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Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 saw the emperor move to the new capital, Tokyo. It remains, however, one of the most popular destinations for tourists due to its many temples, shrines, and other historical areas, including Gion, the city’s most famous entertainment district.

Key Attractions

Chionin

Chionin (知恩院) is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto and is the head temple of the Jōdo…
Open from 9am to 3:50pm (gates close at 4:30pm)
Visitors can enter the temple grounds for free but there is a small charge for Yūzen’en Garden (300 yen) and Hōjō Garden (400 yen)

Daikakuji

Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a temple complex in the west of Kyoto. It dates back to the early Heian…

Eikando Temple

Eikando Temple (永観堂, Eikandō), formally Zenrinji (禅林寺), is the head temple for the Seizan branch of Japan’s Jōdo-shū…
9am to 5pm (last entrance at 4pm)
600 yen for adults | 400 yen for high school students and below. Admission fees may increase during the autumn

Ginkakuji

Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”) is a Zen temple in the Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto. The…

Kinkakuji

Famous golden temple and one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites

Kiyomizu Temple

Temple in the Higashiyama District dating back to the late 8th century and famous for its views of the city (especially at night). It is one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1944.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) is the former residence of the Imperial Family and seat of the…
The park grounds are open 24/7, 365 days per year, but the opening hours for the palace grounds are more restricted. April to August: 9:00-17:00, October to February: 9:00-16:00, September and March: 9:00-16:30. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed on Mondays unless that day is a public holiday, in which it is closed on Tuesday instead. Note that you can only visit Kyoto Imperial Palace by participating in one of the daily tours.
Free

Nanzenji

Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺, Nanzen-ji) is a temple in the eastern part of Kyoto which dates back to the…

Ninnaji

Ninnaji (仁和寺) is a temple in western Kyoto that dates back to the late 9th century. It is…
Open 9am to 5pm from March to November; 9am to 4:30pm December to February. The Reihokan is open from April to the 4th Sunday of May and from 1 October to 23 November.
Visitors can enter the grounds for free except for during the cherry blossom season when there is a 500 yen charge. There is a 500 yen admission fee for both the Goten complex and the Reihokan (Treasure House).

Nishiki Market

A 400-meter long shopping arcade known colloquially as Kyoto’s Kitchen
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