The old capital for over 1,100 years

Kyoto Map_京都地図

Emperor Kanmu relocated the palace from Nara to Kyoto in 794, and successive emperors resided in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Kyoto was the old capital of Japan for over 1100 years, spanning from 794 to 1868. Many emperors, court nobles, samurai, Buddhists, and artists played pivotal roles in Japanese history and created many world-famous historic places.

Easy access to Kyoto on JR Tokaido Shinkansen (the bullet train) from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and other major cities. Or fly to Kansai International Airport, then transfer to the local train. From Nara and Osaka, frequent trains are available. >> More information

Imperial Palaces & Villas

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace_京都御所

The successive emperors resided at the Kyoto Palace for over 1100 years. Uncover the emperor's history.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

The Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto_修学院離宮

The Shugakuin, built by the retired emperor, Gomizunoo-in, is surrounded by a courtly atmosphere. Its beauty is beyond description.

Katsura Imperial Villa

The Katsura Imperial Villa_桂離宮

Authentically beautiful architecture, a detached palace created by two aesthetic princes. The functional beauty of the stone path should not be overlooked.

Shrines

Kamigamo & Shimogamo Shrines

Aoi Festival at Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrine_上賀茂・下賀茂神社の葵祭

The Aoi Matsuri festival has been held since ancient times. The Miare festival is held to welcome a fresh deity.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine_伏見稲荷大社

Why are there so many vermilion torii gates and Fox statues at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine? The Reigning Emperor Genmei's wish to bless the harvest

Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Matsunoo Taisha_松尾大社

Matsunoo Taisha enshrines the best Sake Brewery Shrine. The Hata Clan contributed to building the foundation of Japan, including Sake brewery, flood control, mining, textiles, etc.

Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine_平安神宮

Heian Jingu was built in 1895 for the 1100th anniversary of the capital relocation from Nara to Kyoto, enshrining the spirits of the first and last emperors who ruled the nation in Kyoto.

Iwashimizu Hachimangu

Iwashimizu Hachiman Jingu Shrine Main Shrine_石清水八幡神宮の本殿

Many emperors, court nobles, and Samurai visited the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. They prayed to the Hachiman Deity for the protection of the nation or for their victories on the battlefield.

Temples

Kinkakuji (Golden Paviliion)

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion)_金閣寺

Kinkakuji Temple's three-story architecture represents, from the top down, Buddhism, Samurai, and Court Nobles. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's power is well expressed.

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion)_銀閣寺

Ginkakuji Temple was a Moon-Viewing Temple built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. He failed his politics but was vital in establishing the Higashiyama "Wabi-Sabi" Culture.

Daikakuji Temple

Daikakuji Temple_大覚寺

Why does Daikakuji Temple exude such an indescribable elegance? It was initially a detached villa of Emperor Saga. His era continued the peace and bloomed the court culture.

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple_平等院

A supreme court noble, Fujiwara Yorimichi's dearest wish seemed to be realized at Phoenix Hall. What was his earnest wish?

Kenninji Temple

Kenninji Temple_建仁寺

"Wind God and Thunder God Screens”, "Twin Dragon", "Choontei" garden, and more. Kenninji was the three sects of Tendai, Shingon Esoteric, and Zen Buddhism. Why three?

Sanjusangen-do Hall

Sanjyusangendo_三十三間堂

The longest wooden structure has 33 spaced intervals between pillars. The 33 represents Kannon’s compassion, for which Emperor Go-Shirakawa prayed for peace and safety.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu Temple_清水寺

A court noble Shogun, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, pacified the Tohoku region with the blessing of Kannon's divine power of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Shorenin Temple

Shorenin Temple_青蓮院門跡寺

Camphor trees in front of the gate invite you to enter the temple. All buildings and gardens have an imperial atmosphere. It sheltered revolutionary Honen and Shinran Buddhists, who built the largest Jodo sect.

Saihoji (Moss Temple)

Saihoji Moss Temple_西芳寺(苔寺)

This enchanting temple boasts a 5,000 square meter garden adorned with approximately 120 distinct varieties of moss, creating an exquisite tapestry that resembles a lush green carpet.

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple_醍醐寺

After enjoying the cherry blossom viewing party at Daigoji, Hideyoshi constructed a sophisticated garden for Emperor Goyozei for his visit.

Kuramadera Temple

Kuramadera Temple_鞍馬寺

Kuramadera Temple is renowned for its vortexes. Legendary Minamoto Yoshitsune, God of War, practiced asceticism here. He later won the series of the Battle of the Genpei War.

Konkai Komyoji

Konkai Komyoji Temple_金戒光明寺

The sunset view offers a beautiful vermilion spectacle. It's similar to the strongest swordsmen, Shinsengumi's martyrs for the declining Tokugawa Shogunate.

Honpoji Temple

Honpoji Temple_本法寺

Hon’ami Kōetsu, a follower of the Hokke school of Buddhism and a superior artist, created its garden as its big patron.

Chioin Temple

Chionin Temple_知恩院

Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo Sect, founded by Honen. The Sanmon is the largest wooden gate in Japan, located in Kyoto.

Myokakuji Temple

Myokakuj Temple in Autumn Colors_紅葉に映えた妙覚寺

Nobunaga's Innovative Venue for Tea Ceremonies. Two Innovators, Nobunaga and Rikyu, were in Resonance here.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple_天龍寺

Located in Arashiyama, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji built Tenryuji Temple to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. The Sogen pond garden and a Painted Dragon are spectacular.

Castles

Nijojo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle, Successive Tokugawa Shogun's residense in Kyoto (二条城)

A residence of successive Tokugawa Shoguns in Kyoto. What kind of Tokugawa history did the castle watch? It was the growth, development, fall, and end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.