How to Plan Kyoto: Hidden Gems and the Sights You Cannot Miss

How should you plan your Kyoto sightseeing? The complete guide to Kyoto's hidden gems, don't miss these must-visit spots

What are the must-visit attractions in Kyoto? With pandemic restrictions finally lifted this year, we can finally head to Japan, the destination we've been longing for 😭
When it comes to a trip to Japan, besides Tokyo — the shopping paradise everyone flocks to — you absolutely can't skip the Kansai region, often called the cradle of Japanese history. Within Kansai, Kyoto in particular is home to a treasure trove of Japan's historical and cultural heritage, with its old-world charm and over a thousand century-old shops, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

Want to see scenery completely different from Tokyo?
Want to experience the culture of Japan's early Heian period?
Let's take a look at Kyoto's hidden gems, the heart of Japanese culture 👀

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📍A must-visit Kyoto attraction for a lifetime — Fushimi Inari Taisha

Built in the year 711, Fushimi Inari Taisha carries over 1,300 years of history and is a famous shrine in Kyoto. Walking through it, you'll see countless deep-red torii gates and fox messenger statues. Legend holds that Inari Okami, the deity enshrined here, oversees bountiful harvests, thriving business, and household safety — drawing a huge following of devoted worshippers, and making Fushimi Inari Taisha one of Kyoto's most iconic shrines.

Why does Fushimi Inari Taisha have so many foxes? What do foxes symbolize in Japan?

You're probably curious why a pair of fox statues greets you right at the entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha?
Legend says foxes serve as messengers for Inari, the god of harvest, so in Japan, foxes also symbolize a bringer of abundance — which is why fox statues appear throughout the shrine grounds. Despite their cute appearance, and their beloved status among the Japanese public as one of Kyoto's well-known mascots, don't disrespect them at the shrine just because they look adorable — legend says you shouldn't stare directly into the eyes of these two fox statues at the entrance, or you risk offending them, and might not make it out of the shrine alive — genuinely unsettling!

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📍A feast of traditional Kyoto cuisine — Nishiki Market

With 400 years of history, Nishiki Market, Kyoto's traditional market, is a must-visit hidden gem for many tourists. Tracing back to the Heian period, when Kyoto served as Japan's capital, this landlocked market still played a central role supplying fresh seafood, developing special preservation techniques to keep seafood fresh at the time.

Today, Nishiki Market not only offers fresh seafood and meat, but also century-old traditional Kyoto pickles and wagashi sweets — genuinely a Kyoto attraction rich in history and culture.

Its clean, tidy streets will completely overturn your idea of a traditional market — be sure to try Nishiki Market's most famous seafood, fresh and affordably priced.

The market is also home to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, another must-visit hidden gem for many visitors to Kyoto~~

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📍Step back into the Heian period and experience the ancient capital's charm — Kiyomizu-dera

Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, built in 778, is one of Japan's most famous ancient temples, appearing throughout beloved works of Japanese literature. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it's one of Kyoto's most significant historical landmarks.

Beyond being a major historical site, Kiyomizu-dera is also an essential photo spot for anyone visiting Japan — its ornate exterior transforms completely with each season of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, offering genuinely stunning variety.

Besides its ever-changing seasonal scenery, another must-try at Kiyomizu-dera is renting a kimono — preserving the cultural charm of Japan's Heian period, its stunning historical scenery is the perfect backdrop for dressing up in a beautiful kimono, letting you step back in time to the ancient capital and capture some gorgeous photos to remember it by!!!

Comparing kimono rental shops near Kiyomizu-dera

Name	Branch	Address	Standard kimono price
Wasou Kobo Miyabi	Kyoto Wasou Kobo Miyabi (Kiyomizu-dera branch)	Tsukimicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto	¥2,500 (tax included)
Okamoto Orimono	Okamoto Kimono Rental, Kiyomizu branch	2-237-1-1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto	¥2,980 (before tax)
Kyo-komachi	Kyo-komachi, Kiyomizu main branch	104 Tatsumicho, Higashioji-dori Matsubara-agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto	¥3,000 (before tax)
Tekuteku Kyoto	Tekuteku Kyoto, Kiyomizu branch	111 Tatsumicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto	¥3,980 (before tax)

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Steeped in old-world charm, Kyoto is a must-visit photo destination in Japan — you're probably already itching to head there and capture some beautiful shots of the ancient capital's atmosphere!! 🛫🛫🛫

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Further reading:
>> What's the difference between Kyoto's neighborhoods for accommodation? 9 popular Kyoto stays recommended, with Shijo-dori our top pick for shopping
>> 2023's best Japan travel apps: the complete guide to travel, transport and map apps every traveller loves
>> The complete guide to internet in Japan: a comparison chart for travellers to help pick the right option for a smoother trip