Kyoto Holidays and Tours

Approach Fushimi Inari Shrine and you’ll find a seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates that form a continuous route all the way up Mount Inari. The trail called Senbon Torii, meaning thousands of torii, stretches for several kilometres through wooded hills. Along the way watch out for smaller shrines and stone fox statues which are associated with the Shinto god Inari, who is worshipped here.

While many visitors explore only the lower sections, continuing higher up the paths offers a quieter experience and a better sense of the shrine’s scale. We recommend arriving early in the morning to help avoid the busiest periods, and nearby cafés provide a welcome respite after exploring.

Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most well-known temples and sits beside a still pond that reflects its impressive golden profile. It is aptly nicknamed the Golden Pavilion because its upper levels are covered entirely in gold leaf, and each floor is designed in a different architectural style.

Originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the 14th century, it was later converted into a Zen temple. As this temple is very popular, it’s generally recommended to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon before closing for a quieter experience.

Walking up the busy lanes and shops of the Higashiyama district slowly reveals Kiyomizu-dera. While the main hall itself is a sight, the showstopper is its large wooden stage that extends over the hillside. Here you can take in panoramic views across the city and surrounding trees that are particularly striking in spring and autumn.

Within the temple grounds, couples on a Japan honeymoon won’t want to miss Jishu Shrine which is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. After exploring the main complex, head down to Otowa Waterfall. Visitors can drink from its sacred waters, which are believed to grant longevity and health.

Gion is Kyoto’s most established geisha district. Traditional wooden townhouses line the streets, many of which have been converted into restaurants and teahouses. Walk along Hanami-dori and the narrow lanes near Pontocho, which take on a magical atmosphere where you may spot geiko and maiko moving between engagements.

One of the district’s main landmarks is Yasaka Shrine, known as the guardian shrine of Gion. Each shrine building is lined with hundreds of lanterns. If you visit in summer, you may see how the area plays a central role during the annual Gion Matsuri festival. Gion remains one of the best places to experience Kyoto’s historic character alongside its high-end dining scene.

The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most photographed landscapes, where tall bamboo stalks rise on either side of pathways that stretch for around 200 metres. The setting changes with the light and movement of the bamboo, creating a different atmosphere depending on the time of day.

Entrances can be found near Tenryu-ji Temple, and the grove forms part of a wider area where you can also take in Arashiyama’s forested mountainside, particularly beautiful in the autumn.