Kyoto, a city of over a million people and the former capital, served as the seat of the emperor’s government for over a thousand years and is still considered one of Japan’s most important cultural centers. Kyoto blends traditional Japanese culture, historic temples, and tea houses. Since the city remained almost entirely undamaged during World War II, most of its historic buildings have been preserved and take you on a journey back in time.

Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines – so it’s impossible to visit them all during your trip to Japan. In this post, I’ll share my favorite spots and the best sights in Kyoto for first-time visitors, which we explored during our trip to Japan.

🛏️ My Hotel Tips in Kyoto:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mercure Kyoto Station – our hotel in Kyoto → Click here for availability & rates

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⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gion Yoshiima – a Japanese guest house in the historic district  → Click here for availability & rates

🚄 How to get to Kyoto?

Kyoto is located on the Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed rail line and is therefore very easy to reach.

Here are some travel options:

• From Tokyo: Direct service from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station; the fastest train (Nozomi) takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• From Osaka: Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station; about 30 minutes.
• From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Take the JR Haruka Express directly to Kyoto Station; about 75 – 80 minutes.

Kyoto Station is a central transportation hub. Here you’ll find all the options for continuing your journey to the hotel by train, bus, or taxi. A little tip from me: If possible, book a hotel with good public transportation access, since Kyoto’s sights are spread throughout the city.

📅 How many days should you plan for Kyoto?

I think three full days are a good choice for a first visit to explore Kyoto’s main highlights and sights. If you’d also like to visit a few hidden gems or spend some time in temples or gardens, 4–5 days are ideal. That way, you’ll always have time for a relaxing break at a café.

🗓️ When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

🌸 In the spring (March – May), you can expect pleasant temperatures and the beautiful cherry blossoms, especially from late March through early April.

☀️ In contrast, summers (June – August) can be very hot and humid, and the rainy season runs from early June through mid-July. The famous Matsuri Festival also takes place in July.

🍁 Fall (September – November) brings back more pleasant temperatures, especially in October. A highlight in November is the colorful fall foliage of the maple trees.

❄️ It gets noticeably colder in winter (December – February), though this also attracts fewer tourists, and the snow-covered temples and gardens are very photogenic.

My recommendation: Kyoto is a great destination year-round. Spring and fall are especially beautiful times to visit all the sights in and around Kyoto. However, the popular cherry blossoms and fall foliage also attract the most visitors.

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📍Kyoto – the Most Beautiful Sights & Hidden Gems

🏮 See the districts Higashiyama & Gion

Higashiyama and Gion are two historic districts featuring traditional alleyways, teahouses, temples, and small shops. Gion is also the famous geisha district – a famous location for engagement and wedding photos, or for the traditional 20th birthday photo in a kimono.

In both districts, you can enjoy strolling through the old streets and truly soak up the atmosphere of traditional Kyoto. Don’t miss out on this Kyoto tip!

My tip: Gion has an especially atmospheric mood in the evening and is much quieter during this time of the day → This guided tour is very popular among visitors→ This guided tour is very popular among visitors and gives you a closer look at geisha culture.

📸 See the Ninenzaka Street & Yasaka Pagoda

In the Higashiyama ward, you’ll also find Kyoto’s most famous photo spot: the historic Ninenzaka alley, with a view of the Yasaka Pagoda. Built in the 6th century, the pagoda was faithfully reconstructed in the 15th century after several fires and wars and is especially popular for its famous sunset view. For me, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful Kyoto sights for first-time visitors.

My photography tip: You’ll need plenty of patience if you want to take a photo without people in it. But you can also come early in the morning – it’s much less crowded then, and the pagoda is bathed in the light of the rising sun.

🏯 Kiyomizu-dera – one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions

Among the most beautiful sights in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera, the Temple of Pure Water – one of Japan’s most significant and most-visited Buddhist temples. It is located on Mount Otowa, near the Otowa Waterfall, and is famous for its 13-meter-high wooden terrace, built on massive wooden pillars without a single nail. The view over Kyoto is breathtaking. Narrow historic streets lead up to the temple. They’re lined with cute shops, traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and cafés – perfect for strolling, shopping, and taking a short break.

Admission: 500 yen (cash only)

My insider tip: For a truly special spot near the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple—one that’s much less crowded and very peaceful—it’s worth taking a walk to the Buddhist Ryōsen-Kannon Temple, which features a huge sculpture of Kannon reflected in a pond. A truly impressive place!

🏯 Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace

The famous Imperial Palace is not only of historical significance, but also one of Japan’s most precious treasures. For more than 500 years, it served as the seat of the reigning emperor, until the imperial court was moved to Tokyo in 1869. Although the palace thus lost its original function, it offers a unique insight into Japan’s imperial history and stands as an impressive testament to Japanese architecture. I was particularly fascinated by the beautiful garden, which seemed almost magical to me.

You can visit the palace grounds free of charge at any time; only the interior of the palace building is off-limits. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth a visit and is one of my top tips for Kyoto.

Admission: free

⛩️ Fushimi Inari-Taisha – Kyoto’s famous red gates

Fushimi Inari-Taisha, situated at the foot of Mount Inari, is the most important Shintō shrine in Kyoto and is famous for the countless red torii gates that wind their way through the wooded mountain slopes. There are around 10,000 torii gates in total, through which a walking trail some 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long leads up to the summit of the mountain. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of prosperity, rice and trade.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for your climb, as the site is much larger than you might initially expect. What’s more, you’ll find yourself stopping in awe time and again – and not just because of the red gates. The path itself is beautiful and builds a tremendous sense of anticipation for the breathtaking view that awaits you at the top, especially at sunset. For any first-time visitor to Kyoto, the site is undoubtedly one of the most important and beautiful sights.

Admission: free

🌿 A hidden gem in Kyoto: The Komyo-in Temple

This place absolutely enchanted me and is a real hidden gem in Kyoto: the small Komyo-in Zen temple is a hidden gem with a beautiful Japanese garden – a peaceful place to linger, relax and take a deep breath. It offers a particularly lovely contrast to the better-known, often more crowded sights. If I lived here, I’d probably come here very often, just to read a book and enjoy the special atmosphere. That’s why I’ve added it to my Kyoto tips.

Important: Please behave respectfully within the grounds to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. Feel welcome as a guest and return that kindness in kind.

There’s a great café in front of the temple, which I can highly recommend. You’ll find more information about it in my restaurant tips.

Admission: 500 yen (cash only)

🌳 Stroll though the Tofuku-ji Temple Complex

Right next to Komyo-in lies this temple complex, dating from 1236, with an equally beautiful garden. It is one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto. I particularly liked the beautiful, densely planted Hojo gardens here too. In summer, huge hydrangeas bloom here, and in autumn the garden is renowned for its stunning autumn colours. From the historic covered Tsutenkyo wooden bridge, you get a particularly lovely view over the garden.

Admission: Entry to the main grounds is free; admission is only required for special areas such as the Hojo Gardens (500 yen) and the wooden bridge and temple hall (600 yen).

✨ Visit Kinkaku-ji – The Golden Pavilion

No first visit to Kyoto would be complete without seeing the city’s famous Golden Pavilion. Covered in real gold, it literally glows like the sun itself and sparkles from afar, drawing in admirers. The former shogun’s residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now one of the most significant symbols of Zen Buddhism.

The layout of the three storeys is particularly interesting: the first is like the interior of a palace, the second like a samurai house, and the top floor like a Zen temple. Unfortunately, however, visitors are only allowed to view the temple from the outside.

The pavilion is, however, surrounded by a lovingly designed Zen garden, where every stone and every plant has been carefully placed to create a harmonious balance between humankind and nature. Be sure to take the time to marvel at this beautiful Kyoto landmark and stroll through the Japanese garden.

Admission: 500 yen

🌸 A quiet hidden gem in Kyoto: The Heian-jingu Shrine & Japanese Garden

We discovered this shrine rather by chance, as its unique garden caught my eye. In fact, for me it is one of the most beautiful places in Kyoto; as a real hidden gem, it is visited by very few people.

Compared to other Shintō shrines, Heian-jingu Shrine is relatively young. It was built in 1895, following the relocation of the imperial residence to Tokyo, to commemorate the more than thousand years during which Kyoto served as the capital. My insider tip: take a stroll through the stunningly beautiful Imperial Strolling Garden (Shin-en Garden). The Bridge of Peace (Taihei-kaku) is particularly lovely, with its numerous little glass bells that tinkle gently in the wind.

For me, peaceful retreats like this are an essential part of any trip – they allow you to switch off from the hustle and bustle and discover more than just the most famous sights. It’s a great way to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a foreign place, which is why I’m happy to share these Kyoto tips with you as you set off on your journey.

Admission: 600 yen for the garden

🎋 A Must See in Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Bamboo holds a very special significance for the Japanese: it is said to ward off evil spirits. That is why bamboo gardens are laid out around many temples. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is arguably the best-known and most photographed bamboo forest in Japan and is one of the top things to do in Kyoto. The huge bamboo stalks, soaring skywards, are up to 20 metres high. Walking amongst them feels mystical, as it is a magical sight whilst at the same time you can hear a beguiling rustling sound. This sound has been designated by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 soundscapes to be protected.

As you can imagine, it’s often very crowded here. So here’s my tip: come early in the morning, when it’s much less busy and the morning mist sometimes still hangs amongst the bamboo plants, making the special atmosphere even more enchanting. That way, you can take your photos in peace.

Arashiyama is located outside of the city center so you need a bit of a longer drive to get here – but the connection with the public transport is great! It just requires a bit of extra walking from the station, so keep that in mind if you plan your visit to the Bamboo Forest.

Admission: Free

My Extra tip:

Near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, there is a very beautiful temple – Otagi Nenbutsuji – with numerous Buddha statues. It’s well worth a visit and can be easily combined with a trip to the bamboo forest.

Important planning tip from personal experience: Unfortunately, the temples in Arashiyama are closed to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Admission: 500 yen

Don’t miss these unforgettable activities in Kyoto:

☕ My Restaurant & café recommendations in Kyoto

Hikiniku to Come –  The best Grilled Patties

• popular for its freshly grilled minced meat patties – they are by far among the tastiest I’ve ever eaten
• the patties are grilled right in front of the guests and served in three different ways
• a very interactive dining experience and a real treat for the taste buds
• Important: Be sure to book in advance

Chikujo-so – a traditional Japanese Tea House

• a traditional, local café; right next to the Komyo-in Zen Temple
• private rooms with a view of a Japanese garden
• particularly lovely for a quiet break in a traditional setting

Mochi Mochi – Watch mochi being made live

• Known for the traditional pounding of the mochi dough, which visitors can watch live.
• However, photos and videos may only be taken if you buy some mochi and join the short queue
• Location: on Matsubara-dori Street, which leads to the famous Kiyomizu Temple

Pontocho Alley – The best atmosphere in the evening

• A narrow alley running parallel to the river, lined with lots of small restaurants, bars and shops
• Particularly lovely for an evening stroll and a bite to eat

The most beautiful sights and hidden gems in Kyoto – my summary

There’s no doubt about it – Kyoto is definitely one of the must-see destinations on any trip to Japan! There are so many beautiful temples and shrines, with inviting gardens and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, that you’ll want to stay there forever. The city enchants with its historic streetscape and invites you to wander, marvel and feast. And the best thing is: there’s so much to see that even after your first visit, there’s always something new to discover. For your own trip to Kyoto, I recommend not stressing yourself out trying to visit every single attraction. Instead, choose a few highlights that you’d like to see and simply immerse yourself in the city’s unique charm at a leisurely pace. That way, your first visit to Kyoto will be unforgettable.

I hope my Kyoto tips in this post inspire you and help you with your travel preparations. I’d love to hear your feedback.

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