Also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, built in 1397 as a three-story Zen temple in northern Kyoto. The temple is famous for having its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf and framed by pine trees, with its reflection glistening in a pristine pond. The temple had an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond and is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and one of the most famous spots in Kyoto. The castle functioned as a second home for the Tokugawa shogun who stayed here when he visited Kyoto and was the first shogun of the Edo period (1867-1603). His grandson Imitsu completed the castle palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five-story castle. Nijo castle is a perfect place where passing by the numerous halls and rooms will make you get a feel of the local heritage and political changes that happened in Japanese history.

A 1300-year-old gorgeous shinto shrine and a beautiful piece of Japanese history. This shrine is one of the most iconic sights in Japan and the most visited shrine in Kyoto. The shrine has many great attractions including the 10, 000 vermilion torii gates and foxes’ statues that are great to see and walk through. The walk through the thousand gate (senbon torii) walk offers some spectacular views.

A stunning Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa waterfall, hence the name “Pure water” temple. The temple is very well known for its 13-meter-high wooden stage, gorgeous statues inside, highest 3 story pagoda and the most iconic views over the Kyoto skyline beside it. The pedestrian only street that leads up to the temple and the area around the temple has a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and snack shops that offer Japanese green tea sweets and traditional food.