Kyoto

Kyoto, Arashiyama, Gion, Uji

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city of timeless beauty. Discover World Heritage temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera. Stroll through Gion’s traditional streets and enjoy the changing colors of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. With its crafts, tea culture, and festivals, Kyoto is the heart of Japan’s tradition and elegance.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 2h 20m

From Osaka: Local train 30m

Kyoto

Viewdory Selects

Special recommendations handpicked by our team.

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture has been the center of history and culture, flourishing as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. It has diverse charms in each area: not only the city center with many UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, but also "Kyoto by the Sea" featuring Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views; "Kyoto by the Forest" with beautiful misty landscapes; and "Kyoto of Tea" which produces the highest quality Uji tea. With the beauty of seasonal nature, traditional crafts, and a wide range of gourmet food from refined Kaiseki to local dishes, it is a dream...

Kyoto
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Nature
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Kyoto City

Kyoto City is a world-class tourist destination that flourished as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years starting in 794. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera are part of the city's daily life. It also gathers the essence of Japanese aesthetics, including traditional Machiya townhouses, beautiful gardens that change with the seasons, and refined Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and Matcha culture. This city, where modern urban functions coexist with traditions and festivals passed down through generations, offers new discoveries with every visit and is a special place for travelers...

Kyoto
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Kyoto City Oku-Saga Area

Kyoto City Oku-Saga Area

Okusaga, spreading beyond the bustle of Arashiyama, is an atmospheric area with a lingering sense of silence and impermanence, having a history as an ancient burial ground. Places filled with stories and prayers are dotted throughout, such as thousands of stone towers at "Adashino Nenbutsu-ji" and "Gi-o-ji" surrounded by bamboo groves. Thatched-roof houses and old streetscapes remain, and the scenery is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This area, where time flows quietly and differently from central tourist spots, is the best walking route for travelers who want to feel the depths of Japanese...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
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Kyoto City Fushimi Area

Kyoto City Fushimi Area

Fushimi, located in southern Kyoto City, is a world-famous area for Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates stand in a line. It is also known as one of "Japan's leading sake-brewing districts" blessed with high-quality spring water since ancient times, and historic breweries line the streets. Once a hub for water transportation, the atmospheric sight of Jikkoku-bune boats crossing the river still heals the hearts of visitors today. There are many spots reminiscent of the Bakumatsu period, such as Teradaya associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, making it a highly attractive area where you can simultaneously experience mystical faith,...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Kyoto City Ohara

Kyoto City Ohara

Ohara, surrounded by lush mountains in the northeastern part of Kyoto City, is a peaceful village long known as the home of Buddhist music "Shomyo." Quiet temples are dotted throughout, such as "Sanzen-in," world-famous for its moss, and "Hosen-in," where you can have tea while viewing a beautiful garden. Another charm is the food culture of fermented foods like Shibazuke pickles and morning markets where you can taste fresh local vegetables. In this nostalgic Japanese satoyama landscape, spending time as the hours flow slowly in the clear air will release you from the fatigue of the city. It is the...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
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Tango Peninsula

Tango Peninsula

Jutting out into northern Kyoto Prefecture, the "Tango Peninsula" is a mystical peninsula where untouched nature and legends live on. Famous Japanese coastal landscapes are concentrated here, including the "Amanohashidate," one of Japan's three most scenic views, and the "Ine no Funaya" boat houses floating on the sea. The driving course along the coast offers a series of superb views woven by the deep blue Sea of Japan, complex inlets, and scattered small fishing villages. It is also the setting for ancient stories like Urashima Taro and the Hagoromo legend, evoking the source of Japanese spiritual culture. It is ideal...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Top Landmarks

Must-visit iconic spots that define Japan.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a world-famous sacred site in Kyoto, best known for its endless "Senbon Torii" (Thousands of Torii Gates). The path lined with vermilion gates feels like a mystical tunnel leading to another world, making it immensely popular on social media. Fox statues, believed to be messengers of the god, are everywhere, and finding their varied expressions is part of the fun. Hiking to the summit of Mt. Inari offers a panoramic view of Kyoto and a deep sense of spirituality. Open 24 hours, its early morning and night...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple

World-famous for the "Stage of Kiyomizu," Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites representing Kyoto. From the giant wooden stage built without a single nail, you can overlook Kyoto City, and the view during cherry blossom or autumn leaf seasons is especially breathtaking. Just below the main hall is the "Otowa Waterfall," said to grant wishes for wisdom, love, and longevity, where drinking the pure water is a popular experience. The precincts also feature a god of matchmaking and a historic three-storied pagoda. Along with shopping on the vibrant approach, it is a sacred site you absolutely...

Kyoto
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Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

An icon of Kyoto tourism, Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji) is a World Heritage site known for the Shariden hall covered in brilliant gold leaf reflecting in the pond. This garden, built by the Muromachi-period Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to represent paradise on earth, expresses the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics. You can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the golden building and seasonal colors: the white of snow, the red of autumn leaves, and the green of fresh foliage. From the walking path circling the pond, you can gaze at its brilliance from various angles, and its overwhelming presence is undoubtedly an emotional highlight for...

Kyoto
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Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple

Located in the center of Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji is a premier temple registered as a World Heritage site. Built by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo, the greatest highlight of this temple is the "Sogenchi Garden," the first place in Japan to be designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The garden, incorporating Arashiyama and Mt. Kameyama as borrowed scenery, preserves its appearance from 700 years ago, and the view of mountains reflecting in the pond is breathtaking. The giant "Unryu-zu" (Cloud Dragon) painted on the ceiling of the Hatto hall offers a mystical experience where...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, affectionately called "Gion-san," is the main shrine of the "Gion Matsuri," one of Japan's largest festivals, and a symbol of the Gion area. The large vermilion gate (West Tower Gate) stands grandly at the end of Shijo Street, and at night, many lanterns are lit, creating a mystical sight. Within the grounds, "Utsukushigozen-sha" is deeply worshiped by women and Geisha seeking beauty, and the "Beauty Water" springing there is popular among international tourists. Open for worship 24 hours and bustling even during night strolls, this place is a must-visit in Kyoto, where historic faith and modern city vitality...

Kyoto
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Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

The World Heritage site Byodo-in in Uji City is globally famous for its "Phoenix Hall" depicted on the 10-yen coin. Built in the Heian period to image Buddhist paradise, its appearance reflecting in the Aji-ike Pond is elegantly magnificent, appearing as if from another world. The golden phoenixes shining on the roof, interior Buddhist statues, and beautiful murals concentrate the aesthetic essence of Heian nobles. At the on-site museum "Hoshokan," you can view authentic phoenix statues and Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds up close, and be overwhelmed by their high artistry. It is a place to experience Japan's supreme Buddhist architecture...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji, holding the highest rank among Zen Buddhist temples, is known for its giant "Sanmon" gate and the red-brick arched Suirokaku aqueduct, famous as a filming location. From atop the Sanmon, you can overlook Kyoto City, a magnificent view also known for the legend of Ishikawa Goemon. The Hojo garden (dry landscape) is a masterpiece expressing the Zen spirit, and just sitting and looking at it settles the mind. The Suirokaku, built in the Meiji era, has a unique beauty of Japanese-Western fusion and is a great photo spot. With deep silence and heavy history drifting through the vast grounds,...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Amanohashidate

Counted as one of Japan's three most scenic views, "Amanohashidate" is a miracle-like natural formation where about 8,000 pine trees continue along a sandbar approximately 3.6km long. Viewing it through your legs from the observatory on the hill makes the sandbar look like a dragon rising to the sky, from which it got its name. You can walk or cycle on the sandbar, and strolling surrounded by white sand, green pines, and transparent sea is exceptionally comfortable. With mystical stories continuing from the age of gods and a unique landscape rare in the world, it is a symbol of Japanese...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
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Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

Located in Miyama-cho, Nantan City, "Kayabuki no Sato" is a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings with many traditional thatched-roof houses (Kayabuki). Surrounded by high mountains and clear streams, this hamlet offers an original Japanese landscape as if strayed into a fairy tale world. In this place where people still live, you can experience the wisdom of coexisting with nature and beautiful rural landscapes in each season. Especially during the "Yukitourou" (Snow Lantern Festival) in winter, illuminated thatched-roof houses emerge mystically, attracting many tourists from overseas. It is the ultimate healing spot where you can feel the...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Tofuku-ji Temple

Tofuku-ji Temple

Boasting one of Kyoto's largest temple complexes, Tofuku-ji is a Zen temple known for the magnificent autumn view from the "Tsutenkyo" bridge. The sea of maples filling the valley turns burning red in autumn, a beauty that leaves visitors speechless. Also a highlight is the "Honbo Garden" designed by Mirei Shigemori, the father of modern landscaping. Its creative dry landscape garden, where tradition and modern senses fuse—such as the checkerboard pattern of moss and stones—is highly regarded by art lovers worldwide. A premier temple in the Higashiyama area where you can simultaneously feel the power of Zen and refined design...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Authentic Local Experiences

Deep dive into authentic Japanese culture.

Amanohashidate

Counted as one of Japan's three most scenic views, "Amanohashidate" is a miracle-like natural formation where about 8,000 pine trees continue along a sandbar approximately 3.6km long. Viewing it through your legs from the observatory on the hill makes the sandbar look like a dragon rising to the sky, from which it got its name. You can walk or cycle on the sandbar, and strolling surrounded by white sand, green pines, and transparent sea is exceptionally comfortable. With mystical stories continuing from the age of gods and a unique landscape rare in the world, it is a symbol of Japanese...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Descending about 16km of the canyon from Kameoka to Arashiyama over approximately 2 hours, "Hozugawa River Boat Ride" is one of Japan's largest scale boat rides combining thrills and magnificent views. The skill of experienced boatmen navigating through rocks using only a single pole is a sight to behold, with dynamic landscapes like unique rocks and deep pools continuing along the way. Seasonal canyon beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter—can be enjoyed from the river's perspective, making it very popular among adventurous travelers. It is a top activity to personally...

Kyoto
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Local Stays

Charming inns and stays for your journey.

Hoshinoya Kyoto

Hoshinoya Kyoto

From Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge, travel upriver by private boat to the quiet sanctuary of Oku-Arashiyama. There you find "Hoshinoya Kyoto," a luxury resort designed as a "waterside private residence." The space, a modern restoration of a 100-year-old traditional building, is a supreme hideaway where you can monopolize the murmuring of the Hozugawa River and seasonal mountain views from your window. With programs like traditional Kyoto confectionery making and morning Zen services by the water, it offers the "ultimate Japanese experience" beyond mere accommodation. It fascinates travelers worldwide seeking silence and sophistication in nature's rhythm.

Kyoto
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Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro

Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro

Located along the Yura River in Miyama Town, "Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro" is a long-established inn that has continued to provide the rich blessings of Miyama's nature since its founding. The biggest attraction is the top-quality seasonal satoyama cuisine, such as wild plants in spring, sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and botan-nabe (wild boar hot pot) in winter. Guests can enjoy a peaceful river view from their rooms, and the time spent listening to the murmuring stream is a quintessential Japanese luxury holiday. With good access to the Kayabuki no Sato, it is loved by authentic travelers who want...

Kyoto
Accommodation
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Tauta-sha

Located in the innermost part of Miyama Town surrounded by rich forests, "Tautasha" is an experiential accommodation facility pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle. You can experience the wisdom and techniques for living with nature, such as farming, hunting, and wood-splitting, together with the staff. At the restaurant, you can savor vegetables harvested by yourself and gibier (wild game) dishes, feeling the preciousness of food firsthand. It's not just a place to stay, but also a place to think about the future of Japanese rural villages and sustainable living. This is a special sanctuary for dedicated international travelers who want to discard...

Kyoto
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Minshuku Harimaya

Minshuku Harimaya

Near the Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Town, "Minsuku Harimaya" is a warm, family-run inn using an atmospheric old private house. The local wild plants and river fish dishes served around an "irori" hearth are simple yet highlight the ingredients' flavors, healing the hearts of visitors. Hearing directly from the host about Miyama's history and traditional lifestyle is a true highlight of staying at a minshuku. You can enjoy a stay that blends into Japan's original landscape in a relaxed atmosphere, like visiting a relative's house in the countryside. Perfect for those who want to experience Miyama's quiet nights and...

Kyoto
Accommodation
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Minshuku Hisaya

Minshuku Hisaya

"Minshuku Hisaya" is an accommodation facility that uses a historic thatched-roof house right next to the Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Town. Spending a night in a building that feels like a time slip will be a lifelong memory for international travelers. Breezes flow through in summer, and an irori fire warmly welcomes you in winter. Hearts-felt dishes using plenty of local ingredients make you feel the richness of Miyama's soil. It's a very precious and luxurious place where you can actually experience "living in a thatched house" within a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Kyoto
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Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya

Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya

With over 100 years of history, "Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya" got its name from its former business as a pharmacy. It prides itself on Kaiseki cuisine finished with traditional techniques using fresh ingredients nurtured by Miyama's mountains and rivers. Especially, the winter-limited "botan-nabe" is exquisite, attracting many repeat guests. The building gathers the essence of traditional Japanese architecture, allowing for a quiet time while feeling the warmth of wood. After enjoying a satoyama stroll, savoring Washioku with brilliant craftsmanship and resting in a tatami room—this is highly recommended for international tourists who want to experience authentic "ryokan culture."

Kyoto
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Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe

Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe

"Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe" is a genuine thatched-roof inn located within the Kayabuki no Sato village in Miyama Town. The greatest luxury is staying as if living as part of the village landscape and experiencing the quiet village awakening in the morning mist firsthand. For dinner, you can gather around an irori hearth and enjoy warm interactions with the host while tasting salt-grilled river fish and seasonal wild plants. It is an accommodation with high cultural value where you can touch the structure of traditional Japanese houses, the hardships of maintaining thatched roofs, and the bonds of the local community.

Kyoto
Accommodation
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Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Surrounded by the rich nature of Miyama, "Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe" is a hideaway inn where you can spend luxurious time listening to the murmuring of the clear Yura River. This inn offers gourmet dishes thoroughly committed to local production for local consumption, such as "Miyama Rice" and "Natural Sweetfish" from the Yura River. Guest rooms are calm Japanese spaces, and the seasonal mountain views from the windows are like a moving landscape painting. On quiet nights, you can watch the starry sky, perfect for travelers seeking a mental and physical detox. A representative Ryori Ryokan in Miyama where polite...

Kyoto
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Suggested Itineraries

Discover the best routes with our visual guides.

Itinerary 3 days, 2 night

Fukui
Kyoto

From the Ancient Capital to “Kyoto by the Sea,” Wakasa & the Saba Kaido, and On to Kaga Hyakumangoku — A 3-Day/2-Night “New Golden Route” Exploring Japan’s Pristine Landscapes and Spiritual Heritage

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Accommodation
Food
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Local Treasures

Discover hidden gems loved by locals.

Ine Town

Located at the eastern end of the Tango Peninsula, Ine Town is a world-rare beautiful fishing village with about 230 "Funaya" traditional houses built facing the sea. The unique architectural style, where the first floor is a boat garage and the second floor is living space, is a crystallization of wisdom for living with the sea. Viewed from a sightseeing boat on the sea, the landscape of Funaya looks as if it's floating on the water, extremely mystical. Recently, guesthouses and cafes renovated from Funaya have increased, and spending time listening to the quiet sound of waves lets you feel...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Rurikoin

Located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, Rurikoin is a precious spot open only during limited special public periods. The greatest highlight is the reflection of the garden scenery on the desk in the study. During the fresh greenery season, the lush "floor greenery" and in autumn, the flaming "floor autumn leaves" are mirrored like a glass surface, a breathtaking beauty that became a sensation worldwide through social media. Sutra copying experiences are included, allowing you to spend time facing yourself surrounded by the scent of ink in a quiet space. The mystical sight of natural colors integrating with the...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Kifune Shrine

The head shrine of all shrines enshrining the god of water in Japan, Kifune Shrine has been revered since ancient times as a sacred site for rain prayers. The sight of vibrant vermilion lanterns lining the stone steps is globally famous as an iconic, photogenic Kyoto scene. The "Mizu-uranai Mikuji" (water fortune-telling), where characters appear when paper is floated on sacred water, offers a mystical experience that transcends language barriers. Also known as a god of matchmaking, many visit to pray for good relationships in the quiet forest air. Seasonal illuminations are mystical, offering a chance to experience the beauty...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Gi-o-ji Temple

Surrounded by bamboo groves and deep maple trees, Gi-o-ji is a nunnery known for the tragic love story appearing in "The Tale of the Heike." The main highlight is the soft green "Moss Garden" covering the entire precincts. The shadows drawn by sunlight filtering through the trees onto the moss are very beautiful, making you feel as if you're walking on a green carpet. Buddhist statues placed inside a small grass hut and the light shining through the round "Yoshino Window" tell of the story's sadness and quiet faith. Beautiful moss, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves can be enjoyed throughout...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
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Yamashina Canal

Yamashina Canal

A walking path along the canal built in the Meiji era to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, and a hidden spot for cherry blossoms and canola flowers loved by locals. In spring, pale pink cherry blossoms and vibrant yellow canola flowers bloom simultaneously, creating a breathtaking color contrast reflected on the water. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Kyoto scenery filled with a sense of daily life, distinct from major tourist centers. With historical tunnels and red-brick remnants, it’s also an interesting historical walk showing traces of modernization. Ideal for travelers who want to leisurely capture the emotions of...

Kyoto
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Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

The "Blue Cave" around "Ganmon" along the coast of Kyotango City is a mystical spot created by the highly transparent Sea of Japan. Depending on the weather and the angle of light, the sea surface shines in vivid cobalt blue or emerald green, praised as rivaling the Blue Grotto in Italy. Many areas are accessible only by sea kayak or small boat, and the sound of waves echoing inside the cave and the unique rocks carved by nature's power make for a wonderful adventure. Here, you can feel the dynamic and transparent charm of "Kyoto by the Sea," quite different...

Kyoto
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Kyoto City Takao

Kyoto City Takao

Takao, located in the mountains northwest of Kyoto City, is an area of deep mountain beauty that has long been loved as a famous spot for autumn leaves. Centering on the World Heritage site "Kozan-ji," three historic temples including "Jingo-ji" and "Saimyo-ji" line the area, and the experience of visiting them while walking rugged mountain paths will make you completely forget the city's bustle. You can enjoy fresh greenery in early summer and burning autumn leaves in fall while listening to the murmuring of the Kiyotaki River; it is truly a sanctuary that could be called a "natural temple." It...

Kyoto
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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Kizugawa City

Kizugawa City, located at the southernmost tip of Kyoto Prefecture, flourished as a transportation hub adjacent to Heijo-kyo (Nara) in ancient times and remains a historical city with precious old temples and stone Buddhas dotted in quiet hamlets like "Tono-no-Sato." Especially Jyoruri-ji and Iwafune-ji, which possess National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, convey the aesthetics of the Heian period and are sacred sites not to be missed by Buddhist art fans. It also has an aspect as a cutting-edge science city, giving it a unique atmosphere where history and the future intersect. It is an area where you can fulfill...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
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Nagaokakyo City

Nagaokakyo City

Nagaokakyo City, with a history of once being the capital of Japan (Nagaoka-kyo), is a city known as the home of bamboo where historical remnants and rich nature coexist. Located between Kyoto and Osaka, it offers convenient access while allowing visitors to enjoy calm sightseeing away from crowds. You can find deep charms the more you walk, such as the seasonal food culture including specialty bamboo shoots and historical roads connected to Iwashimizu Hachimangu. Chosen by travelers who want to touch the "real face of Kyoto" different from the main routes, through Sengoku-period romance, beautiful bamboo groves, and temples colored...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
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Winter

Yawata City

Located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Yawata City is a city where history, nature, and stories of invention intersect, with the National Treasure Iwashimizu Hachimangu as its symbol. It is famous as the production area of the bamboo that Edison used for his light bulb filament, and a culture centered around bamboo is deeply ingrained. Also characterized by beautiful waterside landscapes as the Kizu, Uji, and Katsura rivers meet here. Beyond visiting historic shrines and temples, you can enjoy peaceful scenery around the vast Nagare-bashi bridge. It is a calm city that satisfies intellectual curiosity, where contributions to modern science and...

Kyoto
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Activities
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Uji City

Globally renowned as the production area for Uji tea, Uji City is a beautiful city where history and fragrance drift through the air. Dotted with World Heritage sites like Byodo-in and Ujigami Shrine, it also features spots associated with The Tale of Genji. Savoring top-quality Matcha and Matcha sweets at traditional teahouses while listening to the murmuring of the Uji River is the highlight of Uji tourism. Traditional cormorant fishing (Ukai) and authentic tea ceremony experiences are also available. Accessible by a short train ride from central Kyoto, it is an area where you can enjoy refined tea culture and...

Kyoto
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Activities
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Fukuchiyama City

Fukuchiyama City

Fukuchiyama City, a central city in northern Kyoto, has diverse charms including its history as a castle town built by Akechi Mitsuhide and the demon legends of Mt. Oe. Besides historical strolls centering on Fukuchiyama Castle, outdoor experiences utilizing rich nature are abundant. Also known as a "Sweets City," you can enjoy high-quality Western and Japanese confectionery using local specialties. Harmonizing urban sophistication with local warmth and offering good access via limited express from Kyoto, it is a highly satisfying destination for inquisitive travelers who want to enjoy history, legends, nature, and gourmet in a balanced way.

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Maizuru City

Maizuru City, a port town in northern Kyoto, is a core city of "Kyoto by the Sea" with a history of flourishing as a naval base and beautiful rias coastlines. The "Red Brick Warehouses" built in the Meiji era are now used as cultural facilities and shops, and their retro, solid atmosphere is popular with international travelers. The "Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum," telling the history of post-war returnees, is registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World for its prayers for peace. With fresh seafood like crab and oysters, and gourmet options like naval curry, it's a city where you...

Kyoto
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Kasagi Town

Located at the southern tip of Kyoto Prefecture, Kasagi Town is a nature-rich town known as a sanctuary for giant rocks, clear streams, and outdoor activities. "Mt. Kasagi," which flourished since ancient times as a base for mountain asceticism, features a giant Maitreya Bodhisattva carved into a cliff (Magaibutsu), overwhelming visitors with its scale. Additionally, the riverbed of the Kizu River is popular as one of Japan's leading camping spots, attracting people to actively enjoy nature through canoeing, bouldering, and trekking. In spring, cherry blossoms along the river bloom beautifully, and in autumn, mountain foliage colors vividly. It is recommended...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Minamiyamashiro Village

Minamiyamashiro Village

The only "village" in Kyoto Prefecture, Minamiyamashiro Village is a hidden gem located at the borders of Mie, Shiga, and Nara Prefectures, featuring beautiful panoramic tea plantation views. The tea trees covering the steep slopes create a landscape like a work of art, looking picturesque from any angle. At the roadside station "Kyoto of Tea: Minamiyamashiro Village," you can enjoy sweets and dishes using the specialty "Mura-cha" tea, whose rich flavor is reputed to be unforgettable once tasted. Amidst the peaceful scenery along the JR Kansai Main Line, it is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy a...

Kyoto
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Kyotamba Town

Spreading across central Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotamba Town is an agricultural and nature-filled town long known as a treasure trove of food. It is the production area for famous luxury ingredients such as "Tanba Chestnuts," "Tanba Black Beans," and "Tanba Matsutake Mushrooms," attracting many gourmets in autumn seeking seasonal flavors. The area also features outdoor spots like the "Shizushi Limestone Cave," one of the largest in western Japan, and quiet mountain landscapes. With many bases where you can directly touch the local food culture, such as the roadside station "Tanba Markes," it is a highly recommended area for travelers who want...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Miyama Town, Nantan City

Miyama Town, Nantan City

Located in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama-cho is a symbolic place of "Kyoto by the Forest," where forests cover over 90% of the area and clear streams harmonize with the mountains. The biggest attraction is the village where traditional thatched-roof houses remain, preserving Japan's original landscape. Here, you can enjoy Japanese rural culture with all five senses, including seasonal flowers, winter snowscapes, and local Miyama milk and sweetfish dishes. Through cycling or walking, you can touch the slow-flowing time and the warm hospitality of the locals, making it the ultimate healing village where you can completely forget the city's...

Kyoto
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Ine Town

Located at the eastern end of the Tango Peninsula, Ine Town is a world-rare beautiful fishing village with about 230 "Funaya" traditional houses built facing the sea. The unique architectural style, where the first floor is a boat garage and the second floor is living space, is a crystallization of wisdom for living with the sea. Viewed from a sightseeing boat on the sea, the landscape of Funaya looks as if it's floating on the water, extremely mystical. Recently, guesthouses and cafes renovated from Funaya have increased, and spending time listening to the quiet sound of waves lets you feel...

Kyoto
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Kyoto City

Kyoto City is a world-class tourist destination that flourished as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years starting in 794. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera are part of the city's daily life. It also gathers the essence of Japanese aesthetics, including traditional Machiya townhouses, beautiful gardens that change with the seasons, and refined Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and Matcha culture. This city, where modern urban functions coexist with traditions and festivals passed down through generations, offers new discoveries with every visit and is a special place for travelers...

Kyoto
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Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture has been the center of history and culture, flourishing as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. It has diverse charms in each area: not only the city center with many UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, but also "Kyoto by the Sea" featuring Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views; "Kyoto by the Forest" with beautiful misty landscapes; and "Kyoto of Tea" which produces the highest quality Uji tea. With the beauty of seasonal nature, traditional crafts, and a wide range of gourmet food from refined Kaiseki to local dishes, it is a dream...

Kyoto
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