Our Pick of 7 Unmissable Spots in Kyoto

One of Japan’s most beloved cities, Kyoto, offers up a little slice of paradise for those who want to experience Japanese culture. A far cry from the chaos and lively streets of Osaka and Tokyo, Kyoto deserves your undivided attention, and you’re sure to make your trip all the more memorable and worthwhile when you visit these spots.

Temples, sakura and shrines galore: Kyoto's most unmissable spots

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is certainly a must-visit and bucket-list destination. Here, you can walk through tall bamboo groves, which give the feeling of being in another world. Bamboo is native to Japan, and is a significant part of its culture, so if you want to dive head-first into the local culture, then this is definitely a good place to start. 

The good thing about this place is that, no matter the type of traveller you are, whether that’s a culture aficionado, nature lover, curious first-timer or simply someone who happened to stumble across this place, you’re guaranteed to feel fulfilled and want to know more the second you arrive. 

Fushimi Canal 

Capturing the true meaning of peace, the Fushimi Canal offers calming boat trips across the water, which is lined with the beautiful cherry blossom trees or sakura, making the trip all the more scenic. The boat trip is great for sightseeing and scenic views, or alternatively, you can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the canal. No matter the time of year you visit Japan, this is guaranteed to give you the best views. 

Gioji Temple

This quiet little temple is surrounded by mossy gardens and greenery, making it physically hidden from the rest of the city and a perfect little find. In autumn, the greenery turns orange and red at the start of the new season – the setting of this temple feels like something straight out of a film. If you appreciate peace and quiet, then you’ll definitely want to visit here, as there’s unlikely to be swarms of tourists like many of Kyoto’s other city attractions. 

Fushimi Inari Tunnel/Gate

Often thought to be a portal to another world, the Fushimi Inari Tunnel/Gate is a very curious attraction, and one that sightseers and photography enthusiasts will equally enjoy. This Shinto shrine featuring the signature bright orange tunnel trail leads to a forest below Mount Inari, with trails up to the peak. While most locals will know about this cool hidden gem, we’re letting you in on a little secret as to where to find it – clue, it’s in Fushimi-Ku in Southern Kyoto. 

KenninJi Temple

Another temple on our list, this one is mostly included for its beautiful artwork and picturesque location. This time a Buddhist temple, it’s a highly respected and well-known Zen temple in the city.

Considered to be the oldest temple of its kind in the city, it’s a sacred and significant temple among locals and Buddhists. Visitors can admire the murals and paintings inside the temple, most of which depict dragons and gods. These beautiful paintings are what make this temple stand out amongst the others and sit atop your Kyoto itinerary.

Nagaoka Tenmangu

This beautiful shrine is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or self-guided sightseeing tour, not just thanks to the beautiful main building, but to its beautiful bright red azalea hedges. With a walkway through the hedges, you can admire the centuries-old Kirishima azaleas that decorate the shrine – did you know that the shrine also hosts a festival dedicated to these flowers?

But it’s not just these beautiful red floras that make this shrine worth visiting, as its gardens are wonderfully picturesque and charming, with ponds, cherry trees and lotus flowers in certain times of year, making it a stunning place to be pretty much all year round. 

Higashiyama District

The Higashiyama District is included in our rankings simply because of the beautiful quaint and charming villages and streets, lined with unique buildings and cherry blossom trees. Considered to be one of Kyoto’s Old Town districts, the streets are lined with old fashioned wooden buildings and independent cafes, shops and boutiques that have been around for centuries. You can easily spend hours here, strolling through the streets, getting lost in the shops or visiting the temples and shrines around them. If you want an authentic Kyoto/Japanese experience, you should definitely check out Higashiyama District.