Kyoto Things to Do

 6 Reviews  When I saw something described on a menu as 'bracken jelly' I just had to sample it. It came with a topping of soya flour and was rather nice - quite a delicate flavour, but not too sweet. It came... 

 6 Reviews  Koto-in is a subtemple of Daitokuji Temple, and it's one of Kyoto's famous places to enjoy the autumn foliage! The walkway leading up to the temple is lined on both sides by deciduous trees and there... 

 6 Reviews  Chionin Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The Sanmon Gate of Chionin is the largest in Japan and was built in the 17th century. The Amida Hall beside the hondo houses a beautiful... 

 5 Reviews  Tofukuji Temple is one of the Five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto. It has many subtemples, but the main part of the temple is around the famous Tsutenkyo Bridge, which is one of the most scenic places to... 

 5 Reviews  Maruyama Park is a large and park in the center of many of Higashiyama's famous sites! Most people enter from Yasaka Shrine, but Chion-in Temple also borders it and Kodaiji is not far. Within the park... 

 5 Reviews  Eikando is a relatively large temple complex just off the Philosopher's Path. Exploring the buidlings and walking around the lake is pleasant, particularly in spring and autumn however, the real... 

 2 Reviews  Built in the 17th century as a villa for Prince Hachijo Toshihito, Katsura Imperial Villa is considered to be of a purely Japanese design. It is often said to be among the best Japanese architectural... 

 6 Reviews  The original temple, founded in 888, was used as a residence for the ex-emperor, so Ninnaji Temple is also known as the Old Imperial Palace of Omuro. The current temple was rebuilt in the 17th... 

 3 Reviews  Kodaiji Temple was built in 1606 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's widow to pray for him. The landscape was designed by Kobori Enshu and features a Zen sand garden, rolling hills, a small pond, and carefully... 

 2 Reviews  very nice place to visit specially with kids, for 500 en per person you can have and access to a practically free roaming monkey mountain. The park is a steep 15-20 minute walk up the mountain from... 

 7 Reviews  Tenryuji Temple, i think a must see specially if you are near by. "Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at... 

 4 Reviews  You can't blame anyone. Kyoto has so many temples and shrines that you can't visit all of them in your limited time. Some shrines will be always on the top ten and some will be neglected. Kitano... 

 5 Reviews  Hokanji, also known as Yasaka Pagoda is a scenic pagoda that has lost the actual temple that once accompanied it! It was once a very influential temple, and there are relics of the Buddha inside,... 

 3 Reviews  Keishun-in is one of Myoshinji's subtemples, known for its garden. It was built in 1598. You can walk through the temple to see the tea house and then through the gardens. The walkway is nice, but to... 

 4 Reviews  Kamogawa (Kamo = wild duck, Gawa = river) was the eastern limit of Heiankyō, and had a significant meaning according to fengshui. Since the route of the river is highly linear, some people... 

 4 Reviews  Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Japan. It is also one of the "Five Mountains" (the official top five Zen temples) of Kyoto. Like many top Zen temples, it contains twin dragon paintings... 

 2 Reviews  Shosei-en was created in 1653 by a priest from Higashi Honganji Temple and belonged to the temple and was used as a detached residence. It was originally quite vast, extending all the way to the... 

 2 Reviews  Although Daigoji Temple is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites, it is less often visited by foreign tourists, but in my opinion, it's one of Kyoto's best temple complexes! Upon entering, the first... 

 4 Reviews  The Gion Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Japan! You shouldn't miss it! It runs for the whole month of July, but the highlight is on the 17th when many men pull large floats through the... 

 6 Reviews  The Ryozen Kannon is easily recognizable for the large statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, atop its temple. The temple was built as a memorial for all the Japanese who died in World War II. The... 

 4 Reviews  The Otani Mausoleum is located in a graveyard in Kyoto near Maruyama Park and Kodaiji Temple. Many visitors walk right by, but it is actually where the famous Priest Shinran is buried. Shinran is the... 

 2 Reviews  Although it is rarely on the itinerary for most foreign travellers, the Kyoto Botanical Garden makes quite a nice stroll. It covers a large area, and there are both plum and cherry tree groves, so it... 

 2 Reviews  The Nishijin Textile Center is a good place to stop for three things: 1 - to learn about the textile industry in Kyoto, with displays that show the history of this district over the centuries. You can...