Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Pontocho

A Narrow Lantern-Lit Alley of Traditional Dining Along the Kamo River

One of Kyoto's most atmospheric streets, a narrow lantern-lit alley running along the Kamo River ...

Yasaka Shrine

Heart of Gion and Home of the Gion Matsuri

A Shinto shrine at the heart of Gion, center of the Gion Matsuri festival every July—one of Japan...

Byodo-in

Byodo-in Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its Phoenix Hall, depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Shrine of Ten Thousand Torii Gates

Thousands of vermilion torii gates wind up the forested slopes of Mount Inari, creating one of Ja...

Arashiyama

Kyoto's Scenic Bamboo District

Kyoto's western escape, where towering bamboo groves, a graceful river bridge, and hillside templ...

Kiyomizu-dera

Pure Water Temple

A hillside temple where a vast wooden stage, supported by 139 pillars without a single nail, offe...

Amanohashidate

One of Japan's three most scenic views — a pine-covered sandbar spanning Miyazu Bay on the Sea of...

Kyoto Tower

The First and Last Landmark Greeting Visitors to Kyoto

Standing 131 meters tall in front of Kyoto Station, this candlestick-shaped tower has been a city...

Tenryu-ji

Arashiyama's World Heritage Zen Masterpiece

World Heritage Site, head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen. The Sogenchi garden uses the...

Togetsukyo Bridge

Wooden Bridge Over the Katsura River

Spanning the Katsura River for 155 meters, Togetsukyo Bridge has defined Arashiyama's landscape s...

Okochi Sanso Garden

A Hilltop Garden with Panoramic Views of Kyoto and Arashiyama

The former villa garden of silent film actor Okochi Denjiro, perched on a hillside above the bamb...

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Wild Monkeys Above the Arashiyama Treetops

Climb the forested slopes of Iwatayama mountain to encounter over 120 wild Japanese macaques roam...

Heian Shrine

Meiji-Era Shrine with Large Torii and Strolling Garden

A striking Meiji-era shrine featuring one of Japan's largest vermilion torii gates and a celebrat...

Ine

Ine - The Venice of Japan

The 'Venice of Japan' — a picturesque fishing village with 230 traditional funaya boat houses lin...

Philosopher's Path

A serene canal-side walking path in Kyoto lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanz...

Kinkaku-ji

Golden Pavilion Temple

Kyoto's golden icon, where a pavilion sheathed in real gold leaf floats above its mirror-still po...

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Former Imperial Residence in a Spacious National Garden

The former residence of Japan's Imperial family for over 500 years until 1869, set within the exp...

Kyoto International Manga Museum

A Former School Housing 300,000 Manga Volumes

Housed in a former elementary school, this museum holds approximately 300,000 manga items. Visito...

Daitoku-ji

Vast Zen Complex of Exquisite Rock Gardens

A vast Rinzai Zen temple complex in northern Kyoto with over 20 sub-temples, many featuring excep...

Fushimi Sake District

Historic Sake Brewing Quarter with Canal Walks and Tasting Rooms

A historic sake brewing quarter in southern Kyoto where famous brands like Gekkeikan and Kizakura...