Kyoto, the former, ancient capital of Japan, is a city that engulfs with its beauty, serenity, and the whispers of a thousand generations. It is a place to live zen while being active. Towering temples, astonishing gardens, and geisha districts that (whisper it) still have a geisha or two flitting around, all offer a glimpse into a bygone era. But creating a positive experience in this captivating city — a village compared to Tokyo or Osaka — with its language barrier and reservation rituals can feel like trying to decipher a haiku in rush hour traffic.
Use a Local Travel Company (So Everyone Can Save Face)
Unlike some wide-open-door tourist destinations, Kyoto requires a slightly different approach. Reservations for popular temples and historical sites are practically mandatory, and securing them without a local samurai on your side is pointless. Restaurants, especially the hidden gems that make your Instagram followers drool with envy, often require reservations made through a concierge or local company. Forget the ease of online booking platforms — Kyoto retains a charmingly “old-school” approach, where a phone call and personal connection hold more weight than a dozen glowing online reviews.
Here’s where a local tour company like MichiTravel — no relation to us, but they did an excellent job for yours truly — comes in. With their expertise, you can bypass long queues and language hurdles, ensuring access to the city’s most treasured sights. Imagine strolling through the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) with a guide who unravels its history and architectural significance, or stepping back in time within Nijo Castle, its fortified walls echo tales of daimyo and shoguns (Google those). MichiTravel goes beyond just logistics. They personalize your experience, you can see everything through the eyes of a knowledgeable guide, learning about the rituals, putting everything in context, explaining endless symbolisms, and helping you make so much more from your time in the ancient city. Definitely talk to them about how to customize your tour. You will love the plethora of options.
A Curated Time Travel Through Kyoto
Now, onto the good stuff: what the cultural side of your Kyoto adventure might look like. We recommend that (if you’re not working with MichiTravel or some other tour company) you ask your hotel’s concierge to make reservations for these places. It is essential. Don’t show up expecting to charm your way past a stoic security guard (it won’t work, and you’ll cause a scene). Here are the cultural sites we recommend most highly:
Our Recommendations
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous Golden Pavilion.
Where to find them
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous home of the first Shogun in the 17th century.
Where to find them
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous red gates of the 1300s. Go early in the morning before the tourists arrive.
Where to find them
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Sanjusangendo
Sanjusangendo
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features 1,001 buddhas.
Where to find them
657 Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chishakuin Temple
Chishakuin Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features incredible grounds and gardens.
Where to find them
964番地 Higashikawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0951, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Gion and Yasaka Shrines
Gion and Yasaka Shrines
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features two famous shrines in which you can meditate.
Where to find them
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one has gorgeous scenery at the base of the mountains and was established in 1339.
Where to find them
6８Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Okochi Sanso
Okochi Sanso
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one was the home of a famous Japanese actor. Stunning property.
Where to find them
8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Saihoji Temple
Saihoji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. Known as “The Moss Temple,” this complex defines your moment of Zen. Before exploring the grounds (spoiler: covered in moss), you must spend 20 minutes copying Japanese calligraphy while sitting at a small table on a tatami mat to quiet your mind and body. It’s all an extraordinary experience and luscious for your soul. The critical thing to know here is that, like with much of Japan, a local tour company must arrange your reservation, and a passport scan will be required for tickets. It’s not a Taylor Swift concert, but tickets are limited!
Where to find them
56 Matsuojingatanicho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This is an imperial villa. Quite extraordinary complex worthy of a visit however be warned that they take only 10 people at a time and you must walk in a single file line around the grounds.
Where to find them
Katsuramisono, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8014, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous Golden Pavilion.
Where to find them
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous home of the first Shogun in the 17th century.
Where to find them
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features the famous red gates of the 1300s. Go early in the morning before the tourists arrive.
Where to find them
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Sanjusangendo
Sanjusangendo
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features 1,001 buddhas.
Where to find them
657 Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Chishakuin Temple
Chishakuin Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features incredible grounds and gardens.
Where to find them
964番地 Higashikawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0951, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Gion and Yasaka Shrines
Gion and Yasaka Shrines
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one features two famous shrines in which you can meditate.
Where to find them
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one has gorgeous scenery at the base of the mountains and was established in 1339.
Where to find them
6８Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Okochi Sanso
Okochi Sanso
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This one was the home of a famous Japanese actor. Stunning property.
Where to find them
8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Saihoji Temple
Saihoji Temple
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. Known as “The Moss Temple,” this complex defines your moment of Zen. Before exploring the grounds (spoiler: covered in moss), you must spend 20 minutes copying Japanese calligraphy while sitting at a small table on a tatami mat to quiet your mind and body. It’s all an extraordinary experience and luscious for your soul. The critical thing to know here is that, like with much of Japan, a local tour company must arrange your reservation, and a passport scan will be required for tickets. It’s not a Taylor Swift concert, but tickets are limited!
Where to find them
56 Matsuojingatanicho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa
Why we like it
There are 10 temples and gardens we found to be extraordinary and worthy of visiting. This is an imperial villa. Quite extraordinary complex worthy of a visit however be warned that they take only 10 people at a time and you must walk in a single file line around the grounds.
Where to find them
Katsuramisono, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8014, Japan
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Pro tip: do not try to tip anyone. A simple bow, as awkward as it may be, is the most appreciated gesture of gratitude in Japan.
With a meticulous local tour guide and an open mind, Kyoto will be a journey that goes beyond just seeing things and snapping pictures. It’s a chance for cultural immersion, historical exploration, and personal discovery. The experience will remain vivid in your mind forever. It is as close as you might get to visiting another world.
Pair It With:
- Music: Enter a world of whimsy and wonder with the soundtrack from Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved film, “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Joe Hisaishi’s enchanting score is a harmony of traditional Japanese instruments and moody melodies. It will give you a taste for the vibe in Japan, without the atonal shamizen set to 100.
- Book: Delve deeper into Japan’s rich history with James Clavell’s epic novel, “Shogun.” It is a sweeping saga that explores the clash of cultures between a shipwrecked Englishman and the ruthless warlord vying for power in 17th century Japan. Like all of Clavell’s works, the book is adorned with incredible and highly accurate historical detail,and once you’re through it, you will have a great sense for Japan’s incredible economic and cultural power of today.
Article by
Jason Claire
