Discover the Top 10 Must See Places in Kyoto, Japan

Discover the Top 10 Must See Places in Kyoto, Japan

Welcome to Kyoto—Japan’s ancient capital where 
centuries-old temples meet cherry blossoms, tea houses, and timeless tradition. Here are the top 10 must-see 
places in Kyoto, Japan. Number one: Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Over 10,000 bright red torii gates snake through the forested hillside. It’s iconic, 
spiritual, and absolutely surreal to walk through. Number two: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
This place feels like you’ve stepped into another dimension. The towering bamboo sways 
in the breeze like something out of a dream. Number three: Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion.
A Zen temple covered in gold leaf, perfectly reflected in the surrounding pond. It’s 
peaceful, photogenic, and pure Kyoto magic. Number four: Gion District.
This is where the geisha still glide down cobbled streets. At night, the lanterns 
glow and the atmosphere feels frozen in time. Number five: Nishiki Market.
If street food is your thing, this market is paradise. Try matcha sweets, skewered wagyu, 
and freshly grilled seafood right off the stick. Number six: Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Built into a cliff with a massive wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto. In spring and fall, 
the view will absolutely stop you in your tracks. Number seven: Philosopher’s Path.
A quiet canal-side trail lined with cherry trees. Ideal for a peaceful stroll 
and some reflection in between the sights. Number eight: To-ji Temple.
Famous for its five-story pagoda—the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Come on a Sunday morning 
and hit the flea market for antiques and snacks. Number nine: Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Step into the former home of Japan’s emperors. The gardens are massive, the architecture 
is elegant, and it’s all free to enter. And number ten: Kurama to Kibune hike.
A hidden mountain trail just outside the city. It connects two mystical villages with hot 
springs, lantern-lit paths, and total serenity. Kyoto is one of those rare 
places that lives up to the hype. Whether you’re chasing temples, tea, 
or tranquility—you’ll find it here. Like this video, subscribe to Before U Explore, 
and hit the bell so you never miss an adventure.

Explore the ancient beauty of Kyoto, Japan with our countdown of the Top 10 Must-See Places—from mystical shrines to bamboo groves, bustling markets, and serene hikes. This is your essential travel guide to Japan’s cultural capital in 2025.

🧭 Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:10 Fushimi Inari Shrine
0:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
1:00 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
1:25 Gion District
1:50 Nishiki Market
2:14 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2:38 Philosopher’s Path
3:01 To-ji Temple
3:25 Kyoto Imperial Palace
3:48 Kurama to Kibune Hike
4:15 Final Thoughts & CTA

📍 Featured Locations & Google Maps Links:

Fushimi Inari Shrine: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fushimi+Inari+Taisha/@34.9671,135.7727

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arashiyama+Bamboo+Grove/@35.0094,135.6666

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kinkaku-ji/@35.0394,135.7289

Gion District: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gion,+Kyoto/@35.0023,135.7787

Nishiki Market: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nishiki+Market/@35.0043,135.7643

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kiyomizu-dera/@34.9948,135.7850

Philosopher’s Path: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philosopher’s+Path/@35.0225,135.7982

To-ji Temple: https://www.google.com/maps/place/To-ji/@34.9814,135.7479

Kyoto Imperial Palace: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kyoto+Imperial+Palace/@35.0254,135.7621

Kurama to Kibune Hike: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kurama-dera/@35.1210,135.7754

https://www.getyourguide.com/kyoto-l96826/kyoto-tea-ceremony-in-a-traditional-tea-house-in-kiyomizu-t551173/?partner_id=7EO8TOY&utm_medium=online_publisher

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🎥 Perfect for first-time travelers, culture lovers, or anyone dreaming of Japan.

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