12 Unique Places You Should Visit near and in Kyoto
Kyoto is world-famous for its temples, shrines, and traditional charm, but just beyond its borders lie lesser-known destinations that offer equally unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a thatched-roof village, a historic alleyway, or a picturesque fishing town, these unique spots provide a glimpse into Japan’s deep-rooted culture and natural beauty.
1. Miyama Thatched-Roof Village – A Step Back in Time
Miyama is one of Japan’s last remaining thatched-roof villages, home to nearly 40 kayabuki farmhouses that preserve Japan’s rural heritage. Real families still live here, making it an authentic destination recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization for sustainable tourism. Unlike Kyoto’s bustling streets, this tranquil village offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional countryside life, complete with stunning nature, locally made crafts, and historic shrines.
Top Things to Do
- Stroll through the charming village streets lined with centuries-old thatched-roof houses.
- Visit the Miyama Folk Museum to learn about rural Japanese traditions.
- Discover the art of indigo dyeing at the Little Indigo Museum.
- Hike the scenic trails around the village for breathtaking mountain views.
- Stop by Chii Hachiman Shrine for a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual past.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Oshokuji-dokoro Kitamura – Famous for its freshly made soba noodles.
- Sakaya Pizza Café – A cozy spot serving artisanal pizzas.
- Café Milan – A rustic café offering homemade desserts with a village view.
- Café-Gallery Saika – Relax in a heritage farmhouse with local sweets.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Sanin Line from Kyoto Station to Hiyoshi Station (~45 minutes, 770 yen).
- Transfer to the Nantan City Bus and ride to Kita (~45 minutes, 600 yen).
- From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the village.
Why Visit?
Miyama feels like stepping into a living museum, where old Japan is still alive. It’s a perfect escape for those looking to experience authentic rural life away from tourist-heavy Kyoto.
Local Tip
Miyama is stunning in every season, but visiting in winter offers an especially magical sight when the thatched roofs are covered in snow.
2. Ine Fishing Village – The Venice of Japan
Often called the “Venice of Japan”, Ine is famous for its funaya—traditional boat houses built right on the water’s edge. With over 230 funaya stretching along the coast, this village remains a working fishing town, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into Japan’s centuries-old maritime lifestyle.
Top Things to Do
- Take a boat tour around the bay for the best views of the funaya.
- Stop by Funayanosato Park for a panoramic view of the village.
- Walk through the narrow streets to admire the seaside architecture.
- Visit Ine Shrine, an 800-year-old shrine with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding scenic coastline.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant – A local favorite for fresh Ine Bay seafood.
- Ine Restaurant Funaya – Famous for its sashimi and seafood rice bowls.
- Funaya Shokudo – Specializing in yellowtail shabu-shabu and other local dishes.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Hashidate Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station (~2 hours, 5,600 yen).
- From Amanohashidate Station, board the Ine Line Bus (~60 minutes).
- Walk a short distance from the bus stop to the village.
Why Visit?
Ine is one of the few places where you can experience Japan’s maritime heritage up close. The tranquil, picturesque setting makes it ideal for a peaceful retreat by the sea.
Local Tip
Visit early in the morning when the village is quiet, and you can witness local fishermen starting their day—the most authentic time to experience Ine’s charm.
3. Amanohashidate – Japan's Natural Bridge to Heaven
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s top three scenic views, featuring a 3.6-km-long natural sandbar stretching across a picturesque bay. Its name means “Bridge to Heaven”, as the sandbar is said to resemble a dragon ascending into the sky when viewed from above. The area is rich in history, featuring ancient shrines, beautiful parks, and stunning viewpoints that offer postcard-worthy panoramas.
Top Things to Do
- Ride the cable car or chairlift up to Kasamatsu Park for the most famous view.
- Try the "matanozoki" tradition—bending over and looking at the sandbar upside down through your legs.
- Walk or cycle across the sandbar, lined with pine trees and serene beaches.
- Visit Chionji Temple, home to Japan’s largest wooden prayer plaque.
- Participate in Kawarake Nage, a fun activity where visitors throw clay discs for good luck.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Shima no Yado – Enjoy locally sourced seafood while overlooking the bay.
- Amanohashidate Winery – Sample Japanese wines made from locally grown grapes.
- Hashidate Daimaru – A traditional inn serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine with a view.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Hashidate Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station (~2 hours, 5,600 yen).
- Walk 5 minutes to the Amanohashidate cable car station for easy access to viewing spots.
Why Visit?
Amanohashidate is a breathtaking natural wonder that perfectly blends scenic beauty with cultural significance. The upside-down viewing tradition is a fun and unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Local Tip
Visit in the early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds—ideal for taking stunning photographs of the sandbar.
4. Pontocho Alley – Kyoto's Most Atmospheric Street
One of Kyoto’s most atmospheric streets, Pontocho Alley is a narrow, lantern-lit lane packed with traditional restaurants and historic tea houses. Dating back to the 1600s, it remains one of Kyoto’s last functioning geisha districts, where visitors might catch a glimpse of geisha and maiko as they gracefully move between engagements.
Top Things to Do
- Take an evening stroll through the alley, admiring its wooden buildings.
- Visit Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, known for its traditional Kamogawa Odori dance performances (May).
- Explore the hidden side streets branching off from the main alley.
- Enjoy the romantic ambiance by dining at a riverside restaurant.
- Capture stunning nighttime photos of glowing lanterns.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Kappa Sushi – A hidden gem serving exceptional sushi.
- Kichi Kichi Omurice – Famous for its theatrical omurice preparation.
- Kyoto Yakiniku Hiro Pontocho – A top spot for premium wagyu beef.
- Pontocho Robin – A 150-year-old townhouse restaurant serving seasonal Japanese dishes.
How to Get There
- By train: Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (5-minute walk).
- By bus: Take Bus No. 205 from Kyoto Station to Shijo Kawaramachi (20 minutes, 230 yen).
Why Visit?
Pontocho Alley is Kyoto at its most romantic and mysterious, offering a glimpse into the city's hidden past. It’s the perfect place for a quiet dinner or a cultural experience.
Local Tip
For a truly authentic experience, make a reservation at a kyo-ryori (Kyoto-style cuisine) restaurant with kamogawa yuka seating, where you can dine with a view over the river.
5. Hikone – A Hidden Samurai Castle Town
Hikone is home to Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, untouched by war or modern reconstruction. Unlike Kyoto’s more modernized landmarks, Hikone preserves the authentic samurai-era atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to explore a historic town with well-preserved feudal architecture, beautiful gardens, and fascinating museums.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Hikone Castle, a National Treasure with its original wooden keep and moats.
- Wander through Genkyuen Garden, a stunning Edo-era landscape garden.
- Visit the Hikone Castle Museum, displaying samurai armor, swords, and historical artifacts.
- Stroll through Yume Kyobashi Castle Road, a charming street lined with traditional Edo-style buildings.
- Take a boat ride along the moat for a peaceful and scenic experience.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Taneya Hikone – A famous Japanese sweets shop with a beautiful tea house.
- Omi Beef Restaurants – Try Hikone’s specialty, Omi beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands.
- Chanpontei – A local ramen shop serving a unique Hikone-style ramen.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station (~50 minutes).
- From Hikone Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle.
Why Visit?
Unlike Kyoto’s well-known castles, Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s most well-preserved and authentic feudal-era structures, offering a rare glimpse into real samurai history.
Local Tip
For the best experience, visit in spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (red maple leaves) when Hikone Castle’s gardens look their most picturesque.
6. Ohara – A Tranquil Temple Retreat
Ohara is a serene countryside escape just an hour from Kyoto, famous for its historic temples, lush gardens, and peaceful hiking trails. Surrounded by misty mountains, this quiet village offers a calm retreat from Kyoto’s busy streets, making it perfect for travelers seeking spiritual and cultural experiences in nature.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Sanzen-in Temple, known for its moss gardens and charming Jizo statues.
- Hike through the Ohara countryside, especially during autumn when the maple leaves turn fiery red.
- Visit Jakko-in Temple, a secluded temple with a tragic history tied to Japan’s imperial family.
- Discover Raigo-in Temple, a lesser-known yet beautiful Buddhist temple in the forest.
- Enjoy a traditional onsen experience at a local hot spring.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Ohara no Sato – A cozy spot for homemade soba noodles.
- Waranokura – A restaurant offering seasonal Kyoto-style dishes.
- Heianraku – A charming tea house serving handmade wagashi (Japanese sweets).
How to Get There
- Take the Kyoto City Bus No. 17 from Kyoto Station to Ohara (~60 minutes, 500 yen).
- Most temples and attractions are within walking distance from the bus stop.
Why Visit?
Ohara offers peaceful temples without the crowds, making it a perfect spot for reflection, relaxation, and scenic beauty in any season.
Local Tip
Visit early in the morning to experience the soft mist over Sanzen-in Temple’s moss garden, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
7. Kurama & Kibune – Kyoto's Mystical Mountain Retreats
Tucked away in the northern mountains of Kyoto, Kurama and Kibune are two picturesque villages known for their spiritual energy, scenic hiking trails, and hot springs. Kurama is home to Kurama-dera Temple, a famous Buddhist temple with breathtaking mountain views, while Kibune is known for Kifune Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the water deity.
Top Things to Do
- Hike the Kurama to Kibune Trail, a scenic mountain path between the two villages.
- Visit Kurama-dera Temple, a mystical temple with panoramic views.
- Explore Kifune Shrine, famous for its red lantern-lined stone staircase.
- Relax in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) at Kurama Onsen.
- Enjoy the riverside dining experience in Kibune, where restaurants set up platforms over the water.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Hirobun – A unique restaurant where you can try nagashi somen (flowing noodles).
- Ryokan Ugenta – A luxury inn serving exquisite kaiseki (multi-course Japanese cuisine).
- Kurama Onsen Ryokan – Stay overnight and enjoy a natural hot spring experience.
How to Get There
- Take the Eizan Railway from Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station (~30 minutes).
- To reach Kibune, get off at Kibuneguchi Station and take a 5-minute bus ride.
Why Visit?
Kurama and Kibune offer a peaceful escape into nature, where visitors can experience sacred temples, refreshing mountain air, and a rejuvenating onsen just outside Kyoto.
Local Tip
Visit in autumn when the maple leaves turn deep red, creating one of Kyoto’s most stunning fall foliage spots.
8. Lake Biwa – Japan's Largest and Most Scenic Lake
Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, offering water activities, scenic cycling routes, and historic sites along its shores. With crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views, it’s an ideal getaway for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Top Things to Do
- Visit Chikubushima, a sacred island with Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine.
- Cycle the Biwako Valley Route, one of Japan’s best lakefront cycling paths.
- Take a sightseeing cruise to enjoy the panoramic lake views.
- Relax on the white sand beaches of Omi-Maiko.
- Explore Hikone Castle, a National Treasure with a scenic moat.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Marugame Udon Otsu – A great spot for fresh, handmade udon noodles.
- Shiga Ramen Lab – A must-visit for ramen lovers, offering unique lake-inspired flavors.
- L’Hotel du Lac – A luxury lakeside hotel with gourmet French cuisine.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto to Otsu or Hikone (~10–50 minutes).
- Rent a bike or take a local ferry to explore the lakefront.
Why Visit?
Lake Biwa offers stunning natural scenery, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape from Kyoto.
Local Tip
For an unforgettable experience, visit Shirahige Shrine, famous for its torii gate standing in the water, resembling the floating torii of Miyajima.
9. Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka – Kyoto's Timeless Cobblestone Streets
Nestled in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are two beautifully preserved sloping streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and shops. These pedestrian-only alleys are among Kyoto’s most photogenic spots, offering a glimpse into the city's past while leading directly to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Top Things to Do
- Stroll along the cobblestone paths, soaking in the old Kyoto ambiance.
- Visit the historic teahouses and try Kyoto’s famous matcha.
- Shop for handcrafted souvenirs, traditional ceramics, and local sweets.
- Capture stunning traditional Kyoto street photography.
- Walk up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with panoramic views.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Starbucks Kyoto Nineizaka – A unique Starbucks inside a traditional machiya house.
- Kasagiya – A traditional sweet shop serving handmade mochi and matcha desserts.
- Umezono Kiyomizu – A Kyoto institution serving warabi mochi and seasonal wagashi.
How to Get There
- Take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop (~25 minutes).
- From the bus stop, it’s a 10-minute walk to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Why Visit?
These streets offer an authentic Kyoto experience, transporting visitors back to the Edo period with their traditional architecture and charming atmosphere.
Local Tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the streets before the shops open.
10. Koyasan – The Sacred Heart of Japanese Buddhism
Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, home to ancient temples, a mystical cemetery, and traditional temple lodgings. Founded over 1,200 years ago, it remains an active monastic center, where visitors can stay overnight in a shukubo (temple lodging) and join morning prayers.
Top Things to Do
- Walk through Okunoin Cemetery, a mysterious forested path lined with 200,000 tombstones.
- Stay in a shukubo, a Buddhist temple offering vegetarian monk cuisine and meditation experiences.
- Explore Danjogaran, the spiritual heart of Koyasan with stunning pagodas and temples.
- Visit Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism.
- Experience a traditional Goma fire ritual at a temple.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Shukubo temple lodgings – Many temples serve shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
- Bon On Shya Café – A cozy café offering organic teas and sweets.
- Hanabishi – A small local restaurant serving handmade udon and tempura.
How to Get There
- Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka, then transfer to the Nankai Koya Line (~3 hours total).
- From Gokurakubashi Station, take the Koyasan Cable Car up the mountain.
Why Visit?
Koyasan is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience, offering visitors a chance to stay in a temple, witness Buddhist rituals, and explore one of Japan’s most sacred sites.
Local Tip
Join a nighttime cemetery tour for a hauntingly beautiful experience under lantern-lit pathways.
11. Kodaiji Temple – A Temple of Zen and Beauty
Founded in 1606 by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Kodaiji Temple is famous for its stunning Zen gardens, illuminated bamboo grove, and beautifully preserved teahouses. It’s a peaceful retreat hidden in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.
Top Things to Do
- Admire the rock garden, one of Kyoto’s finest Zen landscapes.
- Walk through the bamboo grove, illuminated at night.
- Visit Otama-ya Mausoleum, dedicated to Hideyoshi and Nene.
- Explore the museum, displaying historic artifacts from the Edo period.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Rakushien – A charming teahouse serving matcha and traditional sweets.
- Izuu – Famous for Kyoto-style pressed sushi (saba-zushi).
How to Get There
- Take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 to Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop (~20 minutes).
- Walk 5 minutes to the temple entrance.
Why Visit?
Kodaiji is one of Kyoto’s most elegant Zen temples, offering stunning gardens and seasonal night illuminations.
Local Tip
Visit during autumn nights when the maple trees are lit up, creating a magical reflection on the pond.
12 Eikando Temple – Kyoto's Best Autumn Spot
Eikando Temple is known as Kyoto’s ultimate fall foliage destination, with over 3,000 maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and gold in November. Founded in 853, it is also home to the famous “Looking-Back Amida” Buddha statue.
Top Things to Do
- Visit the Tahoto Pagoda for a panoramic temple view.
- Stroll through the Hojo Pond Garden, a peaceful retreat.
- Admire the famous autumn illuminations at night.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Saryo Housho – A peaceful café serving seasonal wagashi sweets.
How to Get There
Take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 from Kyoto Station to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi Bus Stop (~30 minutes).
Why Visit?
Eikando is a must-see in autumn, offering some of Kyoto’s most spectacular fall colors.
Local Tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful autumn scenery.
More from
Pacific Islands
Category
