This is an absolute must see. If you love walking and connecting with nature ascend up the steps and climb up the summit. Here you feel as though you are transported back in time and are in a peaceful environment. Every moment of the hike was scenic with these beautiful gates and forest surrounding you. There are several vending machines to purchase various drinks. The prices are higher than elsewhere, for example the water was 220. Bring comfortable shoes that you will be confident in ascending and descending. Even in the rain, it was such a beautiful sight. I would come back again in a heartbeat!

Definitely worth a visit if you have time to spend while in Kyoto ⛩️🌸 The temple area is much bigger than I anticipated, so it is easily a half-day experience if you want to walk the full mountain route through all the 1000's of gates. It is an incredibly beautiful and scenic route, therefore also a popular spot for tourist holiday photos, so there are a bit crowded with tourists. I would therefore recommend to walk the route by starting at the end, in that way you will get less tourists until the end and more space to enjoy the views and/or take beautiful photos 📸 Definitely worth the trip ! And easily walkable from Kyoto Station if you are in regular shape, else both trains and busses go straight there 🙏

Very nice. Stunning and no costs. The whole journey/trip/tour can take you around 1 hour to get to the top. There's nice stops on the way, lovely views of Kyoto. We did it in December when it was 10degrees Celsius and it felt perfect. 2 stops from Kyoto main station and you are right there. Experience a nice Japanese neighbourhood whilst there as well.

Very beautiful temple. The hike is about 2 hours and beautiful Shrine. We were there about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when we return to from the hike it's about 7 o'clock and it's already dark in the pathway. So if you are planning to go for the hike, make sure you have plenty of time before the sunset. However, there was a beautiful view of the sunset on the top of the hill.

This is one of the busiest places that I visited in and around Kyoto. It is a fantastic place to visit. The walk to the top of the mountain is not for the feint hearted and can take over an hour. There are a lot of people taking photos and selfies along the route so patience is required but the higher you get, the less this happens. There are shops and toilets en route and the locally designed post cards are amazing. There are vending machines at various points and these are reasonably priced There are a number of places to rest whilst on the way up and down and also some shrines that can be visited. The top is a bit of an anti climax but the reward of making it up there is enough in itself. If you are going, good luck.

Visited on 2019. One of the most viewed photos while searching for Japans sight seeing. The iconic building,shrines,Tori Gates are beautiful architectured. It takes about 30-45min by walk to reach the top of the mountain. Due to its tremendous history, Fushimi Inari Taisha is always crowded.

Such a surreal experience getting the chance to walk through the thousand gates. It fascinated me how well maintained these gates are! Walking and climbing up the stairs was quite the hike! So be sure to have a comfortable pair of shoes on you. it was also nice to enjoy snacks in the front side of the temple. Overall surreal experience walking through these gates in a Forrest, I would describe the experience as magical!

Perhaps one of the most touristy place in Kyoto and actually the best in my opinion as it boasts the thousand tori gates up to the Inari Mountain. Luckily my hotel is just 15-20 minutes away from this great place so I got to come very early - 4:30AM early which I really recommend to go as there is still no group of tourists. You may bump into 1-2 early risers as well but you can definitely solo the towers. I will definitely go back to this sacred and very beautiful place. BTW, I got to reach the mountain top the second time!

A beautiful temple complex with a moderate hike to the hill top. Very scenic and somewhat surreal. When I visit in the afternoon, it was quite packed of people. But the more you climb up the less crowded. The warm sunlight adds to the atmosphere. Love it here and hope you will too.

A Tapestry of Tranquility and Tradition Nestled just outside Osaka, Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is a picturesque haven popular among both locals and tourists. This enchanting site, adorned with captivating motifs, welcomes visitors free of charge, though solitude may prove elusive due to its soaring popularity. On weekends, particularly in fair weather, brace yourself for bustling crowds. Yet, the allure of Fushimi Inari-Taisha remains undeniable. Allocate a minimum of 2 hours to fully immerse yourself in its charm. The path leading to the shrine, flanked by tempting vendors, poses a delightful challenge to resist delectable treats. Whether on the way up or down, the gastronomic temptations are impossible to ignore. **Summary:** Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a free haven of tradition, beckons with its scenic beauty. While weekends may usher in bustling crowds, the shrine's allure and the gastronomic delights along the path make it a must-visit, requiring at least 2 hours for a truly enriching experience.

Quite unique and nice place. People hog the entrances thinking that’s the only place you can take photos not realising that for the next two hours (climbing up and down) you can take photos with the exact gates too. If you’re not much of a hiking person you can just go up half way where there’s a view. No need to go all the way to the peak cos there’s no view there. Unless you want to look at more shrine stuff. Took us one hour to go all the way up and some sweat despite the temperature being around 10 degrees probably. Took us maybe 40 minutes to come down. Lots of crowds at the check points. If I go back again I would not go all the way to the top of Mt Inari.

Definitely worth the visit. I went early February mid week so it wasn’t as crowded as it would be during touristy months. I recommend walking the entire loop if you are up for the walk (about 40 mins to an hour, wear comfy shoes). The crowds dissipated towards the top so you can get a pretty serene and secluded walk through the gates. They really do go all the way up to the top. There is a beautiful view of the city on the way to the summit and plenty of shrines, shops, and benches to take a break on the way. I would also recommend staying right on the way up to the summit when you reach the start of the summit loop. Starting the loop from the right is quite steep.

Incredible, can’t quite believe I got to experience this!!! Arrived at 8:30am (Saturday - mid February), a few people around, the largest crowd were at the start taking photos. Less crowds the more you go up, so I recommend waiting to take photos at the less crowded spots! Takes about 30 - 40 mins to reach the top, it’s so peaceful. This is one of the best things to do in Kyoto but make sure you get here early !!!

Tip: if you want a clean photo with no one in, just climb to the top of the hill. There will be hardly anyone there. You can take all the photos or videos you like without worrying others bombing your good shots. This shrine is a must visit. After a good walk and taking lots of beautiful photos and videos. You can enjoy the different varieties of street foods for a decent price. Have fun.

As I'm sure all other reviewers have said this place is wonderful, ※as long as there aren't huge crowds.※ Living here in Kyoto during the Covid pandemic makes for great pictures and experiences at these places that are next-to-empty. However if you can try this place out early in the morning on a weekday you might just experience what I have. The morning dew covering the surrounding forest, with the matching scent of a fresh new day. It's magical.

This place is amazingly beautiful and shows how much Japanese people respect this shrine by looking at those thousands of gates. It's so cool. If you come to kyoto, this place is a must! I tried hiking up there just half way (the first loop). Let's say, it requires some good health to do so as it's up and down the hill. It was a good hike for the first loop taking around 1 hour and a half to do so. Good exercise!

Amazing experience indeed. It’s not a short visit if you want to go through the mountain tour, it takes about 2h but it is worth it rather than just staying down and visiting the most common areas. There are much less people as you go higher indeed and it’s a lovely hike in a forest through beautiful Shinto red gates. Not a forest walk you’ll do anywhere else! Beautiful experience indeed. It’s also a great opportunity to see the Shinto shrines with the foxes and the mini red gates :)

One of the most iconic spots in all of Japan. Beautiful Shinto shrine that is free and open for 24 hours (per google on the latter). We got there around 5 pm and had only about an hour and a half there. Wish we had about 4 hours. Could easily spend it there as hiking to the top takes 2-3 hours we heard (depending on your pace). It was only semi crowded at this time, which was an advantage. Not completely mobbed. There are many side shrines along the way and so much to explore. If you go around sunset they start to turn the lantern lights on so it is quite special. Use mosquito spray if you go at this time though (dusk).

What can I say that hasn't already been said? To me, it's the single most beautiful and iconic place in Kyoto, if not the entire country of Japan. I've visited the country twice and made this a priority stop both times. Be aware that traveling up the mountain is almost exclusively a path of steps, so be mindful of your fitness before going. If you are decently fit, it's an exquisite journey.

Probably the place I liked the most in Japan (I visited only Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka). I really liked that the whole mountain is sacred and somehow magical. You have to go up steps for 45 minutes to reach the peak where the main and most important temple (shrine?) is. All over the mountain the are mini temples and that’s just beautiful. You can also see the people who look after those mini temples and how the live. It really took me to a magic place, absolutely sacred and away from the common world.

Early morning hike was great! We got there by 7 and barely anyone around. We had the place mostly to ourselves and a few locals. Took about 2.5 hours for the entire hike with some time at the summit and in between for photos. This was our 3rd visit and it is just as pretty as ever. Do come early if you can so you can get the perfect lighting and photos with no crowd.

The best time to visit the shrine is early in the morning to avoid the crowds. We started our journey at 5:30 am, at the peak of Cherry Blossom season. The shrine has endless red Torii gates and winding paths through lush forests. The steps can be a moderate challenge for some, but overall, an easy 1 hour climb to the top. This will be one of many of the highlights of your visit to Kyoto.

This is a great hike. The vermilion gates make for a dramatic setting. There's a lot of stairs (1200 apparently), a lot of shrines and a LOT of tourists. I wonder what the Shinto God of rice, Inari, thinks of all the tourists? The crowds thin out towards the top sections, and it's possible to appreciate the view over Kyoto city (after the half way point). There is no view at the summit. If I was to return and do this walk again, I would choose to go at night or very early morning to avoid the crowds.

This is a beautiful place, however there are way too many tourists that ruin the experience. So many entitled and selfish tourists stop in the middle of the way to take photos which causes a lot of congestion. They will give you annoyed stares if you try to walk past as it ‘ruins’ their photo/videos. Some will be walking both on the left and right side with friends/family and block the incoming pathway. (Walk on the RIGHT side!) Please do not be an entitled tourist. You can take plenty of photos at the middle ~ top area. I would recommend coming as early as possible. Do not recommend if you have weak knees.

Another nice place to visit if you're in Kyoto, especially as it's free and only 5 minutes on train from Kyoto station. It's located immediately after you get off at Fushimi-Inari Station. Shrine and the approximately 10,000 Tori are very impressive. They're spread all throughout the Shrine and you'll walk through many tunnels of them on the way up. You're able to walk at your own pace and however far up you want to. The shrine is open 24 hours, but best to arrive early to beat the crowds and have the best photo ops. Also, the further you go up, the less crowded it gets. It's about 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers to the top, but you can turn around at any time.

One of the busiest place in Kyoto. We went there on New Year day which make the place extra hustling. Climbing up is quite relaxing as the slope was not too steep, but it's endless so we were not even half way there, but still managed to observe Kyoto from above. Many shops and vendor selling souvenirs and amulets, as well as many cats but they are not that friendly

This place is definitely should be on your must list to go. We went around 3 pm and it was busy and over crowded. We went on April 9, 2024 so it was a peak season for cherry blossom. The cherry blossom had a late bloom this year. People say to come early or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowd but I think it depends on what season you go and not just the time that you go. I am fit and do go hiking as a hobby so the climb to the top wasn’t so bad for me but for sure a lot of people don’t go to the top. So if you want to avoid the crowd you should climb to the top. If you take it easy and rest along the way it would take about 2 hours to hike up one way to the top. Some parts are steep so take it easy. I would not recommend going on a rainy day for sure. I did not want to share what the top looks like to spoil you guys but know that you are going for the experience. You have to appreciate the architect and the culture of the people of Japan. Overall, I highly recommend going for the experience. It is definitely instagram and photos worthy for a lot of people.

Well, what can you say that hasn’t already been said about this iconic Japanese landmark? Everyone has to tick it off the Japan ‘to do; ‘ list. Personally, I think it is overrated in terms of both historical significance and the beauty of its surroundings. There are far better gardens to be seen in Japan. It is however striking, and to be seen at least once. The gold has both spiritual meaning (purity) but was probably also a product of the ego of its previous owners. A somewhat ostentatious status symbol, if you like. As with many temples, it has been burnt down and rebuilt a few times, which explains its ‘current newish’ look. The Phoenix atop the roof is believed to be original, and is a symbol of divine favour, virtue, and harmony. Within the complex bit of fun can be had watching people attempting to throw coins into a well hole placed at a distance from the throwing spot. Give it a go – it might bring you luck! Don’t miss the 600 year old pine planted by a previous shogun (ancient ruler of Japan). It is shaped as a boat and is a metaphor for passage to the Pure Land following death. On a cheerier note, I include in the pictures some of the admonishing posters you see around Kyoto giving guidance on appropriate behaviour…

One of the most famous spots in Kyoto, temple of the Golden pavilion. Actually, it’s a Buddhist temple which is covered with golden leaf giving an iconic mirror view. Usually, the area is crowded and I recommend you to go there early morning. You can enjoy a relaxing walk through the wayside. The entrance fee is 400 yen.For road direction, both English and Japanese language are indicated. Highly recommended this place for people who like traditional and historical view.

A lovely temple indeed. The ground were beautiful and serene despite being right in the city. This temple has a unique history and I enjoyed seeing it. There's a touristy feel about it though. Many shops along the way to get a piece of your pocket. Kind of steals from the spiritual aspect.

Great place that require little time to be done. Can be a bit complex to get there but if you organise your trip well it is a good place for photos and just enjoy been "away" from the center and still be in Kyoto. Do not come with pushchairs or if you have difficulty to walk. It is not long but you need to use stairs and climb a bit. A pleasant spiritual place with a tourist twist.

Amazing Buddhist temple that is truly unbelievable. The views of the temple from the well maintained gardens is well worth the ¥600 (I think, it could be ¥500) admission fee. This is one of those places you can't miss if you are visiting Kyoto! My pictures do not do this place justice this is something you have to see for yourself.

Visiting this temple was the highlight of our trip to Japan so not to be missed. The temple opens at 9:00 AM and there was already a long line when we arrived at 8:50 AM. Fortunately, the line was processed quickly once the ticket booth opened (admission is 500 yen per person). The temple is located on an island so we cannot get close but we can still manage to get good photos from a distance by following the path circling it. We just have to be patient and wait our turn as the place is packed with tourists. Other than the temple there is not much to visit. We went through the garden quickly since there are more beautiful gardens to explore in other temples. Overall the visit should take less than one hour.

One of the most famous spots in Kyoto, temple of the Golden pavilion. Actually, it’s a Buddhist temple which is covered with golden leaf giving an iconic mirror view. Usually, the area is crowded and I recommend you to go there early morning. You can enjoy a relaxing walk through the wayside. The entrance fee is 400 yen.For road direction, both English and Japanese language are indicated. Highly recommended this place for people who like traditional and historical view.

A beautiful and picturesque temple in shining gold. The whole tour is about 45min if you walk slowly and take some pictures. It is definitely worth a trip if you are in Kyoto and have some time to visit the temples. I'd love to to be able to sit and have more opportunity to enjoy the park and temple a bit more. It feels a little 'rushed' with the only way leading around the temple up the hill to some gift shops and a shrine and then back out.

A must see if you are in the area. It is one of the iconic temples of Kyoto for a reason. The gold layers on the structure gives it a powerful aura. Make sure to read the pamphlet to learn a bit more about this place! The gardens are not that special in my opinion, but they definitely still enjoyable to walk along.

This is definitely one of the most iconic place to visit if you go fist time in Kyoto region. Beautiful architecture and color you can just shoot picture from far away as it is sitting on a swamp area with no tourist access. You will need to walk a bit to get there so it is quite hot during summer. There is a spot where you can drop coins for luck and ring the bell used originally to summon people for prayer time

It's a beautiful temple, the gold is very exceptional and you won't see this anywhere else. However it is a small place to visit (you will be in and out within 20-30 minutes if you take it slow), it is only 500Yen so pretty doable. Very busy during the day though.

I only rate it so low because if you have limited time in Kyoto, I'd rank this last. Its honestly nothing great, just the temple in the middle, and you take a walk around and see rock formations. If you're a massive history buff and this was on your list for a while, sure, but again, with limited time on hands, I'd rank this last. The buses to get here are not as frequent, so you will definitely be waiting a while and with other tourists, cause google suggests we all take the 205 or 204 so be prepared to be packed into a bus both ways. It's a 1000¥ to enter but the park its situated in is a nice little walk

Temple is open from 9am to 5pm so I reached about 325pm. Paid admission fee of 600 yen for adult and 300 yen for children (6 to 15 years old) to enter the temple. Gets quite crowded and alot of people will stand near the fence to take photos. Most people are considerate enough to take photos quickly. Quite a small place and can cover it in about 45mins. The golden building looks really nice with the red autumn leaves.

A beautiful temple with picturesque surrounding gardens. It will be very busy upon opening, but with patience, everybody is guaranteed a nice photograph of the scenery. After traversing the circuit, there are tasty food stalls which sell cheap snacks. Highly recommend!

I think this temple is the most beautiful temple we came across but you have to be there at the right time. The right time is when the sun just rises and the rays illuminate its golden wall. It was just beautiful. There must be lots of gold leaf used to cover it. Pictures don't do the justice. You just have to be there to witness it. We were here during winter. I think it may be more beautiful during the autumn season.

Nothing special. This temple was re-built completely in the 1950s, so it is basically very "modern". You cannot get in the temple and have to look at it from like 20-30 meters away. It is very crowded there and sometimes I feel even difficult to breathe. For Westeners who want to get a glimpse of how Asia look like, that may be fine, but for Easterners who have some exposure with Oriental culture and Buddhism before, this temple is nothing special.

Visited 2yrs ago before the pandemic. You have buy a ticket of 400yen to enter. The ticket price is not worth to be have 400yen. Due to its beauty,historical image, price should be high. The iconic golden temple of Japan is also one of the oldest temple. The golden color is very fascinating. Always crowded so its very difficult to get a good picture. Located in a very peaceful environment. One of the masterpiece of Japan's Historical Culture. Highly Recommended.

Beautiful grounds and the Golden Temple is immaculately well kept. After walking around for bit I enjoyed a hot macha before completing my walk around the grounds. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds...I, sadly, did not. None the less, it is more than worth enjoying the sights of this historic area.

I expected the Golden Pavilion to be just a little sparkly, but it wasn't at all. It was absolutely shiny and sparkling! It was so amazing to see. I'm truly impressed by the people from the past who created such a magnificent structure. I highly recommend everyone to check it out. Entrance fees : 500 ¥ , cash only.

ほんとに綺麗でした！金閣寺も立派で素晴らしかったです。もし、行ってみたい方は是非、十分な時間をとって行くことをおすすめします。金閣だけでなく、ほかの神社や地蔵なども鹿苑寺の中に一緒になって入っているので、1時間、少なくとも45分はかかると思います。しかし、ほんとに行ってみて時間がかかっても後悔しないので、是非、京都に来た方は行ってみてください！ (Translated by Google) It was really beautiful! Kinkaku-ji was also splendid and splendid. If you want to go, we recommend that you take enough time to go. In addition to Kinkakuji, there are other shrines and Jizo statues in Rokuonji, so I think it will take an hour, or at least 45 minutes. However, you won't regret it even if it takes a long time to actually go there, so if you come to Kyoto, please go there!

A very beautiful pavilion wrapped in gold leaf. Somehow to me it felt like the lavishness and ornate decorations of the temple were our of sync with the teachings of letting go of material things. Unfortunately it was extremely crowded and full of noisy people, which detracted from the peacefulness of the experience. Despite the crowds, the building is still undeniably beautiful.

A very beautiful area with an exquisite gold covered temple. I'm not sure if there is another one like this in Japan. There are really a lot of visitors, but you don't have to wait in lines. At the exit from the temple, there are places where you can buy icecream with gold also sake with gold and other interesting things.

Absolutely stunning and a definite must see. However, as with most other main attractions, absolutely avoid going on weekends or holidays if at all possible. Also try to beat the crowd by being early. The view is stunning, but your experience will heavily depend on how crowded it is. I went when it wasn't really crowded and it was spectacular

One of the must visit temples in Kyoto. Its main attraction is its golden walls which is very eye catching especially when the sun shines on it. Dazzling. Its comparatively small compared to some large size temples but size doesn’t matter. However it is closed and no entry allowed inside. So everyone crowds around nice photo taking spots. Its crowded even on a Friday morning. Not surprising as there is a huge tour bus parking lot beside it. And there is also a long row of vending machines too to cater for whatever you wish for. It would be a nice relaxing spot if there is less crowd but wishful thinking.

This temple is well worth the visit. There are many temples and shrines around Kyoto and this one is harder to travel to, but it is well worth it. The setting, architecture, and gardens are stunning. There are taxi stands just outside the gate, and that is the easiest way to reach this one. Come early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Take your time enjoying the beautiful scene.

We came here while it was pouring rain. But the temple was still very beautiful to look at. It cost 600 yen to get in per person. There are lots of great options of charms to get here as a souvenir for friends and family! What was interesting that we haven’t seen from other places is that there were a blue and pink charms for good health for your pets!

Thé view is really beautiful. A must visit. You can see the famous model for literature work by Japanese writer and feel the beauty of golden pavilion. It is incredible. You need to be aware of the weather. Good weather is a must. The golden wall will shine over the lake.

Kinkaku-Ji Temple is one of popular Temple in Kyoto Japan. This ancient temple is surrounded By lush JAPANESE style Garden makes the ambience more quiet and peaceful. It is easy to reach the Temple By bus no 205 from Kyoto station cost 230 Yen. The Temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm and the ticket entrance is 500 yen. By visiting this Temple you Will Learn about JAPANESE culture more. Once you in Kyoto you should visit this Temple. Highly recommended 👍👍👍

This is a beautiful temple complex that features the golden temple in the middle of a lake. The surrounding complex is dotted with numerous buildings and gardens. Overall, this is a must visit while we n Kyoto.

The lights at night were extremely beautiful. However, if you go during the busy season, be aware that there are tremendous crowds. In particular, I recommend that you go through the most famous angle photo spot, taking pictures quickly through the open loopholes rather than waiting until the very front of the building.

Extremely cool concept of a temple on the mountain side. Amazing to look at and definitely a must-see. However, its location allows for less space and being such a popular destination, it is going to be extremely crowded at all times. This one is actually worth visiting at the break of dawn.

Gorgeous views, great structure and blessed nature around. If you go with the crowd probably will miss the best part which is the silence in Nature around the views. For instance I prefer avoiding crowds so always find a trail or path into backyards keeping the peace of mind and spirit. Some dates of their local festivals or meetings shall be avoided unless you prefer to walk amidst a human mass. Also the energy of the place is wonderful to spend good time meditating when it feels clearly time stopped for thousands of years. In my opinion a week or some days are enough to know it better. Depending upon how easy it is to meditate and/or leave the physical body, hours pass in minutes clearing away all kinds of thoughts & feelings. Congratulations for the superb maintenance of this wonderful place. They are extremely well equipped to receive thousands of persons.

The temple itself is amazing. You should absolutely see it. However, the sheer number of tourists ruins the experience. You can barely walk in some spots. If you're looking to take that super awesome photo of the place with no people, good luck. I went on a Sunday afternoon (I know, what was I thinking) and movement was like slow moving lava. So I tried again Monday morning at 08:30 and it was still already crowded. I tried my best with these photos.

The temple is majestic and is definitely worth visiting. There are huge numbers of visitors from organised groups like schools and tourists from all around the world, so it's better to alight from further away and walk in from a distance to avoid getting trapped in your taxi. The temple felt amazingly tranquil and peaceful despite the endless visitors pouring in. The shops leading to the temple were interesting, selling souvenirs and snacks. Overall, the visiting experience was good regardless of the crowd.

Very vivid colors make for great photos. It's very crowded though and lots of stairs. Beautiful view of city from the top. The walk up from the main streets through the more traditional Japanese village architectural style was worthy of the walk uphill.

Beautiful during autumn. You can enjoy the scenic view at the top. Entrance fee is ¥800 for adults. It was crowded during weekend and despite the rainy weather. You can explore the bottom area of the temple for free. The entrance fee is applicable if you want to go to the very top.

Gorgeous temple and piece of Japanese history. I tried to get there for sunset but unfortunately there wasn't much of a view in the sky. Despite that, it was still a beautiful visit and I was grateful to have seen it. There's also these mini waterfall streams that you can drink from, each giving you some kind of benefit or blessing, but if you drink from more than one, you'll get bad luck! So don't be selfish :)

Fantastic view, great place to visit. The entry to first part is for free but the actual temple area is paid. Great view of Kyoto can be seen from the second part, and gives ample opportunity to take very nice pictures. It is a bit hard to reach if you have a problem walking uphill, just be prepared for a bit of climb when coming here.

Probably the best place I have ever visit in my entire life and not only in "Japan". The whole trip to there was amazing. You start to walk inside trees and go higher in the hill were is the temple. And when you enter you are face with one incredible beauty. You start to walk inside the temple and watch the trees, the lakes, the amazing temples, and off course the incredible view from there. You can watch the whole "Kyoto" in many areas at the temple because we are talking for very big temple which contains many small inside. The view of the temples inside the trees was really incredible exprience. You was transport back 400 years were there was cities, cars etc. Only people and the wild. And yes, this place was the most "wild" we visited. If you are in "Kyoto", there is nothing better than this temple for me. You must go

A beautiful temple built on a hillside that offers a nice view of Kyoto - this was one of my favorites. Prepare to battle significant crowds, but it is well worth the trip! Don't miss out on the unique experience of touring the "womb" shrine to the left/north of the pagoda before you enter the actual temple.

The road to the temple is extremely crowded during the autumn foliage season (probably the same as cherry blossom season). But the foliage is the most epic and best I've ever seen!! There are also a lot of matcha and local snacks along the way and they are really good to eat and many things to see. Highly recommend!! I would definitely come back to see different views in different seasons.

Very special and incredible. Amazing architecture, wooden structures which appear to be hundreds of years old that are holding up huge monument/structures. Worth paying 100yen for the stone tour thing, be careful though and hold the walls, it's very dark. Very spiritual. We went boxing day and it was quite crowded, so good to go early if you can. Loads.of shops near by as well.

Despite all the crowds (and as I understand it is a low season) it is a must to visit in Kyoto. It offers some iconic views of the city combined with oriental architectural structures. And it also gives you a chance to explore spiritual side of the temple.

Absolutely beautiful but very crowded even on a rainy day. Steep hill to come and down, and lots of crowd so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Many tourists were wearing beautiful kimonos and shops along the way were so much fun. Many unique vendors and beautiful souvenirs. Must- go place in Kyoto.

Beautiful temple, especially in the foliage season. It was undergoing renovations for several years before 2020 but it looks to have been fully restored. As it is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, do plan to go early morning, as soon as it opens at 9am. It’s a nice starting point for a day of sightseeing in Gion, etc.

The JR pass has allowed us to visit so many wonderful places and this is no exception. Just a great place to walk around and admire the architecture of the shrine and nature. Lots of cool souvenir shops close by as well. So it’s a great attraction spot. The temple itself was under construction so we couldn’t see everything. Still had an enjoyable experience with the family.

Founded in 780, this stunning temple truly is as “pure” a sight as temples offer, much like its name’s meaning suggests. As you climb the hill up to the temple, nothing can quite prepare you for what you behold as you journey further and further back into the space. Shrouded by trees and lofted high above Kyoto, this is one of the must-see visits you should ensure you take while in the area. It makes sense that this is a UNESCO world heritage site, as it should be.

It's a beautiful walk and view. We enjoyed every stop all they way up to this place, as if we are walking backward from modern to ancient city. We went up in the afternoon to enjoy sunset, but we couldn't get past the gate to the other side since it's tim to close.

Sharing my photos and videos for you guys to see how beautiful there. The temple, the view, the scenery. I enjoyed my visit there but there's a lot of people. I thought I will only see few people there cause I went there weekdays but I guess I was wrong. But still enjoyed my visit there. Anyway there's a entrance fee of 400yen to go to the temple. And make sure to bring some water with you cause it's a long walk

Peaceful and calm yet pretty crowded on the way up. Lots of tourists and students swarming the way up alike. Very intricate designs and the temple is a must visit if you are a fan of rich Japanese history. Tickets ( ¥400 each) are needed beyond a certain point and you can buy them from around the entrance point where they are mandated. Once through the checkpoint you make your way to a walkway that leads to the other part of the temple post which you walk down back to the starting point. We were around the time when it was raining a bit and the pathway along with the stairs get a bit slippery. Nothing too treacherous though. Great experience and highly recommended!!

Awe inspiring wooden architecture and wonderful views of the forest, mountains, and Kyoto city. It is easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Signs will guide you up the left side for the accessible entrance. Expect large crowds going up the main road, if you want to avoid the crowd, there is another road on the right that leads up to the temple, also accessible by wheelchair and strollers. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to pray, don’t expect this to be it. Large tourist and student groups were there.

This is the landmark of Kyoto. Definitely worth visiting to see the cultural heritage, architecture and nature. I went here in summer and it is already beautiful. I visit this time in late fall and the color of the places is incredible. I feel like I am living in a novel.

A nice and beautiful temple for Kannon. As i was there during winter, the weather was definitely great during the walkabout. Many great points to grab great pictures for memories. Note: The walk up to the temple from the main road is long and up slope at certain points. Wear good walking shoes. Can be challenging for some.

Absolutely beautiful! Extremely busy. Can be shoulder to shoulder. Closes at 6pm. If you want access to the overlook that has a view of Kyoto, You'll need to purchase a ticket on the right once you've climbed all the stairs. It'll be 400yen I believe. I feel it was worth it.

One of the most popular and must visit temple in Kyoto. It’s so popular even when we thought the date and time shouldn’t be that it’s flooded with tourists. Getting there is a long walk from the station and mind you, it’s a steep walk up hill along a row of shops/houses. Hence it i takes your mind of the strenuous walk. Be alert that there are throngs of people everywhere. Hence, the ambience ain’t peaceful at all. However, if you can tune them out, the view from the temple onto its i surrounding is magnificent. Moreso, at dusk. The orange purple show in the sky is breathtaking. From here at its vantage point, you can even see Kyoto tower. The temple complex is very old and very distinct in 🇯🇵 architectural design. Except for the crowd, it would have been more enjoyable.

My favourite temple in Kyoto. We went there on New year day so the place was packed, but the place was still poetically beautiful. This complex is huge with many others temples and building, and it takes a bit of time to visit everywhere. Among the temples we visited in Kyoto I believe this one has the cheapest amulets.

Very spectacular temple in a great location above the city. The site and surrounding streets were absolutely packed though, dangerously so on the steep steps where bunches of tourists stopped to take photos. A good place to visit, but avoid it on weekends in good weather in the blossom season!

****Must see tourist spot! The road leading up to temple has many restaurants and gift shops. We went on emperor's birthday and it was jam packed with people, but not that bad. We were able to eat, look at gifts and visits the temple. Very beautiful. Especially, if go when the cherry blossoms bloom.

There are 4-5 spots to take beautiful photos, so you need to keep 1-2 hours for this temple only. Be aware of the tourism season. Nice weather is good for nice photos. Kimono dressing is a plus for photo taking. The water fall area need to line up for a while, and so does the fortune sticks. Prepare for ¥5 or ¥50 for praying. Don’t try to come here around 1700 because everyone is going back and there will be traffic jam.

Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit in Kyoto! The climb to the temple adds to the charm, offering breathtaking views of the temple and valley. Don't miss the small waterfall with its three lucky streams. Plus, plenty of shopping and snack stops along the way make it a complete experience. Highly recommended!

A beautiful temple that is very famous. It's in every tourist book of Japan you've probably ever seen. Avoid going on weekends or public holidays at all costs! If you want to have some time alone here it's probably best to go really early or really late in the day. The view is spectacular and even with all the people it's still worth a visit.

I enjoyed the tour of the shogunate place. I was amaze of the structure, stepping into a 400 year old place where once a shogun live his life. The castle is so amazing, the garden is so huge, the whole area is vast! I will go back here to spend my day. You can read the details of each room in the castle. To know what is it use for by the shogun and the lords.

As an American architect in a country with virtually no specifically unique style or American school other than that of perhaps the prairie style, and perhaps art deco, it's refreshing to see the Asian styles and understand their origins. What strikes me the most about the interior spaces is their simple use of post and beam where the art is not only the infill coffers, door panels, but the wood joinery being covered with a gold decorative cover. The Japanese seem to respect the structural function but embellish the connections. Their use of rhythm and repetition in the vertical wainscot door panels and rectangular joinery of vertical and horizontal pieces used almost everywhere you look. The allusion of bringing the outdoors inside is a primary reason many cultures consider art as mimicking life. They do this here incredibly well and even consider the 4 season in that representation. Much like the ancient Egyptians compartmentalizing of things from very small to very large, the politics of the time is framed here in wood with sliding panels allowing movement between the first and second etc rooms. All of these boundaries create the physical manifestation that defines classes and their access to the shogunate regimes. This is done very well and much more simply than the complicated European versions, and with a reverence to nature. A definite must see. Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside. So you must see for yourself.

Nijojo castle was a last minute gem. Just looked at places to visit in Kyoto and this place show, not expecting anything I was blast away not only by the size bit as well by the beauty and the historical side of the site. The visit of the whole place was just rich and amazing at the same time. Try to come early if in the summer because very hot (bring water and good walking shoes). Great site as well for people with some mobility restrictions, friendly and accommodating staff. It was really a gem.

We got here shortly before it closed so it wasn’t crowded which was nice. It was so beautifully lite. The flower exhibit was so cool to see. At different places there was short videos of flowers with nice music.

This is a fascinating place to learn the history of the Edo period. Some of the most historic events of the Edo period occurred at this castle. The castle has been restored. The gardens are beautiful. Plan to spend some time wandering the grounds and admiring the architecture and beauty.

We happened to visit during Cherry Blossom bloom week, and there was a night time festival dedicated to Cherry Blossoms -- though they hadn't quite blossomed yet. Nonetheless, the night event was a pleasant experience, with projected light shows along certain areas. It would have been stunning had the Cherry Blossoms been in bloom, but oh well. All of night event took place outside the main castle. See the attached videos and photos.

You have to pay about 1800yen. The area is huge and the castle is beautiful as well. Visited about 3yrs ago during the illumination, the art of lights was very beautiful. The access to it is very simple, the local transportation is easy to access.

The beautiful display of the naked flowers show for the cherry blossom season was something to be seen. No words can describe the vast trees within the castle grounds. I also had the sake tasting within the small cafe inside the castle which was delicious and some of the best sake I have ever had.

Although the keep section of the castle burned down long ago and was never rebuilt, the structures that remain are still quite impressive. The walls and moat are well maintained, and there are various gates, gardens, and storehouses around the complex which are worth seeing. The ticket here is pretty pricey compared to some of the other tourist locations in Kyoto, but it's worth it in my opinion. Centrally located in Kyoto so it is easy to get to by public transportation, it is worth visiting if you aren't pressed for time

The least enjoyable moment to visit this place is on a sunny summer day between 11 AM and 4 PM. Most of the itinerary is outdoors and the gardens are nowhere as picturesque in the summer heat as they probably are in spring and the autumn (maybe winter as well?). On top of that, there is a good number of visitors around the aforementioned time window, and that inevitably impacts the atmosphere. Another suggestion: no need to visit the additional gallery for ¥100, there is little to see and what is actually there feels like a repetition of what you already saw inside the main building.

Splendid views from the castle. One of the favourite destinations for the locals and foreigners, famous for its rich history and structures. Worth the value paid for. The area is very calm and you can enjoy the walk through the garden and castle.

Nijo castle was interesting. The interior you aren’t allowed to photograph (standard) But you won’t forget in a hurry. The gardens are beautiful also . If your into Japanese history then this is worth a look

The castle where there is no Keep to climb but has surviving palaces. One of the gates is so beautiful. The inside of the palace is very beautiful as well. Plan for a trip of between 2 to 3 hrs at least else you may miss places or would have walk in a rush.

A wonderful and tranquil place to spend a morning when in Kyoto. The rooms were available to view and the wall coverings were exquisite. Plenty of staff to guide you around. Food and drink reasonably priced. Walk from Kyoto station is manageable but a subway stop is just on the edge of the park Definitely worth the visit

The castle itself is under repair so it was completely off limits and covered by tarps. There were other areas and buildings that were still accessible and walking the grounds was lovely! We had a snack in the tea house that was absolutely delicious!

I went to Nijo castle on a Saturday afternoon. It’s one of the top attractions in Kyoto and it was worth visiting. Very clean area, nice architecture. One can learn about the history. I liked the most about this place is the park, it was very well maintained. A place where one can sit and relax. The day I visited this castle, it was not crowded at all.

The castle grounds are massive—much more than you might anticipate once you step inside than how it looks from the outside. While it’s very simple looking once inside, there are intricacies in the details that await the observant visitor. This is a must visit while in Kyoto for a dose of history and beauty.

Beautiful castle and very interesting story. It says on Google that the closing time is 17, but if you want to visit the main hall, you have to be there before 16. I recommend getting inside the main hall and walking on the nightingale floor planks.

Pretty and serene castle. Probably nicer in Spring and Autumn than in Winter when some of the greenery isn't quite so green. But if you're in Kyoto with a couple of hours to burn, definitely worth the time.

The area is huge. Inside the palace you have to remove the shoes, but in Feb is so cold and your feet gets frozen. The park is big and so well maintained. All the staff are so polite and helpful.

Loved it. But be aware that taking pictures inside the building is not permitted and you will need to take off your shoes. All rooms are painted in beautiful shiny gold with each room being dedicated to a different scene of nature. Some feature puppets as to show what daily life might have looked like. The gardens are gorgeous too. I am glad I went. The plum tree grove was in bloom and the sweet fragrance of citrus and pear filled the air around them.

Good place for taking pictures with sakura. It's very big inside. The castle is maintained well. I think it's worthy to buy ticket to see inside if you wanna discover the Japanese history. They have coffee shop and ice cream inside also. However, since there are so many tourists there, the toilet is definitely stinky 🤢 First time in Japan I saw that stinky toilet.

The best thing is the garden and the aqueduct surrounding the second palace. The walk inside the larger first palace is nice but not too exciting. You see mostly empty rooms with a lot of wall paintings. The garden is impressive, and the walk around is nice, and there's a tower watch that's worth the short climb.

We went to visit the night time light show experience. It was beautifully done with a cherry blossom theme and gave many lovely photo opportunities in a less crowded environment than when visited during the day. Highly recommend

The Most beautiful place on Osaka, I was really impressed, to see where the Shogun lived and all the History!! Fantastic! I am very glad that inside was not aloud to film/ take pictures so that you can experience this fully! Amazing Garden and all around very clean and nice!👍

I highly recommend coming here. You’re able to go inside the building and see all the beautiful artworks and how original Japanese interior looked. Wasn’t able to make it in time to see the cherry blossoms bloom but still a few trees had the beautiful pink flowers. You can t

A must visit if you are touring Kyoto. Easy access by rail or bus. Beautiful scenery starts at the river before you get to the Main Street. Lots of Temples and trails nearby. Too much food to comprehend.

Very scenic and serene! I recommend going early to around sunset. It does get busy, by 7:00am, there were a fair amount of visitors taking photos. There’s a lot more to see besides the bamboo forest!

Crowds are crazy silly at the moment but who wouldn't go to get a big green hug from this Giant Bamboo Forest! Truly spectacular! The temple is worth a visit to get away from the crowd and to see the picture-perfect Zen garden everywhere around it. The temple is a wonderful example of traditional ancient house construction so it's worth the extra time. Go, you won't be disappointed in the area.

This is a top place to visit. So much exciting things to do here. The bamboo forest is a main attraction. It will take around 30 mins to walk through the bamboo forest. And then there is a temple too. The boat ride along the river is highly recommend. For a 3 person boat, it cost 1500 Jpy per hour. If you are hiring a big boat, it wil cost around 5000. The vibe here is very exciting

Nature lovers, history fans, and wanderers go to Arashiyama, a peaceful area on Kyoto's western edge. This charming region, surrounded by beautiful woods and the tranquil Hozu River, provides a break from city life. I just visited Arashiyama, which changed my spirit. You first see the Togetsukyo Bridge across the Hozu River as you arrive at Arashiyama. This medieval bridge is stunning during cherry blossom season, with pink flowers against the green bamboo gardens and mountains. A leisurely walk over this bridge is like entering a picture. Arashiyama's bamboo groves are famous, therefore visit the bamboo forest. Bamboo stems form a cathedral, and their rustling leaves make a peaceful melody. This spot inspires reflection and great photos. The atmosphere of the Sagano Bamboo Forest will amaze you. History buffs should visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-kept Zen gardens and peaceful ponds of this temple evoke tranquility. Walking around the temple grounds and seeing the Dragon Pond Garden will take you back in time. You may also take a traditional rickshaw ride through Arashiyama's charming lanes and bamboo gardens with pleasant and knowledgable pullers. It's a fun way to explore this district's history and charm. The Arashiyama or Iwatayama Monkey Park delights animal enthusiasts. Enjoy hilltop views of Kyoto and mingle with Japanese macaques in a semi-wild habitat. This wonderful experience connects you to nature. Finally, take a leisurely Hozu River boat trip. Arashiyama's beauty is shown differently by the tranquil waterways, abundant flora, and sheer cliffs. Seasonal vistas await you as you float down the river. Finally, Arashiyama's charm encapsulates Kyoto's natural beauty and historical importance. You may relax in bamboo woods, admire Japanese gardens, and connect with nature. The dreamlike experience of Arashiyama will stay with you long after you leave. Arashiyama is a lovely place for nature lovers, cultural lovers, and those seeking a calm escape

The vibe here in red leaves 🍁 autumn was phenomenal. Breathe taking. I would recommended November. Nice view&weather. River walk and the activities about the river was a must. From the classic romantic train 🚂 go up and boat 🛶 down the stream. Wow 🤩 Unforgettable.

Wonderful place to visit. We were able to go as part of a tour group and we walked through the shops, the kimono forest and the bamboo forest. Honestly the walk along the River front might have been my favorite part. It can be crowded but with patience it’s manageable.

***Color Correction Photos*** I love very close to the mountain in Taiwan where there are lots of bamboos and this place doesn’t seem so special. I think lots of people are using color correction and other settings to make their photos look more bright green. In reality, it is more of an ashy green color. We liked walking around in the early morning but we were one of the first to arrive in the morning train. By the time we looped the area the main area was packed with people and not so enjoyable.

Beautiful landscape! Nice weather and river flow. Don't missed it when you are Kyoto

🌳📿🆓 Great visit if you are in Kyoto and want to see several of the most iconic spots in Japan. It features the bridge, the bamboo grove and the bamboo kimono forest, which are all photo worthy but beware, crowds populate the streets like hords of zombies in walking dead. ✅ Great place at the outskirts of Kyoto. Residential place where you can find some peace and quiet if you go off the beaten path 🌳 Beautiful scenery to give your eyes a treat 🆓💴 Aforementioned attractions are for FREE ⚠️ If you really want to enjoy I strongly recommend going early, your bamboo grove pic memento will be way more amazing

Thought this is a must go place if you’re here in Kyoto! There are a couple of places within this area that you should visit - Bamboo forest, Canoe at a lake, horse rice and rice field. Recommend to take the red railway train till the end (approximate 20mins) where you’ll arrive at the horse riding place. (Typically people stop at the second stop to go to the bamboo place). From the horse riding place, you can get a boat back down to the bamboo place and enjoy the scenery along the way. Lastly, do drop by the lake and canoe at a lake downstream.

Too crowded! The bamboo line is beautiful but it’s not worth a visit inside so we decided to take tourist photo here only & move to the other temple to have the authentic “zen” feels.

This bamboo forest is extremely popular with tourists. I arrived there at 3 pm, which is nearing sunset time and there are still plenty of tourists who trying to get inside the forest. It's already starting to get dark once we're inside, but because it's crowded, we're not spending too much time inside. Rather we moved to the garden behind the forest which leads to the river. We genuinely enjoy this part way better than the forest as it has more space and not as cramped as the forest. We ended up strolling towards the river and enjoy ourself there. For a first timer, it might worth to visit this place out of curiosity, but I don't think it will worth the second time especially with that amount of tourist. I will suggest visiting this place in an off season, because I can imagine the crowd on its peak season and it might not be for everyone.

This place is enchantingly beautiful. Seeing the greenery, the autumn leaves, and the water filled my heart with joy. Highly recommended for anyone who visits Kyoto. It is not that far from the city area and it is totally worth it.

We got up early to head out to Arashiyama to hopefully avoid crowd buildup (that was unsuccessful as we got a bit lost going there). Partially we were in awe at the site seeing just walking to there (we felt the views walking to the bamboo forest was better than being in the bamboo forest itself!). We definitely recommend coming here when visiting Kyoto. Just the area surrounding the bamboo forest is beautiful. Overall Kel rating: ★★★★★/5 The good: Views views views The decent: Bring good walking/running shoes The ugly: Can get super crowded quickly.

Cherry blossom trees as of 27 March 2024. Not a tree blooming or some with very very small buds. Most restaurant or eateries open ard 11am… so if u go there early, remember to bring along drinks and food . Area getting crowded past 9am compare to before pandemic, where the area still not so crowded before 10am

Went on a Saturday, loads of ppl. Arrived around 11am. It’s quite a long walk from the train station to the entrance of the bamboo forest. You can most probably follow the crowd, but just in case use your google maps. There will be many ppl along the path, so photo opportunities will be difficult. There is a quiet cul de sac of bamboo trees further in, if you can find it. We chanced upon it (we were a bit lost!😅) and found this treasure, because there was hardly anyone there! So we had great photos taken here. Once you pass the main pathway, the crowd sorts of disperses to many different walkways. The romantic sagano train is also here, but we couldn’t take it during winter as it was closed. Other little temples (some required an entrance fee) around the area as well. Later on we went around Arashiyama town. The Main Street was bustling with loads of shops, eateries, souvenirs etc… there is a main bridge with a nice river running where you can hire boats. We rented bicycles and cycled all over the town and along the river banks. Could easily spend a day trip here.

Arashiyama is worth visiting if you are in Kyoto! The Bamboo Grove 嵐山竹林 あらしやま is one of top sights and standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. There are many buses that go to Arashiyama. Must try this Yuba & Cheese stick is so yummy.

The natural scenery in autumn is extremely wonderful. Although quite crowded on weekends, this is one of the most beautiful places to see red and yellow leaves in Kyoto.

An absolute must if you’re in the area. So many great shops and foods. The grilled scallops with soy sauce and butter were exquisite. The salmon sushi was excellent. Make sure to take home a bottle of sake or at least sample it for 100 yen. There is a bakery that had a match macadamia nut cookie that I loved. We had so much fun we went back for lunch again the next day.

Run, don't walk to this market. An incredible number of shops and restaurants. But the best part is the stalls of vendors a mile long of amazing food. It's a chance to find those incredible souvenirs and grab a grilled squid on a stick. Just one of the highlights of this wonderful city. And EVERYONE of the many vendors I interacted with were all so friendly and helpful.

It’s more like a tourists spot than for real local market. Anyway I love this cleanliness and the vibes of “The city bakery & coffee shop” in the morning most recommend! You could find lot of tourists thing here instead of just fresh fish likes Matcha, chopsticks, flowers, local fruits, etc. Quite a long straight walk through than you will end up with Kyoto biggest shopping area start with ABC shoes shop on you right.

Great market with a vibrant atmosphere. We came here just before lunch time so everything was open and there were items being sold and cooked freshly in front of you. We even found a bar selling 100 yen sake shots. Really would recommend if your looking for a market to wonder around in.

It is a standard tourist attraction. A lot of finger food and food experiences with a tourist markup. Still worth visiting, but keep your expectations on a reasonable level. Try a spicy ice-cream, have a bear with something grilled. Very packed. Watch your stuff

Nishiki Market is undoubtedly one of my favorite places to visit in Kyoto. It has tonnes of interesting shops ranging from local cuisine, desserts, dried goods, preserved foods, tea leaf shops, sweet & savory snacks, tableware & knives etc. A must go for anyone who is new to Kyoto!

This is a very interesting market. Run mainly by mum and pa shops, family owned business. They sell fresh seafood and a lot of other produces. From dried fish to preserved vegetables and street food and other delicious stuffs. The pricing are cheap. So it is worth to go there. However, similar stuffs can also be found in Kyoto's local super market if you know where to go to find, and it can be cheaper.

Utter foodie heaven! I was so full after leaving this market, not to mention I came back to the hotel and completely filled up my suitcase with all the snacks, sweets and pickles sold here. I love that many places offer tastings so you know what you're buying.

We visited at around 5pm (closes at 6) on a Friday evening; it was quite busy but not too bad. A good selection of nice food stalls at reasonable prices. The octopus & quail egg seems to be a local speciality... an acquired taste, maybe?

The sale of fish started in the area around 782, thanks to available cold groundwater, that kept meats fresh. In 1615 the place officially received official permission to conduct the sale of fish, being this the first step for becoming a renowned market it is today. In 1883 due to the strong competition between establishments the number of shops was reduced to only 7. The market saw a renewed vitality in 1911 after new association promotion of the marketplace. It decreased again when the Central Wholesale Market of Kyoto was opened in 1927 and some stores moved there. In 1928, a new association promoted the opening of shops offering fruits, vegetables, meats and other food products. The market began to be known as “Kyoto’s kitchen”. The cobblestone floor was installed in 1984 and arcade canopy added in 1993. In the year 2005 “Nishiki Market” was registered as a trademark. The place became very popular with tourists and it is almost always very crowded. There are many shops where one may try different types of local food (specially seafood), but the amount, quality and prices reflect that this is a place for tourists. One may eat cheaper and better someplace else.

This place is huge! We visited on a Sunday afternoon, and it was packed. So crowded that it is difficult to walk. We enjoyed selecting different seafood from the stalls and eating it fresh. We tried eel, squid, and shrimp. There are lots of stores for shopping.

This is a bustling market with stalls lying on both sides of the walking street. You can find many different food options from seafood to snacks, desserts etc. just the colourful display of food was already a great feast to the eyes. It was super crowded when we were there. Best time to come here should not be during their peak season in spring.

(Trip was made back then on 30 Nov 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Our first stop was Nishikori Market Shopping Street upon reaching Kyoto in the early morning 2 years ago on this very day. The market caters to both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of goods for sale, ranging from street food snacks, to merchandise and eateries, as well as fresh seafood and preserved vegetables. There were so many choices but we decided to only try a few and save room for lunch. The street food snacks ranged from decent to tasty, but nothing was really an attention grabber. During pre-Covid-19 times, manoeuvring down the street proved to be challenging due to the large crowd of people being crammed into a narrow street. It’s an interesting place to visit as a first timer but Kyoto has many more interesting attractions and Nishiki lacks the attractiveness to entice us to revisit anytime soon.

Crowded and buddy! Better closer to closing (~4:30 to 5pm - yes most steals are starting to close around 4:30 or have sold out signs. There are some outliers that stay open longer.) Overall very good experience. Lists of fun things. We tried two different crepe stores. Both very good. Taiyaki was good and there are multiple stalls for it. Restraints get packed quickly and lines go into the walkways. It is a very long market and goes into a mall-like space. Lots of fun and interesting things to see. Multiple temples and historical information. Overall a must see! Nice light day of culture. We went on two different days and still didn't cover it all.

So much fun. A feast for your eyes and your stomach. Also clothing, eyeglasses, wigs, cup arcades and more. You can buy fish shrimps oysters fresh and chopsticks and bowls all in the same place. There is truly something for everyone. I tried ice cream and just wandered around staring and pointing. Easy to reach. You can find t shirts, purses, and sorts of fun items to take home. Big area with sit down restaurants too!

Unique food market for foodies 🍜 Stall after stall of street food, sea food and souvenir shops. Most of the food is traditional street food so it’s for the adventurous but there are many shops with other fun items to try if you don’t eat weird seafood or meat. Prices are reasonable and it’s very easy to order if you are foreign. Bring cash 💰

Great way to experience the local market in Kyoto. It has variations of seafood to Sake and many souvenir stores. We thoroughly enjoyed browsing this market and believe it to be a must see place when visiting Kyoto

Great market that isn’t as busy as Osaka and Tokyo’s equivalent. Had Kobe beef skewers here for the first time and that was great. We tried so much different food and everything was great and fresh. Some stores do seem like tourist trap and overpriced, but overall it had a way more relaxed atmosphere and it’s easier to just stop and try things. Definitely worth a visit.

Unique kind of place. Everything in there was very tasteful and many places you can shop at. In just 5mins I felt in love with this part of Japan. Kyoto is beautiful and has many part that are beyond amazing. Definitely would come back to this part of Japan again.

A must go to visit if you're in Kyoto. It's only about a 20 minute walk from Kyoto station or a quick 5 minute taxi ride. It's a large, open market that is multiple blocks long as probably has over 100 vendors. You'll see everything sold from fresh seafood, grilled seafood, soft serve, fresh vegetables, decorative items, alcohol, etc... It's fun just walking around and buying a little bit of everything. Just pace yourself as there's so many good food vendors you'll want to try.

Went there at around 10am and it was already quite packed. Lots of food, snacks, tea, kitchenware. Overall a good one-time only experience for tourists. Be ware of pickpocket thief and keep your valuables close with you!

Definitely would recommend the visit, yes it gets busy but would say come around 11 and it’s not too bad. Food is great! Fresh and cooked in front of you. You cant eat and walk, you have to eat at their stall and then move on.

It was a great experience and beautiful food! There were a lot of food options and some other stalls. Perfect for tourists. There aren’t many toilets so go when you see one. Not suitable for young children because it was packed.

Amazingly old and beautiful place! If you hate crowds show up at open on a weekday to miss them. The food is still very good for a tourist trap. If you love being a tourist come here and spend the day the market is way bigger than expected and is attached to a more modern style mall area too.

A great temple to visit in the autumn thanks to the beautifully maintained gardens with colourful trees. The Silver palace is not quite as spectacular as the Golden palace at first sight, but it has a great atmosphere. Thanks to this there are slightly fewer tourists flooding this place, so you can enjoy it a bit more peacefully. The Zen gardens here are some of the more impressive in Kyoto and certainly do this temple a justice.

Beautiful temple and garden. Loved every moment. Can be busy on a warm clear afternoon, but that just shows it's popularity! Very compact. About an hour or so if you're taking you time, though you can easily rush through it in 15 minutes. There aren't any places to stop and sit though, as they like to keep the crowd circulating.

(Trip was made back then on 2 Dec 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Due to he rainy weather, we had a change of plans and ended up visiting Ginkakuji instead. The temple was initially supposed to be covered with silver leaf, in emulation of the gold-leaf covered Kinkakuji. However, it never came to fruition due to disruptions from the zoning war. Even though Ginkakuji isn’t as extravagant or lavishly adorned like it’s golden counterpart, it’s subdued exterior emanate a subtle charm. Personally, I prefer Ginkakuji as it feels more intimate as you can get up close and personal by wandering within its beautifully landscaped compound, which has a beautiful Japanese garden and a dry sand garden. There were some autumn trees in the compound but most of them have already shed their leaves and were bare from the onset of winter. It would probably be a more amazing sight during the peak autumn season when the foliage are more lush and vibrant. It’s probably one of the most popular sites to visit aside from Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was very touristy even though it was raining, with people spewing in in droves.

Really nice temple. It's only 500yen to go in and the sand garden is beautiful. There is a short walk around the gardens that you can take which will take you up to a small area where you can get a nice view of the city. Quintessential Japanese experience.

One of the temple that must be visited during your trip in Kyoto. Here, you can just go to this site by using the bus from the Kyoto JR Station. The entrance fee ticket is 500 yen, but you can enjoy the scenery inside. You can see the sea of sand and observe the scenery from the observatory deck. Be careful when you come especially during holiday, you need to line up a bit longer.

Not to be missed. The ‘get-away’ home of a shogun that was later converted to a zen temple. The gardens are divine. I’ve visited many times on trips to Kyoto. Plan to arrive at or before 9:00 or 9:30am to avoid crowds.

The temple is a must-visit for only 500Y. (Stamps of Temple is available for an additional 300Y) The visit takes about 30-40 minutes and is mainly about wandering is the beautiful temple zen garden, where you will get the chance to see many species, got a nice view of Kyoto, and get a view on different angle of the Silver Pavillon.

Our favorite temple in Kyoto (and Japan, but we didn't see many temples outside of Kyoto). There weren't a lot of people, especially compared to some of the nearby shrines we saw, and the landscape was striking—with meandering hills and meticulously cared for pebble sculptures. A very peaceful place to walk slowly.

For the first time, I had a one day trip in Kyoto. At first, I was thinking of removing Ginkakuji in my itinerary because I was going to Kinkakuji anyway, but because of good reviews, I’ve ended up going. The nearest bus station was Ginkakujimichi Bus stop. The entrance fee was 500 yen. The landscape design of the place was amazing! I’ve went to Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji (every place has different vibe) but this was my favorite. If you like Japanese gardens, you should come here! If you have limited time, it’s also good. The place is not that big and I’ve went around the place and have taken pictures within just 35minutes.

Beautiful relaxing temple. Just the right size for 1 hour visit. Not too big not too small. Impeccable gardens and unique zen dry garden (Karesansui). 100% worth visiting!

Good to see if you had time. Although if you don't, the kinkaji or golden temple is prettier, especially on a blue sky day. If you need to choose one. The way to the attraction is almost better than the attractions itself. It was the beginning of April, the cherry blossom on the way was beautiful to see it.

I believe everyone visiting Kyoto cannot miss seeing this temple. This temple is said to be one of the masterpieces of Japanese old temples and it well represents a traditional Japanese wabi-sabi culture which is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. This is also a historically important place. You never miss this place from both cultural and historical viewpoints when you visit Kyoto.

A magical place, the shrine itself is a bit underwhelming despite it’s name, the entrance fee is 500 yen. Although the shrine is not that special the whole environment is a beautiful sight to behold. The gardens surrounding the shrine are truly mesmerising and are so well kept and cared for. If you’re in the area you should stop by and see for yourselves.

Chill experience compared to the Golden Pavillon. For those who don’t like crowded tourists area, you can come here to enjoy your zen time. The commercial area are less people and chill. You can take a walk and stroll to the Ginkaku-ji. It’s a very zen style atmosphere (very quiet and less touristy) and the garden are incredible and beautiful. The stone and trees are arranged well. The garden size is not too big to walk too much. Yet you can hike a little to the top and see the whole view. The toilet is also well built. You will feel refreshed after taking this trip. The garden is more popular among local people. The time we visited has no souvenir shop open. Great to not to have commercial things to fully enjoying the tranquility of Japanese style garden. We visit at noon on the weekend in Feb. great weather and view.

I enjoyed these gardens they have a magnificent rock garden (I actually think it's way better than Ryoan-Ji temple despite it having a lot less fame). If you're going to visit I suggest starting your journey at the beginning of the Philosopher's Path!

The pavilion itself was nice. Not the fanciest or most striking that I have seen, but it's appeal is enhanced by its own reflection over the nearby pond. The best thing about this temple (in my opinion) was the short walk behind the pavilion. It takes you through a very tranquil moss garden and near waterfalls and streams.

The silver pavilion, which is actually more white and brown, might be what this Buddhist temple is known for even though it's modest and understated. However, its simple yet precise design is set amongst trees, a pond, and a zen garden, making it a beautiful place to visit. As you walk through the well-kept grounds, you can go up a bit higher and get a bit of a view over the temple and neighbouring area. We arrived before opening time and soon, others gathered before the gates opened. It's not terribly crowded, thus not requiring a lot of lining up like other attractions, but there'll be tour groups using the same entrance.

Beautiful place!! Really well preserved beauty in nature and culture 🤍🤍 the place is not too crowded bcs perhaps i came before the sakura season. But it’s definitely worth to go if you’re in Kyoto and have been to all the mire hyped touristy places like the bamboo forest , etc. the view was insane from up the hill. Japan is really beautiful 💗

Very calm and relaxing place, closes at 5.30 PM. Short walk inside, not too many stairs. Couple of beautiful view points.

A famous pagoda with impressive sandworks and very beautiful garden. Walking around the garden is a fantastic experience. In particular, the mossy areas and the small creeks and ponds compose such a relaxing environment. There were some people queuing, however, due to our guide we could pass by. Likely it would have been a wait of up to 30min.

Visited this place two days before Christmas. The place doesn't allow you to take pictures inside the temple but you can walk around the temple and take a few snaps. Inside, you can see the statues lined up and the image of Kannon in the middle. It's really amazing so I recommend you to visit it. The entrance fee for adults is ¥600 while children is ¥300

Enjoy this place. It's interesting to see different cultures. The gardens are beautifully kept, and we were well informed. The main building has an incredible life sized statues of the different gods. Really amazing to see it all together. There is a cute store as you are walking out of the main room different trinkets for sale. Mostly items sold for protection against evil, good luck charms for babies and elderly.

OMFG blown away. Had not planned to visit but so glad I did. Hard to believe the work that went into creating this place and the art inside. 1000s of years of labor. Can't take photos inside which is a pity because what you see has to be seen to be believed.

One of my favorite places in Japan, they have beautiful statues and explanation of everything. They even tell you how to pray. They have a cool souvenir shop and the staff is nice.

This temple is amazing 😲 the hand carved wood statues covered in gold leaf, it’s probably thousands of them inside the temple. Each god featured was uniquely hand carved with a different theme. Overall, highly recommend a visit to this truly unique statues and temple.

Simply amazing place to a glimpse at a moment in time with those statues. Couldn’t take any pictures inside. Pretty amazing history on each one of the Buddhist deities. Something created in the 12th century and in great condition. Bought a couple of nice souvenirs and would highly recommend to anyone in Kyoto.

We saw many temples, but this is the can't miss, must see temple. The Buddha and the 1001 statues are just amazing. Even the building is amazing in the sheer size. The doors are amazing. No photos allowed inside sadly.

Photos are not permitted inside and once you go in, you will know why. I was In awe from the moment i stepped in. There us a small Inari shrine at the side which brings luck.

This was quite possibly one of the most surreal things I have ever seen in my life. This temple is home to the 1001 Buddha statues. It was incredibly bizarre and crazy to see such a sheer number of statues. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed inside. You should definitely check out this temple while staying in Kyoto!

Very nice for what it is. It is pretty large and filled to the brim with sculptures. It may get a bit repetitive, but it is worth seeing at least once. Especially, since the main sculptures are really full of detail and have very interesting expressions and bodily features.

Amazing place. To see so many Buddha statues in one place is breathtaking. It is a very sacred place. Highly recommend. They do not accept cards. Make sure you have cash to buy souvenirs or light a candle.

Awestruck moment. Such a connection between different cultures. Photography was not allowed inside the hall. That will be a huge surprise for you, when you visit.

A collection of 1,001 exquisitely carved Goddess of Mercy statues, the main one seated several metres tall, flanked on both sides by 1,000 standing Goddesses of Mercy. Each with 11 faces and 25 hands. To help the suffering.

As impressive as you would expect such a multitude of shining statues to be, plus great info about the guardians and their connection to Indian tradition. I saw an opening prayer/chant shortly after i ektered at 8:30am - not sure if it happens every day or has a schedule - but that really added to the experience.

Amazing temple built 750 years ago that withstood the earthquakes. The building is 118m long with a wooden infrastructure. Pretty amazing. Nice garden on the side. Very busy place in this touristic season

I’m not sure why this place isn’t more popular. It was one of the cooler and more memorable temples we saw in Kyoto. We went early, about 930-1000 and there was hardly anyone there. The entry fee is about 400yen so whatever that is in your currency(not much, I’ll wager). This place is famous for having 1000 gold Buddha statues. I didn’t count them but I’d believe it. In the centre of it all is another massive Buddha statue that was really awe inspiring. So it’s actually 1001. You get an extra Buddha at no additional cost. There is a cool history about the various sculptors who made the 1000 statues and the large statue is considered to be one of the most important representations of traditional Japanese sculptures. You’ll see why when you look at it. You’re not allowed to photograph anything inside so instagram opportunities are limited. But the history of the temple is quite interesting and I would highly recommend you take the time to have a read of the little information plaques. They are well done and increase the overall experience.

Great wooden hall with all the thousand wooden statues inside. Unfortunately it is prohibited to take photos inside to protect the delicate nature of the statues but a great site to see for Buddhism enthusiasts. The main statue of Kannon with the thousand arms is amazing. Also interesting to read about the history of the complex being used for archery contests and one test being for some one to shoot an arrow straight across the entire length of the back hallway and hitting a target. Closes at 4pm March - November and closes at 5pm November to March. Not sure why it’s longer in winter. But they recommend last entry an hour before closing. Close to bus stops and sightseeing tour busses will stop by as well.

Temple known for 1001 statues of Buddhist deity, also known as Kannon. In front of them they have 1 gigantic seated statue. Placed in center. They are 12th n 13th century. Staues of Thunder God n Wind God are also there.

Awesome! Literally. The moment you round the corner in the main temple hall, and see the thousand and one Buddha statues, you will be filled with awe. The temple gardens are beautiful too. You can pay to make offerings in the temple, and you can buy charms, amulets, and souvenirs in the shop.

Came here as part of guided tour of Kyoto. We had never seen anything like this place - 1000 statues of Buddha each with slightly different facial features. The other statues of gods were quite scary with piercing eyes. Well worth a visit if visiting Kyoto. My husband was disappointed that photography was not allowed within the temple.

Sanjūsangen-dō is amazing with its life-sized Buddha statues - 1,000 around one big one. It’s peaceful and really beautiful. A must-visit for some quiet and awe. The only downside is that photography is absolutely prohibited, so you can’t take memories home except in your heart.

It is impressive to see 1000 ancient statues all in one huge room. There is even a catalogue with the name of each of them, it's accessible on the back. They are sacred representations, and no pictures are allowed inside unfortunately (the area is under videosurveillance, though!) Definitely worth the visit.

It's shorter than I imagined but still pretty.

On my second visit, the gentle rustle of bamboo leaves in the wind enveloped the surroundings with a calming aura, making it an ideal place for a leisurely walk, especially with loved ones. The overall experience is closely tied to the number of visitors, and we were fortunate to encounter few during my trip. This scarcity allowed for a more intimate connection with the environment, revealing an authentic Japanese town along the way, reminiscent of scenes from animation or movies. For those seeking a temporary escape from city life's hustle and bustle, I highly recommend this tranquil haven. The serene setting and natural beauty offer more than just picturesque scenery; it provides a respite where one can briefly detach from the chaos and immerse themselves in the tranquil embrace of nature. This recommendation isn't solely about escaping urban life but also about relishing the profound sense of peace that pervades the place, making it an experience that calls for return visits.

Embraced the early hours at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, taking advantage of our early riser status to wander through nature's beauty before sunrise, capturing moments of tranquility. The short walk from beginning to end revealed majestic bamboos standing tall and regally. By the time we completed our photo session, the crowds had begun to trickle in. Many tourists tend to stay close at the entrance, so my suggestion is to venture further if you prefer avoiding early wake-ups to beat the crowds. A hidden oasis awaits beyond the usual path.

Quite small and full of people, but you can get a few good shots. Visit the temples and gardens ( payable), these are less crowded. The town is full of restaurants and shops, nice to visit. Take JR from Kyoto station which takes only 18 mins vs the subway 1 hr.

Beautiful little "forest". Beware that it is heavily visited by tourists, so pretty much the entire forest paths are full people taking selfies. The forest itself took maybe 20 minutes to walk through. All the paths are paved, but some are a bit steep, so if you have a stroller/wheelchair expect some sweat! After the forest area there is a nice park area with some amazing views of the river from the observation points.

A serene place during non peak season. When you visit Arashiyama, make sure you spare enough time to explore the surrounding as it has a couple of very beautiful places and shrines. You could also spend time chilling by the river or renting wooden boat. A lot of cute cafes as well around the spot.

One of the best tourist spots in Kyoto. Feel the nature at its best. The pictures and photos show it all. Suggest to go early to avoid the crowds if you want to take photo. A great place to chill and stroll. Peace of mind.

Very nice bamboo forest. You can take a direct bus that is just outside kyoto train station. (See Google maps). There are many shops outside this bamboo forest. These shops and the bus loads of tourist make this a very vibrant area. Also there is a big river nearby with boating activities and autumn foliage. Come in the morning about 10 am to enjoy the vibrancy.

It's good to visit & please don't miss to stop by the attractions along the way & nearby. Keep walking further & follow the signage, you will meet an interesting & unexpectedly stunning places up to the mountains ( many fascinating temples in the mountains & lovely village & neighborhood along the way )

a walk thru nature, with bamboo trees around, then tale a stroll by the river with hills as a background perfect for beautiful nature shot. Lots of gift shops and eatery around. make sure you're there early to enjoy the scenic views. shops there close mostly at 5 pm. and the place becomes a ghost town, with some diners open till 8 or 9 pm

The view is absolutely amazing. Definitely worth it to come early if you can beat the crowds as it looks beautiful without the thousands of people coming by and also great spot to take pictures. This is a super tourist spot. Expect a lot of people.

A beautiful place to go for a walk, and just chill. Best time to head over is around 7-8am before the crowd comes. It’s actually easier to get there via bus compared to train. Google will be helpful! Nearby there’s a river with mountains and it’s also just as magnificent. Worth a trip.

This is one of the most famous bamboo trails in Japan. While it is an amazing place, the amount of people visiting can put a dent in grabbing good pictures. So, join us and come early and enjoy the beauty of nature here.

A really beautiful area. The only bad thing is how much of a tourist trap it is. Way too many people, and tons of shops and vendors right off the train. If you go in a little farther past the bamboo toward the park, you can find some peaceful areas and take some nice pictures. Don’t be afraid to wander away from the crowds.

A very peaceful path to take a slow walk through. There are bamboos planted on either side that make it magical. The area is popular and gets busy; plan ahead and wake up early if you want great photos with no other tourists in them.

Great lively place to visit. The outdoor fresh air along with the beautiful bamboo forest and gardens is worth the long trek to get there. There’s a ton of people so try to go early. Lots of little shops to eat as well.

Going on the rainy morning, a bit muddy but still get so refreshing stepping through this bamboo forest. There are shrine and temple located in the same area which you can visit at the same time. Local food also available alongside the path. Worth to go for a visit.

This is my favorite place in Kyoto. My first visit was when I lived here in the 90's and I try to go whenever I make it back. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. You can walk around and enjoy the sense of ancient history or go directly to the temple and gaze on the peaceful rock garden. I love the huge wooden beams and paintings on the sliding doors. I try to imagine what it must have been like to live in a place like this in ancient times. My father has some mobility issues and we were able to take a taxi and get close enough for him to walk in at a sedate pace. Be prepared to take your shoes off at the entrance. The shop sells the typical omamori charms for good health and so forth. They also sell incense and wall art and those books that you can take to temples for stamps. I have a wall print of one of the large rocks from the garden as well as some incense to burn in memory of my mother. We visited here once together so coming back is a bit of a homage to those memories.

A lovely visit, my first ever rock garden. I really enjoyed it. A very beautiful experience. Make sure you don't have holes in your socks before you go!!!

I have to say I was expecting the famous rock garden to be more impressive. There are companies that have more impressive zen gardens in their headquarters. Don't get me wrong - it's nice but just disappointing. It is also a little far from the center of Kyoto so I'd recommend skipping it unless you are spending several days in town and really want to see it for yourself.

Top-tier location among a competitive field of World Heritage sites in Kyoto. Free bike parking, amazing garden with 100+ acres associated with the grounds, and a beautiful zen garden. The souvenirs shop by the garden has unique items I’ve never seen before and is reasonably priced. A top spot to visit and significantly less crowded than other, more well known, sites.

This is beautiful and the rock garden is actually inside the temple so we went around twice thinking we missed it which is pretty funny. No shoes means no shoes I used the step to climb and remove shoes and that is a big no! The lake is pretty where I saw a blue heron and ducks and here and there saw lotus flowers. I enjoyed this stop however I guess I expected more of a temple. It was pretty rock garden and truly a place where you can reflect on things. The dragons from different centuries on special display was interesting. Entry is ¥600. Worth it to see another unesco world heritage site

Too many loud tourists that completely destroy your calming experience in the rock garden. The temple and the entire garden area around it is beautiful but too overcrowded. Admission Fee: 600 yen

This was one of my favorite temples we visited. It was very serene. The scenery was gorgeous. The different gardens beautiful to see and truly a nice experience. I would recommend others to visit.

This temple will be another stop while seeing Kinkakuji Temple, they will go hand in hand so you'll end up here as well. Ryoan-ji gives a different atmosphere than Kinkakuji because of the peaceful environment and park atmosphere, you can sit and enjoy the view and even the zen garden. There is a good amount to see and less crowded compared to the nearby temple. The gifts and souvenirs here are also wonderful and you may definitely end up buying something. Expect to spend a good portion of the day here, there is a lot to take in and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the temple environment.

A fantastic place to visit during the fall in Kyoto. It costs 500 Yen to enter and it’s absolutely worth it. The views are incredible and the Rock Garden is serene. The walls were built using clay and boiling oil creating a unique and lasting color/texture. The surrounding area is full of beautiful colors from the changing foliage.

I underestimated the size of Ryoan-ji, thinking it was just the rock garden. A large portion of the temple grounds is a lake. It hosts a variety of flora all around it and it's all lined with moss. The trees tower over the pathway and you can take a relaxing stroll around the lake for a more romantic vibe. The main attraction, the rock garden, is stunning. There is something captivating about these rocks suspended along grains of white rocks. All other visitors were quiet, as if we were all entranced by the view. Highly recommend going in the winter so you don't contend the space with many tourists, and you can get front row seats to view the garden

The word "Zen" is the perfect description of this temple. A lake with a small island where we can watch fish, swans and listen to birdsong. The temple has several Japanese gardens where we can sit, admire them and think of nothing else. It's a soothing place par excellence.

It’s a typical serene and nature-filled environment as with most gardens and temples in Kyoto, what sets this one apart would probably be the stone garden. At a glimpse it may just look like well placed rocks and nothing more, but the significance of such gardens is in how well they prepare your mind for meditation, a blank mind is the way and I find that staring into that open space for a while actually helps in that regard. It’s a great place to clear your mind when you find yourself perplexed with thought.

Loved the temple complex. The zen rock garden is an absolute must visit exemplifying Japanese minimalism, art and Zen philosophy. Best to sit down and absorb the vibe. Do recommend. Not touristy

This place is so beautiful and peaceful. We loved walking around the grounds as well as sitting by the zen garden for a while. We went in December, but I think it would be lovely any time of year!

Just absolutely amazing place the gardens are exquisite and Temple consists of 15 carefully arranged rocks placed on a bed of white gravel. The rocks are arranged in such a way that, from any angle, only 14 of the rocks are visible at a time. This design is meant to symbolize the transience of life and the impermanence of all things.

Not far from Kinkakuji yet a million miles away. The ultimate zen experience. Take your time making your way to the temple, then sit for a while taking in the rock garden. Magical when snow falls, and stunning in both spring and autumn

One of the last spots in Kyoto with autumn leaves in early December. The grounds themself were pretty but the zen garden was small. Lots of pretty trees around the lake area. Overall a peaceful and calm place. Bus 52 took us there but it’s also one of the only busses to take you back. Came about 20+ min between each so watch the time when you are trying to leave. Cannot bring drinks inside.

Possibly the most iconic rock garden in Japan. There are 15 rocks in the garden, but no matter which angle you look at, you will only see 13-14 rocks. The earthen wall is not level but rather slope down toward the corner to give an illusion that the garden looks bigger than it's actually is. The round stone basin (looks like a coin) has a hidden meaning "I just know enough" which symbolises Zen Buddhism teaching to be content with what you have. Recommended you to go as early as possible to avoid the crowds and get full experience of this temple.

I actually had no plan to visit this temple. I just saw this temple's name on the bus stop and made up my mind to check it out. Once I entered the gate.. I was in awe. The colours of the trees in the temple were so amazing. All leaves turned into red and yellow which looked absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere.. the vibes.. the tranquillity.. really impressed me much. I was sitting by the rock garden for quite long to enjoy the beautiful moment. This Ryoanji temple is definitely worth visiting when you're in Kyoto.

This might have been the best part of our visit to Kyoto in Japan! Ryoan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple from the Muromachi period. The nature is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. It is wonderful to sit and ponder at the simplistic rock garden. I truly enjoyed wandering around the grounds of Ryoan-ji.

Sitting at 160m above sea level, you’ll need medium fitness level to make it to the top. There are some parts of the walkway that are steep and don’t have railings or safety nets against the cliff edge so be careful especially when walking with children. We only saw a handful of young children and no prams so you’ll need to park them at the bottom. Once you get to the top, the view is nice but you can’t touch the monkeys. You can feed them sweet potato and peanuts from inside the cage whilst they roam freely outside.

One of the recommended destination when in Kyoto. Took the local train to Arashiyama and from the train station a relatively short walk to the Iwatayama Monkey Park entrance. The access cost is 600yen for adults, 300Yen for kids. From here there is a climb up to where the monkeys are, not very steep but quite long, about 30 minutes depending on your stamina. The uphill walk in itself is very nice, through the forest on gravel path with benches here and there. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with some unique experience, basically walking among snow monkeys. Generally they are not aggressive and mind their own business but if you stir them up might get into some troubles. Don't provoke them, don't tease them with food and act with common sense like around wild animals. There are monkey keepers on site and will promptly deal with occasional monkey brawls. There is a building where you became "caged" and where you can feed through metal bars the monkeys with food offered for a cost. Even there are rules not to touch the monkeys while feeding them, there are posters everywhere showing you how to properly and safely do it. I've seen people ignoring the posted rules and getting too close to the monkeys, nothing bad happened but still, as a precaution just follow the rules and you'll fully enjoy the experience. The site also offers some nice views of the surrounding areas but then again, monkeys are the main attraction.

Definitely worth a visit, and the 20 minute walk uphill! Some interesting signs along the way, including the one educating you not to look directly in the monkeys eye — or else! 🐒 🙈 At the top, you’ll see plenty of monkeys young and old, and treated to a view of the surrounding area from the hilltop! Admission is cash only (Y600 adult, Y300 child). At the summit, there’s lot of opportunities to view the monkeys, and feed them while safely within a cabin like enclosure. Monkey-safe treats (nuts, apples) available for purchase.

To reach the top you need to walk or “hike” around 20-40 minutes depending on your fitness level. Wear comfortable shoes and get to the top to see the monkeys. You can feed the monkeys from the cabin, purchase the food for 100 yen, entrance ticket is 550 yen. Don’t forget to read and follow the rules (don’t stare at them, don’t get too close and don’t crouch), I’ve seen several tourist didn’t follow the rules and it could provoke the monkeys.

This was a memorable experience. The hike was worth the view and the experience of getting to interact with the monkeys. There is a play ground for the Little’s to burn off extra energy if the home didn’t do that already. It has a slide and zip line. You can buy monkey food there and it’s not too expensive and they use the money to keep the place running. We visited in November and the weather was AWSOME!

You need to be in somewhat good shape to hike up the mountain. It’s about a 20 minute hike up but it’s worth it. There are benches and rest stops during the hike to relax a little. The view at the top is amazing and the little monkeys are ADORABLE. For 100 yen you’re able to get a little bag of peanuts or apples and feed the monkeys. Staff is on site to the remind visitors not to get too close and they’re constantly cleaning the site. One of my favorite visits in Japan.

It's a bit of an uphill walk to get there, 600 yen for entrance fee per adult ($300 for kids I think). The uphill is a bit steep, but just take your time going up, there's a few benches along the way you can use to rest up. At the top of the mountain, you can buy small snacks to feed the monkey. The staff (and signs) all will ask you to stay inside the house (enclosed with mesh fencing where you can feed the monkeys safely). Once at the top, you can get a nice bird's eye view of the town!

Fun monkey park which is well taken care of but I think in the ¥600 should include some monkey food, because it is a bit steep without it. Monkey food (Apples or Peanuts) are ¥50 each and you can only feed the monkeys from inside a house with bars (like a feeding room) which is good as the monkeys do not try and steal from you outside of it, and they are actually very calm when taking food. Next to the feeding room is a outlook point with a beautiful view, and a huge banana you can take pictures with. The walk is approximately 20 minutes up the mountain with shade from the trees and some seating areas with fans along the way, very do-able for anyone. Would recommend doing it once!

It's quite a hike to reach the top, if you're lucky, you'll be able to see few monkeys along the way. There are benches for you to rest on the top while admiring the views and be surrounded by monkeys. As long as you didn't scare/disturb the monkeys, they are quite calm and comfortable. The area on the tops is not really that large, you spend more time in hiking than observing the monkeys. Still worth a visit though

My visit to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama 嵐山モンキーパークいわたやま was an awe-inspiring experience that offered a unique opportunity to observe monkeys in their natural habitat. Just a short 20-minute hike from the Arashiyama district, this hidden gem captivated me with its serene and picturesque surroundings. Reaching the top, I was immediately greeted by a small pond surrounded by curious monkeys. These adorable creatures appeared comfortable and at ease in their surroundings, going about their daily activities. Observing them interact with each other and playfully frolic around the pond was a truly enchanting sight. The park also offers a feeding area where visitors can purchase specially prepared food to feed the monkeys. It was a joy to watch as they approached and graciously accepted the treats from visitors, creating a unique connection between humans and animals.

GO! GO NOW GO TOMORROW JUST GO! I wasn't a fan of Kyoto until I went out to the Arashiyama area and the monkey park tacks the cake for the best thing I've done in Kyoto. If you are here for one day please come here over other tourist hot spots. While it is also touristy it gives you the aesthetic you are seeking do Kyoto river villages. The 20-minute hike up to the Monkeys was well worth every step. You experience the gorgeous forests and a tranquil environment with the request and ever-improving breathtaking view of the river bank. Once you reach the top you are greeted with over 30 monkeys of all ages roaming around. The only cage on site was the one they put the humans into so they could feed the monkeys without risk of injury. The view, the cute monkeys, and the nature are spectacular. I've been to many animal-related attractions in Japan and this was the only one that didn't leave me feeling melancholic about the animals' situation. They are truly free and well-kept. I will be back. Even in the rain because I would debate it make the experience even better.

Gorgeous 20 minute walk up stairs and switchback mild hiking, passing beautiful mossy rocks but don't worry, there are many benches where you can rest and enjoy the view. The roots and trees give you many photo ops, especially if it's raining. A macaque or two might walk past you as you walk up to the main feeding area. You have the option to pay 100¥ for peanuts or apples. There is an area with a cage you can place the food for the macaques to pick up and eat. Some may be calm, others may be aggressive, but most are so used to humans feeding them they just put their hands out for food, pop it in their mouths, and ask for more. The cage is not super well lit so expect your photos to be mostly cute, furry silhouette of monkeys. There's a wood stove for heat so if it's raining or snowing you'll be able to warm up. When you're done feeding, walk up the stairs behind the cage and enjoy the monkeys in trees, cuddling and grooming in the brush, or just taking a nap. They are really fun to observe so bring a camera or sketch book. Rules for not getting your beautiful face bitten: Don't feed them unless you're in the feeding zone, don't crouch down, don't keep sustained eye contact, keep 3 meters away if you can help it. Note: this is a lovely place to bring kids. It is NOT wheelchair or handicap accessible, I'm sorry.

bit of a hike, but the view from the top is nice with a close-up experience with monkeys. Small park for kids near the summit. Highly recommended 30 min hike!

It’s a good hike up the mountain. There are a lot of resting spaces on the trail. Monkeys are wandering around while you can take pictures and have a wonderful view of Kyoto. You can feed the monkeys on a secured area as well. There are simple rules to follow to not stress the monkeys and make it a safe space. Just follow those instructions and everything is fine.