10 Stunning Places You Must Visit in Kyoto: Exploring the Beautiful Old Capital of Japan

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Every year, millions of tourists fly to Japan, and it's really understandable. The history, the culture, the foods, and the scenic views all make it an incredible destination. But there's one really special city in Japan that stands out, Kyoto.

Located in the Kansai Region of Japan, Kyoto is like no other city in the world. Kyoto is the old capital city of Japan, and it still retains its glorious past to this day. The well-preserved old town, historic monuments, beautiful temples, and natural scenery can all be found in this charming city. Walking through the streets of Kyoto will transport you back in time.

If you are planning your trip to the city of 10,000 shrines, here are the ten best places to visit in Kyoto you must put on your bucket list now:

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous and sacred landmarks. It is known for its thousands of red torii gates that form long tunnels leading up the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, and is often visited by people praying for success in business. Along the trails, you can find many smaller shrines, fox statues, and scenic viewpoints of the city.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most photographed spots in Japan. Tall, green bamboo stalks rise high above the walking path, creating a calm and dreamlike atmosphere. The forest changes beautifully with the seasons, making it a pleasant place to explore any time of year. Nearby, you can visit Tenryuji Temple, small local shops, and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge that offers wonderful views of the Katsura River.

Kinkakuji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites. The top two floors of the temple are covered in real gold leaf, shining beautifully under the sunlight. It sits beside a peaceful pond that perfectly mirrors the golden reflection. The surrounding garden is carefully designed in a Zen style, with quiet paths and trees that change colors throughout the seasons, making it a great place to enjoy a calm walk.

Higashiyama District is one of the best places to feel Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere. The area is filled with narrow lanes, old wooden houses, and cozy tea shops. You can find local sweets, crafts, and souvenirs while exploring the charming streets. Famous landmarks like Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are nearby. Or, you can explore the popular Gion district or Geisha district. In the evening, the soft glow of lanterns gives the district a peaceful and nostalgic feeling.

Many people come to Arashiyama for the famous Bamboo Forest, but the area is actually a large and diverse region filled with stunning sights. Located on the western edge of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers beautiful mountain views, peaceful riversides, and cultural landmarks. You can visit Tenryuji Temple, see monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park, or take a relaxing boat ride along the Katsura River. The area is especially lovely in spring and autumn, when nature shows its brightest colors.

Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the home of Japan’s emperors before the capital moved to Tokyo. The spacious grounds include beautifully designed gardens, traditional buildings, and quiet walking paths surrounded by tall trees. You can admire the palace’s elegant architecture, which shows the style of Japan’s ancient court life. The nearby Kyoto Gyoen National Garden also offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Nijo Castle is a historic site built in the early 1600s by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It served as the Kyoto residence of the shoguns and symbolized their power and influence. The castle is famous for its “nightingale floors,” which make chirping sounds to warn of intruders. Inside, the rooms feature beautifully painted sliding doors with scenes of nature. The surrounding gardens with ponds and pine trees add to the castle’s peaceful charm.

Nishiki Market is a lively shopping street in the heart of Kyoto, famous for its food and local products. Stretching for several blocks, the market is filled with stalls offering seafood, sweets, pickles, and traditional snacks. You can taste Kyoto’s famous dishes like yuba (tofu skin) and grilled skewers while exploring. The market also sells handmade crafts and kitchen tools, making it a fun and interesting place to experience local life.

Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a peaceful Zen temple surrounded by gardens and trees. Although it is not covered in silver, its simple wooden design shows the beauty of Japanese minimalism. The temple grounds include a moss garden, a sand garden shaped like waves, and a scenic path that leads to a hill with a great view of the city. It’s a perfect place to enjoy calm moments and the quiet beauty of nature.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most famous and loved temples. It stands on a hillside with a large wooden stage that offers wide views of the city and surrounding forest. The temple is especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn seasons when the scenery becomes even more beautiful. Around the temple, you can explore traditional streets filled with souvenir shops, local sweets, and pottery stores, giving you a full Kyoto experience.