Top 10 Attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto is a historical capital city with a history of thousand years. It is also the most attractive city in Japan. There are world heritage sites, temples and shrines everywhere. The tourists are like walking into the historical siege and discovering the beauty of the ancient Japanese capital when visiting Kyoto. Among these beautiful attractions, what are the places must-see in Kyoto?

1、Kinkakuji Temple

Recommended reason: The most famous temple in Kyoto.

Kinkakuji Temple is the most famous temple in Kyoto. It attracts tourists from all over the world. It is said that the color of the Kinkakuji Temple is made up of pure gold foil with a weight of 20kg, which is very luxurious. Many visitors to the Kinkaku Temple will buy a golden amulet to go home in order to pray for wealth. The temple also offers special amulet items such as Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars amulets that little girls will love.

2、Arashiyama

Recommended reason: Famous attraction for viewing red maple leaves in Kyoto

The cherry blossoms in the spring and the red maples in the autumn are very famous here, which attracts a large number of tourists. It is a natural tourist attraction in the western suburbs of Kyoto, including the surrounding areas of the Moon Crossing Bridge and the Sagano area. Visit the Moon Crossing Bridge and  bamboo forest, take the Sagano train, pray in Tenryū-ji Temple are famous activities to do in Arashiyama.

3、Gion

Recommended reason: The most famous Geisha districts in Kyoto

Gion is not only the most famous geisha district in Kyoto, but also one of Kyoto's most popular attractions. Many tourists visit Gion only for the glimpse of the geisha. There is a popular street named Hanami Lane(flower-viewing lane) in Gion, where you can meet geisha and find many tea houses with exquisite facades and unique features.

4、Todaiji Temple

Recommended reason: A temple that houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha

Todaiji Temple was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" in 1998.  The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. The Great Buddha Temple of Todaiji temple has a front width of 57 meters and a depth of 50 meters. The large Buddha statue that is more than 15 meters high. The great Buddha statue and the large gate are highlights of the temple.

5、Nara Park

Recommended reason: The most concentrated place for deer

If you want to get close to the deer, you must go to Nara Park. Nara Park is the most concentrated place for deer, so it is also called "Nara Deer Park". There are many deer in the park. The deer looks docile and the actual temper is not so good. When feeding deer, you should pay attention to your safety. In addition, it is one of the pioneers of modern Japanese parks. Most famous attractions such as Mt. Wakakusa、Todai-ji Temple、Kasuga Grand Shrine and Nara National Museum are nearby there. After visiting Nara Park, you can visit these attractions. It is very convenient.

6、Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Recommended reason: The most popular tourist attraction for foreign tourists in Kyoto

According to a survey conducted by TripAdvisor in 2014, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine was ranked first in the Japan's most popular tourist destinations for foreigners. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is the main shrine of of nearly 30,000 sub-shrines in Japan. Senbon tori is a popular place in Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. There are more than 10,000 toriis. This originated from a custom - when the wish is fulfilled, people will worship a torii to the shrine. Many tourists and Japanese come here to bless a prosperous business and harvest. It is a good place for praying.

7、Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Recommended reason: Popular attraction for viewing cherry blossoms and red maple leaves in Kyoto

In 1944, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera , which is listed as a World Heritage Site, is a representative attraction of Kyoto and it is a must-visit landmark for cherry blossoms and red maple leaves viewing in Kyoto. There are different beautiful scenery in four seasons of the year.

8、Nishiki Market

Recommended reason: Best place to experience the atmosphere and food culture of Kyoto

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", Nishiki Market is the best place to experience the atmosphere and food culture of Kyoto City. Located near the Shijo area in the center of Kyoto, it is a 400-meter-long shopping street with more than 140 shops selling a variety of fresh food and daily necessities as well as a variety of Japanese snacks. The Nishiki Market Shopping Street is equipped with rain-proof roof, so the shopping is not affected by the weather. If you want to experience the atmosphere and food culture of Kyoto, you can’t miss Nishiki Market.

9、Shijokawaramachi

Recommended reason: The most lively place in Kyoto

When you come to Kyoto and want to go shopping, the first recommendation is near the Shijo-Kawaramachi, where the Kyogo shopping street and the Shijo-Minami-machi are the most lively places in Kyoto. There are many department stores and restaurants that you can choose. The Shinkyogoku Shopping District is popular among tourists. You can buy specific products in Kyoto, as well as T-shirts, kimonos souvenirs and of course other popular items in Kyoto. It is a good place for shopping.

10、Nijo Castle

Recommended reason: Popular attraction for viewing cherry blossoms

Nijo Castle is a world cultural heritage. Among the many world heritage sites in Kyoto, the only one that are not shrines is only Nijo Castle. It was built in 1603 and was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Kyoto. Nijo Castle has always been known for its variety of cherry blossoms and is Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spot. Nijo Castle is a famous place to enjoy cherry blossoms. In the spring season, there are limited lighting lights during the cherry blossom season to make 200 cherry blossoms in the Nijo Castle beautiful.