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Planning to visit Kyoto but not sure where to start or how to get around? This guide has you covered. Read on for an overview of some of the must-see spots in Kyoto, plus tips on how to navigate the city.
Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to explore beautiful temples and traditional culture. It is home to over 1,600 temples, and is one of the best cities in the world to explore Buddhist and Shinto religion. This guide covers the best temples in Kyoto and everything you need to know to visit them.
In this article you will learn:
- An overview of Kyoto’s temples
- Fun activities to do when visiting a temple
- Recommended temples with fees and access info
- Useful travel tips for visiting temples
- How to get to Kyoto
Getting around Kyoto can be confusing without internet access, but an eSIM makes it easy to navigate temples and transport in real time. For more information, see our recommended eSIM plans for Japan here.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Kyoto.
Overview
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Kyoto has more temples than any other city in Japan. Many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kyoto’s temples are known for:
- Traditional Japanese architecture
- Beautiful gardens and ponds
- Peaceful zen atmosphere
- Stunning views in every season
Which season fits you the best:
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms around temple grounds
- Autumn (October–November): Red and orange Japanese maple leaves
- Winter (December–February): Quiet, fewer crowds, snow
- Summer (June–August): Lush green gardens, evening events
Most temples are open year-round. Each season offers a completely different experience.
Fun Activities to do When Visiting a Temple
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The temples offer more than just sightseeing. There are many activities to enjoy.
Explore temple architecture
- Admire multi-story pagodas
- Walk through traditional wooden gates
- See detailed carvings and paintings covering the halls
Enjoy temple gardens
- Stroll through moss and dry rock gardens
- Admire the views while sitting by a pond
- See seasonal blossoms like plum, cherry, and hydrangea
Try spiritual experiences
- Zazen meditation (some temples even offer English sessions)
- Morning prayer ceremonies
- Stamp collecting — a popular activity for visitors. Receive a stampbook and collect one stamp per site you visit. A full stampbook makes for a great souvenir!
Join cultural activities
- Tea ceremony at temple-run studios (¥2,000–5,000)
- Shakyo (mindful writing of Buddhist sutras)
- Guided tours in English
Recommended Temples in Kyoto
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Kyoto has hundreds of temples to explore. Here are the best ones to visit.
1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji is the most famous temple in Kyoto. The top two floors are covered in real gold leaf.
Highlights:
- Gold-covered pavilion
- Beautiful garden
- Iconic views in every season
Information:
- Time required: About 45–60 minutes
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Location: Google Maps
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most visited temples in Japan. It sits on a hillside with breathtaking vistas of Kyoto.
Highlights:
- Famous wooden stage with city views
- Cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in autumn
- Otowa waterfall with three streams for good luck
Information:
- Time required: About 60–90 minutes
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Location: Google Maps
Walk down Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka after your visit. These stone-paved lanes are full of shops and cafes.
3. Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoan-ji is famous for its zen rock garden. It is one of the most peaceful places in Kyoto.
Highlights:
- World-famous kare-sansui (dry rock garden)
- Large pond garden for walking
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Information:
- Time required: About 45–60 minutes
- Access: About 50 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Ryoanji
- Location: Google Maps
Sit quietly in front of the rock garden. Many visitors say it is a truly calming experience.
4. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji is an elegant temple in the Higashiyama area. Despite the name, it is not actually covered in silver.
Highlights:
- Beautiful moss garden and sand garden
- Scenic hilltop walking trail
- Starting point of the Philosopher’s Path
Information:
- Time required: About 45–60 minutes
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Ginkaku-ji
- Location: Google Maps
5. Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple in Arashiyama. It has one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.
Highlights:
- UNESCO-listed garden with pond and mountain views
- Close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Seasonal flowers year-round
Information:
- Time required: About 45–60 minutes
- Access: About 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Tenryu-ji
- Location: Google Maps
6. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari is technically a Shinto shrine, but it is one of the most iconic spiritual sites in Kyoto. It is famous for thousands of red torii gates.
Highlights:
- Thousands of vermilion torii gates along a mountain trail
- Full hike to the summit with panoramic views
- Free to enter at any time
Information:
- Time required: About 1–3 hours
- Access: About 5 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Location: Google Maps
We recommend visiting early in the morning for fewer crowds and great photos.
7. Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji is a large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto. It is famous for its late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro cherries.
Highlights:
- Beautiful five-story pagoda
- Famous Omuro cherry blossoms (late March–early April)
- Large grounds with multiple halls and gardens
Information:
- Time required: About 60 minutes
- Access: About 50 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Ninnaji Temple
- Location: Google Maps
8. Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji is one of the best temples in Kyoto to see the colourful autumn foliage. The maple trees here are stunning in November.
Highlights:
- Famous Tsutenkyo Bridge surrounded by maple trees
- Large zen garden designed by Shigemori Mirei
- One of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples
Information:
- Time required: About 60–90 minutes
- Access: About 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
- Official website: Tofuku-ji Temple Guide
- Location: Google Maps
Don’t forget to stay connected while visiting Kyoto’s temples—you’ll want up-to-date information on fares and opening hours during your trip. An eSIM gives you access to mobile internet, letting you use maps and translation apps as needed. Check out our guide here: Best eSIM for Japan Travel.
Travel Tips for Visiting Temples in Kyoto
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Good preparation makes temple visits much more enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind.
- Arrive early: Most popular temples get crowded after 10 AM. Aim to arrive at opening time.
- Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees, these areas are still religious grounds after all. It may be helpful to bring a light jacket just in case.
- Removing your shoes: You might be asked to take off your shoes when entering some temple buildings. Don’t forget to wear socks, and bringing a pair of clean loafers or slippers can be convenient.
- Be quiet and respectful: Temples are places of worship. Keep voices low and follow posted rules.
- Avoid flash photography: Many halls prohibit flash or photography altogether. Always check and follow posted rules.
- Carry cash: Most temples only accept cash for entrance fees and souvenirs.
- Use IC cards (rechargeable prepaid cards used for trains and bus fares) like Suica or ICOCA. Info on IC cards can be found here.
- Stay connected in Japan with an eSIM: mobile internet helps travelers use maps, translation apps, and train schedules.
How to Get to Kyoto
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From Tokyo to Kyoto Station
- Shinkansen (bullet train)
- Time: about 2.5 hours
- Cost: around ¥14,000*
From Osaka to Kyoto Station
- JR train
- Time: about 30 minutes
- Cost: about ¥600*
From Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station
- JR Haruka Express
- Time: about 75 minutes
- Cost: about ¥3,000*
From Narita International Airport to Kyoto Station
- Narita Express + Shinkansen
- Time: about 3.5–4 hours
- Cost: about ¥18,000*
*Prices are subject to change. Please check official websites for up-to-date information.
Summary
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Kyoto is the best city in Japan to explore temples and traditional culture. From the golden Kinkaku-ji to the rock gardens of Ryoan-ji, every temple offers something unique. To make your Kyoto trip easier, stay connected with a reliable eSIM.
