2025/03/10 (更新日: 2025/03/22)

3 Iconic Kyoto Landmarks Loved by 10 Million Visitors!

JP landmark

Popular tourist spots for foreign tourists in Kyoto

Kyoto has many tourist attractions. Among them, Kiyomizudera, Nijo Castle, and Kinkakuji are particularly popular with foreign tourists.
These buildings, which are also registered as World Heritage sites, not only allow you to experience history and culture, but also enjoy beautiful scenery.
In this article, we will introduce the appeal of each spot and the Japanese culture you can experience in the surrounding area.

Features of Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera is a temple that represents Kyoto with a history of over 1200 years. Its most famous feature is the “Kiyomizu Stage”, a stage-style main hall built without using any nails, from which you can see the whole of Kyoto. The three-storied pagoda is one of the tallest in Japan, and its beautiful scenery, which blends in with the changing seasons, is a real attraction. In addition, the Otowa Waterfall is known as a spot for making wishes, and it is said to bring good fortune in health and academic success.

Reasons for its popularity with foreign tourists

Kiyomizudera is a popular place to experience Japanese traditional culture. In particular, the spectacular view from Kiyomizu Stage is famous as a photo spot, and the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves are spectacular. The nighttime illumination also creates a fantastic atmosphere. It is also easy to get to, and there are many tourist attractions nearby, such as Gion and Yasaka Shrine, so it is also attractive because you can enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area.

Features of Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is a castle that symbolizes the beginning of the Edo Shogunate. It is also a historic place where the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced the “restoration of imperial rule” in 1867. The Ninomaru Palace, a national treasure, still has the Kano school’s gorgeous wall paintings, and the specially designated scenic beauty of the Ninomaru Garden is a beautiful garden influenced by the Momoyama culture. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, and is conveniently located in Kyoto City.

Reasons for its popularity with foreign tourists

Nijo Castle is popular with foreign tourists interested in Japanese history because of its historical background as the political center of the Edo period. The gorgeous architecture of the Ninomaru Palace and the beauty of the gardens are a rare place where you can experience traditional Japanese aesthetics. Furthermore, there are a variety of multilingual guides and tours, including English, which makes it easy for foreigners to understand. It is a popular tourist spot on social networking sites because it is easy to access and has many photogenic karamon gates and gardens.

Features of Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple that was built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu during the Muromachi period. The most distinctive feature is the Shariden (Golden Pavilion), which is covered in around 200,000 gold leaves on the second and third floors, and has a golden phoenix on the roof. Each floor has a different architectural style: the first floor is aristocratic, the second is samurai-style, and the third is Zen-style. The image of Kinkaku reflected in the Kinko Pond is fantastic, and together with the beautiful Muromachi-era garden, it is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Reasons for its popularity with foreign tourists

Kinkakuji Temple is visually striking with its beautiful golden architecture, and the way it is reflected in the garden and pond is like a painting. It is a valuable place where you can experience Zen culture and feel the delicate beauty of Japanese architecture. You can also enjoy the scenery of each season, and the autumn leaves and snow-covered temple are particularly spectacular. It is also popular as a spot for taking good photos, and its value as a World Heritage Site also attracts foreign tourists.

Unique cultural experiences you can enjoy

There are a wide variety of activities in Kyoto that foreign tourists can participate in. Here we will introduce some of the most popular experiences around Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and Nijo Castle. Click on the photos to go to the page with details of the experience!
There are so many famous places in Kyoto that it is difficult to see them all in one day, so please choose your activities while taking into account the time you have available!
If you see a plan that interests you, click on the photo! It will take you to the information page!

Kiyomizudera – Samurai costume rental

This is an experience where you can wear a samurai costume and take special photos around Kiyomizudera Temple. By wearing authentic samurai costumes and, most importantly, equipping yourself with a sword, which all boys love, you can feel as if you have become a part of history. By the way, the lightsabers in Star Wars are modeled on Japanese swords.
The fee is about 9,000 yen (about 60 dollars), and as this is a very popular course, we recommend making an online reservation!

Kiyomizudera Temple Kimono Rental for Women

This rental plan allows you to experience traditional Japanese culture by strolling around Kiyomizudera Temple in beautiful kimono. There is a wide range of kimono to choose from, and not only do they provide a professional kimono dressing service, they even do your hair for you! The fee is about 4,000 yen (about 37 dollars)! If you make a reservation, you won’t have to wait in line for your kimono to be dressed, so you can enjoy your stroll afterwards!

Kiyomizudera Temple: Japanese Confectionery Making

This is an experience where you can learn how to make traditional Japanese confectionery. Under the guidance of a craftsman, you can make beautiful seasonal confectionery and enjoy it there and then. The fee is about 3,300 yen (about 22 dollars). Reservations can be made on the day, but depending on the time, you may have to wait, so it is better to make a reservation in advance

Kiyomizudera Temple: Traditional Craft Earring and Hairpin Making

This is a workshop where you can make your own original earrings and hairpins using traditional Kyoto craft techniques. A kanzashi is a hairpin unique to Japan, as worn by the woman in the photo. The delicate design and bright colors are very attractive. The fee is about 2,000 yen (about 17 dollars).

Nijo Castle: Making a Key Holder with a ‘Yorifusa’ Braid

This is an experience where you can make your own original key holder using the traditional Kyoto technique of “yorifusa”. You will make a key holder by braiding “kumihimo” (braided cord) and tying it in a “kano-musubi” (a knot that symbolizes a wish coming true) just like in the famous anime film “Kimi no na wa”. This is a popular activity that allows you to easily enjoy the traditional beauty of Japan. The fee is about 2,500 yen (about 16 dollars), and we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Nijo Castle: Making a Prayer Bead

You can make your own original prayer beads by combining wooden beads and precious stones (such as crystal and jade). Making them with all your heart is sure to create a special memory. The price starts at around 3,500 yen (about 24 dollars), and the price changes depending on the size and type of beads used

Nijo Castle: Tea Ceremony Experience

You can experience the traditional Japanese culture of “tea ceremony” for yourself and enjoy a cup of tea in the silence. The instructor has a diploma in the Omotesenke school of Japanese tea ceremony, and for 8,800 yen (about $59) you can enjoy a full-fledged tea ceremony experience. Please be sure to mention this when making a reservation!

Nijo Castle Calligraphy Experience

You can learn about Japanese calligraphy culture and write your name or a favorite phrase using a brush and ink. This is a rare opportunity to experience traditional techniques. The fee is about 4,500 yen (about 30 dollars). Since the event is only held on certain days, it is safer to make a reservation if you want to attend

Kinkakuji Temple: Experience gold leaf application

This is an experience where you can make your own original craft using the gold leaf that is familiar for being applied to Kinkakuji Temple. You can enjoy the gorgeous decorative culture that is unique to Japan while experiencing the delicate technique. The fee is about 4,400 yen (about 30 dollars), and since the days it is held are limited, we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Kinkakuji Temple: Experience making Tsumami Zaiku

Have fun making popular tsumami zaiku at a craftsman’s shop! Tsumami zaiku is a technique used to make the flower hairpins worn by maiko. You can enjoy a hands-on experience that is quintessentially Kyoto. This popular hands-on experience has been featured on TV many times and has been enjoyed by over 10,000 people. The fee is about 3,300 yen (about 22 dollars), and you can make a wonderful souvenir that is quintessentially Japanese!

Access

The main way to get around Kyoto’s famous sightseeing spots is by bus! There are many buses, and many foreign tourists use them!
The directions for the travel itinerary introduced on this site are as follows!

”Golden Route 1” Plan

From Fushimi Inari Taisha to Kiyomizudera Temple

If you stayed in Kyoto the night before and plan to stay at the same hotel again today, leave your heavy luggage behind and enjoy your day out with just the bare essentials! The subway and bus routes are the most common, so we’ll introduce those to you.

1. How to get there by train (without changing trains)
Time required: About 35 minutes (by train only) or about 40 minutes (including walking)
Fare: About 190 to 260 yen (by train only)
Route
1.From Fushimi-inari Station, take the Keihan train to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (about 7 minutes)
2.From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, walk to Kiyomizudera (about 22 minutes)

2. By train and bus (with a transfer)
Time required: approx. 32 minutes
Fare: approx. 380 yen (approx. 3 dollars)
Route
1.From Fushimi Inari Taisha to JR Inari Station
2.From JR Inari Station to Tofukuji Station by train (approx. 2 minutes)
3.From Tofukuji Station to Tofukuji bus stop on foot (approx. 5 minutes)
4.From the Tofukuji bus stop, take either the No. 202 or No. 207 city bus and get off at the Kiyomizumichi bus stop
5.From the Kiyomizumichi bus stop, walk to Kiyomizudera (about 10 minutes)

From Kiyomizudera to Nijo Castle

1. How to get there by bus (no transfers)
Time required: approx. 20 minutes
Fare: 230 yen (approx. 1.5 dollars)
Route
1.Walk from Kiyomizudera to the “Kiyomizumichi” bus stop (approx. 8 minutes)
2.From the “Kiyomizumichi” bus stop, take Kyoto City Bus No. 202 and get off at the “Nijojo-mae” bus stop
3.Walk from the “Nijojo-mae” bus stop to Nijo Castle (about 2 minutes)

2. By train and bus (with a transfer)
Time required: about 30-40 minutes
Fare: about 490 yen (about 3 dollars)
Route
1.From Kiyomizudera, move to the “Gojozaka” or “Kiyomizumichi” bus stop
2.Take a Kyoto City bus (106, 202, 206, 86, etc.) to Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line
3.Walk from Nijojo-mae Station to Nijo Castle (about 5 minutes)

From Nijo Castle to Kinkakuji Temple

1. How to get there by bus (without changing buses)
Travel time: approx. 19-33 mins
Fare: approx. 230-470 yen
Route
1.From Nijojo-mae, take Kyoto City Bus No. 12 and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho
2.From Kitano Hakubaicho, take the bus (No. 12) to Kinkakuji-michi
3.Alternatively, you can take No. 204 directly to Kinkakuji-michi

Food

There are many restaurants in Kyoto that serve traditional cuisine and where you can enjoy a meal!
The following links are recommended stores
Many Japanese gourmets write reviews that are in tune with their surroundings, so many of them rate 3 stars, and the restaurant ratings tend to be low, but they are all very tasty restaurants!
All of these restaurants are rated very highly by TripAdviser and others!

Around Kiyomizudera Temple

– Seishuan Kiyomizu Branch: You can enjoy the unique flavors of Kyoto, such as handmade soba noodles, set meals and sweets, at reasonable prices
– Yukiya Kiyomizu Yoshiharu-an: This restaurant serves mainly handmade soba noodles, as well as creative soba dishes and set meals. The “Yuki Soba” is particularly popular
– Kiyomizu Gojozaka Yuba Izumi: The restaurant is proud of its dishes made with homemade Kyoto yuba. The “Kyoto Yuba Set Meal” is popular at lunch time

Nijo Castle Area

– Kyoto Yuba Restaurant Shizuka Nijojo Branch: The restaurant offers a course meal made with homemade Kyoto yuba. Enjoy yuba in a relaxed atmosphere
– Ristorante Noro: The restaurant offers dishes based on Italian cuisine that make the most of Kyoto ingredients. The minched meat cutlet is particularly popular

Around Kinkakuji

– Tonkatsu Buta Ryori Jyuki Kinkakuji: Tonkatsu dishes featuring pork are popular. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable
– Itadaki: Offers creative cuisine that incorporates Japanese elements into European dishes
– Sabo Kinkaku-an: Enjoy traditional Japanese food, green tea and handmade sweets. It is popular for its relaxed atmosphere

If you’re worried about making a reservation at the restaurant, please contact us! We’ll make a reservation for you:)

Accommodation

If you’re staying near Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, you can stay for multiple nights!
If you want to enjoy the traditional “Hanamachi” quarter of Kyoto, go for a night stroll, or experience the atmosphere of Kyoto in traditional, stylish shops, then we recommend a hotel near Gion Shijo Station!

Recommended Gion Shijo Station

There are many attractive hotels in the Gion Shijo area. There is a wide range of hotels, from high-end hotels costing over 50,000 yen (over $300) per person per night to more reasonably priced hotels costing under 10,000 yen (under $65) per person per night.
Japan is a country with good hygiene and public safety, so even a relatively inexpensive middle-end hotel costing around 15,000 yen (around 100 dollars) will be more than satisfactory. I’ll introduce some recommended hotels.
Please click on the image you want to see!

High-end hotels

Middle-end hotels

Reasonable hotels

Finally

I hope that you will make the most of your trip to Japan and enjoy doing things that you can only do in Japan, things that are quintessentially Japanese, and create wonderful memories.
The reason I decided to create this website was because I saw a foreigner who had come to Japan on holiday a few years ago and was confused by the language barrier, and I was frustrated that I couldn’t help him.

The conversion of yen to dollars in the text is calculated as 1 dollar = 150 yen.

#Japan #Kinkakuji Temple #Kiyomizudera #kyoto #Nijo Castle #travel experience

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