kannon lined up on either side of it. Also of note are the additional sculptures of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits considered subordinate to Kannon, located behind it.
549 locals recommend
Sanjusangendo Temple
657 SanjūsangendōmawariThe most important of its many works of art is the Kannon with a Thousand Hands, a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-tall statue, which dates from the 13th century and is notable for the 500 standing figures of Kannon lined up on either side of it. Also of note are the additional sculptures of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits considered subordinate to Kannon, located behind it.
highlights include its finely decorated gates and important rooms and buildings, including the Hall for State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Emperor's Residence (Seiryo-den), the Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.
990 locals recommend
Kyoto Imperial Palace
3 Kyōtogyoenhighlights include its finely decorated gates and important rooms and buildings, including the Hall for State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Emperor's Residence (Seiryo-den), the Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.
The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall.
365 locals recommend
Nishihongwan-ji Temple
本願寺門前町 下京区The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall.
Geishas
Famous as an entertainment and geisha district, Gion is an area of Kyoto that is well suited to explore on foot. Gion is also famous for its many fine temples, in particular the 15th-century Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and the Chion-in Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples. Gion is a wonderful (and safe) place to enjoy a walking tour at night, too.
508 locals recommend
Gion
Higashiyama WardFamous as an entertainment and geisha district, Gion is an area of Kyoto that is well suited to explore on foot. Gion is also famous for its many fine temples, in particular the 15th-century Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and the Chion-in Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples. Gion is a wonderful (and safe) place to enjoy a walking tour at night, too.
the Katsura Imperial Villa is home to splendid historic architecture and one of Japan's most famous historic gardens.
160 locals recommend
Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsuramisono Nishikyo Wardthe Katsura Imperial Villa is home to splendid historic architecture and one of Japan's most famous historic gardens.
The Daitoku-ji Temple - the Zen Temple of Great Virtue - is one of the principal temples of the Rinzai sect
129 locals recommend
Daitoku-ji
53 Murasakino DaitokujichōThe Daitoku-ji Temple - the Zen Temple of Great Virtue - is one of the principal temples of the Rinzai sect
The Byōdō-in Temple, established in AD 988, boasts many unique buildings, shrines, and artworks worthy of a visit.
232 locals recommend
Byodoin
UjiThe Byōdō-in Temple, established in AD 988, boasts many unique buildings, shrines, and artworks worthy of a visit.
This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
867 locals recommend
Yasaka Shrine
625 Gionmachi KitagawaThis Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
17th-century temple headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism with gardens, events & services.
301 locals recommend
Chion-in
400 Rinkachō17th-century temple headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism with gardens, events & services.
Classic Shinto shrine complex built in 1895, with a giant gate & museums of modern & municipal art.
544 locals recommend
Heian Shrine
Okazaki Nishitennocho Sakyo WardClassic Shinto shrine complex built in 1895, with a giant gate & museums of modern & municipal art.
Historic, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.
173 locals recommend
Kennin-ji Temple Hatto
584 KomatsuchōHistoric, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.
Arts & Culture
In addition to its many fine old temples with their important artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in its world-class museums and galleries.
513 locals recommend
Kyoto National Museum
527 ChayachōIn addition to its many fine old temples with their important artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in its world-class museums and galleries.
Japan Kanji Museum & Library
551 Gionmachi MinamigawaEntertainment & Activities
Small, contemporary zoo with gardens, a handful of kids’ rides, a train & concessions.
312 locals recommend
Kyoto City Zoo
Okazaki Hoshojicho Sakyo WardSmall, contemporary zoo with gardens, a handful of kids’ rides, a train & concessions.
Getting Around
Gion station
Gionmachi Kitagawa Higashiyama WardSubway station
タイムズ 総本山知恩院新門南
317 Gionmachi KitagawaPay parking
Times Gion Shinbashi
421 RinkachōPay parking
日邦レンタカーシステム 四条大橋営業所(2019年3月31日(日)閉店)
201 AyazaimokuchōCar Rental Agency
Food Scene
Ramen Miyako (Gion)
303 Gionmachi KitagawaRamen restaurant
Rinken
北側-347-10 祇園町Steakhouse Jiro
347-142 Gionmachi KitagawaSteak House
"The steak, tofu and salad was delicious."
"Professional service."
鮨処音羽 京都東山店
347-29-13 Gionmachi KitagawaSushi Restaurant
Le Soleil ル ソレイユ
Rinkachō Higashiyama WardRamen Restaurant
"Recommend halal ramen shop"
"The service is good, cosy place to eat halal food for solo or group travellers."
"Nice staff, miso ramen is my fave, there is also a prayer room"
Halal Ramen Gion Naritaya
424 RinkachōRamen Restaurant
"Recommend halal ramen shop"
"The service is good, cosy place to eat halal food for solo or group travellers."
"Nice staff, miso ramen is my fave, there is also a prayer room"
Tenkaippin
Matsubarachō Higashiyama WardRamen Restaurant
Japanese Regional Restaurant
"Very traditional Japanese food, very delicilous!"
"Had an excellent "healthy tofu" group dinner."
"Welcoming and respecful service."
7 locals recommend
Gion Maruyama Kagaribi
350 Gionmachi KitagawaJapanese Regional Restaurant
"Very traditional Japanese food, very delicilous!"
"Had an excellent "healthy tofu" group dinner."
"Welcoming and respecful service."
Torihisa
323 Gionmachi KitagawaKyoto Style Japanese Restaurant
Tea Store
"Very nice place for traditional Japanese tea and snacks..."
7 locals recommend
Tea ceremony En
272 MatsubarachōTea Store
"Very nice place for traditional Japanese tea and snacks..."
Gion Tokiwa
Hashimotochō Higashiyama WardSoba Noodle Shop. English menu is available and staff service is good!
Gion Hitsuji
347 Gionmachi KitagawaJapanese Confectionary Shop. "Strawberry Mochi was amazing- very delicate in taste , must try."
Ninigi
347-115 Gionmachi KitagawaJapanese Confectionary Shop. "Strawberry Mochi was amazing- very delicate in taste , must try."
Japanese Restaurant
If you would like to try Japanese style pickles, this is the best place to go. The set meal comes with all-you-can-eat rice, so it's quite filling.
Bubuya
Gionmachi Kitagawa Higashiyama WardJapanese Restaurant
If you would like to try Japanese style pickles, this is the best place to go. The set meal comes with all-you-can-eat rice, so it's quite filling.
GYUGYU
297-1 Gionmachi KitagawaMeat Dish Restaurant
Sushi Restaurant
Great sushi place, kyoto style sushi and fairly reasonable price compared to other restaurant in the area
17 locals recommend
Izuju
292 Gionmachi KitagawaSushi Restaurant
Great sushi place, kyoto style sushi and fairly reasonable price compared to other restaurant in the area
Essentials
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
Umemotochō Higashiyama WardCostume Rental Service
"Kimono"
FamilyMart Shijo-Hanamikoji
573-4 Gionmachi MinamigawaFamilyMart Tsukamoto-Gion-Higashiyama
584 ShinnochōEverything Else
Massage Therapist. "Prices are very good for the high quality of services." "Interior is relaxing and comfortable, even the floors of the rooms are warmed!"
Hiyoshido Massage
347 Gionmachi KitagawaMassage Therapist. "Prices are very good for the high quality of services." "Interior is relaxing and comfortable, even the floors of the rooms are warmed!"