Kyoto has a lot to offer, and you can easily get overwhelmed. Here are the 10 top attractions in the city you must see, especially on your first visit.

Kyoto is quintessentially Japan – A modern/futuristic city surrounded by tradition and spirituality, loaded with the best of both worlds. Thankfully Kyoto is one of the best-preserved cities that survived WWII, featuring 17 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and many of the top attractions align with Kyoto’s ancient past. As the Imperial Capital of Japan for over 1000 years, it was and still is the heart of Japanese culture and education; Kyoto boasts several universities, museums, shrines, Zen gardens, bamboo forests and spectacular temples where you will always find something new to experience.

It’s one of the few places in Japan where aspects of ancient life still flourish – you can still see the geishas delicately rushing to their next appointment decked out in full kimonos and white makeup. You can catch Monks – who still live and work in the 2000 temples located in Kyoto – performing rituals and praying. You can venture a little bit outside the city to hills and experience the stillness of the bamboo forests. You’ll walk along ancient cobbled streets as the sun sets over pagodas, like you are in an old samurai movie. Or you can head to the city center and be blown away by the future modern Japan offers.

In short, for a city that offers so much, it’s hard to pin down what can’t be missed. Here are the 10 top attractions we feel you cannot miss when visiting the old Imperial Capital.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Located in Southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is mind-blowing. This is one of the most photographed locations in Japan, and it’s not difficult to wonder why. The road to the shrine is lined by thousands of vermillion torii gates, which have been donated by business and individuals, giving the impression of a holy tunnel. This temple is considered the most important shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of rice.

It will take you around 2/3 hours to reach the summit of the mountain, but you are welcome to walk for as long as you’d like through the walkway. After a 30–45-minute trek you will reach the Yotsutsuji intersection which offers gorgeous views over the city of Kyoto.

A visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must, so it usually gets pretty crowded. I recommend that you go early in the day. If you want the iconic torii gate picture, it took us around 15 minutes to wait until there wasn’t anyone nearby to get the photo we wanted.

Getting there: There are two options to get to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You can take the train and get off at the JR Inari Station if you take the JR Nara Line, or alternatively get off at the Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line.

Opening hours and entrance fees: Fushimi Inari Shrine is open 24 hours and there is no entrance fee.

Monkey Park Iwatayama

The Monkey Park can be found south of the Togetsukyo Bridge in western Kyoto. You can reach the park after a 15–20-minute walk uphill.

The park gives you the chance to witness these amazing creatures in an environment in which they are not held captive and are free to roam around. In fact, humans are required to go in into a “cage” if they want to feed them.

I recommend you buy snacks on-site and feed the monkeys. The monkeys already know the drill and they will extend their small hands asking for snacks while looking at you with cute eyes. There is hand sanitizer available to put on after you are done feeding the monkeys.

Make sure you stay for the “feeding time” – a song will be played, and the monkeys will go insane eagerly waiting for their food. The Monkey Park also offers panoramic views over the city so take advantage and take a couple of shots.

I suggest you combine a visit to the Monkey park with Arashiyama bamboo grove – these attractions are pretty close to each other.

Getting there: Take the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line) from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama. Walk for a few minutes until you reach the entrance to the monkey park which can be found just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Opening hours and entrance fees: Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November to mid-March). Entrance fee: 550 yen (US$5.2)

Read blog: Monkey Park Iwatayama: getting up close and personal with monkeys in Japan.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)

A visit to Kyoto is not complete without a trip to the Golden Pavilion. Despite its off-the-path location, the pavilion draws crowds of tourists wanting to take the iconic picture of this remarkable architectural wonder with its reflection glistening in the pond.

Located in northern Kyoto, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-story Zen Buddhist temple on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. The gold leaf that covers the top two floors serves to spiritually mitigate and purify any pollution, or negative thoughts and feelings, towards death. The roof of the template is shingled with planks of thin sawara cypress, and on the peak of the temples is perched a shining phoenix.

The Golden Pavilion is one Kyoto’s most visited temples and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Getting there: Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8361. Take Kyoto’s city buses 101 or 205 from Kyoto station. The journey will take around 40 minutes. Another option is to take the Karasuma subway line to Kitaoji Station (a 15-minute trip) and then take a taxi (10 minutes) or bus (101, 102, 204 or 205; journey time 10 minutes) from there to the Golden Pavilion. If you are driving, there is parking available onsite.

Opening hours and entrance fees: The Golden Pavilion is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission costs 400 yen (US$3.60).

Read blog: The golden pavilion in Kyoto, Japan: An architectural wonder worth visiting

Gion

Located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka-jinja Shrine in the east and the Kamo-gawa Riverin the west, Gion is known for being Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. With its cobble pavement and traditional wood machiya houses, Gion will make you step back in time, evoking feelings of what it would have been like to live in Japan’s Shogun Age. Gion is filled with shrines, tiny restaurants, traditional tea houses, shops and obviously attracts large crowds who love visiting its picturesque streets on foot.

This is the perfect spot for a photo of the sun setting over it’s famous pagoda – when all the street lanterns are lit, and geishas walk briskly to their appointments, Gion’s magic truly shines. Regardless, this is an unforgettable neighborhood and its charm and can be appreciated at any time of the day.

Make sure you stroll through the Higashiyama District, which is among the best-preserved and where you can better experience the old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine.

Getting there: Gion can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus number 100 or 206 (20 minutes, about 230 yen I US$2.30), and get off at Gion bus stop. If you need to take the train, thee closest train stations are Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line) and Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line).

Arashiyama bamboo grove

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is a spectacular experience when visiting Kyoto. There is something mystical about being surrounded by skyscraping bamboo trees. The forest is thick with the sense of otherworldliness as bamboo groves are so different than the typical western concept of a “forest”. The way the light dances off the trunks and with the shadows heighten the shades of green, the bamboo grove is unforgettable.

This grove provides many chances for great photos, as it’s one of the iconic spots in the city, but overall, it’s a quick walk. It’s not just the grove you can visit – this whole area is a temple complex, and you’ll have plenty of time to get lost in the Zen atmosphere. You’ll have tons of temples, a magnificent garden, villas, and even a chance to eat lunch provided by one of the shrines.

Keep in mind this is incredibly popular and crowds can be overwhelming. We went early in the morning, took our time enjoying the forest and have plenty of great photos. On our way out, we saw tons of tourists arriving, so make sure you time your experience correctly.

Tip: If you have time visit the quieter groves of Kodai-ji or Tenruan in Nanzen-ji.

Getting there: From Kyoto Station take the JR San-In line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (17 minutes) which is about a 10-minute walk from Tenryu-ji.

Opening hours and entrance fees: The bamboo grove is open 24 hours, but some of the other activities are generally open from 8 am-5 pm.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Founded in 778 CE, Kiyomizu-dera has a dramatic hillside location with stunning views across the city. The temple’s wooden main hall was built without nails and houses the legendary statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon ( a Japanese Bodhisattva).

The temple complex is quite large, as it has tons of other shrines and buildings consisting of a massive entrance gate, a crimson pagoda, and many tranquil paths that lead into the forest for reflection or mediation.

In Kiyomizudera, there is secret room located within a temple, called Tainai-meguri. In this room you enter into total darkness, to resemble the female womb, and are expected to make a special wish. While this is not for everyone, it’s an interesting experience to have while in the city.

Kiyomizu-dera opens earlier than other temples and it’s well worth visiting it early to avoid the large tour groups.

Tip: If you go in the evening, the illuminated temples are even more breathtaking.

Getting there: It’s an easy 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line.

Opening hours and entrance fees: Open 6 am – 6 pm with a 400 yen entry fee.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji and dedicated to the late Emperor Go-Daigo, to appease his rival’s spirit. Tenryuiji is the most important of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples – the temple is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

The temple complex has had a rough history, as many of its building have been lost to fires multiple times over the centuries; thankfully they have always been rebuilt to their former glory. The unique part of this temple involves the gardens, which are one of the few that have survived in their original form, as designed by the legendary landscape artist and priest, Muso Soseki.

Of all the temples we visited, this was by far the most tranquil, or Zen in atmosphere. We were lucky the crowds were very sparse and were able to take advantage to soak in the gardens.

Getting there: Tenryuji is a short walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is connected with Kyoto Station via train.

Opening hours and entrance fees: Open from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm with fees of 500-800 yen I US$4.56-US$7.29 depending on the level of access.

Samurai & Ninja museum

So, I’ve always wanted to be samurai or ninja, always forcing my dad to watch old samurai movies on Saturdays instead of cartoons. I was not expecting to visit this museum, especially since I already spent a few hours dressed up in full samurai regalia in Tokyo’s museum. However, it was a rainy day and with my wife was feeling under the weather so I took FULL advantage at the situation at hand. I lived my ninja dreams.

The museum is a tiny 2nd floor space but is packed with great replicas of the most important samurai. You’ll get a short tour of history, battle tactics, philosophy, and all the good stuff ending with a tea ceremony. The best part was dressing up as a ninja and actually playing with their weapons! I blew some poison darts and threw ninja stars at targets, played with chained Kamas (short cycles attached to a chain) and showed off my nunchaku skills to unsuspecting tourists. It’s a fun quirky museum, perfect for a rainy day and a short walk to Nikishi Market if you get hungry.

Tip: The museum offers lots of tours and activities on nice days, including using a real sword training, sword making tours, historic walking tours, and ninja training lessons.

Getting there: Literally a one-minute walk from Nikishi Market, or 3 minute walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu line).

Opening hours and entrance fees: The museum is open from 11 am – 6 pm, but activity hours may vary. Tickets vary depending on activity, but start at around 2,000 yen (US$18.2).

Nikishi market

Nishiki Market, or Kyoto’s Kitchen, is a very cool experience to have when visiting Kyoto, The narrow five block long market is essentially one giant shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here you will find everything you can possibly think of: from fresh products, to street food stalls to puppy cafes, restaurants of all kind, and of course lots of retail stores. We had a bunch of quick lunches while in Kyoto from this market and can’t recommend it enough – it’s a great chance to try new things, as many of the items are less expensive than in the typical restaurant.

Keep in mind that manners, like in the rest of Japan, should be a priority: some shops either give free samples or sell a mini tasting dish (sometimes on skewers) which are meant to be eaten on the spot. Don’t walk around eating food at the market as it’s a cardinal sin. You’ll find many places to eat, lots which special in one dish or aspect of Japanese cuisine – you will not go wrong eating from at any of these places.

The market has been around for centuries with the first stall opening up in the 1300s; many stalls have also been operated by the same family for generations. This is one of the places you can truly live history and the impact of Kyoto’s citizens directly.

Getting there: The Nishiki Market runs parallel to Shijo Avenue and is one block north of Shijo Avenue. It’s easy to spot once from the street. It can also be reached via a quick walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

Operating hours and fees: The market is free to enter and open from 9am-6pm. Some places may be closed on Wednesday and/or Sundays.

Philosopher’s path

The most famous pathway in all of Kyoto, the Philosopher’s Path is found along a cherry-tree-lined canal. It’s about a mile long and connects two of the most famous temples in Kyoto, Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji.

This is a nice quiet stroll in the bustling city and gives you the chance to visit a few other temples along the way.

Tip: Make sure to visit during the cherry blossom season, as all the trees will be in bloom.

Getting there: The path is not near any train stations; Keage Station (Tozai line) is a 15- 20-minute walk.

Operating hours and entrance fees: Free to stroll the path; temples are generally open from 8am to 5pm.

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Shoguns, Samurai, God-Emperors, the quest for perfections. All of this, which is uniquely Japanese, can be tied to one place in a true megalopolis that juxtaposes two worlds – the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Tokyo on one hand can be a hyper modern city right out of Blade Runner, while at the other it is proudly and deeply entrenched in it’s past. It’s no coincidence the Imperial Palace sits in a literal oasis of history surrounded by skyscrapers and neon.

About the Tokyo Imperial Palace

Just ten minutes from Tokyo Station lies the Imperial Palace; as soon as you ascend from the metro steps, you’ll immediately see Japanese’s palatial grandeur at its finest – a myriad of gardens, cherry blossom viewing points, art galleries, and even historical ruins – all to be an earthly paradise for the Imperial Family.

Located on the former site of Edo Castle, you’ll find a massive park surrounded by a moat and giant stone walls. This castle, literally right in the center of Tokyo, serves as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family since 1869. Since this serves as the family’s official residence, entrance into the palace is off limits. Only two days a year, January 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and February 23, (Emperor’s Birthday), visitors get to enter the private grounds to see the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances from a balcony. However, when you enter the main palace grounds you won’t be disappointed in the least – royalty sure does have its perks.

Edo Castle has a long and tumultuous history. Originally built in 1457, it was the residence of a famous warrior, Edo Shigetsugu, surviving multiple sieges until abandoned in 1590. When Tokugawa Ieyasu gained power and eventually became Shogun, it served as the seat of power of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown during the Meiji Restoration, leading to the Japan’s capital and Imperial Residence moving from Kyoto to Tokyo. 1888 saw the completion of the Imperial Palace until it was destroyed during World War II. Thankfully the palace was rebuilt in the same style, preserving it for future generations.

Visiting the palace grounds

As I mentioned, the Imperial Palace is easy to get to – just take the metro to Tokyo Station and take a very short walk of about 10 minutes. You cannot miss it as it’s a massive castle in the middle of a city, surrounded by a mote and a couple gates of entry. No matter which gate you enter, you’ll enter the public area; don’t worry about going into the private grounds as guards will let you know and point you in the right direction.

Starting in Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you’ll easily be able to view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds (where the Imperial Family resides). The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge), while the bridge in the back is called Nijubashi (Double Bridge) as it was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels.

Tip: This is one of the iconic images of the Imperial palace, and it gets packed. Be patient as you cannot leave Tokyo without this photo.

The east gardens, open daily except Mondays, Fridays and some holidays, are the quintessential Japanese garden. No matter when you go, these gardens are stunning, however during the cherry blossom season in spring or when the foliage changes in autumn, you’ll have your breath taken away.

As you stroll around you will notice there are plenty of flowers blooming, make sure to check out the palace’s flower guide if you love flowers. These gardens are free to the public but time your visit right as this is a major attraction in Tokyo. During your walk through the grounds, you’ll catch glimpses of the area’s history as you’ll find the ruins of Edo Castle, where you can even climb the castle tower foundation that burned down over 350 years ago. Make sure to stop by the Museum of the Imperial Collections located nearby.

Tours

The Imperial Palace Walking Tour is the most popular tour offered on the grounds. It’s important to note some part of the private grounds can only be viewed via the tour, done in both English and Japanese twice a day, and available from Tuesday to Saturday. Same-day tickets are available, but you will most likely have to wait in a very long line of tourists – skip the line and make advance reservations for a ticket by contacting the Imperial Household Agency.

Tip: If you want to get some exercise, many Tokyoites use the path around the palace permitter as a jogging route. You can also get some good pictures of the juxtaposition of modern Tokyo with the historical Imperial Palace.

Although it won’t take you inside the palace, again it is a private residence, you’ll see historical some great sites such as the Mt. Fuji-view (where you can see the mountain on a clear day) the Lotus Moat, and also give the chance to cross Nijyu Bridge, considered the symbol of the palace and to some extent the city of Tokyo itself.

The tour opens at 9:00 am for the morning tour, starting at 10:00 am; for the afternoon tour it opens at 12:30 am, starting at 1:30 pm. The tour is 75-minutes and you’ll meet at Kikyomon Gate.

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Surrounded by a lush forest, Meiji Shinto Shrine is among Japan’s most popular shrines.

Meiji Shinto – also called Meiji Jingu – is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in Tokyo, Japan. Constructed in 1920 and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji (considered the first emperor of modern Japan) and the Empress Shoken, Meiji Shinto is a perfect example of the spirit of Japan – the quest for perfection while striving for harmony. The shrine, destroyed during the Second World War, was thankfully rebuilt shortly after.

Meiji Shinto is one of those shrines that no matter the time of year or day, it is always packed – and for good reason. This temple complex is absolutely stunning, and tourists flock to take in the experience. During the first days of the New Year, Meiji Shinto welcomes over 3 million people for the year’s first prayers. Traditional Shinto weddings also take place often at this location, and you’ll see many happy newlyweds have their wedding pictures taken here at the temple complex.

Despite its location near the Harajuku Station in Tokyo, and the many visitors, Meiji Shinto will make you feel you are miles away from the bustling city. The entire complex was built to be an oasis of peace within the cosmopolitan metropolis. The Meiji Shinto is surrounded by 70 ha. of forests and 100,000 trees featuring more than 350 different species. These trees were donated from several regions across the country and were planted while the shrine was constructed.

An opportunity for a peaceful stroll

Meiji Shinto is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the southern entrance near Harajuku Station and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station. Once you reach the shrine grounds, you will be greeted by massive torii gates marking the transition from the ordinary to the sacred and welcoming you into the vast forest.

There are several paths in the shrine grounds which offer a great opportunity to get lost in the natural beauty of the temple complex during a peaceful stroll. If you pay close attention, you will notice that you’re in a bubble of tranquility – there are no city sounds to be heard which makes this an escape from Tokyo’s busy daily life.

Tip: Please note that motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed in the shrine grounds – you will have to leave them at the parking area.

What you can do

Purify yourself: It’s part of Japanese culture that visitors to shrines purify themselves before heading to the main sanctuary. Every shrine has a different method of purification, ranging from smoke to water. In the Meiji Shinto shrine you can do this at a temizuya or a ritual purification building where you can wash your hands. At each purification center, you’ll have helpful signs to learn how to perform the ritual correctly.

Explore the Main Shrine: This is the most sacred building in the Meiji Shinto shrine; made of Japanese cypress wood the shrine was built in the nagare zukuri style – a popular style of shrine architecture found throughout the country and characterized by a very asymmetrical gabled roof. There are several structures found on this shrine including a prayer hall, the inner and outer halls, as well as the prayer recital hall.

Visit the Inner Garden: The Inner Garden was commissioned by Emperor Meiji and often visited by both the emperor and empress. Japanese gardens are famous for balancing nature and manmade structures: this garden features picturesque forest paths along with a Japanese tea house. Keeping in mind the need for harmony throughout the year, the gardens also feature irises in June, Azaleas in spring, and Japanese Maples in late autumn to close out the cycle.

Here you can also find the popular Kiyomasa’s Well – named after a military commander who dug it 400 years ago – where people visit it to receive the positive energy emanating from the well. There is an entrance fee of 500 yen (US$4.5) to access the garden grounds, and no trip to the shrine is complete without a visit.

Hours of operation: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (until 4:00 pm from November to February). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time. Extended hours during the middle of June.

Stop by the museum: The museum is a new addition which opened in 2019 and was designed by the renowned architect Kuma Kengo, who has revolutionized modern architecture by using wood as the prime material. The museum is known for featuring artifacts used or associated with Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken; artifacts ranging from everyday life to notable items. The jewel in the museum’s collection is the carriage which the emperor rode to the formal declaration of the Meiji Constitution back in 1889. This government revolutionized Japan, brining into the modern sphere of influence and exponentially increasing the power of the emperor.

There is an admission fee of 1000 yen (US$9) to access the museum. For the latest prices, check the official website.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (last entry: 4:00 pm). The museum is closed on Thursdays.

Photograph the Sake Barrels: This is the most photographed part of the shrine, and it’s a really cool, iconic picture from a trip to Japan. Emperor Meiji promoted the technological development of many domestic industries, including the production of sake, as part of the modernization of Japan. While visiting Meiji Shinto shrine, take a picture infront of the large decorative sake barrels of sake – one of the most impressive collections you’ll find in Japan. These barrels (which are now empty) have been donated by different sake brewers and are offered every year to enshrined deities of the Shrine.

Write your wishes on an ema: An ema is a wooden plate which has a picture of the shrine on one side and blank space in the other where people can write their wishes or messages of gratitude. You’ll find this tradition throughout the shrines of Japan, and each temple complex has it’s own unique ema. They can be purchased at the juyosho amulet office for 500 yen (US$4.5) and they are decorated with the Meiji Shinto crest or alternatively with the zodiac animal for that year during New Year. Once you have written your message, you should hang it on the votive tablet rack, which surrounds a camphor tree and wait for it to come true.

Look for the Meoto Kusu: Meoto Kusu can be found throughout Japan, denoting various sacred sights and are easily identified by a thick corded rope binding two natural structures such as trees or rocks. Located on the left side before entering the Main Shrine, this Meoto Kusu is known being a special power spot. These spot ties a pair of camphor trees with a sacred rope called shimenawa. The trees are a popular spot for people who are looking for a partner and a strong marriage. They were planted when Meiji Shinto was established in 1920 and have been growing side by side ever since, therefore symbolizing the solid marriage of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Location

1-1, Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan.

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The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan, is a stunning Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, that should be added to your itinerary when visiting the city.  

A visit to Kyoto is not complete without a trip to the Golden Pavilion. Despite its off-the-path location, the pavilion draws crowds of tourists wanting to take the iconic picture of this remarkable architectural wonder with its reflection glistening in the pond. The Golden Pavilion is magnificent year-round, as each season uncovers a side of its personality – whether in the fall when the changing leaves complement the pavilion’s gold exterior or during winter when the temple is covered in snow but shining like a beacon.

Tip: This is an extremely popular attraction and therefore it’s always crowded. I recommend you arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds as much as possible. Also, try to stay away from visiting during the weekends.

As soon as you pay the entrance fee and wander into the pavilion complex, you will be overcome with a feeling of tranquility despite the temple’s crowds. The grounds are impeccably maintained and with trees dotting the emerald landscape, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. After a short walk, the path will lead you to the star of the show: The Golden Pavilion radiating its majestic splendor as it rests within a silver pond.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter inside the actual building. However, you can easily capture its mesmerizing architecture from several angles as you stroll around the pond. Before you leave, make sure you stop by the souvenir shops and get a matcha ice-cream in one of the stands located at the exit. They are absolutely delicious!

Tip: if you want to have the “golden experience” try the gold leaf covered ice cream cones!

The Golden Pavilion 

Located in northern Kyoto, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-story Zen Buddhist temple on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. The gold leaf that covers the top two floors serves to spiritually mitigate and purify any pollution, or negative thoughts and feelings, towards death. The roof of the template is shingled with planks of thin sawara cypress, and on the peak of the temples is perched a shining phoenix, traditionally an auspicious symbol in China (more on that below).

The Golden Pavilion has three floors: each with its own style, but harmoniously blending in a unique structure.

The first floor, called The Chamber of Dharma Waters, was built in the Heian palatial style, shinden-zukur. This style is characterized by having natural, unpainted wood and white plaster. Statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu are found on the first floor and can be viewed when the windows are open.

The second floor, called The Tower of Sound Waves, was built in the buke-zukuri style that was common among samurai houses (similar to villas) in the Kamakura period. Inside there is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The third floor, called Kukkyo-cho, was built in the style of Chinese Zen temples and is topped with a traditional golden phoenix.

While the building has traditionally been a temple, it served as the retirement residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The Golden Pavilion was the inspiration of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) which was built a few decades later by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa.

What we see today is not the original building as the pavilion was burned down several times in its history: Twice during one of Japan’s civil wars (1467–1477), which destroyed much of Kyoto, and as well in 1950 when a fanatical monk set it on fire.  The monk was sentenced to seven years in prison but ended up being released because he was later diagnosed with severe mental illness. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955. In the fall of 1987, renovations took place to reapply the lacquer and gold leaf; restorations were also done on the ceiling painting and the statue of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

The Golden Pavilion is one Kyoto’s most visited temples and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The gardens

The gardens designed around the Golden Pavilion are a scenic landmark incorporating several zen elements and shouldn’t be missed when you visit. The central pond is approximately 6,600 m² and contains several islands including Ashihara-jima, and famous sacred rock formations, such as the Hatakeyama stone. Anmin-taku, a pond which surrounded by a forest is renowned in Japan as it will not dry up even when there are droughts; therefore, it’s used as a holy site to pray for rain.

Read blog: Chureito Pagoda in Japan offers a picture-perfect view of Mount Fuji

The small islet located inside the pond features a five-ringed stone pagoda – Hakuja-cho or White Snake Mound- which is said to enshrine the Saionji family deity, thus this pond is considered to be one of the historical remains of the family.

A visit to the Golden Pavilion will take you around 30 minutes which will give you time to take a couple of pictures, marvel at the temple and stroll through the gardens. Take your time, as it is a perfect place to collect your thoughts and meditate.

Getting there

Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8361

Take Kyoto’s city buses 101 or 205 from Kyoto station. The journey will take around 40 minutes. Another option is to take the Karasuma subway line to Kitaoji Station (a 15-minute trip) and then take a taxi (10 minutes) or bus (101, 102, 204 or 205; journey time 10 minutes) from there to the Golden Pavilion. If you are driving, there is parking available onsite.

Opening hours and entrance fees

The Golden Pavilion is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission costs 400 yen.

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Chureito Pagoda in Japan is a must visit attraction when traveling to the land of the rising sun.

When you think of Japan what is the first image that comes to your mind? For me it’s the iconic image of the Chureito Pagoda, a crimson pagoda watching over snowed capped Mount Fuji, which has captured my imagination. Believe me, once you experience this setting first hand you immediately understand why it has become the cover of countless travel guides and computer backgrounds.

The Chureito Pagoda is one of those rare attractions that no matter the season it is always picture-perfect; and attracts tourist from all over the world who want to capture the best view of Mount Fuji.

Any picture of Mt Fuji is stunning – whether standing sentry from the edges of Tokyo or reflecting its majesty on one of the many surrounding lakes. I have to say the view of Mount Fuji from the pagoda is beyond any photo you will ever see, as it is even more beautiful in person. In order to get this stunning view, the Pagoda was constructed on the top of a much smaller mountain which visitors ritualistically climb stairs through Tori gate entrances. The entire climb to the top lends an air of serenity, preparing visitors for the stunning views, and leaving you with a feeling of tranquil Zen.

The whole experience left us in such high spirits, we visited the pagoda twice! The first time, we took tons of pictures as it was a clear day, but the second day we needed to take it all in. There aren’t enough lifetimes to utterly understand how the setting, the harmony of manmade structures with the majesty of the mountain, leaves an indelible mark on your soul. We want to share a few helpful tips for you to get the most when planning a trip to this spectacular pagoda.

The Chureito Pagoda

A 5-story pagoda, the Chureito Pagoda offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the city of Fujiyoshida. Since its 2013 inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, popularity has exponentially increased bringing a large number of both domestic and foreign tourists.

The pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine which was constructed as a peace memorial back in 1963. To reach the top, you will need to climb nearly 400 steps. When you need a break from the fairly steep climb, you can rest up on one of the steps and have plenty of picture-perfect views. Remember to bring comfortable shoes – it may get muddy and slippery from overnight rain – as well as a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Tip: I recommend you visit the Chureito Pagoda in the early morning. There will be less crowds and a better chance of seeing Mount Fuji. Keep in mind that clouds can cover the peak very quickly.

Once you reach the top, you will find a viewing deck located behind the pagoda where you can soak up the stunning view and take the iconic picture of the pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. The Chureito pagoda is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn koyo season when the leaves change color.

After you visit the pagoda, head to the Lake Kawaguchiko where the are plenty of attractions and beautiful sights to be enjoyed all under Mount Fuji’s shadow.

Getting there

You can either reach the Chureito Pagoda by train or bus from Tokyo or Kawaguchiko. The pagoda is located on the outskirts of the city of Fujiyoshida.

From Tokyo:

Use your Japan Rail Pass to take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Once you arrive at the Otsuki Station, take the Fujikyuko Line (this leg will not be covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but is a charming old style train) to Shimo-Yoshida Station.

It’s a 15-minute walk to reach the Chureito Pagoda from the station. The whole journey will take you approximately 3 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to Kawaguchiko station from the Shinjuku or Shibuya Stations in Tokyo.

Tip: Despite you can visit the Chureito Pagoda as a day trip from Tokyo, I recommend that you travel the day before so you can visit the Pagoda early in the morning which will increase your chances of seeing Mount Fiji. It’s best to have two days because the mountain is notoriously covered by clouds most days.

From Kawaguchiko

The Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop shuttle departs every 90 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station and makes stops at various places of interest included the Chureito Pagoda. From Kawaguchiko Station it takes around 15 minutes to reach the pagoda and the ride back takes approximately 45 minutes.

Another option is to take the train (not covered by the JR pass) from Kawaguchiko to Shimo-Yoshida Station. The journey will take you around 20 minutes.

Where to stay

There are plenty of accommodations nearby where you can stay. We stayed at the Fujisan Station Hotel and have no complains. When we arrived in Fujiyoshida, it was cold and rainy, with no mountain in site. The next morning when I opened the blinds, I was in awe to see the imposing Mount Fuji staring at me from our window. We quickly grabbed our cameras and walked for 35 minutes to reach the pagoda.

Opening hours and entrance fees

The pagoda is open 24 hours a day which gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. There’s no entry fee and parking is also free of charge. The address is 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011.

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The Monkey Park Iwatayama gives you the opportunity to watch hundreds of wild Japanese macaque monkeys roaming freely while also enjoying panoramic views of the city of Kyoto.

Monkey Park Iwatayama houses 120 Japanese macaque monkeys – also called snow monkeys as these macaques are typically found in regions covered in snow for most of the year. The park, which was opened back in 1957, gives you the opportunity to witness these amazing creatures in an environment where they are free to roam around, unlike a zoo. In fact, humans are required to go in into a “cage” if they want to feed the macaques!

The park is easy an easy climb uphill via some stairs. Once you reach the top you’ll find the park where you will be welcomed by hundreds of monkeys: some of them will be roaming around, others chilling on the cage roof, and hanging out in the trees. You will also see cute baby monkeys being nursed by their mothers as well as monkeys grooming each other. This is as close to interacting with animals in the wild as you’ll get in a park. The monkeys are used to having thousands of tourists around, so they won’t pay much attention to you.

These monkeys are adorable yet mischievous creatures. When we visited the park there was one monkey that was determined to sit in one of the wood posts of the park’s terrace. The guard kept signaling him to move away, but he was persistent and kept coming back. It was really funny to witness this – at least for us, I’m not sure the guard found this back-and-forth amusing.

What to do

Witness the “feeding time”

Make sure you stay for the “feeding time” when a can-can song is played, and hundreds of monkeys, who were busy roaming around in the trees and surrounding areas will flood into the terrace eagerly waiting for their food. When we were there, a couple of fights broke out between monkeys who did not want to share the food! The not-so-best kept secret is the view: the terrace has a few benches where you can sit to enjoy looking at the monkeys, but you’ll also find the most amazing view of Kyoto and its surrounding mountains.

Feed them yourself

Why watch monkeys being fed when you can do so yourself? At the park you’ll find a little house (thankfully air conditioned) with a screened window for a wall. This screen, or the “human cage” allows visitors to feed the adorable monkeys. For 100 yen (US$1) you can buy snacks on-site (such as apples and peanuts) to hand to the macaques through the screen. The snacks will go fast as the monkeys are insatiable and will keep asking for more! Keep in mind that you can’t bring your own food to feed the monkeys.

The monkeys already know the drill and will extend their small hands through the screen asking for snacks while looking at you with cute eyes. How can you say no…? There is hand sanitizer available to clean your hands after you are done feeding the monkeys – nothing less expected from one of the most hygienic countries in the world! Here, in the feeding house, you can also buy cold drinks if you are thirsty.

Enjoy the panoramic views over Kyoto

With an altitude of 160m, the monkey park offers an iconic panoramic view over the city, so take advantage and take a couple of shots. The view is absolutely amazing and on a clear day, you can even be able to spot the Kyoto tower.

Important things to know while visiting the park

Even though these monkeys are used to being around humans, they are still wild. Therefore, while you are in the park, visitors must follow very specific rules at all times:

• Don’t stare at the monkeys, or make eye contact, as it can be interpreted as a sign of aggression or threatening behavior
• Don’t feed them outside of the feeding house
• Stay at a distance of a minimum of 3 meters
• Don’t crouch while taking pictures, always stand

Sometimes monkeys can become a bit anxious or feel threatened. When we were there, there was a monkey standing close to my husband and a small group by the house. All of sudden the monkey started screaming out of the blue terrifying my husband and the group to move away. The monkey moved with the group, started screaming again until the group moved…and repeated this a few more times. Once satisfied he had terrified the visitors, he threw a tantrum and ran out to the benches to relax. I guess sometimes monkeys need some alone time! My poor husband got yelled at pretty good twice that day – once by me and then by a monkey.

Visiting the Monkey Park Iwatayama is an unforgettable experience which I highly recommend, and it will give you a chance to see a different side from the ancient Japanese capital.

Getting there

Take the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line) from the Kyoto Station to Arashiyama. Walk for 7 minutes until you reach the entrance to the monkey park which can be found just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge in western Kyoto.

The park is easy to reach; just a 15–20-minute walk uphill. The most challenging part is the start as you will have to climb 120 concrete stairs. There are a few benches in the way up where you can take a break and catch your breath, so the walk up is totally doable. The path is really well maintained, and it’s surrounded by lush vegetation – making it a pleasant walk.

It is said that it’s even more beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or during autumn where the fall foliage is at peak. Keep your eyes wide open because you might be able to spot monkeys up in the trees during the hike up or catch them laying around getting sun. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes as well as a bottle of water – especially if it’s a hot day.

I suggest you combine a visit to the monkey park with Arashiyama bamboo grove – these attractions are pretty close to each other and you can visit both in just one day.

Opening hours and entrance fees

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 4:30 pm from November to mid-March). The entrance fee is 550 yen (US$5.2) for adults and 250 yen (US$2.6) for children.

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