Things to do & places to visit in Kinki, Japan

Kinki #1 destination in Japan 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 256.6k traveler reviews, of 176 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tokyo, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:15.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (24.6k reviews)
- Must Visit!!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice. See more..
4.5 Kinkakuji Temple (17.1k reviews)
- Mesmerising Kinkaku-ji Temple
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion. See more..
4.5 Dotombori District (12.5k reviews)
- Crazy!
Neighborhoods

The heart of Osaka nightlife, this area is filled with theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and nightclubs. See more..
4.5 Kiyomizu-dera Temple (11.6k reviews)
- Probably my favourite temple in Kyoto
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below. See more..
4.5 Gion (7.281 reviews)
- Like stepping back in time to an older Japan, hidden just out of sight
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup. See more..
4.5 Nijo Castle (6.995 reviews)
- Our first contact with Japanese culture
Monday: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching. See more..
4.5 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (6.666 reviews)
- Great aquarium for adults and kids
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

See the wide range of habitats that make up the Pacific Rim on a tour of this fascinating aquarium, which takes you from one environment to another and lets you feel as though you’re underwater. See more..
4.5 Arashiyama (6.639 reviews)
- Early Morning Visit
Neighborhoods • Scenic Walking Areas

Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. See more..
4.5 Nara Park (5.698 reviews)
- Experience
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Nearest station is Nara then take bus number 2(get of at todaji temple) which cost 220 yen then walk 300 meter otherwise walk 1.5km from train station. Suggest to take bus there then walk back when finish as after that can enjoy the stroll and look around the area which have quite a number of food and shopping options. Advise to bring a small plastic bag/trash bag so when you brought the biscuits to feed the deer(200 yen) you can open up the packaging then pour everything in and hide inside your pocket otherwise there a chance of clothes being bitten(saliva), head butt and swarm by a crowd of deer. See more..
4.5 Todai-ji Temple (5.664 reviews)
- incredible
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Todaiji was once one of Japan’s Seven Great Temples and houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha. As one of the main sites of interest in Nara, the Temple was originally built in 752 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Buddha is standing 16 meters tall, and there is a pillar at the back of the hall, which has a hole in the middle. Those who can squeeze through the hole are said to be assured of enlightenment and long life of happiness. The Nandaimon Gate which stands at the temple entrance is the largest gate of its kind in Japan, with the two guardians within known as the two kings of Todai-ji. The temple is a 19 minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station and a 30 minute walk from Nara Station. Note that the entry fee is just for entering the complex. If you want to enter the great Buddha hall or the Todaiji Museum, there are separate charges. See more..
4.5 Himeji Castle (5.357 reviews)
- The Best Castle in Japan
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles • Scenic Walking Areas

Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes. See more..
4.5 Ginkakuji Temple (4.622 reviews)
- ZEN all the way down!
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion. See more..
4.5 Kyoto Station Building (4.269 reviews)
- Visitors will find a huge underground retail network
Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Shopping Malls

Kyoto Station Building is a train station and popular tourist spot, with a department store, The Cube selling souvenirs and fashion, Asty Road and Asty Square shopping areas, a mall, and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Sanjusangendo Temple (3.950 reviews)
- nice
Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. See more..
4.5 Monkey Park Iwatayama (2.645 reviews)
- great if you are fit !!!!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

First of all, you need to be fit as its quite a walk up a very steep hill but if you manage that it is well worth it. We managed to be there at around 3.30 pm when the monkeys were been fed. You can feed them from inside with food you must purchase in store, but it is not expensive See more..
4.5 Nanzen-ji Temple (2.182 reviews)
- Especially atmospheric in the early morning
Monday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites • Gardens

This Zen Buddhist temple was converted from a former residence of Emperor Kameyama upon his death. The beautiful grounds include several buildings, hiking trails and a classic Zen garden. See more..
4.5 Tenryuji Temple (1.976 reviews)
- A tranquil and beautiful place not to miss especially in the fall
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites

I guess Tenryu-ji and the bamboo forest are the 2 key places for anyone coming to Arashiyama. Most enter the main gate coming into the temple and exit via the north gate to go to the bamboo forest. The place is quiet and some part of it (additional payment) to get into a part of the building where you need to take off your shoes. It's a nice experience if you have never walk on a tatami floor. The fall color is not something to miss in the garden area of the temple. See more..
4.5 Tofuku-ji Temple (1.828 reviews)
- Stunning autumn foliage
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

It's like stepping into an autumn wonderland with gorgeous autumn foliage in every corner. Your eyes are filled with brilliant maple reds and brilliant ginkgo yellows. No wonder this is one of the top autumn spots in Kyoto! See more..
4.5 Kasuga Grand Shrine (1.774 reviews)
- Top attraction
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

This is reached by taking along walk or a short trek through the forested areas of Nara. there are local buses which also go there. Cars are difficult to park there. Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. It was also the shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. Beyond the shrine's offering hall, which can be visited free of charge, there is a paid inner area which provides a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. Furthest in is the main sanctuary, containing multiple shrine buildings that display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture, characterized by a sloping roof extending over the front of the building See more..
4.5 Eikando Zenrinji Temple (1.726 reviews)
- Supreme Autumn Leaves
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

One of famous autumn leaves temple. Here is special to maintain trees during year for autumn season. It’s said water is impotent for red leaves if few rain they put water to a lot of trees. There are many pavilions and buds a few of them is able to take photos. There are many visitors there but not afraid of visiting Eikando temple in autumn. See more..
4.5 Byodoin Temple (1.640 reviews)
- Impressive
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Temple near Kyoto; famous statue of seated Buudha by 11th-century sculptor, Jocho. See more..
4.5 Toji (1.639 reviews)
- Beautiful and Impressive
Monday: 5:00 AM - 4:30 PM Religious Sites

I was lucky to visit while the 5-story pagoda was open for tours and the inside is SPECTACULAR - every surface is painted inside, it's stunning. The complex itself is huge and the Buddha halls are not to be missed. The grounds make for scenic photos and there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy around the pond. Large enough that the crowds weren't really an issue. See more..
4.5 Kodai-ji Temple (1.497 reviews)
- Night View
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Kodaiji Zen Temple is located in eastern Kyoto just south of Yasaka Shrine. This temple was established in 1606 by the noblewoman called Nene in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoashi is renowned as the person who unified the nation of Japan. Even though he was from the lowest class of samurai family, He could be the top vassal by a lot of talents and communication skills. This his incredible promotion had come true by Nene's support. After they passed away, they had been very popular among people at that time. Temple visitors feel that Kodaiji was very humanity. One reason is Kodaiji was made while Nene was still alive. In the temple buildings, their belongings and cherish parts from the castle where they lived together were used. See more..
4.5 Adventure World (1.443 reviews)
- Real adventure
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Zoos • Aquariums

Good zoo and fun park. I recommend bus with top roof places to explore lions, tigers etc. Very good dolphin show. And pandas of course! See more..
4.5 Koyasan Okunoin (1.274 reviews)
- One of the world's truly special sacred places.
Monday: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM Cemeteries • Religious Sites

A place to let your soul re-awaken. Having last stayed in a monastery here 19 years ago, before it was added to the World Heritage list, I was apprehensive about returning, having heard of busloads of noisy tourists overunning everything, but it defies defilement; one of the world's truly sacred spaces. Early morning and dusk are the best time to visit, early there are monks chanting, at dusk as the shadows fall the 200,000 tombs of the cedar forest begin to stir quietly. See more..
4.5 Ninna-ji Temple (1.261 reviews)
- World cultural heritage
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Ninna-ji is a national tresure and also designated as a world heritage site. From over a thousand years ago, it has a deep co nection to the imperial family. Then, Ninna-ji is one of most famous temple which known for beautiful cherry blossoms, its wrapping up the end of the season in Kyoto - a town with many famous cherry trees. See more..
4.5 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (1.166 reviews)
- Winter Garden
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Visiting in 2023 the cost for roundtrip ropeway costs 1,800 yen per person. As we are visiting in Winter season there isn't much growing at this time of year but the ride up the ropeway is a lot of fun within itself. The herbal footbath is very nice. I also tried the Lavender soft serve ice cream which was delicious. #kobeherbgarden See more..
4.5 Koko-en (1.118 reviews)
- fantastic
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Gardens

Japanese garden 'Koko-en' was constructed in1992 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki(Lord's West Residence) with Himeji Castle, one of the world cultural heritages, as a background. The area of this garden is about 3.5 ha and it is composed of 9 difficult garsens,built on the archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads. Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period(ca.1600-1860) as a good model, 'Koko-en' creates historical atmosphere with the magnificent view of Himeji Castle. We hope you will have agood stroll and feel history in 'Koko-en' with Himeji Castle. See more..
4.5 Kennin-ji Temple (1.004 reviews)
- Karesansui gate and Twin Dragon ceiling
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Religious Sites

This temple, supposed to be one of the oldest in Kyoto, turned out to be more than I expected. It has a beautiful karesansui garden with a gate on background and a famous hall with quite recently painted fantastic picture of twin dragons. I also enjoyed the layout beyond the entrance fee area, the many gates and bridges over ponds, all perfectly aligned, leading to the main hall gate and its field of gravel. Many temples have their outer gates quite far away from the ones visitors really see or pass through, but here the layout was rather clear and the overall picture emerged as one big harmonious entity. Highly recommended temple, especially since there are many other attractions quite close, so an average Kyoto visitor is likely to be in the vicinity, ready for this excursion. See more..
4.5 SAMURAI & NINJA MUSEUM with EXPERIENCE (948 reviews)
- Samurai & Ninja Museum for a family of 4
Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We are an INTERACTIVE samurai & ninja museum focused on the history of Japan. We are located between the Nishiki Market and the Gion area. We provide tours on the samurai armors, samurai swords, samurai villages and samurai houses. We have family friendly ninja displays and ninja experiences such as ninja blow gun trial and the shuriken throw. Ninja lessons and ninja experiences in the ninja offered daily. Families, couples and martial arts fans welcome. We also have a distinctive samurai souvenir shop if you'd like to buy a samurai sword in Kyoto. You can buy authentic Edo period swords and carbon replica swords in addition to types of katana and wakizashi. We also have an extensive sword exhibition. Kyoto's best rated samurai, ninja, martial arts and history museum. A samurai village and samurai house feeling including a ninja dojo inside the museum. The ninja park for kids and a separate kimono tea ceremony room for families also available. See more..