"KYOTO" Kyoto by naruto

Kyoto Travel Guide: 2,227 reviews and 5,314 photos

When people say Kyoto is the cultural centre of Japan, I now totally believe them.

I finally visited this grand and magnificent city this past summer while bumming around between jobs. I had been to Tokyo countless times, and to cities east and up north, and had neglected the western ones.

Kyoto was fabulous. It isn't just its rich culture, but also its strong artistic and religious traditions. The city has many temples and shrines, most of which are still working temples/shrines. It isn't just about samurais, geishas and the Shinsengumi.
It is old-school in many ways yet remain quite cosmopolitan. Needless to say, its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. With its many grand religious architecture, visitors will find it hard to choose which ones to visit. I focused on a few main temples and shrines plus one castle, and then with time on my side, squeezed in a couple more smaller but just as richly rewarding ones.

Illustrated Map of Kyoto and its Sights

Map of central Kyoto

Useful Links

Ginkakuji and Kyoto City

JAPAN TRAVEL UPDATES

KYOTOday

KYOTO VISITOR GUIDE

KYOTO CITY TOURISM

Pros and Cons

Pros:Magnificent temples and shrines, Rich culture and historical value
Cons:Nothing really.....
In a nutshell:The WHOLE City should be a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Last visit to Kyoto: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Jan 29, 2005
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Reviews (25)

Rock Statues in Sanzen-in Gardens Off The Beaten Path (5)

I was utterly fascinated by these little rock statues and faces nestled within the moss of the Sanzen-in gardens. They... more travel advice

Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara Off The Beaten Path (5)

This is a temple in Ohara famous for its beautiful moss gardens and autumn foliage. A very nice and tranquil place to... more travel advice

Great Place to Soak in Ohara Hotels (4)

This is a traditional ryokan. It has several baths and a very fine traditional Japanese garden. The open-air bath is... more travel advice

Rural and Tranquil Ohara Off The Beaten Path (5)

Ohara is a northern suburb of Kyoto and still retains an atmosphere of old-time Japan. Famous for its Sanzen-in Temple... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Talismans
Transportation (2)
See All Take the Express!!
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Travelogues (4)

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Comments (12)

Melanie_Putra Oct 10, 2010 at 10:58 PM Report Abuse

Hi Naruto, Can I ask you how long is the walk from this minshuku to Zannen-in Temple? I heard that there isn't many shops surrouunding this minshuku and those shops are nearer to the temple? Mel
marielexoteria Jul 14, 2009 at 7:48 AM Report Abuse

Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka are on my top 10 destination list. Great work!
Toshioohsako Oct 20, 2007 at 9:29 AM Report Abuse

Very nice Golden pavillion photo. I have Kyot page too and you are welcome when you have time. Greetings
tiger9090a Sep 22, 2005 at 12:29 PM Report Abuse

A very good page! Heaps of great info and excellent pics!
aisama Sep 6, 2005 at 8:46 PM Report Abuse

Nice tips on kyoto! Keep up the great work :D
mad4travel Jul 12, 2005 at 10:57 AM Report Abuse

Lovely photo of Arashiyima. Kyoto is a wonderful city. :-)
sprdak11 Jul 10, 2005 at 6:56 AM Report Abuse

Hello. Great travel page! Very interesting tips and photos! Greetings from Poland!
chiara76 Jun 30, 2005 at 10:57 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page, beautiful photos, I really like it! Greetings from Poland.
cazz38 Nov 17, 2004 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

Exellent page this is a must see for me.
Raimix Nov 4, 2004 at 7:06 AM Report Abuse

Good page! Kyoto is something exotic to me :)