Places to visit in Kyoto

120 people recommend, 21 warn against itvia r/Kyoto, r/JapanTravel, X, r/JapanTravelTips

Many visitors recommend Fushimi Inari, and many praise a night walk up the mountain for its atmosphere and calm. Many visitors say daytime visits are busy, especially near the base, though many say crowds thin higher up and many advise arriving early. Many describe the climb as steep and tiring, while others say you need not go all the way to the top, and a few say it is far from Arashiyama, so pairing them in one day can feel rushed. On night walks, some visitors found the upper sections dim while others call the route well lit, and a few mention wild boar.

59 people recommend, 26 warn against itvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel, r/Kyoto

Many visitors recommend the temple, and several call it worth seeing despite the crowds, while one visitor says its elevated setting, wooden architecture and views stand out. Many visitors suggest arriving at opening, when it is far calmer, while many others describe heavy crowds during the day, one calls near sunset the worst time, and a few expect autumn to be busier still. One visitor says tour groups leave near closing, which eases things a little, but advises not lingering at the main hall. A few visitors feel it is overrated or would skip it.

29 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravelTips

Many visitors recommend this monkey park up the hill, and several praise the city views from the summit. Several visitors find watching the monkeys fun, but many describe a steep climb, and a few say summer heat makes it harder. Several visitors suggest cutting it from a packed itinerary, and one visitor found the monkeys unsettling and advised against very young kids. Another visitor enjoyed it but would not go back, and one visitor found it slightly underwhelming beyond the view.

25 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/Kyoto, X, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors who discuss Nijo Castle recommend it, with a few calling it historic and a few praising its architecture and upkeep. Some visitors note that extra tickets are needed for the interior palace buildings, and one visitor recommends a guided tour that reaches areas standard tickets do not include. Caveats include a few visitors suggesting skipping it for quieter sights or other castles, a few saying it closes early or was shut when they arrived, and one finding it busier than some other sights, though another calls it not crowded. A few visitors also suggest starting early or grouping it with other quick stops.

22 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/japan, r/Kyoto, X, r/JapanTravel

Several visitors recommend it, with comments such as a classic must-see, visually stunning, or deserving of its hype. A few describe having it almost to themselves, though two of those visits were during the quiet pandemic era, while many visitors warn of heavy crowds and a short visit with views from one main spot. A couple call it overrated and a few more suggest skipping it when time is tight, and a few note it is awkward to reach, so it works best with an early start paired with nearby sights.

21 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel, X

Many visitors recommend this temple, and two call it underrated. Several visitors point to its bamboo grove, and one visitor says the stairway there makes a good spot for shooting upward, while a couple of visitors count the temple among their favourites in Kyoto. Several visitors describe the grounds as calm, and one found them nearly empty even at peak cherry blossom time. One visitor warns that its bamboo path has grown crowded with long photo shoots.

19 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravel

Visitors recommend Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and a few visitors describe it as uncrowded, one of them even at peak cherry blossom season. A few visitors suggest starting the day here, and a few visitors say a bus or taxi gets you up to the temple. One visitor says walking downhill from the temple is gentler on the legs, and another recommends it mainly to find a small statue. One visitor notes it is closed on Wednesdays, so check the visit date before going.

17 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel

Many visitors recommend the Kyoto Railway Museum, though only one describes their own visit. That visitor says the interactive displays and steam train turntable stood out, and advises booking timed events and simulators ahead. Another suggests it as a largely indoor option on scorching or wet days. One visitor says they are not personally into railway museums.

14 people recommendvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Most visitors recommend Kodai-ji, and several say it is especially worth seeing at night, when the illuminations are on. A few visitors found its small bamboo grove less crowded. One visitor calls the illuminations spectacular but notes they are not always switched on.

14 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Kyoto, r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel

Several visitors call the moss garden beautiful, serene and peaceful, and some mention copying a sutra before the garden walk. Many visitors say you need to book well ahead, and one notes it is closed for part of late winter. A couple of visitors say the pre-entry monk singing is no longer held, and one found it nice but busier than Gio-ji. Another visitor found it calm during festival season.

13 people recommendvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend Ryoan-ji, and a few praise its zen rock garden and find it calmer than other famous Kyoto temples. One visitor says the pond walk on the way out stands out more than the rock garden. Crowds are a caveat: one visitor found it busy but well behaved, and several suggest going in the morning or early in the day.

13 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/Kyoto, r/JapanTravel

Visitors describe Gio-ji as a quiet, peaceful small moss garden, and several single out the moss. One visitor finds it easy to visit with no booking step, though fairly busy in peak season, and a couple say the garden is small.

13 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend Pontocho Alley in the evening for a walk, a meal, or late-night food, and several say it works best then. Several also praise its atmosphere, though a couple of visitors feel it can be a tourist trap, and one visitor found evening crowds made walking hard to enjoy. One visitor sees it as mainly a row of eateries, and a few visitors have mixed feelings about it overall.

12 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/Kyoto, r/KyotoTravel

Visitors recommend Sanjusangendo, and several call it underrated. People praise the hall of Kannon statues; one visitor who went in person found it not too busy, while another found it somewhat busy but compact. One commenter describes it as more of a tourist attraction than a worship site, one notes photos are not allowed inside, and another says it is simple to reach from the station.

12 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend Nanzen-ji, a couple of them for its temple gardens and one for the Sanmon gate climb and aqueduct, and several recommend the walk from Ginkaku-ji along the Philosopher's Path to reach it. One visitor finds it skippable personally, and another warns that autumn colour may not justify a visit depending on the November date. One visitor lists it as a priority for autumn leaves if seasonal reports look good, and notes it can get busy.

12 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend To-ji, and several point to the monthly flea market held at the temple. A few visitors suggest an evening visit, and some say the grounds look lit up at night. Two visitors say it can be skipped when a trip is already packed with other temples, and one cautions about arrival timing. Some visitors note it is close to Kyoto Station and easy to reach.

11 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend Kurama-dera, a mountain temple reached by train or by a forest hike from Kibune, and a couple call it a favorite. A couple of visitors praise the forest scenery and views, and they also find it much less crowded than the city's main sights. One visitor describes the hike from Kibune as steep, and another says their visit was only a brief stop.

11 people recommendvia r/Kyoto, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Overall, visitors recommend Daitoku-ji, and several of them describe it as less crowded than the better-known sights. A few visitors suggest it instead of Kinkaku-ji or Kiyomizu-dera, while a couple of others praise its Zen gardens. A couple describe a complex of subtemples, and another points to a small bonsai garden among its varied sights.

11 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel, r/Kyoto

Many visitors recommend Shimogamo Shrine, and several find it calmer than Kyoto's busiest spots. One visitor says the small zodiac shrines and water-reading omikuji are a highlight, and another likes its Kamo family history. One visitor notes it sits away from the main sights, while another expects the autumn colors to be stunning.

11 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/Kyoto, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend this botanical garden, and two visitors praise its greenhouse and mention spots to sit or picnic. One visitor calls it super cool, and another found it busy with families on a hot Sunday but not overwhelming. A commenter warns that black-tailed kites may take food from anyone eating outdoors.

9 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel

Visitors recommend this street of preserved Meiji-era buildings, and a few call the area beautiful or full of atmosphere. Several visitors describe it as calm or nearly empty, including at peak cherry blossom time, and one mentions a few spots for coffee or snacks. Several suggest walking or cycling there together with the nearby bamboo grove and other Arashiyama temples.

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/Kyoto

Most visitors recommend Yasaka Shrine, and several find it especially pleasant after dark, with a few of them highlighting its lanterns. One visitor says it is less worthwhile during the day, and another finds it nice but possibly overvisited given its position. One visitor notes the street stretch linking it with Kiyomizu-dera is scenic but now very crowded, and one suggests a walk between the two as an alternative to the castle. One visitor says a dramatic night photo of it online shows more than you can see in person.

8 people recommendvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Visitors recommend Kennin-ji, and one commenter calls it underrated, while a couple single out its painted sliding doors and ceilings. One commenter says the art mixes modern and traditional styles. Another visitor points to the dragon ceiling as a sight worth seeing, and several pair it with Kiyomizu-dera and other nearby temples. No one warns against the temple itself.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/Kyoto

Most visitors recommend Eikan-do, and one visitor points to its covered wooden walkways and pagoda. Another visitor suggests pairing it with Nanzenji in one day as a big accomplishment, and another says its autumn nighttime illumination is worth seeing. Caveats: one visitor found summer heat cut their visit shorter than planned, another warns that autumn colours may not justify a trip in November, and a further visitor finds it pleasant in September but not as striking as autumn photos suggest.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravelTips

Most visitors recommend Kifune Shrine, and two visitors describe it as a quiet, restful spot surrounded by nature. Two visitors who saw snow there enjoyed the scene, with one calling it magical. One visitor suggests starting here and hiking onward to avoid backtracking. One visitor warns it felt unusually packed for its size and suggests Kurama instead.

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel

Several visitors recommend Tenryu-ji as part of an Arashiyama day, with one visitor singling out its dragon ceiling and another enjoying the walk to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. One visitor suggests walking the bamboo grove early, before the temple garden opens, and says the garden repays a slow pace. One visitor expects crowds like Fushimi, heavier still in peak autumn foliage, while another thinks its popularity comes mainly from being near the station. One visitor found it cool though their companion was lukewarm, while another found the north-gate approach uncrowded.

7 people recommendvia r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravel, r/Kyoto

Most visitors recommend Sanzen-in, with several calling the place beautiful and one visitor ranking its garden among the best in the country. A couple of visitors find it crowded, while another found it quiet on their visit. One visitor notes it is hard to reach by public transit, and another suggests an afternoon visit because the ride out is scenic.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Many visitors recommend the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and a couple of visitors say it is easy to reach from Kyoto Station. One visitor says a current exhibit on how post-war art shaped manga and anime is good, and a commenter notes it suits anyone with an interest in manga. On the downside, one visitor says it could easily be skipped, and another found it fine but felt it leaned heavily on WWII and was not a priority.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/JapanTravel, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravelTips

Overall, visitors recommend Tofuku-ji, and several find it relatively uncrowded, with the site sitting close to Fushimi Inari. Visitors note it can get busy in autumn, and one visitor suggests it is easy to skip in September, when the maple valley looks plain green. Another commenter suggests dropping it if your itinerary already includes many temples.

6 people recommendvia r/JapanTravel, r/JapanTravelTips

Visitors recommend teamLab Biovortex, and one calls it enjoyable. One visitor suggests aiming for the earliest slot to avoid crowds, another found it impressive but dizzying after a while, and one would rather spend early mornings on other Kyoto sights.

6 people recommendvia r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravel

Visitors who discuss Okochi Sanso Garden, near Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama, recommend it. One visitor calls it a beautiful place to stroll and suggests it as an alternative to the bamboo grove, while another, looking back, remembers its tea house fondly. Another visitor suggests arriving early, while it is still quiet, but a commenter warns that visiting nearby stops and the bridge may take longer than expected.

6 people recommendvia r/JapanTravel, X, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravelTips

Several visitors recommend Togetsukyo Bridge, and a couple of them praise the river scenery and views. One visitor suggests it as a pleasant way to close out an Arashiyama outing, and another suggests watching night cormorant fishing from the bridge. One visitor describes it as a well-known Kyoto attraction that draws both domestic and foreign visitors, and another compares its look to Prague's Charles Bridge.

5 people recommendvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel, r/solotravel

Visitors recommend Shoren-in. One visitor says the hike up the trail behind it stays calm even at busy times. Another calls it a favorite and says it is rarely busy. Two visitors include it among temples worth seeing beyond the best-known ones.

5 people recommendvia r/Kyoto, r/KyotoTravel, r/JapanTravel

Visitors recommend Enko-ji, and one visitor's report describes a single spring cherry blossom visit that felt magical and nearly empty. Another visitor names its bamboo forest as an alternative to the Arashiyama grove, and one visitor says they enjoyed it among temples beyond the best-known ones.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/JapanTravelTips, r/KyotoTravel

Visitors recommend Daigo-ji for its quiet grounds and few crowds, and one visitor calls its pond bridge lovely. Some visitors find it out of the way and inconvenient to reach, and one of them says it is not essential. A couple suggest dropping it for the Tofuku-ji-area temples or Fushimi Inari when time is short, while another says it is worth the trip mainly in cherry blossom and autumn seasons.