This guide helps visitors navigate Kyoto’s many temples. It answers: “Which temples should I visit in Kyoto?”
Quick Facts
- Number of temples: Over 2,000 in Kyoto
- UNESCO sites: 17 temples and shrines
- Recommended: 2-4 temples per day maximum
Must-See Temples
First-Time Visitors
- Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion, most iconic
- Kiyomizu-dera – Hillside temple with views
- Fushimi Inari – Torii gate shrine (technically a shrine)
Zen Temples
- Ryoan-ji – Famous rock garden
- Tenryu-ji – Arashiyama, UNESCO site
- Nanzen-ji – Massive gate, free grounds
Off-the-Beaten Path
- Gio-ji – Moss garden, peaceful
- Kokedera (Saiho-ji) – Moss temple, reservation required
- Sanzenin – Ohara area, beautiful gardens
Tips
- Temple fatigue: Limit to 2-4 major temples per day.
- Timing: Morning visits (before 10am) for fewer crowds.
- Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering halls. No photos where prohibited.
Getting There
Arriving in Kyoto
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔵 JR Haruka Limited Express directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 75–80 minutes. The station is connected to Terminal 1 (Terminal 2 passengers must take a shuttle bus to T1). Mid-range: Airport Limousine Buses depart from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, reaching Kyoto Station in approximately 85–90 minutes. This is often easier for travelers with heavy luggage.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Recommended (Mid-range): The Airport Limousine Bus is the most efficient option, connecting both North and South terminals to Kyoto Station in approximately 50–55 minutes.
From Tokyo or Osaka: The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Kyoto in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Osaka Station, the JR Kyoto Line (Special Rapid) reaches Kyoto in approximately 30 minutes.
Getting Around to Temples
Kyoto’s temples are scattered throughout the city. While buses cover most areas, trains are often faster for reaching outlying districts. The ICOCA card is the standard IC card for the Kansai region, but Suica and PASMO are also accepted on all trains and buses.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: Take the JR Nara Line or the 🟢 Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station (approximately 5–10 minutes from Kyoto Station).
- Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove): Accessible via the JR Sagano Line, the 🟤 Hankyu Line, or the Randen tram.
- Gion & Kiyomizu-dera: Best accessed via city buses or the 🟢 Keihan Line (Gion-Shijo Station).
For a full day of sightseeing, the “Subway & Bus One-Day Pass” is a cost-effective option that covers most major tourist sites.
Sources
- Tourism board: Kyoto Tourism
Last updated: 2026-02-03