THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Kyoto
Best Kyoto Hidden Gem Attractions
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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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68 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Northern Kyoto
Theatres • Lessons & Workshops
City Center
Admission tickets from ₹3,144
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Western Kyoto
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
City Center
What travellers are saying
- 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. - Wim TSligo, Ireland40 contributionsA beautiful garden created by the late actor Denjirō Ōkōchi. The gardens give a very natural impression and you have a nice view over the valley from the gardens. The paths are narrow and steep in places.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alica L2 contributionsVery peaceful buddhist temple with not a lot of crowd. Recommend this more than the golden temple as major temples in Kyoto are way too crowded.Written 7 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Becky SPortland, OR29 contributionsThis is my absolute favorite garden— mossy and quiet and beautiful. You need to reserve your ticket to go because they only allow a limit number of people at a time. Great experience all around.Written 27 June 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.
- FernandoNevesAlmeidaLisbon, Portugal374 contributionsIt' s a huge and magnificent complex of sub-temples, some with beautiful zen gardens. There few tourists which is a blessing in gentrified Kyoto. It will take a morning to visit the highlights.Written 5 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alice RHoi An, Vietnam3 contributionsThis was a really cool experience! The staff was extremely attentive and accommodating. I mixed up my dates when booking and they were able to reschedule us seamlessly. The samurai master taught us how to hold, swing and slice bamboo mats with a real katana. Afterwards, they guided us through a sound bath meditation that brought on the zen. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in Kyoto!Written 23 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Taylor Y8 contributionsWhat an incredible experience! One of the highlights of our trip. The costumes were wonderful and the samurai training was soooo fun! I ended up buying one of the fans we used, great souvenir!Written 7 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC6,620 contributionsLocated across from my hotel, I asked what was behind the fence. Decided to visit it on my last day when I learned that it is a Garden. Entrance fee is 500 yen per person.
Inside are some very old buildings , not available to go inside them. There are also 2 wooden bridges, perfect background for taking photos. The water around here does not appear to be clean, especially the water in the pond. it is greenish, perhaps due to algae.
Except for the toilet facilities, there are no benches here to sit down and relax. No Snack Stores either!Written 27 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Shrey MalviyaMumbai, India58 contributionsVery peaceful place if you want to experience tranquility.
We have been to the temple in April 2024 early morning and trust me it was one of the highlights of our Kyoto trip as the place is beyond imagination.Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Martina1888Inverness, UK505 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.
- Cecy MMonterrey, Mexico24 contributionsI loved this unique experience.. you will not find something like this anywhere else in the world .. I absolutely 100% recommend you do this.Written 21 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MidcoVincentHong Kong, China2,763 contributionsWhile Sanzen-in is the most famous temple in Ohara, Hosen-in is definitely worth a visit when you are in the area.
Hosen-in is a small temple 5 minutes away from Sanzen-in. The gardens were exquisite. The sight of the 700 year-old pine tree in the Bankan-en Garden was just stunning. The smaller Tsurukame (crane and turtle) Garden was also lovely particularly when the sal trees were in bloom. Apart from admiring the gardens, do not forget to take a look at the blood-stained ceiling (originally floorboards from Fushimi Castle) and listen to the sounds of the suikinkutsus (water harps).Written 23 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rafael L1 contributionVery good massage! I had a very relaxing and comfortable time with my partner. Would highly recommend for those staying in the Kyoto area. Really good serviceWritten 17 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mmyles89Perth, Australia40 contributionsThis was amazing and just what we needed on our trip to Japan. The match soak was so relaxing and the foot massage was heavenly. The hot stones were an added luxury. The staff were so accommodating and friendly - particularly Kana.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
