Sightseeing Overview
Kyoto has more than 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, in addition the imperial palace, castles, gardens, parks, museums and monuments. A thorough exploration of these cultural riches would take weeks or even months. Yet by visiting some of the most famous sites and areas, it is possible in a short time to get a good impression of what Kyoto has to offer.
Obligatory places to visit include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, with its thousands of Torii gates up in the hillside behind it, and the Kiyomizu Temple, with its verandas seemingly hanging in the air above the steep hillside below. Ginkakuji Temple has one of the most charming gardens in Japan, and the Path of Philosophy leading from there towards the south along the Sosui Canal is one of the nicest walks Kyoto has to offer.
The Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive gold-leaf-covered Pavilion, also has a lovely garden, as does the Heian Shrine. A different kind of garden is the main attraction at the Ryoanji Temple: a Zen garden designed to inspire contemplation and consisting entirely of raked sand, rocks and a little bit of moss.
One of Kyoto's most impressive sights is the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan's imperial family until 1868. Access is only allowed in the company of a guide, and visitors must apply to get in, but the beautiful palace grounds are open to the public without any such restrictions. Not far from the palace the famous Nijo Castle, built in the early 17th century, is an imposing example of early Edo Shogunate architecture, and its wonderful interiors are well worth seeing.
Obligatory places to visit include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, with its thousands of Torii gates up in the hillside behind it, and the Kiyomizu Temple, with its verandas seemingly hanging in the air above the steep hillside below. Ginkakuji Temple has one of the most charming gardens in Japan, and the Path of Philosophy leading from there towards the south along the Sosui Canal is one of the nicest walks Kyoto has to offer.
The Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive gold-leaf-covered Pavilion, also has a lovely garden, as does the Heian Shrine. A different kind of garden is the main attraction at the Ryoanji Temple: a Zen garden designed to inspire contemplation and consisting entirely of raked sand, rocks and a little bit of moss.
One of Kyoto's most impressive sights is the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan's imperial family until 1868. Access is only allowed in the company of a guide, and visitors must apply to get in, but the beautiful palace grounds are open to the public without any such restrictions. Not far from the palace the famous Nijo Castle, built in the early 17th century, is an imposing example of early Edo Shogunate architecture, and its wonderful interiors are well worth seeing.
Tourist Information
Kyoto City Tourist Information
2/F, JR Kyoto Station Building, Shimogyo-ku
Tel: (075) 343 6655.
Website: http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php
Kyoto Tourist Information (Kyoto Prefecture)
9/F, JR Kyoto Station B/D, Shimogyo-ku (in Kyoto Prefectural International Centre)
Tel: (075) 344 3300.
Website: www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en
The main tourist information office for the city of Kyoto is located on the second floor of the Kyoto Station Building, while the tourist information office for the whole of Kyoto Prefecture can be found on the ninth floor of the same building. The Kyoto City Tourist Association runs a visitor information centre (tel: (075) 752 0227) in front of the Heian-Jingu shrine.
2/F, JR Kyoto Station Building, Shimogyo-ku
Tel: (075) 343 6655.
Website: http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php
Kyoto Tourist Information (Kyoto Prefecture)
9/F, JR Kyoto Station B/D, Shimogyo-ku (in Kyoto Prefectural International Centre)
Tel: (075) 344 3300.
Website: www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en
The main tourist information office for the city of Kyoto is located on the second floor of the Kyoto Station Building, while the tourist information office for the whole of Kyoto Prefecture can be found on the ninth floor of the same building. The Kyoto City Tourist Association runs a visitor information centre (tel: (075) 752 0227) in front of the Heian-Jingu shrine.
Passes
There are no tourist passes giving discounted access to attractions available in Kyoto at the moment.
