Choose from 51 Fun Things to Do in Kyoto
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 51 listings.
Nijo Castle
UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, a fortified complex dating from 1603, was the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. Walk in the pretty gardens or visit Ninomaru Palace to see fine Japanese artworks. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, a city already full of must-visit attractions.
The Basics
Inside the grounds of Nijo Castle are two palaces, Ninomaru and Honmaru, although only Ninomaru is open to visitors. The palaces are said to be the best-surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. Inside Ninomaru Palace are beautiful Japanese artworks, including about 3,000 folding screens and ceilings painted with gold leaf. The palace gardens, landscaped in a traditional Japanese style, are a peaceful place to walk. Many seasonal flowers bloom there, including camellias, azaleas, and maples.
Organized tours of Kyoto regularly include Nijo Castle on their itineraries, along with other highlights, such as the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Imperial Palace. Nijo Castle is quite near the Imperial Palace, so it’s easy to visit them together.
Things to Know Before You Go
- An admission fee is charged to enter the Nijo Castle grounds.
- English audio guides and in-person guided tours are available.
- Although the Honmaru Palace is not usually open, visitors can walk around the Honmaru Gardens and climb the stone tower for views of the palace and gardens.
How to Get There
The closest train station to Nijo Castle is Nijojo-mae on the Tozai line. Or, get there by bus. From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50 or 101, or from Shijo Kawaramachi, take Kyoto City Bus number 12.
When to Get There
The grounds are open from 8:45am until 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. The Ninomaru Palace is open from 9am until 4pm. The castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and between December 26 and January 4.
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Grave at Nikko
Travelers interested in the history surrounding Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived in Nijo Castle, should visit his memorial in Nikko. This town in the mountains in Tochigi Prefecture is easily accessible on a day trip from Tokyo. The Toshogu Memorial and other temples here, dating from the early 17th century, are some of the finest traditional architecture in Japan and are a UNESCO-listed site.
Address: Nijo-dori Horikawa, Kyoto 604-8235, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera) is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.
The Basics
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu Temple should not be missed when visiting Kyoto. Although originally built in 798, most of the current buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries because of repeated fires throughout the years. Lovely gardens and shrines surround Kiyomizu Temple, and the stage just off the Main Hall is famous for its city views.
Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see attraction in Kyoto, so most organized tours include it on their itineraries. It’s also easily accessed via public transport. The complex offers tours of the temple and grounds conducted by a Buddhist priest.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the temple is part way up Mount Otowa, it is fully wheelchair accessible, with no-step paths and special vehicle access via the emergency road entrance to save climbing the steps.
- The temple grounds are large, with 30 buildings and gardens to stroll through. While it’s possible to visit quickly, if you’re trying to see many highlights of Kyoto in a short time, it’s also worth spending a couple of hours here.
- There is a small admission charge.
How to Get There
Kiyomizu Temple is best reached by bus. From Kyoto Station, catch City Bus no. 206 or 100 (on Saturdays and holidays, take the Kyoto Bus no. 18) and get off at Gojozaka and walk east. Buses are also available from Hankyu Kawaramachi, Keihan Gion-Shijo, and Keihan Shichijo stations. There are no parking lots at the temple, and nearby lots tend to get crowded quickly due to the temple’s popularity.
When to Get There
The temple is open every day from 6am until 6pm or 6:30pm, depending on the season. Special night-viewing sessions are also organized in each season, when the temple remains open until 9pm. Every season at Kiyomizu Temple offers a different experience: the temple is surrounded by snow in winter, blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and fiery leaves in fall.
Stage on a Cliff
The Main Hall of Kiyomizu Temple is built upon a steep cliff, and the stage that hangs out in front offers amazing views of Kyoto. While this may seem like a precarious perch, especially in an earthquake-prone country, the platform has survived since 1633. The traditional construction method consists of 18 wooden pillars and uses no nails.
Address: Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Nishiki Food Market
With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood, to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.
The Basics
Although you can explore the market on your own, opting for a guided walking tour is a great way to bridge the language barrier, learn more about the vast array of foods on offer, and pick up tips on what to buy and from where. Sample local delicacies including sushi and sake during a food tasting tour; capture the colorful produce and bustling atmosphere on camera on a photography tour; or get hands-on and take part in a traditional Japanese cooking class, using ingredients purchased from the market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no entrance fee to the market.
- Opening times vary, but most shops and stalls are open from 9am to 5pm.
- Make sure you bring local currency—many stalls won’t accept credit cards or foreign currency.
- The market is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- How to Get to There
- Nishiki Market is located in downtown Kyoto, near the Daimaru department store. The closest subway stations are Shijo Station on the Karasuma line and Karasuma on the Hankyu line, both around a 5-minute walk from the market.
When to Get There
The Nishiki Food Market is open daily, and the entire market is covered, so it’s a safe bet for a rainy day. Available produce and foods depend on the season, and some stalls may be closed on Wednesday or Sunday.
Dining at Nishiki Food Market
Among the heaps of fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and mushroom varieties, Nishiki also has plenty of options for lunch, from street food vendors to casual sit-down restaurants. Tuck into a tasty omelette or a steaming bowl of soup; order a platter of sushi, sashimi, and yakitori; or try something more adventurous such as tako tamago (quail egg embedded in octopus), candied kumquats, or pickled gourds. For snacks, pick up some roasted chestnuts, tofu donuts, mochi (rice cakes), and various wagashi (Japanese sweets).
Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Kyoto 460-0003, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Okayama Korakuen Garden
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen Garden was commissioned by regional ruler Tsunamasa Ikeda in 1686 and took over 14 years to complete. Today, the 13-hectare garden is a protected public park and retains its original appearance despite undergoing extensive restoration in the post-World War II years.
Its vast grassy lawn is Korakuen’s most unique attribute, but for many visitors, it’s the traditional Japanese features that draw the most attention, like the immaculately clipped bonsai trees, the blossom trees that bloom with color each spring and the network of water ways bridged by dainty stepping stones and narrow wooden footbridges. Climb to the top of the Yuishin-zan hill for a view over the garden and the neighboring Okayama Castle, gaze out over the central lake from the Enyo-tei tea house, then follow the walkways to discover the plum and cherry orchard, small tea plantation and rice field, and cages of rare red-crowned cranes.
Practical Info
Okayama Korakuen Garden is located on an island on the Aashi River, opposite Okayama Castle, and is open from 7:30am-6pm in summer or 8am-5pm in winter. Adult admission is 400 yen.
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Okayama, Japan
Admission: Adult: 400 yen
From $ 723
Sagano
Often mistaken for the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Sagano expands north of the Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto. The tranquil area encompasses some of Kyoto’s most stunning landscapes. With rural residential areas, mountains dotting the horizon, fields ablaze with color and a famous bamboo forest, Sagano may just be one of Japan’s prettiest (and lesser known) spots.
By far, Sagano is best known for its bamboo groves. Walking trails wind through the forest, with thin, tall bamboos lining either side. Sun light filters through the narrow trunks, casting shadows along the path. Beyond the grove, one of the best ways to experience Sagano is on bicycle. In addition to the bamboo groves, there are numerous temples to explore, as well as the river and the well-traveled bridge. This idyllic nook on the outskirts of Kyoto should not be missed.
Practical Info
Located in the western part of Kyoto City, Sagano is best reached by train. The fastest way is on the JR Sagano Line. Get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. You can easily spend a full day exploring the area. One of the most popular times to visit is during the cherry blossom season, when the mountains look like multi-colored cauliflowers.
Address: Sagano, Ukyo-ku,, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 94
Ninna-ji Temple
Built at the end of the 9th century in the year 888 and founded by the reigning Emperor of the time, Ninna-ji Temple maintained a centuries long reign as a royal place of worship. Members of the Imperial Family served as the temple’s head priest, bringing prestige that lasts to this day. To further elevate its status, the temple was originally named Monseki-jiin and served as a residence for a member of the Imperial Family who had entered priesthood.
Today, Ninna-ji is the center of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and houses buildings from the former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Among the relocated historical treasures is a five-storied pagoda and Reiho-kan, a structure that houses cultural treasures such as sculptures, paintings, and the seated figure of Amida-Nyorai Buddha, the deity of Paradise. Encompassing the temple buildings is an orchard of dwarf cherry trees, making Ninna-ji one of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in Spring.
Today, Ninna-ji is the center of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and houses buildings from the former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Among the relocated historical treasures is a five-storied pagoda and Reiho-kan, a structure that houses cultural treasures such as sculptures, paintings, and the seated figure of Amida-Nyorai Buddha, the deity of Paradise. Encompassing the temple buildings is an orchard of dwarf cherry trees, making Ninna-ji one of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in Spring.
Practical Info
Ninna-ji is a ten minute walk west of Ryoanji Temple and a few paces away from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line – a small train that connects Arashiyama with the Kitano district. The admission fees are as follows: 500 yen for entrance ($5USD), 500 yen for cherry blossom viewing ($5USD), and 500 yen to gain access to the treasury hall, or Reiho-kan building ($5USD). The temple is open year-round.
Address: 33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Admission: Admission: 500¥; Cherry Blossom Viewing: 500¥; Access to Treasury Hall or Reiho-kan Building: 500¥
From $ 89
Maiko Marine Promenade
At the north end of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Maiko Marine Promenade takes visitors below one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. The observation hallway, located 154 feet (47 meters) above the sea, extends beneath the roadway with a floor partly covered by glass, allowing for views straight down to the water and an excellent viewpoint of the surrounding Akashi Straight.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened in 1998 as the longest suspension bridge in the world, but it carried only auto traffic. While it’s still impossible to cross the entire bridge on foot, the Maiko Marine Promenade gives you a close-up look at Kobe’s engineering marvel.
Practical Info
The Maiko Marine Promenade is closed every second Monday of the month. Access to the promenade is located 5 minutes’ walk from JR Maiko Station and Maiko-Koen Station.
Address: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan
Hours: The Maiko Marine Promenade is closed every second Monday of the month.
From $ 154
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Japanese royal family lived in Kyoto Imperial Palace until 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo. It’s located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, which also houses other palaces and shrines. This must-visit attraction allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying landscaped gardens.
The Basics
Although Japan’s royal family haven’t lived in the Kyoto Imperial Palace for more than 150 years, the imperial furnishings have been preserved and reflect the life of the royals in the mid-19th century. The beautifully landscaped Kyoto Imperial Park surrounding the palace contain jogging trails, picnic benches, numerous plants and water features, and is one of the finest public gardens in the city.
Travelers can visit the Imperial Palace independently, or as part of a full- or half-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Such excursions also tend to include sites such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, and Nijo Castle. The palace is located in Kyoto City, to the north of Kyoto Station, so is a convenient stop on sightseeing tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the park is free.
- While the gardens can be visited independently, the palace buildings can only be entered by prior arrangement with the palace authorities.
- The palace is very close to Nijo Castle, and the two places can be visited together in a convenient morning or afternoon of sightseeing.
How to Get There
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located between two JR Subway stations, Imadegawa and Marutamachi, both of which are a short walk away. Imadegawa station is a bit closer to the entrance gate.
When to Get There
The palace is closed Mondays, as well as from December 28 until January 4, plus some other public holidays. From April to August, it is open from 9am until 5pm; in September and March, from 9am until 4:30pm; and from October to February, from 9am until 4pm. Last admissions are allowed in 40 minutes before the grounds close.
Visit Kaninnomiya Mansion
While it’s not easy to go inside the Imperial Palace itself, visitors can go inside Kaninnomiya Mansion, a restored Edo-period luxury home within the Imperial Park. There were once hundreds of such mansions around the Imperial Palace, but this is the only survivor. The mansion, teahouse, and gardens with a pond are worth visiting—plus, they’re also free.
Address: Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 601-8151, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Nanzen-ji Temple
It is not every day that a retirement home is converted into a temple. After Emperor Kamayema’s death in 1305, however, this is exactly what happened. Named the Nanzenji Temple, it is now one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The Nanzenji Temple complex includes multiple buildings and several subtemples. Walking paths wind through the complex.
An impressive, large gate—the Sanmon entrance—welcomes visitors to the temple. The gate memorializes the soldiers who died in the battle for Osaka Castle in 1615. Visitors can make their way up to a balcony on the gate, which affords an incredible view of Kyoto and beyond. Trees line both sides of the pathway through the complex, and mountains dot the distant horizon. One of the popular spots on the premises is a zen rock garden, with formations many believe look like tigers swimming through the water.
Practical Info
The closest subway station to Nanzenji Temple is Keage Station on the Tozai Line. From Kyoto Station the trip takes about 20 minutes. One unique way to access the temple is by walking the Philosopher’s Path first; the temple is located at the southern end.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8435, Japan
From $ 34
Sannomachi St (Kami Sannomachi)
Take a walk down Sannomachi St (Kami Sannomachi) in Takayama’s old town, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the Edo Period (1600-1868). This well-preserved portion of the historic city features traditional homes, merchant houses, sake breweries, shops and cafes — some of them have been operating for centuries.
Sake has long been an area specialty, and many of Takayama’s oldest sake breweries are congregated along Sannomachi St. Recognizable by the large globes of cedar branches (called sugidama) hung above the doors, these traditional breweries often welcome visitors to step in and sample the iconic Japanese beverage. Other points of interest along the street include the Hida Archeology Museum (Hida Minzoku Kokokan) and the Fujii Art Gallery, where visitors can browse exhibits showcasing folk art objects and household items from the Edo Period.
Practical Info
Sannomachi St is located about 10 minutes on foot from Takayama Station on the JR Takayama Line.
Address: Sannomachi St, Takayama, Japan
From $ 45
Nishi Hongan-ji
While many of Kyoto’s temples provide insight into ancient Japanese Buddhist history, few showcase contemporary movements. That’s what makes Nishi Hongan-ji unique. Built in the late 16th-century, the temple remains today an important landmark for modern Japanese Buddhism. Located in the center of Kyoto, the large temple and its sibling-temple, Higashi Hongan-ji, represent two factions of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism.
The three main attractions on the temple grounds include Goeido Hall, Amidado Hall, and the temple gardens. Goeido Hall is dedicated to the sect’s founder, and Amidado Hall to the Amida Buddha – the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. Cultural treasures, including surviving masterpieces of architecture, are displayed in these main halls. The Temple garden is known as a “dry” garden, utilizing stones, white sand, trees, and plants to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
The three main attractions on the temple grounds include Goeido Hall, Amidado Hall, and the temple gardens. Goeido Hall is dedicated to the sect’s founder, and Amidado Hall to the Amida Buddha – the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. Cultural treasures, including surviving masterpieces of architecture, are displayed in these main halls. The Temple garden is known as a “dry” garden, utilizing stones, white sand, trees, and plants to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
Practical Info
The temple can be reached on foot from Kyoto Station within 10-15 minutes. One of the main halls of the temple, Amida Hall, is undergoing renovations until 2015. Scaffolding covers the structure. Nishi Hongan-ji is open during daylight hours year-round, and there is no entrance fee.
Address: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
From $ 60
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Travelers hoping for a glimpse of a more traditional Kyoto will feel like they’re stepping back in time upon first stepping into the Imperial-era shopping district of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. This pair of gently sloping, pedestrian-only roads, considered among the most attractive streets in the city, are lined with traditional shops, restaurants and tea houses occupying traditional wooden houses.
Shoppers will find chopsticks, fans and handmade crafts, while foodies can sample mochi balls, green tea ice cream or matcha cakes. Whether you come to shop, eat or simply soak up the atmosphere, take care not to stumble. According to local legend, slipping on either street will lead to bad luck (or even death) in two or three years respectively.
Practical Info
While the neighborhood is particularly scenic during cherry blossom season in spring, it’s also at its most crowded. If you’re planning a visit for this time of year, opt for an evening visit to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Address: Kyoto, Japan
From $ 100
Koko-en Garden
Located on the grounds of the Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden was finished in 1992 to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. The 9-acre (3.6-hectare) space, divided into nine smaller gardens, showcases the typical garden style of the Edo Period when Japan was under shogun rule.
Professor Makoto Nakamura from Kyoto University supervised the design of the gardens, which are laid out on the former site of the lord’s residence and samurai houses. The smaller garden spaces were designed so that as you walk through, the view is constantly changing.
At the onsite Tea Room, designed by an Ura school tea master, visitors can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The garden also houses a Japanese restaurant where traditional dishes are served with views over the garden.
Practical Info
There’s always something worth seeing in Koko-en Garden, but by far the best time to visit is during cherry blossom season (typically between March and May) when the delicate pink blossoms adorn the garden trees.
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Japan
From $ 154
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
With its scenic canals lined with weeping willows, Edo-period gardens and historic merchant houses, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers an authentic feel of Old Japan at the heart of one of Japan's oldest merchant towns.
The historical quarter has been painstakingly preserved, with the 19th- and 20th-century buildings characterized by their mushikamado latticed windows, whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs, and the waterfront promenades linked by pretty stone footbridges. Highlights of the atmospheric district include the grand Ohashi House; an array of museums including an Archaeological Museum, a Toy Museum, a Museum of Folkcraft and the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art; and the aptly-named Ivy Square, a former textile mill now crawling with ivy and home to a cluster of cafés, traditional tea houses and crafts shops.
Practical Info
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is located in central Kurashiki, along the Kurashiki River.
Address: Kurashiki, Japan
From $ 30
Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island (also known as Itzukushima) has been a Shinto holy place for centuries and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, a red gate (torii) rising from the water just off Miyajima’s shores. Other ancient shrines and temples speckle the island, nestled among a thick forest of maple and cherry trees.
The Basics
Visit Miyajima Island’s many temples, hike through the forest, and see the views from Mount Misen. You can also visit an aquarium, peruse a small history museum, and shop for souvenirs on Omote-Sando, the island’s main street.
Most Miyajima Island day tours depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day tour and visit the island along with notable cities such as Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima. On Miyajima, you can explore Mount Misen on a guided walking tour or see island highlights on a rickshaw tour. Private tours are also available for a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Miyajima Island is a must-see for nature and culture lovers.
- A variety of restaurants and convenience stores can be found on Omoto-Sando shopping street.
- At low tide you can actually walk out to Itsukushima Shrine and pass through it.
- The island has public restrooms.
How to Get There
By boat, Miyajima Island can be reached from Hiroshima in less than an hour. Direct boats run from Hiroshima Peace Park and from Hiroshima Port.
When to Get There
Known for its maples and broad-leafed trees, Miyajima Island is particularly picturesque in autumn. Spring is also a good time to visit, when the island’s cherry trees are in bloom. Since Miyajima is a popular day trip destination, most visitors leave by dusk. To see the island free of crowds, stay overnight in a traditional inn (ryokan).
Where to Hike on Mount Misen
Mount Misen sits 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level and has three hiking trails: the Momijidani, Daisho-in, and Omoto courses. The Daisho-in trail is the easiest and offers great views along the way. Each course leads to the summit in about two hours, and you might see deer—and even wild monkeys—along the way. On clear days, it’s possible to see Hiroshima from Misen’s peak.
Address: Miyajima Island, Japan
From $ 6
Miho Museum
The Miho Museum is situated in the hills of Shigaraki, around an hour’s drive southeast of Kyoto. The museum is named after Koyama Mihoko, who founded the museum and who also happens to be one of the richest women in Japan.
The architecture of the Miho Museum is the first thing to strike visitors as they approach the building via a dramatic causeway. The mainly glass structure somehow blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, and this theme continues inside the museum, with the use of warm stone and glass - the latter of which providing beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
The exhibits inside the Miho Museum are that of Mihoko’s private antique collection - mainly pieces from ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Egyptians, along with a number of Asian cultures. The main exhibition changes every year or so, and temporary exhibits change every few months.
Practical Info
To reach the Miho Museum, take the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Ishiyama Station and then take bus number 150 from bus stop three straight to the museum. The bus will arrive at a reception area, where you can buy your tickets before making your way to the main museum entrance, either on foot or via the free museum shuttle.
Address: 300 Shigarakicho Tashiro, Koka, Shiga Prefecture 529-1814, Japan
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: 1,100Yen, Youth: 800Yen or 300Yen
From $ 10
Takayama's Morning Market
Each morning the historic city of Takayama hosts two morning markets. The smaller of the two takes place in front of Takayama Jinya and the larger — one of the best morning markets in Japan — takes place on the east bank of the Miya-gawa River in Old Town.
The morning market tradition dates back to the Edo Period, and modern day shoppers will find vendors selling fresh produce, local folk art, souvenirs, sweets, fresh milk and other traditional Japanese cooking ingredients, like miso. And while both markets remain open until around noon each day, they’re best visited around 6 am when they first open, as there’s an added energy in the air as vendors begin setting up their stalls and preparing their wares for the local early shoppers.
Practical Info
Both markets are located within a 10-minute walk of JR Takayama Station.
Address: Takayama, Japan
From $ 308
Ryoan-ji
No matter from where visitors view Japan's most famous rock garden, at least one rock is always hidden from sight. That's one of the reasons that Ryoan-ji, a temple with an accompanying zen rock garden, attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally a residence for aristocrats, the site was converted to a Buddhist temple in 1450. The temple features traditional Japanese paintings on sliding doors, a refurbished zen kitchen, and tatami, or straw mat, floors.
The temple's main attraction has always been the rock garden, as much for its meditative qualities as a desire to find meaning in its minimalistic attributes. The garden is a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 larger stones on moss swaths interspersed seemingly arbitrarily. Some have said the garden represents infinity; others see it in an endless sea. Ryoan-ji is nestled down a wooded path that crosses over a beautiful pond with several walking trails. The luscious setting is as attractive as the temple itself.
The temple's main attraction has always been the rock garden, as much for its meditative qualities as a desire to find meaning in its minimalistic attributes. The garden is a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 larger stones on moss swaths interspersed seemingly arbitrarily. Some have said the garden represents infinity; others see it in an endless sea. Ryoan-ji is nestled down a wooded path that crosses over a beautiful pond with several walking trails. The luscious setting is as attractive as the temple itself.
Practical Info
Take a JR bus from Kyoto Station directly to Ryoan-ji. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and buses run every 15-30 minutes. Another option is to take a bus ride of a 20 minute walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple. By train, take the Keifuku Kitano line, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station, and walk approximately 5-10 minutes to the temple. The entrance fee is 500 yen ($5USD), and the temple is open year-round from 8:00m-5:00pm March through November and 8:30am-4:30pm December through February.
Address: Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Hours: 8am - 5pm March - November and 8:30am - 4:30pm December - February.
Admission: 500¥
From $ 60
Pontocho
Foodies who spend any time in Kyoto will want to dedicate at least one evening to Pontocho, an incredibly atmospheric dining area packed with restaurants and exclusive tea houses lining a narrow, cobbled alley just west of the Kamo River.
Visitors from around Japan and the world come here for the open-air dining along the river and the opportunity to spot apprentice and master geishas scurrying to their appointments. While most of the tea houses are difficult to visit without a connection, visitors will find a range of restaurants — everything from inexpensive yakitori to modern Kyoto cuisine – to choose from in the evenings.
Practical Info
Pontocho is rather quiet by day, so plan your visit for the evening hours to experience the alley at its best.
Address: Pontocho, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 43
Sanjusangen-do Hall
Built in 1164, Sanjusangendo Temple impresses in scope, size, and detail, with 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, flanking the main image of a giant, seated Kannon. Carved in the 12th and 13th centuries, the statues are arranged in 50 columns, each two rows deep. It's said that the Kannon witness and protect against human suffering. To aid in their mission, the Kannon are equipped with 11 heads and 1,000 arms.
"Sanjusangendo" translates to hall with thirty three spaces between the columns," describing a traditional measurement system. The wooden temple building extends 118 meters (387 feet), making it the longest of its kind in the world. Originally built for former emperor Go-Shirakawa, the Temple today remains a religious destination and popular tourist stop. It represents some of the most exquisite Japanese Buddhist sculpture and architecture in the country.
"Sanjusangendo" translates to hall with thirty three spaces between the columns," describing a traditional measurement system. The wooden temple building extends 118 meters (387 feet), making it the longest of its kind in the world. Originally built for former emperor Go-Shirakawa, the Temple today remains a religious destination and popular tourist stop. It represents some of the most exquisite Japanese Buddhist sculpture and architecture in the country.
Practical Info
Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop is located 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus numbers 100, 206, or 208 or a 20 minute walk. The temple is also a five minute walk from Schichijo Station along the Keihan Line. A parking lot is available but has limited spots. The temple is open from 9:00am - 4:00pm every day of the year, and a small entrance fee is required.
Address: Higashiyama-ku Chaya-machi, Kyoto 605-0941, Japan
Hours: Open daily, Mar - Oct 8am - 5pm, Nov - Mar 9am - 4pm
Admission: ¥600
From $ 55