First trip to Kyoto! Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots
• Introduction
• Kinkaku-ji Temple
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
• Nijo Castle
• Gion
• Arashiyama
• Conclusion
Firstly
Nice to meet you! Welcome to your first trip to Kyoto! Kyoto is more than just a tourist destination. This enchanting city is filled with numerous aspects of Japanese history and culture.
The charm of Kyoto lies in its beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture. Famous temples such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera have a rich historical background and their architectural beauty is mesmerizing. Moreover, strolling through the gardens will soothe your heart.
Experiencing Kyoto’s history and culture is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions. And I especially recommend visiting during the tourist seasons. You can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage.
Now, the excitement for your first trip to Kyoto is building, isn’t it? Next, let me introduce you to a trip to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Kinkaku-ji
I went to Kinkaku-ji, a popular tourist spot in Kyoto! It is expected to be crowded as it is also popular among foreign tourists, but that is part of Kinkaku-ji’s charm.
First of all, the beautiful building of Kinkaku-ji catches your eye. The upper layer covered in gold leaf shines like a jewel reflecting the sunlight. It’s so beautiful that you can’t help but be mesmerized. However, you cannot enter the building, but you can still enjoy it from the outside.
Furthermore, the historical background is also part of the charm of Kinkaku-ji. The building was originally built as a luxurious villa during the Muromachi period, but it was burnt down in a fire and later rebuilt. Knowing this historical context will make your visit to Kinkaku-ji more meaningful.
Lastly, I recommend taking a stroll in the garden. It offers a beautiful pond and scenery where you can have a relaxing time. Walking in the tranquil atmosphere will calm your mind and help you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Kinkaku-ji combines the elements of beautiful architecture, historical background, and a serene garden. If you visit Kinkaku-ji on your first trip to Kyoto, be sure to fully experience its charm!
Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kyoto. You definitely want to visit it at least once! Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a famous viewing spot, and many people are captivated by its beauty.
The most famous part of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the Kiyomizu stage. When you look up, the stage appears to be floating in mid-air. However, it is actually connected by stairs, but its appearance is truly impressive.
Additionally, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is home to the thousand torii gates. This is a very sacred place, and visitors will surely have a special experience. Passing through the tunnel of the thousand torii gates gives you a feeling of purification.
You can reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple by bus or taxi. There are also many souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area, so you can enjoy delicious meals and shopping after sightseeing.
Please visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple during your first trip to Kyoto! Undoubtedly, a wonderful experience awaits you. However, it is often crowded, so I recommend visiting in the early hours. Now, immerse yourself in the charm of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy the history and culture of Kyoto!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Welcome to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a popular tourist spot in Kyoto! Here, we will talk about the tunnel of Senbon Torii, the blessings and prayers, and the ritual of otatamiage.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The tunnel of Senbon Torii is impressive, as if it were the entrance to another world. Each step you take, the red color of the torii gates and the mysterious atmosphere will envelop you. Whenever the wind blows, you will feel a sense of purification in your heart.
Moreover, at Fushimi Inari Taisha, you can receive blessings and make prayers. It is somewhat moving to see people with faith make various wishes. Here, you can expect various blessings such as flourishing business, safe driving, and improved love fortune. Perhaps your wish may come true as well.
Lastly, the otatamiage ritual held at Fushimi Inari Taisha is a special experience. In otatamiage, you bring your own amulets and prayers, and request the shrine priests for their blessings. By offering your prayers wholeheartedly, something good might happen.
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha will undoubtedly become a lifelong memory. Let’s make wonderful memories by passing through the maze-like tunnel of torii gates, offering prayers, and continuing our journey to the next tourist spot, Nijo Castle!
Nijo Castle
There are many tourist spots in Kyoto, but among them, Nijo Castle is definitely a must-visit! Why? Because you can experience a ninja tour there! Yes, you might even become a ninja yourself! You can feel as if you’ve entered a movie. Jumping and swiftly avoiding obstacles are essential, but that’s the thrill of the ninja experience.
Not only that, but you can also see the influence of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Nijo Castle. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first shogun of the Edo period and a very important figure in Japanese history. By visiting Nijo Castle, you can touch his historical footsteps.
Furthermore, the garden of Nijo Castle is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the surroundings of the castle turn completely pink. You can also enjoy strolling around while cherry blossoms petals gently fall.
A visit to Nijo Castle is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience combining history and adventure. Be sure to add it to your Kyoto travel list!
Gion
Welcome to Gion! Allow me to introduce you to the pleasure of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and sake. Gion is particularly renowned as a beautiful district within Kyoto. Here, traditional Japanese culture thrives, with many charming tea houses and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) scattered throughout the city.
Firstly, let’s talk about hanami. In spring, Gion’s cherry blossoms bloom in a stunning shade of pink, creating a picturesque sight. Taking a stroll underneath the cherry blossom trees can be very calming. Of course, I also recommend enjoying hanami with a picnic. With a drink in hand, spend a delightful time with your friends!
You can also savor sake in Gion. The region houses numerous sake breweries and izakayas (Japanese pubs), allowing you to sample various types of sake. Surround yourself with the aroma and flavor of sake while indulging in beautiful sake vessels, and let it heal your fatigue from sightseeing. Just remember to drink responsibly!
Furthermore, the Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) is an event you must experience at least once. Held annually in July, this festival gathers extravagant yamaboko floats and food stalls, attracting a large crowd. After immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere, I highly recommend trying a maiko experience. Rent a kimono and transform into a maiko (apprentice geisha) for a while! Capture some photos to keep as cherished memories.
Gion is a place where you can fully enjoy the charm of visiting Kyoto. With hanami, sake, the Gion Festival, and maiko experiences, there are plenty of things to enjoy. I hope you have a wonderful time in Gion and create unforgettable memories!
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is one of the charming tourist spots in Kyoto. Here, you can explore the Bamboo Grove Path, Togetsu Bridge, and enjoy visiting anime pilgrimage sites. First, let’s take a stroll along the Bamboo Grove Path. Walking through the majestic rows of bamboo feels like stepping into a fantastical world. Don’t forget to take photos! As you continue, the beautiful Togetsu Bridge comes into view. The scenery reflected on the calm river surface is breathtaking. With each step you take across, you’ll feel your heart becoming purified. Finally, be sure to enjoy the anime pilgrimage sites. Arashiyama has become the setting for numerous anime works and is an irresistible spot for fans. Arashiyama is a splendid fusion of entertainment and nature, making it perfect for your first trip to Kyoto. Please be sure to visit!
Conclusion
Does the charm of your first trip to Kyoto come down to just 100 words? Well, I accept the challenge!
Among the top 10 tourist spots, Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera will overwhelm you with the beauty of their buildings and gardens. Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its tunnel of thousands of torii gates, is mysterious and the ritual of folding your hands while making a wish is personally very exciting. Nijo Castle’s ninja tour and its gardens and cherry blossoms, which reflect the influence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, are a must-see. In Gion, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, Japanese sake, and the experience of seeing a maiko. Lastly, in Arashiyama, you can explore the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge, and don’t forget about visiting anime pilgrimage sites!
Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and culture. You will definitely enjoy it no matter the season. Please consider including it in your travel plans!
Now, are you ready to move on to the next chapter? If so, let’s start this enjoyable journey together!
