What to see — Kyoto
Kyoto is a treasure trove of temples and gardens that transport you straight into Japan's past. Don't miss the stunning golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the serene rock gardens of Ryōan-ji, or the bustling bamboo groves of Arashiyama—each offers a completely different slice of this ancient city's magic.
幕末史跡 輪違屋 ★ 5.0〒600-8825 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Nishishinyashiki Nakanocho, 114-42
Kiyomizu-dera ★ 4.61 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862Historic temple with picturesque views. Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
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Kinkaku-ji ★ 4.61 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361Iconic, serene, gold-colored temple. Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
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Kyoto Imperial Palace ★ 4.6内 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-08115
Kyoto Railway Museum ★ 4.5Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835Railway exhibits & historic trains. Contemporary space with exhibits on the railway & an array of locomotives & trains on display.
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Ginkaku-ji ★ 4.52 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402Enduring Zen temple with scenic gardens. This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.
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Nanzen-ji ★ 4.586 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435Grand Buddhist temple with a Zen garden. Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.
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Ryōan-ji ★ 4.513 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001Long-standing temple & a Zen rock garden. On the scenic grounds of this 15th-century temple is a famous Zen rock garden & a yudofu restaurant.
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Kyoto Gyoen National Garden ★ 4.53 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881Picturesque park with historic buildings. Landscaped grounds with cherry blossoms & a stream, plus former imperial palace structures & events.
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Arashiyama ★ 4.5Ukyo Ward, KyotoSite with monkeys & a bamboo forest. Scenic location showcasing a host of monkeys, plus a bamboo forest & water vistas.
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Katsura Imperial Villa ★ 4.5Katsuramisono, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8014Historic residence & traditional garden. The grounds of this 17th-century imperial villa feature a scenic classical garden with teahouses.
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Shugakuin Imperial Villa ★ 4.51-5 Shugakuin Yabusoe, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8052Imperial villa with guided garden tours. Striking 17th-century imperial villa offering tours of its celebrated gardens with cascading ponds.
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Hojo Teien (Rock Garden) ★ 4.513-1 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001Arranged rocks & a viewing platform. Serene garden at a Zen temple with symbolically arranged pebbles on beds of moss & a viewing deck.
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Hokokubyo (Mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi) ★ 4.561 Imakumano Kitahiyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-092615
Hojo Garden （南禅寺方丈庭院） ★ 4.5Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435Dry landscape garden from the Edo period. Tranquil Zen garden said to have been designed by renowned artist Kobori Enshu in the early 1600s.