Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Kyoto Area

  • Kyoto Aquarium
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    4.0
    546 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou 35-1 (in Umekoji Park)
    "This inland aquarium is located in Umekoji Park, about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It consists of 10 areas, including the area of giant salamanders that inhabit the Kamo River, a huge tank filled with artificial seawater that recreates the Kyoto Sea, dolphins, penguins, etc. In July 2020, ""Jellyfish Wonders"" opened, exhibiting 5,000 jellyfish of about 30 species, the largest number in western Japan."

    The Kyoto Aquarium is definitely worth a visit if you are in Kyoto. It is large and well laid out. There are maps that make it easy to navigate around. It is one of the places in Kyoto that is...

  • Kyoto International Manga Museum
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    4.0
    609 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Karasuma-ku Ikegami Le, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
    This manga museum in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto, is Japan's largest manga museum. It first opened in 2006. Including valuable works from the Meiji period and the post-WWII period as well as popular modern titles and foreign works, they have almost 300,000 pieces in their collection. One of their showcases is a ''Manga Wall'' with 50,000 volumes of manga arrayed on bookcases that visitors can freely read. The spacious building is the former Tatsuike Elementary School and people can be found everywhere inside or outside on the lawn reading manga. This is a popular location for foreign tourists and couples.

    This is a museum just for manga, a must for lovers of manga and subcultures. As long as you pay the admission fee, you can immerse yourself in the world of manga all day long. The museum has a...

  • Amanohashidate View Land
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    4.0
    457 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Miyadushi Monju
    This is an amusement park at the summit of Mt. Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture with a viewing platform from which one can see Amanohashidate. Along with attractions including go karts, merry go rounds and a Ferris wheel, the view from the viewing platform restaurant is stunning. There are seven “fork peepholes” that allow one to look between the forks of Amanohashidate, and the Hiryukan through which one can see what looks like a dragon ascending to heaven. There are monorail and lift services to and from the foot of the mountain.

    I have wanted to go to this place for a long time, to complete the Japan 3 View. I was visiting some local friends near Fukuchiyama and we decided to drive there. I was lucky that the weather...

  • Yasaka Hall Gion Corner
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    3.0
    522 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachiminamigawa 570-2 Inside the Yakinikan
    Here you can enjoy seven of Japan's traditional arts in the space of about an hour including Kyomai traditional Kyoto dance, Kyogen comedy theater, Gagaku traditional court music, Bunraku puppet theater, koto music, tea ceremony, and ikebana flower arranging. It is located inside the Yasaka Hall in Gion, Kyoto City, nearby the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. In the lobby you'll find pictures of annual festivals held in ''Kyoto Gokagai (five districts)'' (Gion Kobu, Miyagawa-cho, Ponto-cho, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi) as well as a Maiko gallery showing the ornamental flower pins worn by the Maiko, their hairstyles, and other small items. This is a famous place for seeing the character of Japan and is popular amongst students on school trips and foreign visitors. It is a five-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

    This is supposed to be an assortment of Japanese cultural presentations or acts. Frankly watching the tea ceremony from afar and watching someone arrange flowers for 5+ minutes (all with no...

  • Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
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    4.5
    289 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kamigyou-ku Kyoutogyoen 3
    A 65 hectare garden surrounding Kyoto Gosho and Sento Gosho (Imperial Palaces) which can be freely visited at any time. Before the capital was moved to Tokyo, the area was filled with mansions for imperial household members and court nobles, but after the move, these were demolished and the area was refurbished as grounds for the palace. Later, it was opened up as a public garden. Home to such historic sites as, of course, the palace, Kujo Pond, and the Shu Sui Tei (Tea-ceremony House), the garden is also filled with trees, small rivers, and an abundance of natural beauty. There are tennis courts, sports grounds, and other exercise facilities, and people of all ages can come here to relax and refresh themselves.

    Here in the middle of Kyoto is an urban oasis, perfect for a stroll on a winter’s day. Bikes have to be left at the perimeter.

  • COMPLEX ENTERTAINMENT GEAR (administration office ART COMPLEX 1928)
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    5.0
    436 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Nakagyo-ku Sanjodori Gokomachi Higashiiri Benkeiishicho 561928 Building 3F

    Definitely worthy of the high praise and positive reviews. This was so unique and magical and impressive. Great performers, storyline…our 7 YO and 13 YO were laughing and having a great time...

  • Kyoto City Zoo
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    3.5
    246 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Okazakihoushoujichou In Okazaki Park
    A zoo established by the city of Kyoto located in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward. This historic zoo was the second to be opened in the country, having begun operating in 1903. The zoo is dedicated to animal breeding and has achieved the first successful breeding in Japan of species such as lions, tigers, western lowland gorillas, and lar gibbons. The zoo houses numerous exhibits only found here, including an Asian elephant herd in the Forest of Elephants and a Gorilla House where visitors can see gorillas learning with the use of touch panels, a first in Japan. In the Otogi no Kuni (Fairy Land) exhibit Animals, used to the presence of humans such as domesticated farm animals can be viewed up close and touched, providing visitors to have fun while learning about the preciousness of life.

    Literally horrible, I hated it there. If youre planning on going to Kyoto, go to the aquarium instead, I went there too and its so much better. Went there with my dad, hated this place. The...

  • Kyoto Kyocera Art Museum
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    4.0
    204 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Sakyo-ku Okazakienshojicho 124

    Two special exhibits were very interesting. One on suggesting what future art will look like and one on fabric. Each entrance was priced separately. These two and the general exhibit were...

  • Kyoto Station Building
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasumaru Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salokoji-machi 901
    This is a large station building with 16 floors over and three floors underground that houses JR Kyoto Station - the entrance to Kyoto. Along with Kyoto Station itself there are a range of facilities including Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto Theater, Isetan department store, specialist shops, an art gallery, a rooftop garden, and Kyoto ramen alley. The central concourse is a roof-covered atrium, and there is a sky path 45 meters above ground. The famous 30-meter-long 171-step staircase is illuminated at night.
  • Nishijin Textile Center
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    3.5
    173 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto prefecture Kyoto city Kamigyo-ku Horikawa dori Imadegawa south entrance west side
    This meeting hall in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture introduces the charm of Japanese clothing, especially Nishijin silk fabrics, and displays related items. The third floor has a show stage on which they hold the extravagant Kimono Show each hour. With the workshops allowing one to watch artisans up close and the reservation handmaking experience activities, there are facilities for one to watch, sow and experience while learning and having fun. There are also Japanese trinkets on sale including clothing sundries and mufflers made of pure Japan-produced silk.

    My wife was a little disappointed. She was hoping for fabric she couldnt get at home in Australia. Nothing extraordinary.

  • Byodoin Museum Hoshokan
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    4.5
    234 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Uji-shi Uji Renge 116 (Byodoin Keidai)
    This museum was opened in 2001 to preserve the collection from the former treasure house, which had deteriorated. The garden is designated as a famous historic landmark, and the building exterior is designed to blend perfectly with it, with special features like using natural lighting in the interior. In addition to being a registered National and Uji City Important Cultural Asset, it also displays a collection of Heian period onigawara gargoyle roof tiles excavated from archaeological sites.

    A visit to the museum comes with the entrance price when visiting Byodoin Temple. I found the museum to be a great addition! The museum was pretty large with a lot of great artifacts and information...

  • National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
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    4.0
    158 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Okazakienshoujichou
    This art museum inside Okazaki Park in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City first opened its doors in 1963. The museum’s annex, a modern building of glass and gray walls, was completed in 1986. The museum collects and preserves modern art from both within Japan and around the world and boasts a collection of over 12,000 pieces. The museum places particular emphasis on art from Western Japan and the Kansai region with a focus on Kyoto and has a collection of many works from the Kyoto and Kansai art worlds. The museum also displays industrial art pieces. In addition to a permanent exhibit whose contents are changed periodically, the museum also holds special exhibitions. The adjoining authentic Italian café is also popular.

    The museum is not a large building. I recall seeing 3 levels of exhibitions permanent and also special exhibition. The permanent exhibition was nice although there was no description in other...

  • Umekoji Park
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    4.0
    135 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou 56-3
    A park located on the former site of the Japan Freight Railway Company Umekoji Station that was built to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the foundation of Heiankyo, the ancient capital of Japan. The parks spacious 13.7 hectare grounds include a lawn surrounded by flowers and trees, a riverbed where families can play in the shallow waters, and a forest designed to recreate an animal biotope. The park is also used for a variety of events. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, a nostalgic street car operates in the park between the Hazesaku Yume and Shiden plazas. Kyoto’s first aquarium was opened in the park in 2012, and one of the largest railroad museums in Japan was also opened here in 2016. Walk 15 minutes west from Kyoto Station.

    This is surely a beautiful and serene park in Kyoto. On our way to the Railway Museum (see my review earlier for this place too), we passed by this park. Although it was 12.30pm, it wasnt sunny or...

  • Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
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    4.0
    151 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Prefecture Otsumi-gun Oyamazaki Town 5-3
    Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art is located in the town of Oyamazaki, Otokuni County, Kyoto Prefecture. Industrialist Shotaro Kaga designed and built the original building, Oyamazaki Villa, which was later remodeled and converted to a museum. It holds exhibits and displays collections of artists associated with the folk art movement. Located on the slopes of Mount Tennozan, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the confluence of three rivers: the Kizu River, the Uji River, and the Katsura River.

    This relatively small villa museum offers a look at a Western-style residence in Japan along with much decorative art and a few Monet paintings. We made a day trip here from Kyoto with a friend, and...

  • Uji City The Tale of Genji Museum
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    4.0
    146 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Ujishi Uji Higashiuchi 45-26
    This museum located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture collects and displays materials pertaining to the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji), the full-length novel by Murasaki Shikibu. Inside, it is divided into video exhibition rooms including the Heian-no-Ma which introduces the world of the Genji Monogatari and the life of Japanese nobles with models and video, and the Uji-no-Ma, which takes the theme of Uji Jujo (The 10 Quires of Uji) in the third part of the Genji Monogatari, which was set in Uji. There are also a teahouse offering Japanese sweets and a shop selling merchandise related to the Genji Monogatari.

    This attractive modern museum reveals the ancient and elegant world of the Heian period of Japan through interactive displays, full screen sets and models. The focus? Just one:The Tale of Genji...

  • Kasamatsu Park
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    4.0
    85 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Miyadushi Ogaki
    Located on the north side of Amanohashidate, this park is famous for its viewing platform located 130 meters up the side of Mt. Nariai deemed the “birthplace of ‘matanozoki’ (bending over and looking at the world upside-down from between one’s legs).” The Amanohashidate Cable Car and a lift operate between Fuchu Station at the foot of the mountain and Kasamatsu Station, making it easy to come view the scenery. The view of Amanohashidate from here is considered one of the three best of the area. Referred to as “Naname ichimoji” (“the Slanted Character,”) it is also called the “view of the rising dragon” due to its resemblance to a sinuous dragon rising towards the heavens. The park is filled with enjoyable sites and areas, including a circular sky deck, wooden viewing deck, wishing bell and wishing lock rail, and the Ama Terrace restaurant.

    while going up used cable car and while returning used single chair lift Both were fun and very good , safe

  • Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 61
    First opened in 1956, this park halfway up Mt. Iwata in Arashiyama Mountain Range is home to some 120 Japanese macaques. The monkeys tend to congregate at the viewing area. Living wild and free to walk about the nature-rich grounds, visitors can easily observe them as they go about their lives. The shop at the mountain top rest area sells peanuts and apples for feeding to the monkeys. Colored by beautiful pink cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, the viewing area offers a sweeping view of Kyoto City. This location is particularly popular with international tourists. Arashiyama Station is the closest station to the park.
  • Kyoto Railway Museum
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou
    A museum dedicated to railways located on the western side of Kyoto Station. The museum features some 31 thousand square meters of exhibition space, which was the largest in Japan when the facility first opened. The facility displays 53 trains which helped lead the modernization of Japan. The museum is full of other interesting sights and activities, as well, including a giant railroad diorama, a train which visitors can ride pulled by a real steam engine, and a train simulator which shows what it's like to drive a train. The museum also provides a variety of cultural activities such as guided tours and workshops conducted by JR West Japan employees. Walk 20 minutes west from the central entrance of JR Kyoto Station.
  • Shokoku-ji Temple Jotenkaku Museum
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    4.5
    69 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Kamigyo-ku Imadegawa-ku Karasuma Dongyu
    This art museum is on the grounds of Shokoku-ji Temple in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It opened in 1984 as part of the celebrations of Shokoku-ji Temple's 600-year anniversary. It collects and displays writings, paintings, and works of art from a variety of temples including Shokoku-ji Temple, Rokuon-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), Jisho-ji Temple (the Silver Pavilion), and other sub-temples. Here you can see five National Treasures of Japan, 145 Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and a great number of Cultural Properties of Japan. Their permanent displays include famous painted sliding doors from Rokuon-ji Temple by Ito Jakuchu, ''Budo Shokinzu'' (Grapes and Small Bird) and ''Tsukiyo Bashozu'' (Japanese banana on a moonlight night).

    コロナが落ち着いていた12月半ばに伺いました。 人気もなく、ゆっくりじっくり拝観出来ました。 何といっても、若冲の襖絵が圧巻。ちょうどベンチが置いてあるので、そこに座って暫く眺めていました。至福の時でした。 少し前に、若冲の展覧会があった様ですが、またその様な催しがあれば、東京から駆け付けます。

  • Toei Kyoto Studio Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Uzumasahigashihachiokachou 10
    A movie theme park located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City which makes portions of the Toei Kyoto film studio open to the public. The park offers a variety of events and attractions, including the chance to see how television programs and movies are filmed on a recreated open set, historical dram sword fight and acting shows, a haunted house, and classes on theatrical sword fighting. The park also hosts restaurants and cafes. People of all ages can enjoy an entire day of fun at Toei Kyoto Studio Park. The park’s variety of opportunities to try out movie and TV related costumes are particularly popular, from simple costumes like those worn in historical dramas that can be put on in 15-20 minutes to photography sessions taken by professional photographers.

Kyoto Areas

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Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.

Kyoto Photo Album

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