Guidebook for Ukyō-ku, Kyōto-shi
Getting Around
The nearest train station with a approximately 600 meters walk.
85 locals recommend
Saga-Arashiyama Station
11-1 Sagatenryūji KurumamichichōThe nearest train station with a approximately 600 meters walk.
Rokuōin
Sagakitaborichō Ukyo WardThe train station with a approximately 600 meters walk.
Kyoto Station is the city's transportation hub, served by Japan Railways (including the Tokaido Shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways and the Karasuma Subway Line. It is also the site of a large bus terminal for city buses and long distance and overnight highway buses.
1291 locals recommend
Kyoto Station
Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō Shimogyo WardKyoto Station is the city's transportation hub, served by Japan Railways (including the Tokaido Shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways and the Karasuma Subway Line. It is also the site of a large bus terminal for city buses and long distance and overnight highway buses.
Entertainment & Activities
Kyōto Minami-za
198 NakanochōThe oldest kabuki theater in Japan is the Minami-za in Gion.
There is no better way to engage in a new culture than by dressing like the natives! Wander the streets of Kyoto in elaborate, spectacular kimonos. Take a glimpse of the elegant, flowing silhouette of your shadow as it paints the sidewalk.
Make your pick from the top-rated rental stores below. Leave your day clothes at the store and wrap yourself up in stunning
52 locals recommend
Yumeyakata
353 ShiogamachōThere is no better way to engage in a new culture than by dressing like the natives! Wander the streets of Kyoto in elaborate, spectacular kimonos. Take a glimpse of the elegant, flowing silhouette of your shadow as it paints the sidewalk.
Make your pick from the top-rated rental stores below. Leave your day clothes at the store and wrap yourself up in stunning
Gionshijo - Kyotokimono Rental
大和町 東山区"Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo"
Kyoetsu Kimono
456-25 Tenmachō"Kyoetsu Gion Kimono Rental"
Essentials
Gourmet City Saga
8-3 Sagadaikakuji Monzen HachikenchōGourmet City Saga (グルメシティ 嵯峨店) - Supermarket
Fresco
32-1 Uzumasa Horigauchichō Fresco (フレスコ嵯峨店) - Supermarket
Familymart Kyotosaga Hirosawa Shop (ファミリーマート京都嵯峨広沢店) - Convenience Store
10 locals recommend
Familymart Kyotosaga Hirosawa Shop
Familymart Kyotosaga Hirosawa Shop (ファミリーマート京都嵯峨広沢店) - Convenience Store
Familymart Saga Shingucho Shop (ファミリーマート 嵯峨新宮町店) - Convenience Store
10 locals recommend
ファミリーマート嵯峨新宮町店
Familymart Saga Shingucho Shop (ファミリーマート 嵯峨新宮町店) - Convenience Store
ローソン嵯峨釈迦堂門前店
Lawson (ローソン 嵯峨釈迦堂門前店) - Convenience Store
LAWSON Sagaarashiyamaeki-mae
嵯峨天龍寺車道町-6 右京区Lawson (ローソン 嵯峨嵐山駅前店) - Convenience Store
Shopping
Nishiki Market Shopping District
Nishidaimonjichō Nakagyo WardFresh food market street in central Kyoto.
One of Kyoto's two largest and most opulent department stores, with everything from elite international brands to one of Japan's best food floors.
223 locals recommend
Daimaru Kyoto
立売西町-79 下京区One of Kyoto's two largest and most opulent department stores, with everything from elite international brands to one of Japan's best food floors.
The grande dame of Kyoto department stores, Takashimaya is almost a tourist attraction in its own right, from the mind-boggling riches of the basement food floor to the wonderful selection of lacquerware and ceramics on the 6th floor. And don’t miss the kimono display.
221 locals recommend
Takashimaya Kyoto Store
真町-52 下京区The grande dame of Kyoto department stores, Takashimaya is almost a tourist attraction in its own right, from the mind-boggling riches of the basement food floor to the wonderful selection of lacquerware and ceramics on the 6th floor. And don’t miss the kimono display.
Shijō Street runs center of Kyoto, Japan east to west through the commercial center of the city.
39 locals recommend
Ukyo Ward
Shijō Street runs center of Kyoto, Japan east to west through the commercial center of the city.
Arts & Culture
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
124 Okazaki EnshōjichōOne of the oldest art museums in Japan.
Kyoto National Museum
527 ChayachōWell presented exhibitions on history and art.
The National institution devoted to the collection and preservation of artworks.
148 locals recommend
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK)
26-1 Okazaki EnshōjichōThe National institution devoted to the collection and preservation of artworks.
"The Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム, Kyōto Kokusai Manga Museum)" was opened in November of 2006. It consists of three floors and a basement, and most of its walls are lined with shelves of manga. Browsing this massive collection of manga is one of the museum's main attractions. A small section of the books is dedicated to foreign and translated manga, but the vast majority is in Japanese.
782 locals recommend
Kyoto International Manga Museum
452 Kinbukichō"The Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム, Kyōto Kokusai Manga Museum)" was opened in November of 2006. It consists of three floors and a basement, and most of its walls are lined with shelves of manga. Browsing this massive collection of manga is one of the museum's main attractions. A small section of the books is dedicated to foreign and translated manga, but the vast majority is in Japanese.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Kankijicho Shimogyo Ward Large, excellent museum about trains in Japan.
Parks & Nature
Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town.
Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest past several other temple structures to Kibune, a small town in the neighboring valley. The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour and is steep at times.
113 locals recommend
Mount Kurama
Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town.
Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest past several other temple structures to Kibune, a small town in the neighboring valley. The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour and is steep at times.
Often overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city's hidden treasures. It's great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing.
253 locals recommend
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Shimogamo Hangichō Sakyo WardOften overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city's hidden treasures. It's great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
If you’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto, you’ve probably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – along with the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple, it’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of.
24 locals recommend
Yojiya Cafe
2-13 Sagatenryūji TateishichōThe Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
If you’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto, you’ve probably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – along with the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple, it’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of.
The park is on Mt Arashiyama, on the same side of the Oi River as the train station. It is inhabited by a troop of over 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. The animals are wild but can be fed food purchased at the site.
180 locals recommend
Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area
Saganakanoshimachō Ukyo WardThe park is on Mt Arashiyama, on the same side of the Oi River as the train station. It is inhabited by a troop of over 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. The animals are wild but can be fed food purchased at the site.
The largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture (west-central Honshu)
35 locals recommend
Lake Biwa
The largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture (west-central Honshu)
"Atmospheric temple mountain"
Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan) is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
72 locals recommend
Koyasan
"Atmospheric temple mountain"
Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan) is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
"Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto"
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
508 locals recommend
Arashiyama
Sagatenryuji Tateishicho Ukyo Ward"Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto"
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
Sightseeing
Sanjusangendo Hall 三十三間堂
It was originally founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266. In Sanjusangendo Hall, there are 1001 wooden statues of the thousand-handed Kannon (千手観音).
549 locals recommend
Sanjusangendo Temple
657 SanjūsangendōmawariSanjusangendo Hall 三十三間堂
It was originally founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266. In Sanjusangendo Hall, there are 1001 wooden statues of the thousand-handed Kannon (千手観音).
Ryoanji 龍安寺
Ryoanji is famous for Zen rock garden laid out at the end of the 15 the century during the Muromachi Period. Fifteen rocks have the individual interpretation. Why don't you sit down here and contemplate what the artist was trying to communicate?
423 locals recommend
Ryōan-ji
Ryōanji GoryōnoshitachōRyoanji 龍安寺
Ryoanji is famous for Zen rock garden laid out at the end of the 15 the century during the Muromachi Period. Fifteen rocks have the individual interpretation. Why don't you sit down here and contemplate what the artist was trying to communicate?
Heian Shrine 平安神宮
Although it dates only from 1895, Kyoto's most famous shrine was built in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversary of founding of Kyoto and is a replica of the main administration building of the Heian captial(鳴くよウグイス平安京の平安京です).
544 locals recommend
Heian Shrine
Okazaki Nishitennocho Sakyo WardHeian Shrine 平安神宮
Although it dates only from 1895, Kyoto's most famous shrine was built in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversary of founding of Kyoto and is a replica of the main administration building of the Heian captial(鳴くよウグイス平安京の平安京です).
"Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver"
Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed.
607 locals recommend
Jisho-ji Temple in Higashiyama
Ginkakujichō"Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver"
Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed.
"Former Kyoto residence of the shogun"
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
1725 locals recommend
Nijo Castle
541 Nijōjōchō"Former Kyoto residence of the shogun"
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
"Temple building covered in gold"
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
1389 locals recommend
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkakujichō"Temple building covered in gold"
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
"The ultimate torii gate experience"
Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
1229 locals recommend
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō"The ultimate torii gate experience"
Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
"Temple famous for its large wooden terrace"
Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
1521 locals recommend
Kiyomizu-dera
"Temple famous for its large wooden terrace"
Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
One of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a free tour. Tours last about one hour and are in Japanese only; however, audio guides in several foreign languages are available. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots.
160 locals recommend
Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsuramisono Nishikyo WardOne of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a free tour. Tours last about one hour and are in Japanese only; however, audio guides in several foreign languages are available. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.
990 locals recommend
Kyoto Imperial Palace
3 KyōtogyoenThe Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.
Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of dieties from the 8th century.
553 locals recommend
Toji
KujōchōHistoric Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of dieties from the 8th century.
Large Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.
375 locals recommend
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
15-chōme-778 HonmachiLarge Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.
Standing 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower (京都タワー) is Kyoto's tallest structure and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.
513 locals recommend
Kyoto Tower
721-1 HigashishiokōjichōStanding 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower (京都タワー) is Kyoto's tallest structure and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.
Todai-ji
406-1 ZōshichōLarge temple with a big Buddha statue.
Kennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near Gion, at the end of Hanami Lane. It is considered to be one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five most important Zen temples of Kyoto
173 locals recommend
Kennin-ji Temple Hatto
584 KomatsuchōKennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near Gion, at the end of Hanami Lane. It is considered to be one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five most important Zen temples of Kyoto
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style.
175 locals recommend
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Shūgakuin Yabusoe Sakyo WardShugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style.