Articles for the theme Attractions and Excursions in Kyoto

All about Japan

View from the Kiyomizudera temple

The most beautiful autumn illuminations in Kyoto

If you're visiting Kyoto during the fall, know that you are in the right place at the right time!

The gardens at Okochi Sanso Villa

Okochi Sanso Villa

The late great silent movie actor Denjiro Okochi was a major star from the 1920's until his death in 1962.

Le funiculaire pour atteindre sans effort le sommet du Mont Kuramayama près de Kyoto.

Kurama excursion

"Washed again in Kurama, we had ascended to the sky without uttering a word, our hands knotted, riveted to the immense trees, drunk with azure and light. "

Hanamikoji, le coeur du quartier de Gion

Gion & Higashiyama in Kyoto

The traditional neighborhood of Gion along with its Geisha has contributed to making Kyoto famous. Despite an urban metamorphosis, the spirit of Kyoto positively asserts itself here.

Kyoto-gosho

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Emperors, empresses, princes, and concubines... lived for centuries behind the walls of Kyoto-gosho, the ancient Imperial Palace of Japan.

Arashiyama

The Arashiyama district in Kyoto

Located west of Kyoto, the small district of Arashiyama has gained great popularity with tourists.

Détail de l'architecture de la station centrale de Kyoto

Kyoto station, a Japanese architectural gem

Kyoto Station is often the gateway for a trip to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.

Shimogamo-jinja

Kyoto Top 10 by our Travel Angel, Saki

Kyoto away from the crowds: Saki, our Travel Angel residing on-site, reveals her ten favorites in Kyoto. What to see in Kyoto? Which temples to visit in Kyoto?

The cherry blossoms along the Philosophers Path in spring

The Philosopher's Path, Kyoto

The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese) in northeast Kyoto gets its name from a famous philosopher who regularly walked this route for quiet contemplation.

Higashiyama

Ten of the best free activities in Kyoto

Like many other cities, it's possible to enjoy Kyoto through various free tours and activities. Discover which shrines, parks, side streets and famous sites are free to explore in Kyoto...

Japan Visitor - kyotosento20191.jpg

Kyoto Public Bath Houses Sento

Kyoto public bath houses sento: the city is still home to many traditional and often historic sento to relax after a hard day of sightseeing.

Japan Visitor - bamboo-forest-1.jpg

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kyoto

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kyoto is one of the most visited sites in the area and one of the most iconic views in Kyoto.

Japan Visitor - kimono-forest-1.jpg

Arashiyama Kimono Forest Kyoto

Arashiyama Kimono Forest Kyoto is an art installation of 600 clear, acrylic cylinders with Kyo-yuzen kimono designs around Arashiyama Keifuku Randen Station.

The bamboo grove of Arashiyama

The Arashiyama bamboo grove, also known as the Sagano bamboo grove (sagano chikurin), is located west of Kyoto.

Japan Visitor - rohmtheater6.jpg

Rohm Theater Kyoto

Rohm Theater, Kyoto ロームシアター京都 is a performance space in the Okazaki area of the city. It replaced the former Kyoto Kaikan and opened in 2016.

Village de Ine

The Village of Ine

North of Kyoto Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and nestled in Ine Bay, this remote village has a rich history and its identity is deeply rooted in the region.

Aneyakoji

Aneyakoji

Located in the center of Kyoto, a stone's throw from Nijo Castle, the historic district of Aneyakoji has managed to preserve its charm and peaceful atmosphere.

Japan Visitor - yamazakimingei1.jpg

Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art

The Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art near Kyoto houses an extensive collection of Mingei craft works collected by Tamesaburo Yamamoto (1893-1966).

Japan Visitor - kich20181.jpg

Kyoto International Community House

Kyoto International Community House near Keage Station offers a space and reference center for international interactions and a variety of events.

Japan Visitor - fushimiwalk7.jpg

Fushimi Kyoto Walk

Fushimi Kyoto Walk: Fushimi in south east Kyoto is known for its sake brewing. The area was an important river link to Osaka in the Edo Period and makes for a pleasant half-day walk with lunch.

Japan Visitor - omishrine2.jpg

Omi Shrine (Omi Jingu) Shiga

Omi Shrine (Omi Jingu), near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture, was built in 1940 during the Showa Period. The shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Tenji (626-672).

Japan Visitor - otsumatsuri20184.jpg

Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Pavilion

The Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Pavilion in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, presents information on the Otsu Matsuri (Otsu Festival).

As you leave the station, the Kyoto tower looks through the visitors

Kyoto Tower

Like a lighthouse watching over the city, Kyoto tower offers a 360° panoramic view of the city, its temples below and sometimes even Osaka...

Kawashima textiles from the village of Ichihara

Kawashima textiles: The textiles made by the famous firm of Kawashima are everywhere in Japan - in its trains, planes, homes and offices.

Hikone Castle, Shiga.

Exploring Hikone in Shiga

Exploring Hikone, Hikone, the second largest city in Shiga, is dominated by the imposing presence of its fine castle, a magnificent structure.

Japan Visitor - tanabe-castle-2017-5.jpg

Tanabe Castle Maizuru

Tanabe Castle, in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture was besieged in the run up to the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Tanabe Castle was defended by just 500 men against 15,000 attackers.

Statue of the founder of kabuki in Kyoto

Kyoto Statues: Takayama Hikokuro and Izumo Okuni

Takayama Hikokuro and Izumo Okuni: Takayama Hikokuro (1747-1793) was a celebrated samurai of the Edo Period (1600-1868). His statue (on Sanjo, a few meters east of Kawabata) is hard to miss.

Japan Visitor - kyoto-hiking-1.jpg

Kyoto Hikes

Kyoto, surrounded by mountains on three sides, offers a number of rewarding hikes. Find half-day and day hikes in and around Kyoto.

Kyoto travel information.

Kyoto's Kiyomizu Ceramics

Kyoto's Kiyomizu Ceramics

Villa Murin-An

Villa Murin-An

With a peaceful appearance, Villa Murin-An unveils the complex personality of its founder, a soldier, a politician and a superb garden designer

Japan Visitor - uji-tea-2017-3.jpg

Uji Green Tea Culture

Historically and culturally, Uji, just south of Kyoto, is the most distinct tea-producing region of Japan.

Japan Visitor - okazaki-kyoto-2017-1.jpg

Okazaki Museum District Kyoto

Kyoto's Okazaki district, centered arond Heian Shrine, contains a number of museums and other places of interest including Kyoto City Zoo, Rohm Theater and Miyako Messe.

Japan Visitor - teramachi-2017-37.jpg

Teramachi Walk II

Walk south on Teramachi from Imadegawa in Kyoto to discover historic temples, shrines, stores and restaurants on Teramachi and and Shinkyogoku streets.

Japan Visitor - sanzen-in-1.jpg

Ohara Guide Kyoto

Ohara is picturesque village located in the north east of Kyoto known for a cluster of Tendai-sect temples famous for their amazing autumn colors and connections with Buddhist chanting and music.

Japan Visitor - shojiji-temple-1.jpg

Oharano Guide

Oharano: read a guided to the pleasant suburb of Oharano in the south west of Kyoto with a number of pretty temples and shrines including Shojiji (Hana-no-tera) famous for its cherry blossom.

Japan Visitor - teramachi-2017-4.jpg

Teramachi Walk I

Teramachi is an historic street in Kyoto, lined with historic temples and shrines, that runs from Kuramaguchi in the north to south of Shijo in the downtown area.

Japan Visitor - miyako-messe-5.jpg

Kyoto International Exhibition Hall

The Kyoto International Exhibition Hall, Miyako Messe in Okazaki is a large convention center which includes the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, Fureaikan, which exhibits a wide range of Kyoto'

Japan Visitor - kyoto-dojo-2.jpg

Kyoto Budo Center

Kyoto Budo Center consists of the historic wooden kyubutokuden constructed in 1899 and the more modern building built 90 years later in 1989.

Daimaru Villa Kyoto

Daimaru Villa Kyoto Karasuma Dori

Daimaru Villa Kyoto on Karasuma Dori in Kyoto is adjacent to Marutamachi subway station and just south of Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine.

Manganji Temple

Manganji Temple is a Nichren sect temple in the Okazaki district of Kyoto. Manganji contains the grave of film director Kenji Mizoguchi.

Japan Visitor - miyama-guide-1.jpg

Miyama Kyoto Prefecture

Miyama, north west of Kyoto city has remote, mountain villages that retain a rural and traditional way of life, with thatched roofs and old crafts kept alive.

Kawaramachi Catholic Church

Kawaramachi Catholic Church in the center of Kyoto dates from 1967 and is the cathedral for the diocese which includes Kyoto, Nara, Shiga and Mie prefectures.

Japan Visitor - jissoin-1.jpg

Iwakura Guide

Iwakura is a quiet, secluded district of north east Kyoto at the foot of Mt. Hiei famous for Jissoin Temple and the former residence of Iwakura Tomomi.

Japan Visitor - kameoka-guide-2.jpg

Kameoka Guide

Kameoka: read a guide to Kameoka, a small, pleasant city a short distance west of Kyoto.

Kibune

Kibune is a picturesque and unusual village, whose name means "precious boat". Built on a mountain, it has only one street!

Japan Visitor - arashiyama-walk-701.jpg

Arashiyama and Sagano

Arashiyama and Sagano in Kyoto's north-west form a centuries-old resort area, with cultural, historical and scenic delights for everyone.

Takao Kyoto

Takao in the mountains of north west Kyoto is famous for its spectacular fall colors, outdoor dining and walking.

Shirakawa District

Although walking distance from the busy street of Hanamikoji dori in the heart of the famous Gion district in Kyoto, the district of Shirakawa is often a peaceful haven.

Japan Visitor - byodoin-2017-1.jpg

Uji Guide

Uji: read a guide to Uji city, south of Kyoto, famous for its green tea production, Byodoin Temple, links to the Tale of Genji and Ujigami Shrine.

Takaragaike Lake

Takaragaike: Takaragaike Lake in Kyoto is an Edo period man-made lake with a jogging track and pleasant walks near the Kyoto International Conference Center and Kyoto Grand Prince Hotel.

Old Secluded Residence of Iwakura Tomomi

The Old Secluded Residence of Iwakura Tomomi is the historic retreat of the imperial court noble Iwakura Tomomi (1825-1883) in the north east of Kyoto.

Omihachiman

Ancient city of merchants and warriors, Omihachiman now cultivates a peaceful canal city image. A nice day trip from Kyoto.

Shigaraki Kenzo Tobo

Near Kyoto, near the kilns of Shigaraki potters, is a workshop like no other and open to all Japanese pottery lovers.

Park of monkeys Iwatayama

Iwatayama Monkey Park

The temples and shrines in Kyoto are a sight to behold, but if you're looking for a bit more adventure, why not visit the 200 cheeky little monkeys that roam Iwatayama Monkey park. 

Japan Visitor - kyoto-concert-hall-4.jpg

Kyoto Concert Hall

Kyoto Concert Hall next to Kitayama subway station was completed in 1995 and is home to the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra.

Amanohashidate

This thin sandbar, resistant from being engulfed by the waves of the Bay of Miyazu for centuries, holds a real fascination for many Japanese who come every year to enjoy the view...

Camellia

Attend a Tea Ceremony at Camellia

Ideally located at the foot of the stone steps of Ninen-zaka, which takes you to the famous  Kiyomizu-dera temple, the teahouse Camellia invites passing visitors for a relaxing stop in t

The funaya houses in Ine

The Funaya in Ine

Today, very few Japanese fishermen's villages remain intact. Urbanization made them disappear. To regain the spirit of these old villages, visit the Bay of Ine.

WAK

Women Association of Kyoto

There are myths and traditions, clichés and stories, and traditional practices that are lost and those that are perpetuated.

Okochi Sanso Villa

Villa Okochi Sanso

Easily accessible but uncrowded, Villa Okochi Sanso offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains, not far from other sights of Kyoto.

Kamo River

Kamo River

 "Behind me the Kamo rushes toward the purple mountains, everywhere the plants spread onto and consume the river in phosphorescent patches.

Shinbashi

Shinbashi dori

Gion is the soul of Kyoto. A timeless district, it has preserved the customs and the appearance of medieval Japan. Shinbashi dori marks its northern boundary.

There remain only two teahouses, Seika-tei and Yushin-tei, the former residence of the emperor lies in the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Sento-Gosho Imperial Palace

In the Imperial Park in Kyoto, built on the vestiges of the last emperor's residence, today you'll find a pleasant garden and two period tea houses.

Miyama

Miyama

Miyama ("The beautiful mountain"), with its thatched roof houses, rural crafts and recipes. A lovely getaway close to Kyoto.

A Jizo Ohara, near Kyoto.

Ohara

Although still within the administrative boundaries of Kyoto, Ohara seems to come straight out of a timeless bubble, away from everything.

Visit Kyoto in the footsteps of Hideyoshi

Visiting Kyoto is like traveling back in time. The city has changed with the different eras.

Japan Visitor - tenryuji-temple-454.jpg

Kyoto Autumn Leaves Viewing Spots

Kyoto fall colors: see a listing of the best places to see the autumn leaves (momiji) in Kyoto including Arashiyama, Tofukuji and Mt Takao.

Many boats take surfing since Otsu Lake Biwa.

Lake Biwa

Just a stone's throw from Kyoto is the largest lake in all of Japan. To best enjoy, it's best to get as far away from Kyoto, to the lake's northern shores.

Sarasa Nishijin

Unusual Kyoto

Kyoto is truly an amazing city, and not just for its traditional wooden houses steeped in history.

Japan Visitor - ritsumeikan-1.jpg

Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto was founded during the Meiji Period and has a long history of liberalism and internationalism.

Doshisha University

Doshisha University is one of the oldest private universities in Japan, founded in 1875 by the Christian educator Niijima Jo, who was the first Japanese to graduate from an American university.

Japan Visitor - kyoto-hanami-1.jpg

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Kyoto cherry blossom viewing spots: see a listing of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy hanami or cherry blossom viewing.

Mimizuka Ear Mound

Mimizuka Ear Mound: Mimizuka is a memorial burial mound in south east Kyoto for the noses and ears of Korean soldiers and civilians killed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invading armies in the late 16th c

Kyoto: the station district

Restaurants, cafes, department stores, craft stalls, hotels ... The gigantic Kyoto station offers everything passing visitors need.

A shrines bordering the suburb of Fushimi.

Fushimi, a district of Kyoto

Far from the bustling cities, this peaceful suburb bordered by beautiful sanctuaries is straight out a film by Yasujiro Ozu...

Japan Visitor - arashiyama20101.jpg

Arashiyama Walk

A Walk In Arashiyama Kyoto: take a stroll from Togetsukyo Bridge to Tenryuji Temple, the bamboo forest to Okochi Sanso Villa.

Japan Visitor - kamishichiken-2017-2.jpg

Kamishichiken

Kamishichiken. Kyoto's Kamishichiken is one of the five licensed geisha districts in the city. Kamishichiken is near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Japan Visitor - higashiyama201911.jpg

Higashiyama South Walk

A Walk In Southern Higashiyama Kyoto: take a stroll from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) to see the Kyoto temples of Nanzenji, Kodaiji, Chion-in, and Kiyomizu.

Higashiyama Walk Kyoto

A Walk In northern Higashiyama Kyoto: take a stroll from Shugakuin to see the Kyoto temples of Manshuin, Shisendo and Enkoji.

Japan Visitor - gion2018.jpg

Gion Kyoto

Gion. Kyoto's Gion is the area of the city most famous for geisha.

Japan Visitor - pontocho-2017-1.jpg

Pontocho Kyoto

Pontocho. Kyoto's Pontocho is a magical, narrow alley full of bars, restaurants, and tea houses. Pontocho is one of Kyoto's geisha districts.

Japan Visitor - nene-no-michi-748x.jpg

Nene no Michi

Nene no Michi, Kyoto. Read a guide to perhaps the most beautiful street in Kyoto, Nene no Michi. Nene no Michi is located in eastern Kyoto.

Shimabara Kyoto

Shimabara, Kyoto: read a guide to the Edo period licensed red-light entertainment and brothel area of Shimabara in western Kyoto.

Japan Visitor - kinkakuji20192.jpg

West Kyoto Walk

A Walk In West Kyoto: take a stroll from Myoshinji Temple to see the Kyoto temples of Ninnaji, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, and Toji-in.

Japan Visitor - kurama2091.jpg

Kibune - Kurama

Hiking Kibune to Kurama, Kyoto. Read a guide to walking and hiking Kibune and Kurama, in the mountains of northern Kyoto City.

Japan Visitor - kyoto-university-997x.jpg

Kyoto University

Read a page about Kyoto University. Kyoto University (Kyodai) is Japan's most academically free university.

Toei Eiga Mura

Read an article about Kyoto's Toei Eiga Mura. Toei Eiga Mura is a former and current film studio that has been transformed into a theme park and museum.

Japan Visitor - fushimijo20181.jpg

Fushimi-Momoyama Castle

Fushimi-Momoyama Castle: read a guide to Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, or Fushimi Castle, in southern Kyoto.

Japan Visitor - fukuchiyama-15.jpg

Fukuchiyama Castle

Fukuchiyama Castle: read a guide to Fukuchiyama Castle in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto built by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1576.

Japan Visitor - hikonecastle20184.jpg

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle: read a guide to Hikone Castle in Shiga. Hikone Castle is one of Japan's most beautiful castles.

Japan Visitor - nijocastle20181.jpg

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle: read a guide Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Nijo Castle was the powerbase of the shogun in the ancient capital of Kyoto, Japan.

Japan Visitor - nagahama-1.jpg

Nagahama Castle

Nagahama Castle: read a guide to Nagahama Castle in Shiga Prefecture. Nagahama Castle is a reconstructed castle built in 1983.

Japan Visitor - azuchicastle2018.jpg

Azuchi Castle

Azuchi Castle: read a guide to the once magnificent Azuchi Castle built by Oda Nobunaga, now a ruin in Shiga Prefecture

Japan Visitor - nagahama-1.jpg

Nagahama Guide Shiga

Nagahama: read a guide to Nagahama on Lake Biwa; Nagahama is an old castle town in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan.

Fukuchiyama Guide

Fukuchiyama: read a guide to the historic castle town of Fukuchiyama in Kyoto Prefecture, west central Japan.

Cycling in Kyoto

Read an article on cycling in Kyoto, Japan: the pros and cons of seeing the ancient city on two wheels.

Japan Visitor - shugakuin20191.jpg

Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa Kyoto

Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa. Read about Kyoto's Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa. Shugakuin Imperial Villa is a royal palace in east Kyoto famous for its gardens.

Japan Visitor - omihachiman-2017-1.jpg

Omi Hachiman Guide

Omi Hachiman is a small town beside Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture which has served as a transport hub throughout its history.

Japan Visitor - japan-image-409.jpg

Kyoto Districts

Kyoto districts: read guides to the various areas and districts of Kyoto including Gion, Higashiyama, Ohara, Kurama, Okazaki and Fushimi.

Kamo River, Kyoto

Kamo and Takano Rivers Kyoto

Kamo River: In the Demachiyangai area of Kyoto, north of downtown and just east of the Imperial Palace, two rivers join to create the Kamo River.

Cherry Blossoms Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Kyoto Botanical Garden Conservatory

Kyoto Botanical Garden Conservatory: The Botanical Garden in Kyoto is the oldest botanical garden in Japan with over 12,000 plants.

Kyoto Kanze Kaikan - Noh Theater

Kyoto Kanze Kaikan, Okazaki, Kyoto 京都観世会館 Across the canal from the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, is the Kyoto Kanze Kaikan Noh Theater.

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka - Kyoto

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka are the names for two tiny districts in the picturesque area of Gion in the south east of the city.

Ninnaji Temple 88 Temple Hike.

88 Temple Pilgrimage - Kyoto

Kyoto 88 Temple Pilgrimage: The Hachi-ju Haka-sho (88 Temple Pilgrimage) is a short hike in the hills behind Ninnaji Temple in western Kyoto that is modeled on the more famous Shikoku route.