This might be Kyoto's most famous temple. I went in the evening on a Thursday night at the end of October, and it was still full of people. The temple is beautiful and its many gates are iconic. Since it is open 24 hours, I would recommend arriving as early as possible, if you intend to hike up (I have done it once and it is a very neat experience). If you go at night, you will have some cool photos and a different vibe, but maybe not the best hiking experience (though it is still possible a good experience). This is a best of the best cultural experience in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it (though everyone seems to be aware of that!).

Fushimi Inari Taisha is an unforgettable experience and a must-visit when in Kyoto. The iconic thousand vermillion torii gates create a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere as you walk up the mountain trails. The shrine itself is beautiful and deeply spiritual, offering a glimpse into traditional Shinto practices. What makes it truly special is the combination of culture, nature, and history. You can take your time exploring the smaller shrines along the paths, encounter friendly fox statues (messengers of Inari), and enjoy breathtaking views of Kyoto from higher up the trail. Be prepared for a bit of a climb if you want to reach the summit, but it’s absolutely worth it. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the serene ambiance.

I left the hotel to take an early morning train just to avoid the crowd. Alas, despite the morning shower, the crowd is still present during such early hour. The overcast sky is a stark contrast against the orange hued architecture here. Everyone had their umbrellas out which means navigating the narrow vermillion hued corridors was a challenge but nevertheless, I persisted. Taking a photo without anyone present is almost impossible but our commnunity is very cooperative and once we see someone taking a photo, we all stopped behind them and let them finish. I really love this vibe. Thanks to the weather, we left this place earlier than we wanted to but I do intend to return under better weather conditions.

⛩️ Fushimi Inari-taisha – with foxes on the sacred mountain This shrine in Kyoto glows in vermilion hues, drawing you into a path of living prayers. Thousands of red torii gates — each donated by those giving thanks or seeking blessings — create an almost otherworldly passage through faith and time. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity, Fushimi Inari is watched over by foxes — messengers of the divine — carved in stone and hidden in spirit. 🦊 It’s a place where spirituality, history, and the quiet breath of the forest meet. 🌿 The shrine is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit even at night or at dawn to witness monks welcoming the sunrise. 🌅 Admission to the sacred mountain and temple grounds is free, and nearby you’ll find small restaurants and souvenir shops.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is absolutely breathtaking — a place that feels both iconic and deeply spiritual the moment you arrive. Walking through the endless rows of vibrant red torii gates is an experience like no other, creating a stunning pathway that feels timeless and almost otherworldly. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of energy, and every turn reveals beautiful shrines, quiet corners, and sweeping views over Kyoto. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression long after your visit. Truly a must-see and one of the most unforgettable spots in all of Japan.

A must visit in Kyoto. Went on a Sunday morning 8am ish while it's raining lightly. Was expecting a bigger crowd because of how famous this place is but turns out the rain might have scared a good portion of them which works out for me. Did the full hike including multiple detours for all the non-conventional routes (most of them ends up in a loop so it's pretty neat), and it took me around 2.5 hours. Most of the other routes usually lead to all kinds of shrines, and one even led me to a path with bamboo trees. While it's true that the higher you hike, the lesser the crowd is, I still find it pretty hard to land a crowdless picture especially on spots which I find pretty but that's okay.

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Kyoto, but it’s extremely crowded and at times feels like you’re being herded like cows, especially at the first torii gates. I was honestly disappointed at the start because it was packed with tourists. I’d say around seventy percent were foreigners. I arrived at 9:30 AM and the tour groups made it feel like a supermarket. My initial disappointment faded once I reached the upper areas. The crowd thinned out, and while there were still many people, it became manageable. The place is set on a mountain, and at the top you can enjoy a peaceful natural setting with shrines dedicated to Inari. If possible, visit before 7:00 AM so you can actually enjoy some peace and quiet.

Super mall of super malls. 6 levels. Pretty much anything. Don't buy your watch here. Have most of the names. Even have a Billabong clothes shop with Japan only pieces.

Beautiful mall. As a tourist, I enjoyed the variety of stores from big brands to small shops. Close to the train station too. A good visit. We'll maintained and amenities for families.

Super super big with 6+ floors spread out, similar to maybe Ikea size for each floor. You've got groceries, big arcade with restaurants, anime goods, a gundam plastic store and many more. There's a separate building for kids and other big department stores. I went on 2 floors and that alone was more than 2hrs spent there, didn't even get to see every store on the floor. You can definitely spend more than a whole day in there depending on what you're doing. Greatly recommended.

A pleasant and versatile shopping center within walking distance of Kyoto Station. You'll find a wide variety of shops and places to eat. Definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.

Very big mall and have almost everything you need ^___^ I bought glasses at Ownday and had sushi at the restaurant there

Great location with a wide variety of shops. Overall, a cost-effective option for visitors.

Great variety of stores, clean washrooms, good place to visit. There was convenient seating around the mall to wait while the rest of your party is shopping. We did find that this place did start closing a little earlier than we're used to.

Nidec Kyoto Tower, located just across from Kyoto Station, is a modest but convenient landmark that offers a 100-meter-high observation deck with panoramic views of the city. While it may not rival the grandeur of other famous towers in Japan, it provides a nice overview of Kyoto’s skyline, especially at sunset or night. The tower also houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and a public bath, making it a practical stop for travelers arriving or departing from the station. Though its modern appearance contrasts with Kyoto’s traditional aesthetic, it remains a recognizable part of the city’s landscape. Overall, it's a decent place to visit if you have extra time or want a quick, elevated look at the city.

We wanted to get an overview over Kyoto and for this the tower just serves its purpose. We had a wide view to Osaka. Towards sunset it got crowded but I would recommend to only come for this event. We spent an hour on the top and just soaked in everything and enjoyed ourselves. There is not a lot at the platform to do (no restaurants or coffee shops) hence it might be a bit disappointing if you are looking for such things (I saw that there was a skybar on a lower floor, but we didn’t visit).

Very cool tower with easy access and excellent views. Definitely go at sunset - despite the crowds on the street it was super easy to get there. It’s simple but effective. Had a lovely time. *The recently re-opened tower bar is also super chill

Nice quick visit. Even though it was raining, we could still have a decent view of Kyoto, namely the beautiful nearby temple, Higashi-Honganji. It wasn’t too crowded and the elevators are quick 👍

Situated across the street from Kyoto station, you find an observation deck where you can see Kyoto and parts of Osaka. In Kyoto you don't have tall buildings which make it perfect to see almost to the horizon and unique since both Tokyo or Osaka have observation decks with tall buildings surrounding them and obscuring parts of the view. You have a complete 360 degree view and entrance fee isn't that much either. I recommend to do it last so that you know what you are looking at or looking for, we went as the first attraction and didn't really know what we looked at. You have free telescopes to help you see which is nice. Also, stamp collectors, there is a stamp on the top there.

Great spot for views of Kyoto & super convenient location. The view at sunset was worth it. Shop & eat downstairs too. Only downside was waiting in line when it got busy.

The lower part of the tower is clearer. The binoculars were really good; they show incredibly close up. The bad thing is that you have to wait a bit in line and it's a bit crowded. The tower can sometimes shake momentarily, and you can feel it.

I love this temple so much and I'm glad they banned taking pictures inside the shrine so we can really take it all in and pray or pay our respect. Didn't expect to see some statues from Hindu mythology and they have their Japanese name (new information for me). I enjoyed reading every story on each statue. The thousand golden Buddha was mesmerizing.

Visiting Sanjūsangendō Temple was epic. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a breathtaking sight — 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, each one uniquely crafted with incredible detail. The atmosphere is peaceful and reverent, and you can truly feel the centuries of history and devotion that fill the hall. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which makes the experience even more special — it invites you to be fully present and take in the beauty with your own eyes rather than through a lens. The craftsmanship, the symmetry, and the serene energy of the temple make it unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Kyoto. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and there’s a quiet garden and traditional architecture to admire outside as well. The informational signs in English were very helpful for understanding the significance of what I was seeing. If you’re visiting Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō is a must-see. It’s not just a temple — it’s a spiritual and cultural treasure that leaves a lasting impression.

Sanjūsangendō Temple is one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring places I’ve visited in Kyoto. 🌿✨ From the moment you step inside, there’s a deep sense of calm and respect — the atmosphere feels sacred yet welcoming. The long wooden hall is truly impressive, housing the 1,001 statues of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), each one slightly different, carved with incredible detail. Standing there quietly and seeing them all lined up feels almost magical — it’s an experience that words can’t fully describe. The temple grounds are also very beautiful and well maintained, surrounded by greenery that adds to the serenity. There are areas where you can just sit, breathe, and take in the moment — it’s the perfect balance of art, faith, and peace. It wasn’t crowded when I went, which made the experience even more special. I’d definitely recommend visiting early in the day to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a peaceful escape in Kyoto, this temple is absolutely worth visiting. 💛

This is the temple that is worth for the visit in the entire Koyoto in my opinion. Such a great history and how Buddhism adopted its philosophy. The links with Hinduism also is visibly clear in all the statues and details inside the shrine. Do visit without fail. Recommended time atleast an hour. The best part is the pictures are not allowed inside so no hassels of the photographers and full concentration we can give to the temple exhibits. Great applause to the management for the maintain and also by not allowing shoes inside the temple complex. Two videos I took are from outside.

A truly humbling experience walking around in- and outside of the Sanjūsangendō Hall. No photos allowed inside so please respect that when you visit. My visit was in the morning and this place was a recommendation from a Japanese friend and it still is my personal favourite in Kyoto.

Beautiful temple with very nice garden. The Budha statues are very impressive, it would be great on photos, but unfortunately taking photos is not allowed.k What a pity! We went there especially to take pictures....

Breathtaking garden and the hall of 1000 Kannon statues has to be seen to be believed - truly a bit of a hidden gem in Kyoto but one not to be missed. Note photos in the main hall are not allowed - don’t be a dick and try and take one - just buy a postcard or grab a photo from Google - it’s clearly a very sacred space and should be treated as such. Just forget about your Instagram and soak up the atmosphere. The various statues at the front are all incredible works of art and worthy of your full attention. They also sell lovely aloeswood incense - in both the temple hall and the gift shop - for a very reasonable ¥1000 a box - a lovely souvenir of a very special place. Enjoy ;)

One of the best temples in Kyoto as It is one of the signature World Heritage sites in Kyoto. We would recommend to come early and also in the evening. Better to visit twice. Such beautiful scenery all around ie lush green forest and perched between them is this majestic temple which you can view from far Walk itself to the temple is lined with lot of eateries and souvenir shops especially lookout for matcha ice creams and drinks You can spend easily few hours here and plan in advance to visit various places within the temple compound as it ll take time due to its popularity Crowd was moving fast hence it was easy to navigate From their update lots of good information Kannon also known as Avalokiteśvara Over 1250 years have passed since the foundation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands the temple, to which large numbers of visitors come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of great mercy and compassion. For this reason, our temple is known as a “Kannon Reijo.” “Reijo” is a Japanese word meaning a “holy place” with which the Kannon’s compassion is abundant. Visitors will stand before the Kannon with thankful hearts—feelings of gratitude for coming into this world, your tranquil daily lives, and your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are always there beside you. In other words, worshiping Kannon means taking a hard look at your true self. Find the Kannon’s compassion in your everyday deeds. We at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, along with the deity Kannon, wish for the happiness of all people across in the world. When you visit the temple, simply put your hands together when in front of the statue of Kannon and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

This is one of Kyoto's most famous temples, and the crowds match its fame. I would recommend arriving early (ideally, before 7:30 am). The temple is a beautiful and it is located in a gorgeous area. It is also walking distance to many other temples and historical streets, so it is possible to start your day at this temple and then go on to see other interesting places. This is a wonderful temple, and if you can arrive earlier, it truly becomes a magical experience.

If you have to see one place in Kyoto do this. Spend half a day walking around and exploring the temple grounds. There is a trail going alongside the hill to another temple as well. We visited last year 2024 March during Sakura season and again in 2025 November to see the autumn colors. Both times it’s been beautiful. Be prepared for large crowds. The shops as you come down are bit touristy but that’s the whole fun of the place too, eat as you go along, have matcha soft serve, rice cakes, coffee at the cutest Starbucks.

Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit in Kyoto. The temple is not only beautiful, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. Walking through the historic wooden halls and seeing the iconic veranda built without nails is an experience in itself. The atmosphere feels peaceful yet vibrant, especially with the sound of flowing water from the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink for good fortune. The paths leading up to the temple are lined with charming shops and local treats, which make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you go during cherry blossom season, the lush greenery of summer, or the autumn foliage, the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is one of those places where you can truly feel the blend of culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. A highlight of Kyoto that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

Arrive early and you will have place to yourself. Spend the money to take a cab. We were there at 0600 on a Friday in early November. Maybe 100 people on the entire grounds. Easy to take any photo you want and help others get group shots. I would go to Kyoto and just see this in am and be happy. All the approach streets empty so the walk to see architecture is worth it. No shops open but similar shops can be found most everywhere so no loss in trade off for no people. By 0645 the streets were starting to fill and make harder to stop for pictures. The views of temple, valley, and city spectacular. Hilly route but you can avoids stairs.

I recently visited Kiyomizudera, and it truly felt like stepping into a dream. The view from the temple overlooking Kyoto is breathtaking, especially during sunset. The atmosphere is calm yet full of life, with traditional streets leading up to the temple adding even more charm. It’s a place where you can feel both history and peace at the same time. Definitely one of the most beautiful and unforgettable spots in all of Kyoto — a must-visit for anyone coming to Japan! 💞💞💞💞

We had the pleasure of visiting Kiyomizu-dera twice, and it was an unforgettable experience. In the bright light of midday, the temple's vibrant colors and intricate details truly shine, with a lively, bustling atmosphere. Returning for sunset was magical. Watching the sky change colors and cast a warm, golden glow over the wooden stage and the city of Kyoto below was incredibly peaceful and breathtaking. Both visits were beautiful and offered a unique perspective of this stunning temple. Highly recommended!

delicious, healthy, simple, and well priced meal. Came once for dinner and again the next day. (The line moves surprisingly quickly so dont be intimidated) You can do a half and half option to try various food combinations— I def recommend their best selling, sea bream which is nutty and has good quality fish

The food was delicious. The dashi for the chazuke had a clean taste. The combination of the rice, chicken and assorted was complimented each other. A comforting meal after getting off the Shinkansen from Tokyo. The only disappointment was that the karate chicken was already sold out.

Simple healthy meal of rice with toppings, change the flavor adding the dashi broth. The hot soup cooks the fish more, it's interesting to taste the fish raw first

It was so good and comforting! Got the half and half sea bream and salmon, and croquettes to try. Everything came so fast and was super good, love the seamless ordering!

Worth trying! 🔥 I love the taste of the soup with rice, especially when you’re craving something hot—rice will save the day! The price is really good, because it will cost me 30 AUD in Sydney

Had always wanted to try ochazuke but never got a chance to back home so tried this is dish where it originated from. Rather than ochazuke this was dashi chazuke but still an experience I guess. This set was one of the meals I loved during my time in Kyoto - and probably because I like soups. The restaurant was small and unassuming, nestled among the bigger ones in Kyoto Porta, a 'foodcourt' in Kyoto Station. You need to order at a kiosk and be seated at a counter. Wait for food was not too long, considering that it was lunch time The broth was clear, flavourful and full of umami. It wasn't overly salty or MSGy (if that's a word) and blends with the rice quite well. I chose the seafood set which came with bits of prawns, squid and fish. They are all fried in batter, so will turn slightly mushy when the soup is poured in. I also ordered a side of chicken karaage cos I can see that the bowl wasn't enough to satiate me (although I chose less rice). The chicken karaage was well, decent and similar to what's available in other restaurants. Highly recommended at least for me and my palate

This is located at Porta Dining basement nearby Kyoto station. The queue was long but quite quick bcoz it's a japanese fast food type. It's quite standard typical Chazuke. Broth was nothing distinctive. Meal comes in set of rice, cha broth, soft beancurd, selected topping and appetiser. I still prefer the one i had in tokyo. The cha broth was more fragrant and it came with milk pudding. When you are sick of other food and wld like simple one, Chazuke is best.

It’s a bit difficult to find the way here, but it’s totally worth it for the delicious taste. You just need to enter Isetan Mall and take the elevator to the 10th floor. Remember, the 10th floor. Or you can take the very long escalator leading to the SKYWALK. They also have a Muslim-friendly menu here, although there’s only one type of ramen available, but you can choose between black sesame or curry spicy broth. The staff also speaks fluent English. The name of the ramen place for the Halal menu is ‘Ramen Iroha.

It's a fast food restaurant, but I have to admit that I was surprised by the flavour of the ramen and the density of the broad. Very powerful and tasty. It's the opposite of high quality ramens, which tend to be delicate and with clear and pure broads. Recommendable for those wanting to eat something still recognizable as a ramen but with a much more intense flavor and at a very reasonable price.

Can highly recommend their Wagyu beef ramen (see picture). Yes, it’s 3x the price of the normal Ramen but well worth it and where else can you order it? It’s part of about 10 small restaurants on the 10th floor of the Isetan building/shop, use the elevator to get there. Service was a below the usual standard by the female waiter, who was borderline rude. The cook tried to make up for it, hence a 3 in total.

Honestly? Best ramen I’ve ever had!! 🍜☀️❤️ You have to look for it a bit, it’s on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station. Google Maps sends you to the wrong spot downstairs, but you actually need to go upstairs, right in the middle of the station. Take the elevator, follow the path, and I think it was the first ramen place on the right. I found it thanks to a photo someone else had posted otherwise, I never would’ve spotted it. The vibe was great. No one standing outside trying to pull you in. Just chill. When I hesitated at the entrance, one of the staff immediately came to help with the ticket machine. After ordering, I got seated right away, and there was already a cold glass of water waiting for me perfect!! The staff? Awesome. Only one man in the kitchen, and the rest were friendly, cheerful women. You could tell they enjoyed working together! smiling laughing, it made the whole place feel warm and welcoming. And the food… wow. The noodles were perfect, the broth rich and flavorful, and the meat was super tender and well seasoned. You can even ask for extra noodles (I didn’t this time, but I definitely will next time). In short: best ramen I’ve ever had. Friendly service, amazing food, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re in Kyoto, go up to the 10th floor and find this place above the station. You won’t regret it! Thank you! 😁

Having tried dozens of ramen shops, I didn’t find much uniqueness in the cold mixed tonkotsu ramen here, and the accompanying chashu had a gamey pork smell that I found hard to accept.

First day in Kyoto, had to try the local ramen, the broth and flavours were amazing, I wish it was udon noodles, I’m pretty sure they’re egg noodles which were still good. The portions were huge such great value for what you get! I double ordered a dish and they were very honest and refunded! Had a great experience!

Great ramen restaurant in Kyoto. Order at the kiosk and lineup to get in. Staff is friendly and helpful to serve us. Ramen texture is great with the Al Dante bite and broth is so rich and flavourful as we go for the Toyama black ramen. Pork meat is tender as well with generous portion. We also had their Gyoza which is quite crispy and delicious.

Cute little local run by a lovely lady and amazing staff. Good price, very generous portion and good taste. I'd come back.

We loved this place! We brought our 1.5 year old and three year old and they also loved. Such a great family place, they even had a booster and kids plates and spoons. Staff was very friendly and the food truly was amazing!

Perfectly cooked soba, a Kyoto hidden gem!!!💎 only $3300 yen for my partner and myself and we both ordered larges! I ordered a bottle of Coke, miso, and a large spicy soba and it was AMAZING. 🔥 This soba has the perfect balance of heat and savory flavor. I highly recommend this place and reservations were not required. (We were even here during a Japanese holiday weekend) This place was away from the crowded areas of Kyoto but still close to the shrines and shopping area. The owners and employees were accommodating and helpful. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and energy. Rub don’t walk to this soba joint if you’re in Kyoto!

Went one day for the soupless ramen and the next do the fried chicken with rice. Both times the ladies were so kind and the food sooo delicious!! It’s so light yet fulfilling!!! Totally recommend.

The soy ramen was super delicious 🤤 We repeated this place twice! Maybe I went a bit over board with the large size because I don’t usually eat much, but I am so happy to have found such a yummy ramen place. Also, I think this place is run by only women which I find really amazing 🤩 The place is so clean, tidy and delicious. Highly recommended 🇯🇵🥰

Just came to this noodle shop when heading back to hotel. Turns out very delicious. They offer dry ramen.

Highly recommend! One of the best ramens I have had in Japan. I got the spicy ramen and it was delicious, spicy but very tasty. Portion sizes are also very generous and a great price. The fried chicken was also incredible. Staff were great and super helpful.

Sat at counter , and all tourists on that seating. Course flow is polished and not too slow or rushed with sake pairing . Owner chef doesn't speak English thou he tries , quite lively and takes his time to engage with each customer. Food is too "safe" for me thou he incorporates ingredients like caviar into his appetizers , also had matsuba crab and bear meat from Niigata. Didn't really have a memorable dish. Price was decent

Most of the ingredients are fresh, and the octopus can't chew them. Not a great experience. But my first taste of kaiseki cuisine was quite novel.

This was my worst dining experience possibly ever. The food was okay, but the service was really inexcusable. Maybe they were training a bunch of new employees at once or something, I can't be sure. Over half of the dishes were set in front of us without any information or explanation about what it was. For the mushroom rice dish, the servers offered everyone in Japanese to refill their bowl, but did not extend this to other guests. The chefs table was packed so tightly that you constantly had a waitress reaching over you to take or place something. Beyond this, the servers refilled our waters perhaps once every half hour, and we were on our own besides then. I wouldn't expect this level of service at any decent restaurant, let alone a Michelin 2 star restaurant. It was really disappointing, especially compared to the other Michelin restaurants we tried in Japan (e.g. Hommage in Tokyo)

Visited on 10/31/2025 for lunch. Amazing experience. Upon arrival, you don't need to wait outside like we did. Everyone was waiting for us on the table inside to start the course.

Ate lunch here, what an experience! It's all about the process, enjoy the moment and details from this experience. Due to the budget and price, I can still feel the chef and staff put a lot of efforts to make the lunch set an enjoyable memory and experience, I asked for just a glass of wine for pairing since it's a casual lunch, I got a 1er cru Chablis to match this light and delicate kaiseiki lunch, which was spot on. Great experience and memory!

Some of the best fine dining I’ve had. The lunch was a bit less than two hours and it’s best to arrive on time. Give some time to find the place as it’s tucked at the end of a corridor. The food was incredible! Each dish was elegantly put together. The wait staff were extremely friendly. The presentation was nothing to write home about, and there weren’t any dishes that pushed my comfort zone. But it was very high quality food nonetheless. The highlights for me was the dessert and the wagyu beef course. Overall would definitely recommend as an intro to fine dining.

This place is true gastronomic tasting place. The Kaiseki meal set by the chef is truly amazing. Each plate is meticulously prepared and tastes delicious. The platting is visually stunning. The ambiance is very cozy and the Chef at the counter engages with the customers. Note that photos/videos are not allowed but if only photos of the dishes, Chef said ok. This places deserves likes 3 ⭐️!