Spots in Katsura / Nishiyama Area

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Katsura / Nishiyama

Category

Katsura Imperial Villa

4.5

479 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Katsuramisono

This is the Katsura Imperial Villa, established in 1615 after taking 50 years to complete. With a beauty that could be called the culmination of Japan’s gardens, the grounds are a chisen-kaiyushiki garden covering an area of 69,400 square meters. The main buildings include the Koshoin (Old Shoin), Chushoin (Middle Shoin) and Shingoten (New Palace), while also around the pond are four teahouses each with a different feel. It is a garden where one can enjoy the four seasons of Japan from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s changing leaves. Though same day booking is possible, one should book in advance to be guaranteed entry.

The tranquility and beauty of this villa will make you want to sit on the grass and just relax in the atmosphere - beautiful
Saiho-ji Temple (Kokedera / Moss Temple)

4.5

271 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Matsuojingatanichou 56

Saiho-ji Temple was first opened by Gyoki in the Nara period and then restored in 1339 by Muso kokushi (Muso Soseki). Covered by 120 kinds of beautiful green moss, it has acquired the name “Koke-dera” (moss temple). The two level garden, designated as one of Japan’s special areas of scenic beauty, is separated into an upper dry landscape garden and lower garden with central pond. In the autumn season, visitors’ hearts are stolen by the sight of red and yellow leaved trees contrasted against the green moss. Note that visits require booking in advance.

The temple grounds were overrun with tourists in 1977, so the monks established an elaborate system of reserving a space for a 10:00 a.m or 1:00 p.m. visit. You write a request to the monastery with...
Kegon-ji Temple (Suzumushi-dera Temple)

4.0

307 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Matsumurojikechou 31

A Rinzai Buddhist temple in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. Some 50 thousand bell crickets are bred on the temple grounds annually, and due to their songs, audible not just in autumn but throughout the year, the temple has come to be known as the Suzumushi-dera (Bell Cricket Temple). In addition to a figure of Dainichi-nyorai (Voirocana), the main object of worship, the temple also enshrines a statue of Jizobosatsu (Kshitigarbha), and the temple attracts Kshitigarbha worshipers from around the nation as well as persons seeking aid with university entry, attaining better fortune, and finding a suitable partner. The temple is famous for its “Happy Kshitigarbha,” the only one in Japan to be depicted wearing straw sandals and said to grant a single wish, as well as its Suzumushi-seppo (Bell Cricket Sermons) given by priests, and the temple actively welcomes worshipers.

Because there are many crickets, this temple is called Suzumushidera. When you go inside, you are obliged to take a seat and listen to a discourse of a bonze for a half hour. It smells a little bit a...
Matsunoo Taisha

4.0

183 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamamiyamachi 3

The oldest Shinto shrine in Kyoto and located in Nishikyo Ward. Seated at the foot of Mt. Matsuo, the shrine’s object of worship, the distinctive Muromachi period (1333–1568) architecture of the main shrine building is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The mountain is seen as the god of sake and has attracted followers accordingly since the Middle Ages; the shrine’s mikoshi hall is stacked high with sake barrels. The waters of the shrine’s Kame-no-I (Turtle Well) are also famed for giving health, long life, and revitalization, and sake brewers, producers, and salespeople from around the country still come here to bring some of the water home with them.

Matsuo Taisha is one of the oldest shrine, and its God is a protector of Sake brewing. I had visited long time ago, but this time I happened to pass nearby, so I paid a visit. As the new year...
Yoshimine-dera Temple

4.5

139 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Oharanoshiochou 1372

A Buddhist temple located in the Oharano area of Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. The temple was founded in 1029 by the priest Gensan. The temple is connected to the fifth Tokugawa shogun Tsunayoshi’s mother Keishoin; the hanging bell tower was donated by her to ward evil away from Tsunayoshi. The grounds, located halfway up a mountain, are some 99 thousand square meters in size. Visitors can enjoy some of Kyoto’s greatest views of the city and Mt. Hiei while strolling the grounds, as well as seasonal flowers and plants. In spring, the temple boasts weeping, mountain, and Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms which dye the grounds pink. One weeping cherry on the ground is over 300 years old and is said to have been planted by Keishoin.

Because of its location, it is not as known as Kiyomizudera or Kinkakuji, but in my opinion Yoshimine-dera is certainly one of a must-see temple in Kyoto. On a mountainside there are many small...
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art

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...
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.
Seizanjodoshu Sohonzan Komyoji Temple

4.5

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nagaokakyoushi Ao Saijou Inside 26-1

Famous for the brilliant late fall colors of the Japanese maples that line its approach, Komyoji Temple is the seventh sacred site of the Kyoto Rakusai Kannon pilgrimage. The grounds cover about 66,000 square meters and encompass 32 temple buildings. On the second Sunday of the month they hold a tea ceremony for the public in their Hirotaniken tea room. The temple is popular for taking some time out while watching the plums and weeping cherry trees in spring and the maple leaves turning in autumn.

popular spot for autumn in west Kyoto. need bus or cabs to visit, but it worth to visit. Tunnel of leaves and photogenic temple halls. it is great for spring season, and free admission.
Oharano-jinja Shrine

4.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Oharanominamikasugachou 1152

A Shinto shrine located in Oharano, Nishikyo Ward founded in 784 by Empress Consort Fujiwara no Otomuro, originally of the Fujiwara clan, in Nagaoka-kyo to enshrine the patron gods of the Kasuga-taisha in Nara. The main shrine building standing today was constructed in 850, as were the Kasuga-zukuri style inner shrine and Koisawano-ike Pond modeled after Sarusawa-ike Pond. Today, the shrine is a widely renowned site for viewing fall foliage, with the approximately 200 meter long approach to the shrine becoming a deep red tunnel bustling with visitors during the season.

The actual building is a reconstruction of Edo Period, but the origin of this shrine remounts to the foundation of Nagaokakyo. So, it is a very old temple. As it is not easily accessible by public...
Daihikaku Senkoji Temple

4.5

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 62

This Obaku Zen temple is in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. It's also called Daihikaku. The principal image is a thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva ascribed to Genshin, a Tendai Buddhist priest. It's built on a cliff, so it's well known as a viewpoint for taking in the scenery of the seasons.

Climbed to the temple and chanted with the monk living there! There was a matcha tea ceremony that we participated in too! We had a question and answer time were we learned the history abt the...
Shojiji Temple

4.0

39 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Oharanominamikasugachou 1194

A Buddhist temple located in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City famed since ancient times for its beautiful cherry trees. The temple was founded in 679 by devotees of the ascetic En no Gyoja on the orders of Emperor Tenmu in 679. The temple houses numerous Important Cultural Properties, including an 85.1 centimeter tall standing figure of Bhaisajyaguru (the temple’s principal object of worship); another, minutely detailed 9.1 centimeter tall figure of Bhaisajyaguru made of cedar (and a figure within a figure), and three meter tall figures of the two Deva kings. Visitors can also enjoy viewing rare architectural examples up close.

Shojiji is known as a place where Saigyo, a famous poet at the beginning of Kamakura Period, entered the Buddhist priesthood. There is a cherry tree, which is associated with him, and so it is called...
Muko Shrine

4.0

29 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Mukoushi Mukouchou Kitayama 65

"A Shinto shrine located close to Nishi-Muko Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Dedicated to the god Muko-no-Kami, the main shrine building has been designated an Important Cultural Property as an excellent example of Muromachi period nagare-zukuri style architecture. This same building is also known to have been the model for the main shrine building at Meiji Jingu. Shrine highlights include six lesser shrines on the grounds; a kendo hall once used as the staff room for the former Koyo Elementary School; Katsuyama Park, a popular place for walking; and a cherry tree garden which appeared in Tsutomu Minakami's famous novel ""Sakuramori."""

Muko Shrine is located not far from Hankyu Nishimuko station. I dropped in on the way to Yoshimine-dera Temple. This shrine was founded in Nara Period and has about 1300 years’ history. The long...
Nizaemon-no-Yu

4.0

17 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Katagiharabonyama 5

There are two kinds of free-flowing medicinal hot springs at Nizaemon-no-Yu, which features Kyoto's only stone spa that men and women can use together. Its Utsusemi outdoor bath with large stones scattered about is highly popular, as is its Fujitsubo outdoor bath with a hot mist-spouting kamaburo steam bath landscaped with plant life, water, and stones. After your soak, head to their eatery Nizashokudo to relax in the old-time atmosphere of a reconstructed traditional house from Shiga.

Nizaemonnoyu is a natural hot spring in Katsura. The quality of water is very good, and you can even feel it by bathing. However the facility is old and poor. Although there is Ganbanyoku, bath on...
Shoboji Temple

4.5

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Oharanominamikasugachou 1102

Shoboji is a temple located in Nishikyo Ward in Kyoto. It is affiliated with the Toji branch of Shingon Buddhism, and its main image is the Thousand-Armed Kannon. It is known as the stone temple because of its garden, which contains 200 tons of stones in the shapes of animals. The Hoshoden contains a statue of the god Daikoku. Since his legs appear to be moving, he is referred to as Running Daikoku. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring, colorful leaves in the fall, and the white sand garden, so there is lovely scenery in all four seasons.

この地域には、大原野神社、花の寺、正法寺と３ヶ所の桜の見所がある。その中で最も静かで落ち着いて見学出来るのが、この正法寺だ。座敷から眺める庭園は、今〔3月29日）枝垂れ桜が満開で、素晴らしい眺めだ。訪れる人も少なくのんびり過ごせる。
Tsukiyomi Shrine

3.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Matsumuroyamazoechou 15

This Shinto shrine is located 400 meters south of its red torii gate near Matsui-Taisha Station. An auxiliary shrine of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, the shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi. A grouping of stones on the grounds known as the Tsukinobeishi or, alternatively, the Anzanishi, are said to grant those who rub them the blessing of children and safe childbirth. Other highlights include the Inyoishi, two rocks arranged side by side which are said to grant the wishes of those who rub them; a shrine dedicated to Prince Shotoku, god of scholarship; and the Ofunesha boat shrine dedicated to Amenotorifune-no-Mikoto, guardian god of maritime transportation. The shrine's annual festival is held on October 3; the day before the god of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine is ritually and temporarily transferred to the Ofunesha.

This shrine, located between Suzumushidera and Matsuo Taisha, belongs to Matsuo Taisha, is dedicated to Tsukiyomino Mikoto, a brother of Amaterasu Omikami. Although it is not a touristic place, the...
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nagaokakyoushi Tenjin 2-15-13

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine enshrines the god of studies Sugawara Michizane. It is also called Mikaeri Tenjin because when Michizane was demoted to Dazaifu, he turned back and was reluctant to leave this area. The end of April is the best time to visit, with wonderful 2.5-meter-tall Kirishima azaleas in bloom, making for the special sight of the main approach covered in deep crimson blossoms.
Otokuni-dera Temple

3.5

21 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nagaokakyoushi Imazato 3-14-7

A historic Buddhist temple said to have been built by Prince Shotoku on the orders of Empress Suiko around the year 1380. The temple was later significantly expanded in 784 by Emperor Kammu. The temple is also famous as the location where Prince Sawara was confined by his older brother Emperor Kammu after his involvement in the assassination of Fujiwara no Tanetsugu. The temple was devastated in the Onin War and then later rebuilt with the aid of Keishoin in 1695. Today, the temple is renowned for the beauty of its 2,000 some tree peonies when they come into bloom. Note that viewing the temple’s standing figure of Vaisravana, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, requires an advance reservation.

普段は拝観無料ですが、牡丹の時期は500円です。重要文化財の毘沙門天立像は、「牡丹祭」と「四国八十八カ所霊場お砂踏み」(11月の第三週末)の際は御開帳されます。牡丹で有名なお寺ですが、紅葉とみかんの木も綺麗です。
Hanaikada

4.0

91 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 57

Hanaikada is a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant located in the inn of the same name at Arashiyama Hot Spring. The chef goes to the Central Wholesale Market every day to select seasonal ingredients according to strict criteria. The food at Hanaikada brings out the true flavors of the ingredients. The yudofu, steamed tofu, made with soy milk is especially noteworthy. The restaurant has package deals for all sorts of day trips, including celebrations and business entertainment.

We didn’t speak almost any Japanese and I’m a vegetarian but we didn’t have any problems staying at this Ryoken. They catered to us extremely well and we felt like honored guests the entire time. We...
Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nagaokakyo-shi Jododani Do no Tani 2
Sankoji Temple

3.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Nishikyo-ku Oharanoishizukuricho 1323

This temple located beyond Yoshimine-dera Temple in Nishiyama of Kyoto is the main temple of the Seizan sect . It is said that the temple's predecessor was Ojoin Temple, which was established in the year 1074. The name was changed to its current name due to the resemblance of the mountains in the background to a three-pronged vajra pestle, a Buddhist ritual implement. The temple is well-known for the great view from in front of its main hall. It is possible to see downtown Kyoto, Uji, Joyo, and as far away as Kizu and neighborhood. If you will be reentering Yoshimine-dera Temple from the north gate you will need to use the intercom to have the gate unlocked remotely (entering Yoshimine-dera Temple requires paying an admission fee).

Sankoji is a temple, which is located next to Yoshimine-dera. But unlike Yoshimine-dera, there is few tourists coming. As it is in a mountainside, it is hard to climb. But the view of the city from...

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Kyoto Areas

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.