THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Western Kyoto
Top Things to Do in Western Kyoto
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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205 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Zoos
Western Kyoto
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Western Kyoto
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Gardens
Western Kyoto
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Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas
Western Kyoto
Historic Sites • Lookouts
Western Kyoto
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Western Kyoto
Religious Sites
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Forests
Western Kyoto
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Western Kyoto
Religious Sites
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Art Museums
Western Kyoto
Speciality Museums
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Showing results 1-30 of 205
What travellers are saying
- travelqueenNiUnited Kingdom439 contributionsI made the most of an early morning to wander through the beautiful bamboo grove and take some nice pictures before the crowds arrived. It is a lovely place, however I would say that I'm sure it's similar to many others across Japan, and not worth a specific journey.Written 23 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bktx1Texas654 contributionsThis is well worth not just for the monkeys but for the beautiful hike up and the views from the top. It is steep and not for those not capable of the walk, but the walk is worth it for those who can make it. This was my favorite in Arashiyama.Written 21 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 649001Springfield361 contributionsTenryu-ji is located near Bamboo Forest.
The interior of the buildings is not interesting at all, and the gardens (there is a pond with koi fish) are just OK. You have to pay separately to enter each building and the gardens. So I would give just "3" for Tenryu-ji. However, the evening free stroll in Tenryu-ji (everything was already closed, and there were no crowds) was peaceful and nice.
I would recommend enjoying the exterior and not bothering going inside.Written 20 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 649001Springfield361 contributionsThere is a nice stroll through bamboo forest. The forest is open 24 hours. It is free. Tenryu-ji temple and Monkey Park are nearby.
Allow at least 1 hour.Written 20 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nicole W61 contributionsThe temple is one of a kind, it was very quiet when we were there early afternoon late August, There are some larger statues, the numerous raken (~1200) make this place special, none is the same and they are spread over the hills of the temple. Not explained: visitor’s leave money with some of the raken, one even wore jewelry.
It is a very special place to visit, keep it that way.Written 30 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MassadonTokyo, Japan51 contributionsThis garden is located just out of Road of Bamboo Forest, and a few minutes walk from Tenryuji. This garden is not cheap (JPY 1000 admission for adults), but high chances to enjoy tranquility for mindful walking. The path winds through tall hedges just wide enough for a single person to walk. You can see a great view of the city and of the mountains. Free drinks, including hot and cold tea, orange juice, apple juice, are available, in the teahouse to rest.Written 6 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark HarrisMelbourne, Australia92 contributionsStunning! Although the garden can be walked through in 5 minutes, you could comfortably spend up to 15 minutes here soaking it in. The ultimate moss sanctuary. Only 15 minutes walk from the Bamboo Grove.
Two bonuses are 1: Tourists don't seem to know about this place, so it's fairly quiet 2: The walk there has lots of unique shops and restaurants (cash only).Written 16 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rory James DOYLEKuala Lumpur, Malaysia2,517 contributionsEasily reached by train. Beautiful bridge and river. You can renta row boat or go on a short boat tour. Beautiful landscape.Written 5 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shana SSwitzerland89 contributionsIf you've had enough of the crowds at the usual attractions and have enough time left, you could go to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Enough time because it's located a bit remotely. I hiked there most of the way (I'm sure there are easier ways to get there) and got lost a few times. The bamboo forest probably can't be compared to Arashiyama, but I had the small bamboo forest only for myself for a long time and took lots of pictures as I pleased. No crowds and good pictures without tourists getting in the way. The small temple and the cemetery were also unique and beautiful. The whole place had a serene, mystical feel to it. It was somehow different from other temples and shrines I have seen.Written 25 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RoadzLessTraveledSydney, Australia367 contributionsThis is an amazing area - with walking tracks surrounded by towering bamboo trees. However, the main problem is actually finding the place. If you type into Google the term “bamboo walk” or “bamboo forest trail” or even “Chikurin-no Komichi” (the actual Japanese name for the location), nothing relevant comes up. As a result, planning public transport to get to this location is much more difficult than it should be.
My suggestion is to type in the local JR train station name - Saga-Arashiyama - and follow the signs from the station when you arrive.Written 4 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Martina1888Inverness, UK506 contributionsDaikaku-ji Temple is truly a hidden gem. There were hardly any other people visiting which made it a very peaceful experience. There are gorgeous painted sliding doors and an impressive ceiling painting of a dragon. One of the most beautiful temples I've ever been to.Written 29 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DAVID VBangkok, Thailand554 contributionsBit of a hidden gem this one ... its off the beaten track and a bit of an effort to get to, having said that there are many bus routes (11, 66, 72. 74, 76 etc) with stops very close to the temple. The buildings at the front of the temple complex are pretty 'standard' but there is another buiding behind the main temple which houses some 40 life size wooden religious carvings/statues many of which are 1,000 years old. The presentation is stunning and so well worth the small entrance fee to see the UNESCO and Japan recognized world heritage statues.Written 9 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Martina1888Inverness, UK506 contributionsA simple temple in a beautiful and serene surrounding. From the top of the hill, you have a scenic view over Kyoto.Written 27 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert YHong Kong, China100 contributionsIf you want to walk around a quiet temple and seek tranquility, the Myosjinji is the place to go. This is the largest Zen monastery in Japan, with 46 sub-temples in the main temple compound. Only several sub-temples are open to the public. Taizo-in is one of the few that is open to the public all year round. It has a sublimely beautiful garden and a serene tea house by its side. Do try the macha that goes with a specially made candy with the pattern of a famous "koan" (a riddle that defies logic): How do you catch a big, slippery fish (catfish) with a small gourd. Maybe you'd get sudden enlightenment right there.Written 20 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TassieTravellers99Launceston, Australia3,405 contributionsThis is a nice green space that extends from the Arashiyama Old Town. We accessed it via the Bamboo Forest. There are large open green spaces and a number of crisscrossing paths. Many of these lead up to lovely viewpoints over looking the river and others are at the river level offering a pleasant view of Kyotos outskirts. Compared to the crowds of the Bamboo forest and the old town this park is a welcome respite.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.