Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a place where one can enjoy the country’s unique cultural heritage.
Within this olden city lays countless World Heritage Site registered shrines and temples that provide stellar views which naturally changes its expression through the procession of the seasons.
In this article, we will show you the top 5 most picturesque vantage points that can be accessed from world famous tourist locations in Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺 lit. “pure water temple”) is one of the most well-known scenic temples in Kyoto.
The famous main hall of Kiyomizu-dera is a gorgeous, massive wooden platform built atop a mountainside.
Kiyomizu-dera was first built in 778AD, and has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
The suspended platform of the main hall is known for its intricate architecture, which was constructed without the usage of a single nail.
In spring, the surrounding woodlands will be filled with cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the temple will be surrounded by beautiful, warm colored autumn leaves. During the peak seasons, the temple will be lit during the night—providing a grand, picturesque view throughout all days of the year.
If you were to visit Kyoto, this is the one place you shouldn’t miss out on.
▼Kiyomizu-dera Address: 1-294, Shimizu 1-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Phone:075-551-1234 Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (closes at 9:30 pm when the temple is illuminated) Admission: 400 yen for adults and high school students, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students Official website:https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Arashiyama
Arashiyama (嵐山 lit. “storm mountain”) is a beautiful mountain located in western Kyoto.
On ground-level is the world famous Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋 lit. “cross moon bridge”).
This is an iconic bridge that is synonymous with the Kyoto landscape. The view of this beautiful bridge in the foreground of lush green mountains is certainly a scenery to behold. The landscape is well known for its cherry blossoms in Spring, and of its autumn leaves as well.
Located close by, is a beautiful bamboo forest path. This is also an unmissable scenery.
This bamboo forest provides a perfect background for a photo opportunity.
There is no shortage of picturesque temples, even in the Arashiyama area. One of them is Tenryu-ji, which is also listed as a World Heritage Site.
Aside from temples, within this area you can find various Japanese cuisine restaurants known for its great tofu dishes, and sweets shops that are simply delightful.
Built in 711AD, Fushimi Inari-taisha is most well-known for its Senbon Torii (pictured above), that makes frequent appearances in films and popular media.
The seemingly endless continuation of the vermillion torii gates is nothing short of spectacular, and is a great place for a photo op. If you want to go for an extra-Japanese aesthetic, go borrow a kimono from one of the rental shops close by, and dress up in true olden-Japanese fashion.
This place enshrines a deity known for having good luck in finance & health, so praying for good business and good health for your family is also a proper thing to do.
Hiking through Fushimi Mountain to stop by all the little shrines is called “Oyama-Meguri” (お山めぐり lit. “Mountain Pilgrimage”). The course spans 4km, making this a great light hike for those who want some exercise.
▼ Fushimi Inari-taisha Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Phone:075-641-7331 Access: Short walk from JR Inari Station. Take a city bus and get off at Inari-taisha-mae bus stop, 7 min walk. Keihan Railway Fushimi Inari station, 5 min walk. Open all hours Prayer and response time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Closed: Open all year round Official website:http://inari.jp/en/
Gion
The town of Gion has the most traditional atmosphere in Kyoto.
Tightly packed wooden structures comprised of tea houses & Japanese Kaiseki restaurants line the streets, making the street aesthetic look as Japanese and Kyoto-an as one can possibly imagine.
Many places offer Maccha sweets, making this a pilgrimage site for Japanese sweets fanatics.
Intricate lights glow throughout the night, providing a nice backdrop for nightlife enjoyers.
If you’re lucky, you might see a Maiko / Geisha passing by.
Walking along the Shirakawa river in the Shimbashi district is also a strong recommend. Also—no shortage of cherry blossoms here during the spring.
▼ Gion Hanamikoji Address: South side Gion-cho, Kyoto
Kinkakuji
Kinkakuji (金閣寺 lit. “golden pavilion temple”) was built in 1397 by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate who ruled Japan at the time.
The structures golden glow, and its reflection casted to the pond below, is otherworldly when seen in first person. Not to mention; this place is also a designated World Heritage Site.
This architecture is a pleasure to behold regardless of seasons, but some people say it’s best when the snow piles up on its roofs during winter.
▼ Kinkakuji Temple Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Phone:075-461-0013 Hours: 9 am-5pm *Hours may vary due to special occasions Closed: Open all year round Admission: Adults (high school and above) 400 yen Official website:https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
Plentiful awe-inspiring scenes in Kyoto
As seen in this article, the old Japanese capital of Kyoto has so many scenic views to offer, from sceneries of lush nature, to the intricacies of traditional Japanese architecture.
If you have plans to visit Kyoto, please go and check out the places mentioned in this article.
교토의 서쪽, 자연이 풍요로운 ‘아라시야마(Arashiyama)’에는 곳곳에 절경 명소가 있어요.
먼저, 아라시야마의 상징이라고 할 수 있는 도게쓰교(Togetsukyo Bridge)로.
산과 어우러진 다리의 모습이 정말 아라시야마다워요. 봄에는 벚꽃, 가을에는 단풍의 아름다운 경관을 즐길 수 있어요.
싱그러운 녹색 대나무 숲이 약 400m에 걸쳐 이어진 ‘대나무 숲길(Bamboo forest path)’도 빼놓을 수 없는데요,
대나무 숲을 배경으로 한 예쁜 사진을 찍을 수 있어요.
‘아라시야마(Arashiyama)’에는 세계문화유산으로 등록된 ‘덴류지(天龍寺/Tenryu-ji)’를 비롯해 사찰과 신사 등의 관광 명소가 많이 있어요.
사찰과 신사 외에도 두부 등을 사용한 ‘일식 레스토랑’과 ‘디저트 가게’들도 있으니 찾아가 보셔도 좋을 거예요.
▼ 아라시야마 도게쓰교 주소 : 교토시 우쿄구 사가덴류지 스스키노바바초1-5
3. 후시미이나리타이샤
711년에 세워진 ‘후시미이나리타이샤(Fushimi-Inari Taisha)는 교토를 배경으로 한 영화에서도 자주 볼 수 있는 ‘센본토리이(千本鳥居/Senbon Torii)’가 있는 것으로 유명해요.
붉은 도리이가 늘어선 풍경이 압권인데요, 기모노와 주변 풍경이 잘 어울리니 기모노를 대여해 사진을 찍어도 좋을 거예요.
사업 번창, 가내 안전의 신을 섬기는 곳이니 사업 성공과 가족의 안전을 기원해 보는 것도 좋겠네요.
이나리산의 신세키(神蹟, 신이 진좌하셨다고 알려진 장소)를 둘러보는 ‘오야마 순례’는 약 4km로, 하이킹 겸 몸을 움직이고 싶은 분들에게도 추천드려요.
▼ 후시미이나리타이샤 주소 : 교토시 후시미구 후카쿠사야부노우치초 68 TEL：075-641-7331 가시는 길 : JR ‘이나리 역’ 하차 후 바로. 시버스 ‘이나리타야샤 앞’ 하차 후 도보 약 7분. 게이한 전철 ‘후시미이나리’ 역 하차 후 도보 약 5분. 영업시간 : 상시 개방 기도, 응대 가능 시간 : 8:30~16:30 정기 휴일 : 연중무휴 공식 홈페이지：http://inari.jp
4. 기온
‘기온(祇園)’은 교토의 정취를 가장 잘 느낄 수 있는 장소 중 하나예요.
‘찻집’과 ‘가이세키 요리점’ 등의 전통적인 목조 가옥이 늘어선 풍경은 일본의 정서와 교토다움이 물씬 풍기죠.
‘말차 디저트’를 맛볼 수 있는 가게들이 있어 일본식 디저트를 즐기고 싶은 분들에게도 인기가 많아요.
등불이 비추는 밤 풍경도 운치가 있어 기온에서 저녁 식사를 하시는 것도 추천드려요.
기온의 거리를 걷다 보면 ‘마이코(professional dancer maiko)’가 지나가는 것을 볼 수도 있어요.
기온 시라카와 강변의 기온 신바시 주변은 봄에 예쁜 벚꽃을 볼 수 있고 산책하기에도 좋아요.
▼ 기온 하나미코지 주소 : 교토시 기온초 남쪽
5. 킨카쿠지(금각사)
1397년, 당시 무로마치 막부 3대 장군으로 일본을 통치하던 ‘아시카가 요시미쓰(足利義満/Ashikaga Yoshimitsu)’가 세운 ‘킨카쿠지(金閣寺)’.
황금빛으로 빛나는 절이 연못에 비치는 모습은 이 세상의 것이 아닌듯한 아름다움으로 ‘세계문화유산’에 등재되어 있어요.
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