Top Spots to Explore in Kyoto, Japan

A visit to Japan’s most beautiful city, Kyoto is full of splendid experiences! It astonishes with the best of Japan’s culture and traditions. From colourful shrines and serene temples to scenic gardens, there’s a lot to explore in Kyoto. Here are some of the beautiful wonders of Kyoto that demand the attention of visitors from all around.

Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji-The-Golden-Pavilion

A picturesque haven, Kinkaku-ji is a Zen temple in Northern Kyoto with its two top floors covered by gold leaf. One of the famous temples in Japan, Kinkaku-ji overlooks the glassy surface of Mirror Lake and seems to float over the mirror pond. Officially known as Rokuon-ji, this Zen Buddhist temple is visited by a large number of travellers to find solace and to marvel at an architectural masterpiece. A National Special Landscape and a National Special Historic Site, this temple remains a must-visit in the city.

Nijo Castle

Nijo-Castle

Another scenic delight of the city, Nijo Castle is a flatland castle which displays the power that the Shotguns wielded over the emperors during the Edo period. Comprising the Normaru Palace, two concentric rings of fortifications, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace and a number of support buildings and gardens, it is an ideal place for the history buffs to explore. Also, like many other historical monuments of the city, it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Philosopher’s Walk

Attracting nature lovers from all over the world, the Philosopher’s Walk is a roughly mile-long pedestrian path along the lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Lined by thousands of cherry trees, the canal here is a true delight. It is the path the Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro used to take while commuting to Kyoto University in the early 20th century. Beginning around at Ginkakuji and ending in the neighbourhood of Nanzenji, this 2km long path can certainly be explored.

Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

Situated in Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is a prominent Shinto Shrine in Southern Kyoto. Sitting at the base of Inari Mountain, this shrine overlooks the entire city, inviting scores of people who visit every year to take delight in its incredible beauty and find peace.

Kyoto Tower

The tallest building of the city, Kyoto Tower stands 131 metre tall, just across the Kyoto Station, impressing visitors with its iconic appearance. This steel observation tower stands atop a 9-storey building which is home to a 3-star hotel and many stores. The 360 degree panoramic view of the city from the top of this tower presents an exciting experience for the travellers. Besides, dining at its restaurants or a glass panelled lounge is an amazing experience.