Super Classic Attractions! Kyoto's Top 10 Sightseeing Spots
KuromaruKyoto reflects the rich history and traditional culture of Japan, and there are many shrines, temples, and gardens to visit.
In this issue, we will introduce a selection of the most popular tourist attractions.
Now, let's go on a trip to Kyoto to experience its history and beauty.
- Kiyomizu Temple, the most famous spot in Kyoto
- Kinkakuji Temple, a golden landmark of Kyoto
- Ginkakuji Temple, a beautiful temple with a simple Japanese atmosphere
- Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine with its many photo-worthy torii
- Arashiyama, a popular place for strolling through bamboo groves and river rafting
- Walk around in Kyoto with a ninja costume in Gion
- Byodoin Hoodo with its beautiful symmetry
- Sanjusangendo, famous for its endless rows of Buddhist statues
- Popular Edo period castle “Nijo Castle"
- The most peaceful place in Kyoto “Ryoanji"
1. Kiyomizu Temple, the most famous spot in Kyoto
Kiyomizu temple is especially known for its “Kiyomizu-no-butai”
The view from the wooden stage, which is perched on a cliff, is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto city.
The temple also offers beautiful views of nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
Visitors can shop for souvenirs and enjoy eating and drinking at the “Nineizaka” and “Sanneizaka” paths leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
For more information on temples, have a look at our Ninja Blog article on 10 Must-Visit Temples in Kyoto!
Photo by Kiyomizu temple
2. Kinkakuji Temple, a golden landmark of Kyoto
Kinkakuji Temple (official name: Rokuonji Temple), as its name suggests, is characterized by its magnificent exterior covered in gold leaf.
"Kin" is written as 金 in kanji and means gold.
The reflection of the Golden Pavilion in the vast pond is a must-see.
Read our Ninja Blog article for more information! Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto's golden treasure
Kinkakuji temple's official website
3. Ginkakuji Temple, a beautiful temple with a simple Japanese atmosphere
Ginkakuji Temple (official name: Jishoji Temple) has a simple appearance in contrast to Kinkakuji Temple.
"Gin" is written in kanji as !銀! and means silver.
However, unlike Kinkakuji, which is made of real gold, Ginkakuji is not decorated with silver.
It is called silver in contrast to the glittering Kinkakuji and the simple and solemn Ginkakuji.
The temple is elevated on the slope of a mountain, offering a panoramic view of the garden.
The mountain made of heaped sand is original and splendid.
Photo by Ginkakuji temple
4. Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine with its many photo-worthy torii
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the headquarters of the many Inari shrines throughout Japan.
The “Senbon-torii,” a series of many torii gates, is a breathtaking sight and creates a mysterious atmosphere.
In addition, many statues of foxes welcome visitors to the shrine grounds.
Read our Ninja Blog article for more information! Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - a beautiful Kyoto power spot with 1,000 torii gates
Fushimi Inari shrine's official website
5. Arashiyama, a popular place for strolling through bamboo groves and river rafting
Arashiyama is a nature-rich area located in the western part of Kyoto City.
Visitors can enjoy the elegant scenery of the Togetsukyo Bridge and small paths through bamboo groves.
Visitors can also take a trolley ride or experience river rafting.
6. Walk around in Kyoto with a ninja costume in Gion
Gion is an area where the traditional streets of Kyoto still remain, and there are many popular spots such as Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji Street.
At the “Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion,” visitors can change into a ninja costume and practice ninja training.
You can go out on the town or take a tour while wearing the costume.
7. Byodoin Hoodo with its beautiful symmetry
The Byodoin Hoodo (Phoenix Hall) was built to represent the Pure Land of Paradise.
It is also depicted on Japan's 10-yen coin, and its beautiful architectural style attracts many visitors.
Byodoin Hoodo's official website
8. Sanjusangendo, famous for its endless rows of Buddhist statues
Sanjusangendo, famous for its infinite number of Buddhist statues
Sanjusangendo is 120 meters long and houses 1001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
The sight of the Buddhist statues lined up in a row is overwhelming.
Sanjusangendo's official website
9. Popular Edo period castle “Nijo Castle"
Nijo Castle was built in the early Edo period and was the setting for many historical events.
In addition to the lavishly decorated palace, the garden is one of the highlights of the castle.
Read our Ninja Blog article for more information! Nijo Castle: A beautiful World Heritage with history and culture
Nijo castle's official website
10. The most peaceful place in Kyoto “Ryoanji"
Ryoanji is a Zen temple known especially for its stone garden.
This garden consists of 15 stones arranged in such a way that no one stone is always visible from any angle.
This unique beauty and the serenity that pervades the garden attract many visitors.
Summary
Kyoto has a lot of tourist attractions.
However, first-time visitors often get lost on where to go.
Use this list of 10 must-see tourist spots to make sure you don't miss out on any must-see places!
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
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