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The erstwhile capital of Japan with its tranquil shrines, scenic gardens and picturesque pagodas, is an ideal destination for the travel weary tourist. Though Central Kyoto is a hub of business activity and is full of modern steel, chrome and glass buildings, the rest of Kyoto is a sight for sore eyes. If you have an interest in this country with history more than ten thousand years old, then Kyoto steeped as it is in Japanese history and culture, is the place for you. Kyoto offers an innumerable number of attractions for tourists, and travelers are advised to plan an itinerary in advance in order to visit as many as possible. KYOTO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Central Kyoto
- Kyoto Imperial Palace: The emperor resided here until 1868.
- Nijo Castle: Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shogun.
- Nijo Jinya: Former inn for visiting feudal lords.
- Toji Temple: Its USP is that it has Japan’s tallest Pagoda
- Pontocho Ideal for a taste of the nightlife of Kyoto
- Nishiki Market: Vendors selling the freshest of food. Eastern Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Hall: Exhibits 1001 Kannon statues.
- Kiyomizudera Temple: a beautiful temple with sprawling terrace.
- Gion District: Memoirs of a geisha? Famous as Kyoto’s geisha district.
- Yasaka Shrine: Is famous for its Gion Festival and its beautiful display of Japanese lanterns.
- Chionin: The most important temple for the Jodo sect of Buddhism.
- Heian Shrine: Shrine that is inspired from the ancient Imperial Palace.
- Nanzenji temple: Zen temple with a beautiful stone garden.
- Path of Philosophy: Walking trail lined with pretty cherry blossom trees.
- Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion: often called the poor cousin to the Golden Pavilion but definitely worth a visit. Northern Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion: adorned with gold leaf embellishments.
- Ryoan-ji Zen Temple: known as the best example of Zen architecture and its beautiful rock garden.
- Ninnaji: Former imperial residence, now a temple.
- Daitokuji: Large complex of Zen sub-temples.
- Toei Eigamura: Theme park as well as a film set.
- Enryakuji: Main temple of the Tendai sect.
- Ohara: Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple.
- Kurama: Rural town with a temple and a hot spring.
Western Kyoto - Arashiyama: Scenic city area famous for the Togetsukyo Bridge and Iwatayama Monkey Park.
- Tenryuji: Temple in the Arashiyama area.
- Katsura Villa: Extremely beautiful imperial villa.
Southern Kyoto and Uji - Fushimi Inari Shrine: dedicated to Inari the Shinto God of cereals. The ultimate torii experience.
- Tofukuji: a beautiful Temple which looks spectacular with the backdrop of maple trees in autumn.
- Byodoin: Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden.
- Mampukuji: Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.
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