Best places: Tourist attractions in Kyoto, Japan

Popular area atop Mt. Arashiyama for viewing wild macaque monkeys & sweeping city views.

Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.

Serene Buddhist temple complex with a 76m-long hall, one of the largest wood buildings in the world.

Historic, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.

Landscaped grounds with cherry blossoms & a stream, plus former imperial palace structures & events.

This Shinto shrine complex with 7th-century origins is full of trees & set on the banks of a river.

Expansive 17th-century temple headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism with gardens, events & services.

Venerable Buddhist temple founded in 784 CE & a garden known for summer hydrangeas & autumn leaves.

Historic Buddhist temple set on a mountainside, with access via a cable car or up hundreds of steps.

Picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple, offering sweeping views from the top.

Serene temple with historic shrines & a bamboo grove, plus a teahouse hosting seasonal ceremonies.

Museum & home of late Japanese artist Kawai Kanjiro with pottery, woodwork & a huge kiln on display.

Quaint Buddhist place of worship known for its picturesque moss garden, bamboo grove & maple trees.

Ornate palace & residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, with screen paintings & traditional gardens.

The grounds of this 17th-century imperial villa feature a scenic classical garden with teahouses.

Viewing autumn leaves & spring cherry blossoms is popular at this ancient Buddhist temple.

Striking 17th-century imperial villa offering tours of its celebrated gardens with cascading ponds.

Built in 1012, this Buddhist temple features a blood-stained ceiling, a garden & light refreshments.

👍👍 Many tourist missed this spot because its tuck at a corner up the slope, off way from the normal route from bamboo groove to the riverside. But it’s a spot that should not be missed especially during hanami and koyomi. I have posted some photos comparing peach blossom and autumn foliage season, both...

Zen Buddhist complex founded in 1404, featuring a landscaped rock garden with evergreen plants.