Kyoto is one of the friendliest cities to travel to in Asia. Where is Kyoto? This city is quite popular among travelers, but if you ask where is Kyoto, the answer is that it is located in Japan and has a 1.5 million population. It is a must-visit city during travel to Japan on a Japan visitor visa. What to do in Kyoto? What to see in Kyoto? Kyoto is full of attractions for different tastes, and there are many things to do in Kyoto, for example, you can enjoy delicious food during your travel to Kyoto, or find some of the best places to visit in Japan, or take the most liked Instagram photos at the Instagrammable places to visit in Kyoto. Among the most famous places to go in Kyoto, you will find incredible Buddist temples, parks, shopping streets, etc. In this city, you will have many chances to take your most liked photo on Instagram during your travel to Japan. In this post, you will read about the 12 Instagrammable places to take the most liked Instagram photos during your travel to Kyoto. Also, you will find answers to your questions about travel to Kyoto, such as where is Kyoto, what to do in Kyoto, what to see in Kyoto, what are the best places to visit in Japan Kyoto, which things to do in Kyoto, which Instagrammable places to visit in Kyoto, which religious places to go in Kyoto, where to take your most liked photo on Instagram, etc.
1. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto's imperial garden was home to many centuries the residence of the Japanese imperial family and aristocrats. With the move of the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo, the houses of the nobles were demolished. The result was a vast park area that became a public recreation center for both tourists and residents. The park is open 24 hours and is a popular spot for the cherry blossom display in spring. It is such a nice place to take the most liked Instagram photos.
2. Kyoto Tower
You would not necessarily expect the 131-meter-high tower in a city like Kyoto, a stronghold of Japanese history and tradition. But the tower, which was completed in 1964, has become a landmark of Kyoto's modern side, which is easily overlooked. The tower is reflected in the mirror facade of the no less current Kyoto Central Station and shows that Kyoto can do more than just temples and shrines. On a clear day, you can see from a viewing platform over Kyoto to Osaka. In the Kyoto Tower, you will find all kinds of shops and restaurants and have a chance to take your most liked photo on Instagram.
3. Pontocho Street
Pontocho is one of the entertainment districts of Kyoto. Traditional architecture, teahouses, and geisha that you encounter on the narrow street will transport you back in time. The historical charm of Kyoto is overflowing with life. An extraordinary scene unfolds in front of you, especially after sunset. In the glow of lanterns, you will discover countless restaurants on both sides of the alley. What to do in Kyoto? Dine in the atmospheric twilight on one of the terraces at the back of Pontocho with a view over the Kamogawa River.
4. Philosopher's Path
You can stroll along the Philosopher's Path between the Nanzen-Ji and the Ginkaku-Ji temples over a distance of around two kilometers. People say that the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro meditated on this path on his daily journey to the University of Kyoto. Following the Shishigatani Canal and surrounded by greenery, you can let your thoughts wander here while the way leads you past temples. During the cherry blossom season, the Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry trees, is a popular Hanami spot. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is worth waiting for dusk. I recommend a visit, especially during your travel to Japan, as you will not only find lush hydrangeas along the path but with a little luck, you can also find fireflies.
5. Kinkaku-Ji
What to see in Kyoto? As one of Kyoto's most popular attractions, the golden pavilion Kinkaku-Ji is usually overrun with tourists. Check it out anyway! The gold leaf-covered temple offers a breathtaking view against the green backdrop of the Japanese garden. This is designed in such a way that you discover many different landscapes as you walk through it.
6. International Manga Museum
Refurbished from a former elementary school, the museum houses around 300,000 volumes of Manga, of which around 50,000 are publicly accessible to museum visitors. Not only leaning against walls in the museum, sitting on the floor, or in the associated museum cafe, you will also meet reading Manga fans on the meadow in front of the museum. It is one of the best places to visit in Japan.
7. Kiyomizu-Dera
Few travelers to Kyoto miss the Kiyomizu-Dera temple complex. The facility, which was founded in 780, is a real tourist magnet as one of the best places to go in Kyoto. Nonetheless, the Kiyomizu-Dera, with its magnificent buildings and views over the city, is worth a look. The Kiyomizu-Dera also offers all sorts of opportunities to explore, such as the Taiani Meguri Cave, where you have to blindly find your way in total darkness.
8. Gion
The Gion Entertainment District is one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Kyoto. The quarter, famous for traditional teahouses and encounters with geisha, attracts day and night with entertainment, historical atmosphere, and gastronomy. In July, the district lends its name to Gion Matsuri, which has been celebrated in Gion and all of Kyoto since the 9th century and is considered one of Japan's most impressive festivals.
9. Arashiyama
The Arashiyama district in western Kyoto has a lot to offer to visitors to Japan's former capital. Since the Heian period, Arashiyama has been a popular destination, especially during the cherry blossom season and the color of the autumn leaves. Many temples also immerse foreign visitors in the traditions of Japan. A visit to the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest is among the must-do things to do in Kyoto. Surrounded by meter-high, green bamboo, you have the feeling of visiting another world.
10. Nijo Castle
In 1601 Nijo Castle was built for the Tokugawa Shoguns as their seat. They ruled Japan for about 260 years. From 1868 the castle fell into the hands of the Japanese emperor and was then passed on to the city of Kyoto. The complex of Nijo Castle is very well preserved and has become sightseeing. You can see the Ninomaru Garden, the Ninomaru Residence, or the Ninomaru Palace within the Nijo Castle. Incidentally, since 1994 the castle complex has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Historic Kyoto, which also includes other sites. It is open to visitors every day from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (admission), the Nijo Castle complex closes at 5:00 p.m. Entrance is 620 yen for Nijo Castle, if you also want to visit the Ninomaru Palace, the ticket costs 1030 yen. You can again buy cheap tickets online in advance, including a guided tour. This is particularly worthwhile in the high season so as not to queue for long.
11. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrineis one of Kyoto's top sights as it is one of the oldest and most famous shrines, at least among tourists. It is the main shrine of many smaller Inari Shinto shrines in Japan and is particularly renowned for its many red torii gates that visitors pass through. The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine was supposedly built in the 8th century and was dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. You will also find many statues of foxes on the premises, who are considered to be Inari's messenger. If you want to go all the way through the Torii gates, you should plan 2 to 3 hours for the mountain and for the way back. Incidentally, the red gates were all donated. You can see the name of the donor or company engraved on the back of the gate. You can visit a great place in the late afternoon, and the dusk gives the visit a mystical atmosphere. There are also photo tours. You can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine around the clock completely free of charge.
12. Kamogawa River
The Kamogawa is a 31-kilometer-long river that flows right through central Kyoto. It has its origin in the north of Kyoto in the Sajikigatake mountains. In Japanese, Kamogawa is made up of two words: Kamo, which means wild duck, and Gawa, which means river. Kamogawa is particularly popular in summer, with locals and tourists alike. Many go for a walk by the river, meet on the riverside to relax, or take a seat in one of the restaurants overlooking the river. If you go from central Kyoto to the Gion district, you will automatically cross the Kamogawa.
