Ultimate Guide to a First-Timer's Kyoto Trip 2024: 8 Itinerary Plans / Transportation / Must-Visit Attractions!

New to Kyoto travel? Don't know where to go? Relax, follow Kinnso's footsteps and visit Kyoto's 8 most popular attractions! From the breathtaking stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the golden hues of Kinkaku-ji Temple, to the dreamy green sea of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, this article covers Kyoto's Top 8 attractions. More Kyoto travel tips for beginners are also here.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions, renowned for its breathtaking "flying" stage. Founded in the 8th century, Kiyomizu-dera boasts a rich history spanning over 1200 years, making it Kyoto's oldest temple. From the main hall, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, with each season offering a unique charm. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, crowds throng to witness the mesmerizing beauty. Legend has it that leaping from the "flying" stage fulfills love and wishes, though this practice is now prohibited for safety reasons. The surrounding area also features charming shops selling various Kyoto souvenirs. **Key Attractions:** * Main Hall and Flying Stage: Experience the sensation of flight. * Otowa Waterfall: Legend states that drinking the water brings good health. * Three-Storied Pagoda: Designated as a Kyoto city historical site. * Gion Shrine: A beloved shrine for seeking love and romance. **Kiyomizu-dera Information** Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: 15-minute walk from Tozai Line's Higashiyama Station / Take bus No. 100 or 206 to "Chion-in" stop Admission Fee: 400 yen; Night illumination charges apply separately Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (May vary slightly depending on the season)

Kinkaku-ji is another popular tourist destination in Kyoto, representing the culture of the Muromachi period. Originally, Kinkaku-ji was the villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, shogun of the Muromachi bakufu. After his death, it was rebuilt into a temple according to his will. The three-story Kinkaku-ji is entirely gilded with gold leaf on its top floor. Under the sunlight, it gleams and shines, resplendent in golden splendor, hence the name "Kinkaku-ji". Each of the three floors has a distinct design: the first floor is in the style of the Heian court nobles, the second floor incorporates elements of samurai culture, and the third floor features a Zen style. The blend of these three disparate styles creates a harmonious whole. Strolling through Kinkaku-ji, you can travel through history and feel the opulence of medieval Japanese nobility. In addition, the Zen garden of Kinkaku-ji is one of Japan's famous gardens, with tranquil white sand and lush green trees, providing a sense of peacefulness upon viewing. **Highlights:** * The three-story Kinkaku gilded in gold leaf * Special Viewing Area, offering a close-up view of Kinkaku-ji * Dry landscape garden, experience Zen * Long corridors, strolling through them is very atmospheric **Kinkaku-ji Information:** Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: Bus No. 101 or 205 to "Kinkaku-ji Mae" stop Ticket price: 400 yen Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-visit destination for tourists in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Fushimi Inari Shrine enshrines Inari God and is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. There are two torii tunnels behind the shrine, composed of tens of thousands of densely packed vermilion torii gates that wind through Mount Inari, resembling a tunnel of time and space leading to another world, full of mystery. Along the way, you can also see many cute fox statues, said to be messengers of Inari God. Walking among the thousand torii gates feels like entering a movie scene, an unforgettable experience. Fushimi Inari is also a sacred place for blessings for well-known Japanese companies, and many large enterprises have established branches here. **Main attractions:** * Vermilion torii gate tunnel, a photo-taking hotspot * Main hall, praying for business prosperity * Mount Inari, hiking to enjoy the scenery of Kyoto * Hozu Garden, a representative example of Japanese dry landscape gardens **Fushimi Inari Shrine Information:** Address: 68 Sanoincho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: 5-minute walk from JR Nara Line Inari Station / 7-minute walk from Keihan Main Line Fushimi Inari Station Admission Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24 hours

It feels like traveling through time back to the setting of the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". Taking an evening stroll here adds to the ambience, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a geisha in full attire. Gion is also a great place to savor Kyoto's culinary delights. Many Michelin-starred restaurants and renowned eateries are hidden within its narrow alleys. You shouldn't miss out on delicacies like eel rice, tofu hot pot, and kaiseki cuisine. Furthermore, Gion boasts numerous high-class teahouses where you can book a dining experience with geishas or maiko (apprentice geishas), allowing you to observe their artistry up close and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japan. **Key Attractions:** * Hanamachi Street, designated as a group of traditional structures by the Japanese government * Yasaka Shrine, the religious center of Gion * Gion Corner, where you can watch geisha performances * Gion's renowned shops, offering authentic Kyoto cuisine **Gion Information** Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: 5-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line / 10-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or subway Tozai Line Entrance Fee: Free Visiting Hours: All Day

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous tourist destinations, renowned for its bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path stretches for 500 meters, with thousands of emerald green bamboo stalks standing tall, resembling a sea of green. Walking through it feels like stepping into a dreamlike fairyland, no wonder it's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Along the edge of the bamboo grove flows the Hozugawa River, with maple trees lining both banks. In autumn, the mountains are ablaze with crimson leaves, a truly breathtaking sight. Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's landmark, its beautiful semi-circular shape providing an excellent vantage point for viewing the changing seasons of the Hozugawa River. As evening falls, the setting sun bathes the bamboo grove in warm light, casting dancing shadows, creating a picturesque scene. Around Arashiyama, there are other attractions such as Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, and Kameoka City's Wild Gods Shrine, all worth exploring at your leisure.

Highlights:

• Bamboo Grove Path, Immerse yourself in the magical bamboo forest
• Togetsukyo Bridge, Experience the changing seasons
• Tenryu-ji Temple, Admire traditional Japanese architecture and the dry landscape garden
• Sagano Bamboo Grove, Experience the charm of "Little Kyoto"

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Information
Address: Arashiyama, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City
Transportation: Get off at Arashiyama Station on the Sagano Romantic Train or JR Saga Arashiyama Station and walk for 10 minutes
Admission Fee: Free
Visiting Hours: All day

Nijo Castle was the political center of Kyoto during the Edo period, serving as the command center for the Tokugawa Shogunate in Kyoto. It is known as "Kyoto's Imperial Palace." Composed of the former Nijomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and Nijomaru Garden, Nijo Castle is the largest and most complete surviving example of an Edo-period castle architecture in Japan. Nijo Castle embodies the pinnacle of traditional Japanese architectural art, with ornate carvings, gilded splendor, and a regal atmosphere throughout. A stroll through its spacious corridors and historical halls feels like stepping back into the prosperous Edo era. Nijomaru Garden is a must-see attraction at Nijo Castle, featuring towering ancient trees, crystal-clear pond water, and providing a perfect setting to appreciate the beauty of a classical Japanese garden. **Key Points of Interest:** * **Kara-mon Gate:** A masterpiece of Edo-period carving. * **Enshitsu Pavilion:** Offers panoramic views of Nijo Castle. * **Honmaru Palace:** Site of Shogunate council meetings. * **Nijomaru Garden:** A leisurely walk through a 400-year-old garden. **Nijo Castle Information** Address: 541 Nijōjōchō, Nishihonganji, Kyoto City Transportation: Take the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station and walk for 5 minutes. Admission Fee: General Admission 600 yen (excluding palaces)/ Nijomaru Palace + Nijomaru Garden 1030 yen Opening Hours: 8:45 - 17:00 (Closed December 29th - January 3rd)

Thirty-Three Sections of the Hall is Kyoto's largest wooden structure, famous for its 1,001 Thousand-Armed Kannon statues. Founded in the 12th century, despite experiencing several major fires, it still stands proudly today. The hall houses 1,001 Thousand-Armed Kannon standing statues, densely packed within the main hall, creating a magnificent sight. They are said to represent the countless manifestations of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Each Thousand-Armed Kannon is about 1.7 meters tall, intricately carved, and with unique postures and expressions. Legend has it that if you look carefully, you can find one that most resembles yourself. Besides static viewing, there's also the "Tōtenkyō渡り" event held annually in May, allowing people to get a close-up view of the Thousand-Armed Kannon's splendor. **Points of Interest:** * The front of the main hall, admiring the grand wooden structure * The Thousand-Armed Kannon statues, finding one that resembles you * The central gate, a national treasure-level ancient building * The corridor, experiencing the ancient and serene atmosphere **Thirty-Three Sections of the Hall Information:** Address: 657 Sanjusangen-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: Take the Keihan Main Line to Gojo Station, then walk for 10 minutes Admission Fee: ¥600 Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00

Nishiki Market is Kyoto's largest traditional market, with a history of over 400 years. It is a great place to experience the daily life of ordinary people in Kyoto. Nishiki Market is about 400 meters long and has over 130 shops selling various specialties and delicacies from Kyoto, such as Kyoto pickles, wagashi (Japanese sweets), mochi (rice cakes), tofu pudding, and more. There are also handicrafts, ceramics, and kimono accessories among the souvenirs available. Many shops offer tastings, so you can enjoy Kyoto's delicious food while shopping. Besides, Nishiki Market is also the birthplace of many famous Kyoto stores, such as Kanesaka's delicious red bean paste manju (steamed buns). The market is most lively in the morning when you can see many locals shopping and feel the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto life.

Highlights:

• Kyoto specialty snacks, such as tofu pudding and Kyoto pickles
• Century-old stores, experiencing Kyoto's historical charm
• Wagashi (Japanese sweets), mochi (rice cakes) and other Kyoto desserts
• Kyoto handicrafts, taking home unique souvenirs

Nishiki Market Information Address: 609 Nishi-ikariyamachi, Shijō Karasuma-dori Street, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City Transportation: 5 minutes walk from Shijo Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or subway Tozai Line. Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (Some shops may vary)