Cover The view upon entering the famed torii gates in Kyoto, Japan
The view upon entering the famed torii gates in Kyoto, Japan
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Widely regarded as the heart of Japanese culture, Kyoto boasts the top destinations in the entirety of the country. Learn more about its heritage here
In the 2006 Oscar-winning film Memoirs of a Geisha, the young version of the main character, Chiyo, runs through the thousands of red torii gates to pray for money. Dedicated to the deity of good harvest and success in business, Inari, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is necessary for new (and even veteran) business owners to visit. Often featured in films and shows, it is ranked first in a 2024 Japanese survey of the most famous shrines for international visitors.
The shrine is located in Kyoto—a cradle of traditional Japanese culture. As the former seat of the emperor and the nation’s capital, it is a major tourist hotspot. This historical significance is perhaps why Tomo-san, a local tourist guide, says that students are encouraged to stay in Kyoto for a few weeks as part of their education.
For over a thousand years, the city was the beating heart of Japan, with nobles, scholars, architects, poets, and painters gathering to contribute to its rich culture then and now.
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Kiyomizu-dera
Above The Kiyomizu-dera temple was founded in 780
The Kiyomizu-dera temple was founded in 780
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At the end of one of the busiest souvenir districts in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera, roughly translated to Pure Water Temple. A celebrated temple in Japan, it was initially associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965.
Above Another look at the Kiyomizu-dera temple
Above Locals and tourists alike shopping in the Higashiyama District
Another look at the Kiyomizu-dera temple
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In 1994, the Kiyomizu-dera temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It remains one of the most visited temples in Japan at present.
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Above Tourists enjoy souvenir shopping in Kyoto, Japan
Tourists enjoy souvenir shopping in Kyoto, Japan
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Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Above Togetsu-kyo Bridge has been a landmark in Western Kyoto’s Arashiyama District for over four hundred years
Above Tourists walking from the Togetsu-kyo Bridge to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Togetsu-kyo Bridge has been a landmark in Western Kyoto’s Arashiyama District for over four hundred years
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Arashiyama district has temples, shrines, and the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. But before arriving at the famous forest, visitors will first encounter the Togetsu-Kyo Bridge.
A mainstay in historical films, the bridge has been a landmark for over four hundred years. It spans the Katsura River in front of Arashiyama Mountain, offering picturesque views of nature—from cherry blossoms to rivers and mountains. In the past, the river became Kyoto’s main artery of commerce, as it connected to the Kamo River in Kyoto and the Yodo River in Osaka, affording opportunities for fast transportation and delivery long before highways and railroads existed.
Above The Arashiyama District is packed with tourists during Spring
Above Yatsuhashi, sweet bean paste sandwiched in soft dough shaped into a triangle, is one of Kyoto’s most known delicacies
The Arashiyama District is packed with tourists during Spring
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According to local tourists, it has been rebuilt several times because of its wood foundations, which have stood the test of time. It is now made of concrete and wood.
Did you know? Togetsu-kyo is also an important initiation for local children. Young boys and girls first receive a blessing from a local temple and then cross the bridge without looking back. If one ignores this instruction, it could bring bad luck.
Kinkakuji
Above Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan
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Above The top two floors of Kinkaku-ji are completely covered in gold leaf
The top two floors of Kinkaku-ji are completely covered in gold leaf
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Kinkakuji, roughly translated to the Golden Pavilion, is a popular Zen temple in northern Kyoto. Its top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf.
The whole structure overlooks a large pond. It has burned down numerous times—twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto, and in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
Above Temples open for tourists before the Golden Pavilion
Above Coins offered to Buddha statues around the premises for luck
Temples open for tourists before the Golden Pavilion
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Did you know? Temples and shrines were considered epicentres of Japanese culture, where people were trained, educated, and learned new skills.
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Above Fortune tellers and spiritual advisors are popular in Japan. Locals and tourists can get their fortune through slips of paper
Fortune tellers and spiritual advisors are popular in Japan. Locals and tourists can get their fortune through slips of paper
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Way past the Togetsu-kyo Bridge is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. It is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere—a scenery nobles in the past were drawn to.
Above A crowd of people entering the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Above Bamboo is a symbol of prosperity in Japan
A crowd of people entering the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
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The grove offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This grass forest is just a short distance from the famous Tenryu-ji Temple. It has become an iconic symbol of Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting tourists worldwide.
Did you know? Bamboo is a symbol of prosperity in Japan.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Above The Fushimi Inari Shrine up close
Above Walking through the Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine up close
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Are you familiar with the Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha series? Then you have probably already seen Fushimi Inari Shrine in all its glory.
Famous for its thousands of torii gates, Fushimi Inari is the most popular shrine for international visitors, according to a 2024 Japanese survey. Tomo-san, a local tourist guide in the area, reveals that each arch bears the name of a company or businessman hoping for luck and success in their endeavours. The bigger the arch, the larger the donation.
Above A different perspective of the torii gates bearing the names of businesses and companies
Above The view upon entering the famed torii gates
A different perspective of the torii gates bearing the names of businesses and companies
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Indeed, Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque scenery, and historical significance. As the former capital of Japan, it is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, a few of which are mentioned above. Its surrounding districts, such as Gion, offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese life, with tea houses, geisha performances, and traditional crafts. The experience is further enriched by Kyoto’s culinary delights, providing an unforgettable and immersive journey into Japan.
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Credits
Photography: Angela Nicole Guiral
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
