Kyoto

Above: Maple leaves at a Kyoto temple. Photo Bryan Cole.

Nestled in the mountains of Western Honshu, Kyoto has earned a worldwide reputation as Japan's most beautiful city. Kyoto is known as "the city of a thousand temples," but it actually has more — an astonishing 1,600 Buddhist temples, plus 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens and museums! Kyoto boasts more World Heritage Sites per square inch than any other city.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor from 794 until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. Kyoto thus spent a millennium as the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion. During this time, Kyoto accumulated an unparalleled collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, geishas and monks. And thankfully, Kyoto was one of the very few Japanese cities to escape the Allied bombings of World War II. There is so much to see in Kyoto - start your virtual explorations of its temples and shrines below.

City Guide & Travel Resources

Kyoto Map
Our detailed, interactive satellite map of Kyoto showing all the major temples, plus links to more Kyoto maps.

Fast Facts on Kyoto
An overview of the city, with facts and statistics.

History of Kyoto
A brief history of Kyoto.

Kyoto Sightseeing Tours
Learn more about Kyoto's major sights with a knowledgeable guide.

Kyoto Festivals
Kyoto is famed for its festivals; here are the best.

Kyoto Hotel Reviews
Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Kyoto from fellow travelers.

Kyoto Travel Forum
Get travel advice and insider tips on Kyoto from experienced travelers and locals.

Getting to Kyoto
How to arrive in Kyoto by plane, train or car.

Sacred Sites & Religious Places

	Adashino Nembutsuji Thousands of stone Buddhist statues mourn the dead at this unusual hilltop temple.
	Byodoin Founded in 1052, this Pure Land Temple includes a rare and beautiful Pure Land garden and the famous Phoenix Hall. A World Heritage Site.
	Chionin The head temple of Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism, Chionin boasts the largest gate and the heaviest temple bell in Japan. It was built to represent the Pure Land on earth.
	Daitokuji This temple is part of a vast temple complex that is considered one of the best places to experience Zen art, architecture and practice.
	Fushimi Inari Shrine This ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, features a remarkable path through thousands of red torii.
	Ginkakuji Intended to be coated in silver, this harmonious temple ended up in simple wood. It houses an image of Kannon and includes lovely gardens.
	Heian Jingu An imperial Shinto shrine built in 1895 in honor of the founding of Kyoto.
	Kinkakuji This gold-leaf-covered temple is one of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto, nestled in the woods and reflected in the waters of its garden pond.
	Kiyomizudera This very popular Buddhist temple offers a healing waterfall and an incredible view over the city of Kyoto from its wooden terrace.
	Nanzenji An important Rinzai Zen temple on the Path of Philosophy, Nanzenji has a fine Zen garden and extensive grounds.
	Ryoanji This World Heritage Site is famed for its Zen rock garden.
	Sanjusangendo A unique Buddhist temple sheltering 1,001 statues of Kannon in Japan's longest wooden building.
	Toji A Shingon Buddhist temple in the center of the city, Toji includes a five-story pagoda that is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.
	Yasaka Shrine This Shinto shrine to the god of health and prosperity was the site of the first Gion Matsuri festival. It remains the spiritual heart of Kyoto.