6 Best Places to Visit In Kyoto – Discover the Essence of Ancient Japan

Located in southern Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most iconic and well-known sights in the city and is easily accessible from any luxury hotel in Kyoto. This is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a spiritual experience. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake, and is famous for its vermillion torii gates that fringe the mountain path to the summit of Mount Inari. The three-hour hike up to the summit offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Locals believe that visiting the shrine can bless them with business success, fertility, and prosperity.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history that goes back to the 16th century, Nijo Castle was built as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle is known for its stunning architecture with beautifully painted screens, intricate carvings, and roof decorations. It is a four-minute walk from Park Hotel Kyoto. You can explore the castle's many buildings and rooms, including the Audience Hall, where the shogun would meet with his advisors and guests. The castle also features a beautiful garden that is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season. Aside from its rich history and cultural significance, Nijo Castle is also a popular destination for art lovers and photographers.

Also called the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji is a Zen temple located in the northern region of Kyoto. The temple is known for its unique architecture, with the gold-covered upper two floors that reflect on the surrounding pond. The initial purpose of Kinkakuji was to serve as a retirement villa for a shogun, and after his passing, the temple was converted into a Zen temple. You can explore the beautiful temple grounds that feature a serene pond, a stone garden, and a tea house. Kinkakuji is even more stunning during the autumn season when the world surrounding it takes on vibrant shades of red and gold.

Found in the eastern part of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a historic temple that dates back to the 8th century. It is perched on a hillside and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. This temple is particularly famous for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, known to be built without the use of nails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The temple grounds feature several buildings and a beautiful garden with a pond and waterfall. Some of the things you can do here include exploring the nearby historic streets of Higashiyama and savouring traditional Japanese sweets and snacks.

Another must-visit place in the eastern part of Kyoto, Sanjusangen-do is a temple that houses 1,000 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Each statue has a unique expression and is made of Japanese cypress trees. The temple is also known for its stunning architecture, with the long wooden building that houses the statues and the surrounding garden. If you visit, you can participate in a traditional prayer ritual and learn about the history and culture of the temple.

Eikan-do, also known as Zenrin-ji, is a Buddhist temple in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. The temple is famous for its lovely garden that turns into a breathtaking picture during the autumn season when the leaves assume shades of red and gold. The garden is home to a pond that reflects the colourful foliage, and you’ll also find a waterfall. The temple features several historic buildings, including a beautiful statue of Amida Buddha. You can explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and culture of the area, and make sure to visit the tea house to savour an assortment of traditional Japanese sweets and tea.