Kyoto Classic Landmarks Tour

Kyoto served as the capital of Japan for over 1,200 years as Heian-kyo (the Heian Period capital). As such, numerous shrines and temples remain today, having gathered the faith of the Imperial Family, the court nobles, the samurai class, and the common people.

Many of these, including Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine), Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple), and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple), are still representative sites of prayer and tourism in Japan, serving as World Heritage sites under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" or as the head temples of their respective sects.

At Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine), you can perform a Junpai (pilgrimage) around Mount Inari, passing through the tunnel of Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates) where vermilion gates are layered one after another. At Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple), the highlights are the view from the "Kiyomizu Stage" jutting out over the cliff and the sacred waters of Otowa Waterfall. At Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple), the reliquary hall covered in gold leaf reflects beautifully in the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), showcasing beauty in every season.

By also including Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) in Gion and Kitano Tenmangu (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine) for plums and academic success, you can enjoy the unique beauty and faith of Kyoto's shrines and temples in a single day. Since they are scattered throughout the city, we recommend touring by combining the subway, buses, and taxis.