Forest, Park

The bamboo forest in the Arashiyama area is one of the most photographed places in all of Japan. The tall, slender bamboos create a narrow path that feels almost surreal - as if you've suddenly left the city and found yourself in a completely different world. The forest is located just a few dozen metres from Tenryu-ji Temple, and most visitors visit it in one walk around the Arashiyama area. [btn "Find a discount hotel in Kyoto" https://www…

Palace, Garden

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the main residence of the Japanese Emperor until 1868. It was here that the imperial court resided for more than a thousand years - until the capital was moved to Tokyo. Located in the northern part of the city centre, in the middle of the extensive Kyoto Gyoen Park, the extensive grounds include many buildings and gardens covering approximately 1.5 km². 👉 [btn "Book a hotel in the centre of Kyoto" https:/…

Park, Zoo

Iwatayama Monkey Park is a popular attraction in the Arashiyama area. Here you have a unique chance to see a troop of about 120 Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. Although the monkeys appear to be tame, they are wild animals. Do not touch them or look the monkeys in the eye. It can scare them into aggressive behaviour. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Kyoto" https://www.booking.com/city/jp/kyoto.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-kjoto…

Botanical garden

Kyoto Botanical Gardens is located north of the city centre near the Kamo River. They opened in 1924 and are one of the oldest public botanical gardens in Japan. Covering more than 24 hectares, it features themed gardens, ponds, extensive lawns and a modern greenhouse with tropical plants. It's peaceful, spacious and considerably less touristy than most Kyoto temples. I most enjoyed visiting the greenhouses and taking a leisurely stroll in…

Temple, Garden

Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding as the imperial capital. The giant torii gate itself, about 600 meters from the entrance, is one of the largest in Japan and one of the main landmarks of downtown Kyoto. But honestly - I was more taken with the gardens behind the main grounds than the shrine itself or the giant torii gate. The ponds, the bridges, the silence... and the gentle artificial…

Temple, Garden

Chion-in is the main temple of the Jōdo school in Japan and one of the largest temple complexes in Kyoto. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the Gion district, yet it tends to be considerably quieter than Kiyomizu-dera. It is dominated by the massive wooden Sanmon Gate and a wide stone staircase, which is one of the most impressive temple entrances in the entire city. For my money, Chion-in is a vastly underrated beautiful place with…

Temple, Park

Yasaka Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto and the symbolic entrance to the Gion district. Just beyond the grounds is Maruyama Park, a popular spot for hanami and picnics under the sakura trees. Honestly? It's a very popular and often crowded place. If you've seen Fushimi Inari or the quieter shrines to the north of the city, it can feel a bit crowded. [btn "Find accommodation in the Gion area" https://www.booking.com/city/jp…

Temple, Garden

Kōdai-ji is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in the Higashiyama area, yet many visitors don't even know about it. It's just a few minutes' walk from Kiyomizu-dera and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, but the atmosphere is often much quieter. The temple was founded in the early 17th century in honour of the famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens, a bamboo grove and small tea pavilions. [btn "Find a hotel in…

Temple, Garden

Ninna-ji is a large Buddhist temple in the northwestern part of Kyoto. Most tourists only head to nearby Kinkaku-ji, but Ninna-ji often offers a much more peaceful experience. The sprawling complex, with its five-story pagoda, gardens and former imperial palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The smaller crowds here make the Kyoto experience a little more authentic than at the most famous temples. [btn "Show hotel prices in Kyoto" https:/…

Temple, Garden

Ryōan-ji Temple is one of the most famous Zen places in Japan. Although the grounds themselves are not huge, they hide one of the most iconic gardens in the world - a minimalist composition of 15 stones in a sea of white gravel. At first glance, it looks surprisingly simple. But therein lies its power. The garden is designed in such a way that you cannot see all 15 stones at the same time from any one place. One of them always remains hidden. …

Temple, Historic Bridge, Garden

Tofuku-ji is one of the most famous Zen temples in Kyoto and is especially famous for its beautiful autumn colours. The temple complex was built in the 13th century and is now one of the largest Zen temples in the city. The main attraction is the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which runs across a valley full of maple trees. In autumn, the entire valley turns shades of red and orange and the site is one of the most photographed locations in Kyoto. The…