Top 15 things to see in Kyoto

The former capital of Japan lacks the chaotic vibrancy and crowds of Tokyo, with a more cultural and historical charm. Way more immersed in tradition, Kyoto is where you will see more people dressed in Kimonos, theatres with Miyako Odori (Geisha dances), Japanese tea ceremonies and other such activities rooted in their culture. The temples and shrines are equally beautiful, if not better and certainly more peaceful.

I would recommend you to spend 3 - 5 days in Kyoto. Just like Tokyo, the city can be a good base for exploring neighbouring areas. Here's a list of Top 15 things you can do, including a few day-trips you must consider if you have time:

#15 Nijo Castle

Although this is the most popular place to visit in Kyoto, I was personally not very impressed. The sprawling gardens surrounding the castle are probably the most attractive part of the castle. You can only enter one of the structures - Ninomaru Palace, famous for its squeaky floors. The interiors are quite grand, reflective of the power wielded by the former occupants of the palace. Unlike the Osaka and Himeji palace which stand tall, multi-storied and perched on high rocks, this one is more flatly laid out.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

Suggested read: What you need to know BEFORE travelling to Japan

#14 Kyoto Imperial Palace

This palace is the former residing place of the Emperor of Japan, who is now residing in Tokyo, the capital. You need special permission to visit the palace which needs to be applied for in advance by filling up a form and presenting your passport. If you don't have a lot of time in Kyoto, I'd suggest giving this one a skip.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

#13 Kyoto Tower

Located right as you exit the Kyoto station, this tower is slightly lesser impressive than the one at Tokyo. It is located in one of the most lively areas, the so-called 'downtown' of Kyoto with shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding it. The tower also has an observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of the city.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

#12 Tenryu-ji temple & zen garden

Located in Arashiyama, right next to the Bamboo Grove, there is a ¥500 charge to enter the lovely gardens and the temple. These are probably one of the best Zen gardens I saw in Japan, only next to the Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens in Tokyo. Numerous green trees, little ponds with fish and pink flowers make this place not only beautiful but also immensely peaceful and an absolute pleasure to walk through.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

Suggested hotel stay in Kyoto: Meldia Hotel Kyoto Nijo

#11 Day-trip to Kobe

With not a lot to do in Kobe except the China Town market, I would suggest only to make a trip to this city if you're keen on trying authentic Kobe beef, right from where it comes! It's very easy to get to Chinatown; take a train from Kobe station (which is hardly 27 minutes by train from Kyoto station or 12 minutes from Osaka on the Shinkansen) to Motomachi station (only 1 stop from Kobe station) and walk about 300m to Chinatown. The area is packed with street shops, restaurants and food stalls, quite lively and crowded.

#10 Day-trip to Himeji

The Himeji castle is one of the prettiest castles, next to Osaka castle. Himeji is about 1 hour by train from Kyoto and also from Osaka. The elegant, white appearance of the Himeji castle makes it stand apart from most other architecture in Japan. The castle miraculously survived the bombings of Second World War. If you choose to enter the castle and climb 6 floors (by staircase), you can enjoy lovely aerial views from the top. You can also visit the Kokoen Garden which is located next to Himeji Castle.

A combined ticket to the gardens and the castle will set you back by ¥1040. The castle can be reached by walking 1 km from the station, on the Otemae-Dori Street. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from the station.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices of the castle, click here.

#09 Day trip to Nara

Located 45 minutes away from Kyoto by train, Nara has the famous Deer Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hundreds of deer roam free and amidst the people, who can feed them special cookies, sold in the market nearby. The deer are mostly friendly and tame unless they smell food on you, for which they will follow you around and even try to snatch it.

Right next to the deer park is Todai-Ji Temple, one of the oldest and historically significant temples in Japan. It houses one of the largest Buddha bronze statues, almost 15m tall. The temple and deer park can be reached by taking a public bus (or the city sightseeing yellow line bus) from the Nara station.

#08 Day-trip to Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan, after Tokyo and Kyoto. Hardly a 12-min train journey away by Shinkansen, Osaka can be combined with either Nara or Himeji and Kobe.

One of the most popular places to visit in Osaka is Osaka Castle, hardly a 15-minute walk from the Osaka station. Once you enter the compounds, there is an uphill climb towards the castle, for about 5 minutes. Osaka boasts of a modern urban cityscape and this castle is a trip away from the lively and buzzing city life. The castle has 8 floors of historical displays and a viewing deck located on top, with panoramic views of the city.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices of the castle, click here.

From Osaka station, take a train to the JR Namba station and walk towards Shinsaibashi, one of the premier shopping destinations in Osaka. Luxury chains, trendy boutiques, departmental stores, electronic shops and souvenir shops line the 600-m long shopping street which is as crowded as the streets of Tokyo. The covered shopping area ensures that you're protected from the sun and rain yet enjoy a street shopping experience.

Right at one end of Shinsaibashi shopping street is Dotonburi, perhaps the most lively area I saw in Japan after Shibuya and Shinjuku. Only next to Tokyo in its liveliness factor, Osaka's Dotonburi Street is a foodie's haven, with hundreds of restaurants including known international chains and some very authentic Japanese fine-dining restaurants. The street is lit up with jazzy bright lights, LED screens and humongous displays on the buildings. A little canal passes from in between, where sightseeing boats cross and the bridge has some of the bridge over this stream is the best place to capture pictures of the lovely night scene here.

#07 Day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

These two places can be done in a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, although we decided to spend a night in Hiroshima to make it easier and more convenient for us. The best way to travel to Hiroshima from Kyoto is to take the 12-minute Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka and then the 1.5-hour Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima.

In Hiroshima, take the tram car from the Hiroshima station to the Peace Memorial Park (about 20 minutes). A quiet walk in the park will take you through the historical relevance of the area and the stories of people whose families and homes were destroyed during the Second World War. At the end of the Peace Memorial Park are the preserved remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few ruins which have been maintained since the atomic bombing (it explains here that the people found it too painful to preserve too many remains from then as it brought back memories of the devastating incident).

If time allows, walk (15 minutes) towards the Hiroshima Castle, which was built in the 16th century but was completely destroyed in the bombing. The 'main keep' is about five stories tall and offers panoramic views of the city from the deck above. This is the only area that has to be paid to enter. The precinct has a shrine and some ruins, and a large garden which is free to walk through.

From the Hiroshima Station or the nearest station, you need to get to Miyajimaguchi station, from where you will catch the (10 minute) ferry to Miyajima Island. This is where the famous Itsukushima Shrine is and the O Tori Gate that is in the middle of the ocean (when the tide is high).

As you approach the island by the ferry, you will be able to see this gate from the ferry itself. Walk about 10 minutes from the pier towards the Itsukushima Shrine, amidst many small shops selling lovely souvenirs, street food and one of the most interesting sweets that are manufactured on this island - Momiji sweets. You will see a lot of (naughty and wild) deer walking free here as well. The deer here can be very nasty, trying to snatch your belongings, so be careful as they're wild creatures!

The Itsukushima Shrine and Five-storied Pagoda are right next to each other and are two of the most iconic places to visit on this island.

#06 To-Ji Pagoda

Soaring high above the cityscape of Kyoto, this five-storied pagoda is about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Although there is a fee to enter the pagoda, you can stroll around in the gardens surrounding the temple for free. I would recommend taking a walk around as the best views are available from the outside itself.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

#05 Sannenzaka District

This is one of the most popularly photographed areas of Kyoto. While walking towards Kiyomizu-Dera from Kawaramachi Hankyu train station, you will come across this charming street with its wooden houses, souvenirs shops, and tea houses. The stroll along the alleyways almost make you feel like you're on a movie set! It is perhaps the most charming street you will find in Kyoto and it is unique if compared to the streets of other larger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

If you're planning to hike the Magome – Tsumago Trail in Japan, click here to read all you need to know.

#04 Kiyomizu Dera

If you're in Kyoto, you cannot miss this temple. During the cherry blossom season, the temple is engulfed with pink and white flowers and people flock here to take some amazing pictures of its main hall, which is elevated and has a platform offering spectacular views of the city. Unfortunately due to the ongoing renovations when I visited, the platform was covered though still accessible. The temple was built in the 8th century and the 3-storied pagoda in its vicinity is fairly new, built in the 17th century. The waterfall located on the ground floor, just below the main hall, is believed to have special powers where visitors looking to improve their health and prolong their lives drink the sacred waters. The approach to the temple is a lively little street selling local snacks, handicrafts and souvenirs.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

#03 Fushimi Inari Shrine

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Kyoto and for the right reasons. The thousands of red colored Torii gates, placed adjacent to one another forming a path, are a pleasure to walk through, and there are two sets of these. The bright red Romon Gate which forms the entrance to the shrine is equally stunning and has two foxes (sculptures) guarding it on either side.

The shrine is as lovely at night as it is during the day, with bright lights setting the entire area aglow. Lovely little lamps light your path inside the Torii gates as well. It is said that these torii gates were donated by thousands of people who found success in their lives and careers after having worshiped at this shrine. This is the reason why each gate has the name of the donor and the date of donation inscribed in Japanese.

The gates at the beginning of the trail are much taller and are located at the back of the shrine. As you walk along, you will be greeted by the Senbon Torii; these are much smaller and stacked up closer to each other. Many people choose to hike all the way up to the mountaintop, which takes about 1-2 hours. I went to the shrine a little later in the day so decided against going all the way to the top.

#02 Kinkaku-Ji Temple

This is another one of the most iconic sites in Kyoto. Also known as 'Golden Pavilion, the name is derived from the bright golden temple located in the middle of the pond. Unfortunately, there was no way to enter this lovely little building itself so we had to make do with a walk around it, in the gardens. The pond brilliantly mirrors the architectural marvel and the trees, creating a beautiful effect and making for some lovely pictures, which you might have to struggle to take amidst the pouring crowds. Nevertheless, it's a treat for the eyes and tops my list of things to see in Kyoto.

For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.

#01 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

This is a unique place you will visit in Japan. Strolling between these towering bamboo trees is a humbling experience. Located right next to Tenryu-Ji Temple in Arashiyama, the entry to the bamboo grove is free for all but it is also a very crowded place so if you're looking to enjoy a quiet time, its best to get here as early during the day as possible. The sunlight peeking through the tall trees creating soft shadows on the walking path makes for some really charming pictures.

Grab some delicious potato croquettes on the way or borrow a kimono for a lovely photo shoot in the bamboo grove. From the Saga-Arashiyama station (which is about 15 min from Kyoto station), you will walk about 10 minutes through these lovely shops and cafes before you arrive at the Bamboo Grove.

Suggested read: How to spend 5 days in Tokyo