Kyoto, along with Tokyo, was one of the cities that most captivated me during my visit to Japan. Unlike the capital, which is known for its modernity, otaku culture, and the vibe of a large metropolis, Kyoto It's the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan. A city where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. From ancient temples to bamboo forests, every corner offers a unique picture and a multitude of activities.
Kyoto is a city where each neighborhood has its own distinct personality, very different from the rest, but they all share a strong historical and cultural identity that is evident in every corner.
We will discover in the city several of the iconic sites, which you have surely seen in images on social networks, such as The Gion district, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama or the thousand Torii (Fushimi Inari Taisha)As soon as you see them you will think “Oh, this was in Kyoto?”
Well, it's time. Let's delve into this mythical city and discover everything it has to offer.
Si te interesa saber más de Tokio, podés leer el articulo que escribí sobre mi visita a la ciudad de mis sueños
Table of Contents
First impressions of Kyoto
I arrived early in the morning after traveling for several hours on an overnight bus from Kanazawa. Traveling by bus in Japan is usually a cheaper, though longer, alternative to taking the Shinkansen trains.
For that stretch, I opted for the bus because not only was there a significant price difference compared to the train, but sleeping on the bus also saved me a night's accommodation.
From the start, I noticed a different aura about the city. Just walking from the bus terminal to my accommodation, the PBP Hostel Kyoto (closed today), I noticed that the number of temples was much greater than in other cities I'd been to in Japan.
I was tired from the trip, but excited to start exploring this city that would end up winning my heart.
This post is part of the travel itinerary to Japan and South Korea where I travel through both countries for 40 days.
Must-see places to visit in Kyoto
I spent 4 full days in Kyoto, which I dedicated to walking around it a lot, experiencing it, and getting lost in its streets and temples.
It has countless places to visit, especially temples, museums, and historic sites. It also has a significant number of walking trails in the surrounding area to explore another side of the city.
Map of the most important places to visit in Kyoto
Gion and the traditional streets
It is the famous traditional neighborhood of Kyoto, especially for the Maikos and streets like HanamikojiEvery day, for some reason, I ended up walking through this area. For me, it's the heart of the city.
To get to Gion from the west side of the Kamo River, you have to cross the Shijo BridgeAs you do so, you'll see multiple restaurants along the riverbank, with people talking, strolling, or having a drink. It's a popular area for young people to meet and enjoy the atmosphere.
On the other side of the bridge, past the theater (which looks very beautiful at night), a significant change in the city's architecture and streets begins to emerge. This is where the Gion District begins.
You see many Japanese people dressed in traditional clothing from ancient Japan, especially women, who love to dress like Geisha.
Walking through these picturesque alleys, I come across wooden houses, candy craft shops, cafes, restaurants, tea shops, temples, pagodas, and people, lots of people.
Following the main artery, I come across an iconic spot in Gion, Sanneizaka Street. It's a pedestrian street on a hill with a pagoda in the background. It's a great spot for taking photos, lots of photos.
It's usually crowded, but at night, there's no one there.
The walk symbolically ends on the hill where the gate is. Kiyomizudera Niomon, the Kiyomizudera Shoro bell tower and a temple complex, especially the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
With so many people everywhere during the day, it wasn't easy to fully immerse myself in Gion, but things change at dusk. The streets begin to empty out, and we can find ourselves walking alone in several alleyways.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
This is the temple located at the top of the hill past the Gion district. The first temple was built in 778 AD, but the current buildings date back to 1631 due to multiple fires. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994 and is made up of several halls, gates, towers, and a pagoda. It is a beautiful temple in a prime location in the city, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
Behind Kiyomizu-dera Temple there are also trails that lead into the forest if you want to get away from the crowds.
At dusk, the walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka It's picture-postcard.
Ticket price: 500¥
Nishiki Market
An iconic 400-year-old market filled with stalls selling all kinds of Japanese foods. It's a place with a great atmosphere and a vast selection of street food. A stroll through it and trying different dishes is an experience.
Maruyama Park
If after crossing the Shijo Bridge, we continue straight ahead (instead of turning into Gion), we enter Maruyama Park.
Inside, there is a shrine and several temples, all in a very peaceful setting. If we climb the hill, we can enjoy views of Kyoto and, with luck, stumble upon one of the trails that are part of the city's extensive hiking network. If we wish, we can even follow the trail and exit the grounds through another entrance.
Nanzenji Temple
It is a Buddhist temple and monastic complex in Kyoto. It is located on the slopes of Higashiyama Mountain, which borders the eastern part of the city.
It has a large Sanmon entrance gate, a main Hojo building (building that houses the temple abbot's quarters) and the Konchi-in temple.
Within its beautiful gardens, we can find a structure that resembles a Roman aqueduct. It's striking to find this there, but it blends well with the surroundings.
Walk along the Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a pedestrian path that follows a canal dotted with cherry trees between the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji temples. The path follows the course of a shallow irrigation canal.
The route was named after two 20th-century Japanese philosophers and professors at Kyoto University, who are believed to have used it daily for exercise.
The trail passes several temples and shrines and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the entire walk.
At the northern end of the path there are good views of nearby Daimonji.
Arashiyama and the bamboo forest
Heading northwest of Kyoto, we find one of the areas I liked most in the city, along with Gion. Unlike the traditional district, Arashiyama has a quieter atmosphere and is surrounded by nature.
In Arashiyama is the famous bamboo forest. You've probably seen it in hundreds of photos. It's a short trail, though, that runs through a forest filled with bamboo, creating a landscape unique in Japan and the world.
That particular path is usually packed with people, crowding around to take the typical photo among the bamboo. But if we step back a bit, the rest of the neighborhood is very peaceful. It has an atmosphere that I loved.
Some of the Activities we can do in Arashiyama are:
- Walk through the Iwatayama Monkey Park and climb the hills to see Kyoto from above
- The obvious walk through the bamboo forest
- Visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple
- Walk along the slopes of the Katsura River and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge
- Getting lost in the streets of the Arashiyama district
How to get to Arashiyama from downtown Kyoto
There are several options for getting to Arashiyama from central Kyoto.
Go to Arashiyama by train
- From Kyoto Station (Kyoto Station), take the line JR Sagano Line (also known as Sanin Line).
- You have to get off at the station Saga-Arashiyama.
- The trip takes about 15-20 minutes and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if they have it.
- From the station, you have to walk a few 10 minutes to the heart of Arashiyama (bamboo forest, Togetsukyo bridge, etc.).
Arriving by Tram
- Take the line Keifuku Randen Tram from Shijo-Omiya Station until Arashiyama Station.
- It is a slower journey (about 25-30 minutes), but quaint and with a lot of retro charm.
- Good option if you are near Gion or the north-central area.
By Bus
- There are direct buses from central Kyoto (such as from Shijo-Karasuma either Kyoto Station).
- The journey may take 40 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
- It is cheaper but less efficient during peak hours.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (The Thousand Torii)
In the southern part of the city, we can find another of the famous places that can be visited in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine (The Thousand Towers)Built in 711 AD, it is famous for its thousands of red torii that form tunnels over the mountain to reach the summit. These were and are donated by individuals or companies.
It's best to go early (before 8 a.m. if possible) to enjoy it without the crowds. After 12 a.m., it's already packed with people.
The climb to the upper shrine takes about two hours round trip. It has several viewing platforms, with spectacular views of Kyoto. If you want A good photo of the red torii without people, they just have to go up and up, the further they go, the more chance they have of getting to the gates without so many tourists.
Admission is free.
How to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha
By train, with the JR Nara line (the fastest and most convenient)
- From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line and get off at the Inari Station.
- The journey takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around 150 yen.
- Inari Station is right in front of the shrine, so it's very easy to locate.
- Important: make sure you take a train local, since fast trains do not stop at Inari Station.
- If you have the Japan Rail Pass, this route is fully covered.
By train, using the Keihan Line (useful if you're near Gion or eastern Kyoto)
- From the station Gion-Shijo either Kiyomizu-Gojo, take the Keihan Main Line to the station Fushimi Inari.
- The trip takes about 22 minutes.
- From Fushimi-Inari Station, walk about 5 minutes to the sanctuary.
- Please note that limited express trains do not stop at Fushimi-Inari Station.
- This option not included on the Japan Rail Pass.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
It was originally built in 1397 as a vacation villa for the shogun. It was later transformed into a Zen temple.
This temple is unique in that it's covered in gold leaf, which reflects on a lake. It's iconic and always packed with people. I didn't visit it, but they say it's worth it.
Trekking to Mount Kurama
On the outskirts of Kyoto, if you want to get out of the city for a bit, you can take a short but beautiful trek between the villages of Kurama and Kibune.
Just one hour from downtown Kyoto, he Mount Kurama It offers a simple but very atmospheric route, between ancient temples, giant cedars, and legends of samurai and tengus (forest spirits with red faces and long noses).
The typical route starts at the Kurama Station (Eizan Line) and ends in the Kibune-guchi Station (or vice versa). Although as a recommendation, it is advisable to do it in the opposite direction. Kurama → Kibune, because the steepest climb is at the beginning and the end is more relaxing, with the option of having lunch or resting on the terraces next to the Kibune River.
The duration of the trekking is 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pace and stops. The route connects:
- Kurama-dera, a Buddhist temple on the mountainside
- Wooded and cobbled paths with huge roots
- Arrival at Kibune, a charming town with restaurants on streams
The beautiful thing about this path is its mystical atmosphere, with few people if you avoid the weekends.
It's an easy trek, but with long climbs. If you like nature with a touch of Japanese spirituality, don't miss itn.
How to get to Mount Kurama from Kyoto?
Although it is on the outskirts, it is very easy to access by public transport.
To get to Kurama Station from Kyoto
- From the Kyoto Station, take the JR line to Demachiyanagi Station (about 20 min by JR Nara Line or subway).
- In Demachiyanagi, transfer with the Eizan Line (Eizan Electric Railway).
- Take the train to Kurama (Eizan Kurama Line)
- The trip takes about 30 minutes, passing through rural and mountainous landscapes
- Get off at the last station: Kurama
This line It is not included in the Japan Rail Pass, but the fare costs approximately 430 yen. You can pay with an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc.).
To return to Kyoto from Kibune
The trekking ends in Kibune, a very picturesque village on the other side of the mountain. To return:
- From the end of the trail in Kibune, you have to walk a few 20 minutes downhill until the Kibune-guchi Station (also from the Eizan line).
- From Kibune-guchi, take the train back to Demachiyanagi and then connect with the line back to Kyoto.
Other hiking options in Kyoto
There is two great hiking trails: one of approximately 84 kilometers that runs through the interior or sides of the mountains surrounding the city of Kyoto, and another of approximately 50 kilometers in the Keihoku area.
He 84 km trail (including the Higashiyama, Kitayama (east and west) and Nishiyama routes) It starts at Fushimi Inari and reaches Kurama., passing through Higashiyama, Mount Hiei, and Ōhara. It then continues from Nishigamo to Arashiyama and Koke-dera Temple, passing through Takao and Kiyotaki.
If you want to do another short but famous trek in Japan, be sure to read the article I wrote about the Nakasendo Route.
Along the way, there are many historic temples and shrines, so you can enjoy both the walk and the history and culture of Japan's ancient capital.
The Keihoku Trail passes through beautiful rural landscapes, with Kitayama cedar forests and crystal-clear streams, allowing you to fully enjoy the nature of the Tanba region. Signs are posted along the way to guide you clearly.
It's not necessary to walk the entire route; often, while walking through some of the hills surrounding Kyoto, you'll come across signs indicating which stage of the route you're taking.
It's another way to connect with Kyoto and discover a different side of it.
Other Temples in Kyoto
There is countless temples in KyotoWe can find one on practically every block. I've only mentioned the most well-known ones, but if we walk from one place to another, we're sure to come across several very beautiful ones.
How to get to Kyoto
As one of Japan's most important and tourist-friendly cities, Kyoto is excellently connected to the rest of the country. Getting there from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Hiroshima is very easy, especially if you use the bullet train system (Shinkansen), which is fast, comfortable and very efficient.
From Tokyo, the shinkansen journey to Kyoto takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the type of train (the Nozomi It is the fastest, although it is not included in the Japan Rail Pass, while the Hikari and the Kodama Yes they are). Since Osaka, the bullet train ride is just 15 minutes, and there are also cheaper local train options that take between 30 and 45 minutes.
If you prefer a more economical alternative, you can also travel by long-distance bus, as I did coming from KanazawaAlthough the journey is longer, it's a good option if you want to save on transportation or travel at night to make the most of your time.
How to get around Kyoto
Although there is a metro, the most useful transport is the buses and local trains.
- It may be helpful to purchase a Kyoto Bus Pass If you plan to use it a lot (600 yen/day approx.)
- Bicycle: very good option for medium distances
- JR Pass: It is useful for traveling to other destinations (such as Nara or Osaka), but within Kyoto it is not as useful.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto has several areas to stay, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
They can be host in Gion either Higashiyama Whether you want a traditional experience or enjoy the picturesque neighborhood, you're in Kyoto's most photogenic area, with cobblestone streets, wooden houses, nearby temples, and the chance to bump into a maiko in the afternoon.
- Advantages:
- Super close to temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka
- Perfect for walking
- Many ryokan (traditional inns) and tea houses
- Disadvantages:
- It may be more expensive
- Public transport is not so direct (but you walk a lot, which helps)
- There are a lot of people
Stay near Kyoto Station It can be convenient for getting around and connecting to trains. It's a modern, well-connected area.
- Advantages:
- Direct connections with JR Pass
- Hotels of all price ranges
- Shopping malls, supermarkets and Japanese fast food nearby
- Disadvantages:
- Less traditional charm
If you are looking for something more peaceful and natural, Arashiyama is the right placeThe neighborhood is on the outskirts, surrounded by mountains, temples, and trails.
- Advantages:
- Relaxed atmosphere, ideal for disconnecting
- Near the bamboo forest and the Hozugawa River
- Good point if you are going to stay longer.
- Disadvantages:
- Far from the center (30-40 min by train)
- Fewer options for going out at night
4-day itinerary in Kyoto
I'll tell you how I put together my four-day itinerary in Kyoto. Considering that I love walking, a lot, this is how I explored the city.
1st day in Kyoto
On the 1st day I walked through the Nishiki Market, crossing the Shijo Bridge and enter the Maruyama ParkAfter climbing the hills behind the Park, walk part of the Kyoto trails, until coming out on the other side, near the Nanzenji Temple. Then I made the walk along the philosopher's path and I visit Gingakuji Temple.
I return to the hotel, dead tired.
2nd day in Kyoto
This day I dedicated largely to Visit the Arashiyama district. He bamboo forest, climb hills, and hike the surrounding trails. Walk along the riverbank, the bridge, and the local streets.
At night I go to visit the Gion district, and I find it not so crowded.
3rd day in Kyoto
I start early going to the the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine (The Thousand Towers)Then I walk back and visit the Toji Pagoda, Kōshō-ji Temple, and other temples on the way to Gion districtThis time I walk through the neighborhood more thoroughly, street by street, going to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
4th day in Kyoto
This day I dedicated largely to trek between Kurama and Kibune. In the afternoon/evening, I'm returning to Gion, which I loved.
After Kyoto, I went to Osaka, a city that, while captivating, disappointed me a little.
Book excursions or buy tickets
Civitatis offers various activities and tickets on its website. If you purchase through the links on my blog, you'd be helping to maintain it ;).
Final thoughts on my visit to Kyoto
There are places that capture you without you even realizing it, and for me, Kyoto was one of those. It wasn't just its centuries-old temples, the perfection of its gardens, or the beauty of the shrines tucked between mountains and alleyways. It was rather a constant sensation of walking in a city where time moves differently. As if in Kyoto everything happens at a calmer, more contemplative, more human pace.
Each neighborhood I visited had a unique essence, yet they all shared that invisible thread that connects the traditional with the everyday. Watching an elderly woman water her garden in front of a hundred-year-old wooden house, or hearing the sound of geta (Japanese wooden sandals) crossing the cobblestones of Gion, was part of an experience that made me feel connected to something deeper.
What I liked most about Kyoto was its ability to surprise with its simplicity: a sunset over the rooftops of Higashiyama, an aimless walk that always ended in something unexpected.
And that's why I'd like to return in the future. Because I feel like Kyoto isn't explored, it's discovered. And on my first visit, I only scratched the surface. I was left with corners to explore, temples to breathe, and paths to get lost in. Returning to Kyoto isn't a repeat; it's a deeper dive. And that, for me, is as valuable as any new trip.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below and I'll respond as soon as possible.
Until the next story!