20 Little-Known Kyoto Spots: Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

Explore Kyoto: Hidden Spots You'll Be Glad You Visited

Kyoto is one of Japan's most popular destinations, and rightly so. With a rich history dating back centuries, stunning natural landscapes, and of course, plenty of modern charm as well, who could resist a sightseeing trip to Japan's old capital?

Famous sites include Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji's Golden Pavilion, Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and even the world's first Starbucks with tatami flooring. But for second-time visitors or those seeking lesser-crowded spots, it can be challenging to decide where to go.

Here are 20 lesser-known places that visitors to Kyoto are sure to enjoy, from peaceful temples to quiet cafes and charming museums. Some are less crowded as well depending on the time of your visit.

Hidden Gems in Kyoto

Temples and Shrines
1. Rokkakudo Temple: The Origins of Ikebana Flower Arrangement
2. Tenryuji Temple: Zen Temple with Dragon Painting
3. Nonomiya Shrine: Matchmaking Shrine with Beautiful Moss Garden
4. Rurikoin Temple: Splendid Fall Foliage Spot with Teahouse
5. Seimei Shrine: See the Mystical Well and Ancient Cosmology Symbols
6. Kodaiji Temple: Historical Temple with Beautiful Fall Foliage
7. Eikando Temple: Famous for Rare Amidha Buddha Statue
8. Kurama Temple: Meet Long-Nosed Goblins at a Mountain Temple
9. Kenninji Temple: Zen Temple with Art Collection
10. Yogenin Temple: Feel Kyoto's History
Museums and Gardens
11. Kyoto Confectionery Museum: See Incredible Sugar Sculptures
12. Okochi Sanso Villa: Enjoy Panoramic Views of Kyoto
13. Kyoto Botanical Gardens: Exhibiting Japan's Rare Flora
14. The Lake Biwa Canal: Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spot
Shopping and Food Spots
15. Nishiki Market: Explore Kyoto's Kitchen
16. SOU SOU Kyoto Store: Trendy Japanese Clothing
17. Kaboku Cafe: Taste Excellent Green Tea and Desserts
Day-Trip Destinations
18. Kameoka: Splendid Natural Scenery and River Boat Cruising
19. Mt. Hiei: Explore the Origins of Japanese Buddhism
20. Uji: Famous for Green Tea and the Byodoin Phoenix Hall

1. Rokkakudo Temple: The Origins of Ikebana Flower Arrangement

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According to tradition, Rokkakudo Temple was built in 587 based on the instructions of Shotoku Taishi, the legendary regent of Japan who was written about in one of Japan's oldest written books, the "Nihon Shoki."

Rokkakudo Temple is also well known for being where ikebana, or the Japanese art of flower arranging, originated. The building right behind the temple is the headquarters of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. As such, exhibitions of ikebana works are held here frequently. When visiting the temple, do take a look at the monuments dedicated to the art of flower arranging found on its grounds, as well as at the beautiful ikebana exhibitions.

Address: Kyoto, Nakagyo, Rokkaku Todoin Donomae
Website: http://www.ikenobo.jp/english/about/rokkakudo.html

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2. Tenryuji Temple: Zen Temple with Dragon Painting

©JNTO

Built in 1339, Tenryuji is a Zen temple belonging to the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. Visitors to this temple often feel as though they are being watched - and they are! If you look up, you will see this incredible painting of a dragon gazing back at you.

Within the grounds of this temple, you will also find the Sogen Chiteien garden, which was created by the Zen priest Muso Soseki, and was designated as Japan’s first historic landmark and National Scenic Site. The temple is located in the beautiful Arashiyama area, right near the scenic bamboo grove.

Address: Kyoto, Ukyo, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho 68
Website: http://www.tenryuji.com/en/

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3. Nonomiya Shrine: Matchmaking Shrine with Beautiful Moss Garden

Nonomiya Shrine is located right in the middle of the bamboo grove of Arashiyama. Originally built as a sacred purification space and residence for the Ise Shrine Priestess, it is well known to fans of Japanese literature for its black torii gate and brushwood fences, which are written about in the tenth chapter of "The Tale of Genji," the world's oldest extant novel.

Nonomiya Shrine is an excellent place to visit if you want to pray for luck in match-making, marriages, and childbirth. Do take a stroll through the beautiful moss garden behind the temple, a place with a sacred atmosphere.

Address: Kyoto, Ukyo, Sagano Miyamachi 1
Website: http://www.nonomiya.com/eng.html

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4. Rurikoin Temple: Splendid Fall Foliage Spot with Teahouse

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Rurikoin Temple is a peaceful, historical temple and natural oasis hidden away in the Yase area of Kyoto. During the Jinshin Revolt in the year 672, Oama no Oji, who later became another legendary figure in Japan, Emperor Temmu, is said to have come to this area to heal his injuries in the Yase no Kamaburu (steam bath), which has served as the model for numerous steam baths and recuperation facilities both in Kyoto and across Japan ever since.

There are two incredible gardens and even a teahouse on the grounds of this temple. The garden is very popular in the early summer and the autumn, drawing photographers and visitors from all over the world to see the unique scenery of bright leaves and the temple.

Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Higashiyama, Kamitakano 55
Website: http://rurikoin.komyoji.com/lp/en/

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5. Seimei Shrine: See the Mystical Well and Ancient Cosmology Symbols

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The Seimei Shrine, founded in 1007, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary historical onmyoji (*1) Abe no Seimei (921-1005), and was first constructed on the former site of Seimei's home, and fully reconstructed in 1925.

There is a mystical well within the precincts said to have magical waters that were used by the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu at one time, while throughout the shrine and grounds there are Seimei stars (pentacles), the symbol that Seimei is said to have invented in the 10th century in order to symbolize the five elements of Onmyodo practices.

Address: Kyoto, Kamigyo, Horikawa, Ichijo Agaru 806
Website: http://www.seimeijinja.jp/ (Japanese)

*1 Onmyoji: a practitioner of Onmyodo, a traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology that combined occultism and natural sciences, and took influences from Taoism, Buddhism, and Shintoism as well.

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6. Kodaiji Temple: Historical Temple with Beautiful Fall Foliage

©JNTO

Kodaiji Temple, which is formally named Jubuzan Koodai-ji, was established in 1606 by Nene, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in order to pray for her late husband. This temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and is the largest of the sub-temples belonging to the Kennin-ji Temple branch of this sect.

There are stunning gardens and multiple Important Cultural Assets within its grounds, including the Otamaya sanctuary, and even a jinbaori, a special coat worn over armor that once belonged to the famous feudal lord. During each season the gardens are beautifully illuminated in the evening and open to the public.

Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama, Kodaiji Shimokawaracho 526
Website: http://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html

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7. Eikando Temple: Famous for Rare Amidha Buddha Statue

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Eikando was founded in 853 by Shinsho, a student of the famed Kukai, and is the head temple for the Seizan branch of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. Mentioned in the historical poetry anthology the Kokin Wakashu, Eikando is best known for the Mikaeri Amida, a peculiar statue of the Amida Buddha who, rather than looking forward as is standard for all Buddist statues, is glancing over his shoulder back at the viewer instead.

Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Eikando 48
Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html

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8. Kurama Temple: Meet Long-Nosed Goblins at a Mountain Temple

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Kurama Temple is a mountain temple in northern Kyoto that is the perfect spot for visitors wanting to enjoy Japanese beauty with a nature hike. In addition to the stunning mountain landscape and views, the temple itself boasts a long history and is full of highlights, such as the long-nosed tengu, Yuki Shrine, famous for its fire festival, and several national treasures.

The temple complexes and structures are connected via a mountain path that runs all the way to the popular Kifune Shrine area, so those wanting to visit Kifune too should be prepared for a moderate trek that will take about one hour. Natural outdoor onsen are near Kurama Temple as well.

Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Kurama Honmachi 1074

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9. Kenninji Temple: Zen Temple with Art Collection

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Kenninji Temple is a prominent Zen Buddhist temple located just south of the main Gion neighborhood. It is said to be one of the oldest Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto, with its history dating back to around 1202.

Photo by Pixta

This serene temple boasts a number of famous artworks such as the famous sliding door painting of the Fujin and Raijin, wind and thunder gods, as well as a magnificent dragon ceiling painting. In addition to the artwork, visitors will enjoy strolling through the complex and seeing the gorgeous gardens.

Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama, Komatsu 584
Website: https://www.kenninji.jp/ (Japanese)

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10. Yogenin Temple: Feel Kyoto's History

Yogenin is a small Buddhist temple originally built in 1594. It is most known for using wooden planks bloodied from the fall of Fushimi Castle in 1600. Visitors can see this by looking up when they walk down the halls inside the temple.

The bloodied ceilings are known as chitenjo in Japanese. There are four other temples in Kyoto that use these planks, but Yogenin is one of the easiest to get to. Looking up, you will be filled with fascination and perhaps slight apprehension imagining the battles of the past.

Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama, Sanju Sangendo Mawari 656
Website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single02.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=477 (Japanese)

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11. Kyoto Confectionery Museum: See Incredible Sugar Sculptures!

Picture from Kyoto Confectionery Museum - Learn And Taste Japan's Wagashi History
A must-visit for those with a sweet tooth is the Kyoto Confectionery Museum, a facility with free entrance, candy art, and matcha set service. Featuring wagashi (Japanese confectionery), this is a great place to learn about Kyoto's rich history with sweets making (imagine mochi, red bean paste, and dorayaki) and green tea.

Before leaving, be sure to drop into the souvenir shop to pick up high-quality Kyoto treats by Tawaraya Yoshitomi, a renowned local confectionery. The unryu, a red bean paste roll shaped to look like a dragon, is a unique and delicious choice.

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12. Okochi Sanso Villa: Enjoy Panoramic Views of Kyoto

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Located in Arashiyama off the main bamboo forest path is Okochi Sanso Villa, a beautiful property where visitors can experience a traditional Japanese garden, teahouse, and views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. This villa is one of the former residences of Okochi Denjiro (1898 - 1962), a famous actor who often appeared in Japanese historical drama films in the early 20th century.

Numerous buildings and structures at the villa are nationally registered tangible cultural properties. The garden is gorgeous throughout the year with seasonal beauty so you can visit multiple times to see the change in scenery. At the teahouse, guests can sit down and enjoy a matcha tea with Japanese confectionery while admiring the beautiful landscape.

Address: Kyoto, Ukyo, Saga, Ogurayama, Tabuta 8

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13. Kyoto Botanical Gardens: Exhibiting Japan's Rare Flora

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Kyoto Botanical Gardens is a lesser-known site in Kyoto, but is filled with much that travelers will enjoy. Visitors access to gorgeous flowers and greenery for an affordable price. Different flora blooms throughout the year, making it enjoyable to see at any time of the year. The grounds are especially spectacular in spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom. In the autumn, visitors can appreciate the colorful changing of the leaves.

Native Japanese plants grow here as well, and educational programs and special events are also held.

Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Shimagamo Hangi
Website: http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/en/02-02-10.html

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14. The Lake Biwa Canal: Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spot

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The Lake Biwa Canal spans approximately 20 kilometers in total, connecting Kyoto city to the waters of Lake Biwa in the neighboring Shiga prefecture. Construction on the canal's first major section started in 1885 and was completed in 1890. The canal provided Kyoto with the water supply, hydroelectric power, and transport system for supplies it needed to continue flourishing.

Today, the waters are still used for the city, and visitors can take boat tours along the canal to learn about the history and importance of the canal and to enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the canal. There are maintained walking paths that follow the canal as well, ideal for those who want to take in the great outdoors of Kyoto via a nature hike––this area is a gorgeous cherry blossom spot in the springtime.

Website: https://biwakososui.city.kyoto.lg.jp/en/

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15. Nishiki Market: Explore Kyoto's Kitchen

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Nishiki Market, or Nishiki Ichiba, is known to many as Kyoto's Kitchen. Many may still think of Kyoto as being a place for temples and shrines, but the Nishiki Market is the place to go to find authentic Kyoto cuisine. The market dates back several hundred years.

This spot has been growing in popularity in recent years but still retains its everyday charm. Shops selling everything from unique matcha sweets to savory snacks, to cooking ingredients, such as Kyoto seasonings, line this five-block-long shopping street. Be sure to stop by the little restaurants and food stands hidden off the main path for unique dishes and treats.

Address: Kyoto, Nakagyo, Nishiki Kouji Dori
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en_lp/

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16. SOU SOU Kyoto Store: Trendy Japanese Clothing

SOU SOU is a textile company from Kyoto that has gained international recognition for its combination of Japanese traditional clothing designs with modern Western fashions and one-of-a-kind, limited edition fabrics. In Kyoto there are several SOU SOU shops, each specializing in different wares, selling everything from everyday fashions to custom-made kimono, to colorful umbrellas, and fabric.

Address: Kyoto, Nakagyo, Nakano 583-6 (SOU SOU Kimono Shop)
Website: https://www.sousou.co.jp/?wovn=en

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17. Kaboku Cafe: Taste Excellent Green Tea and Desserts

Picture from Face To Face With Japanese Tea At Kaboku Cafe In Kyoto

The Teramachi Nijodori area is especially known for its cultural history in Kyoto. There are many historical shops and buildings to see here, but the 300-year-old Ippodo Tea Shop and its related cafe and tea room Kaboku are two must-see places.

Address: Kyoto, Nakagyo, Teramachi Nijodori, Agaru
Website: https://global.ippodo-tea.co.jp/

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18. Kameoka: Splendid Natural Scenery and River Boat Rides

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Located just past Arashiyama, Kameoka is a nature-filled destination with fewer visitors than typical Kyoto areas. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, you can appreciate visiting many small temples and shrines here, like Shomyoji Temple, where you can see performances with taiko drums.

Another must-visit in Kameoka is the Hozu River, which stretches from Arayshiyama to Kameoka. Boat rides on the river offer great views of the surrounding mountains and forests. A number of hot springs, trails, and shopping streets are also in the area, making it a great place for a half-day adventure.

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19. Mt. Hiei: Explore the Origins of Japanese Buddhism at Enryakuji Temple

Mt. Hiei is the ideal spot for those looking to get outdoors in Kyoto. Located in northeastern Kyoto, bordering Shiga prefecture, the mountain boasts the beautiful Enryakuji Temple, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the grounds and hike along the flower-lined trails; wildlife, like tanuki (raccoon dog) and monkeys, can also be encountered.

Cable cars go up the mountain as well, making it easy for all to enjoy the scenery. Hiking takes about two hours; the top rewards visitors with a spectacular view of the valleys below and Lake Biwa.

It takes around 30 to 40 minutes to get to the area from Kyoto Station. Visitors can expect more hikers in the fall months, but it is a relatively uncrowded area.

Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Yamabana Ichoda, 14-1
Website: https://www.hieizan.gr.jp/design/pdf/en.pdf

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20. Uji: Famous for Green Tea and the Byodoin Phoenix Hall

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Uji is a city located just south of Kyoto and is part of Kyoto prefecture. Famous for the beautiful and historic Byodoin Temple, the majestic Uji River, and tea, Uji is a highly recommended place to spend time on a day trip or longer when in Kyoto, especially for repeat visitors.

In addition to the famous Byodoin Temple, be sure to explore the other side of the Uji River, too, where you will find Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine, charming shops and cafes, and The Tale of Genji Museum. There are many vendors and cafes offering matcha and Japanese tea-infused desserts that will delight visitors with a sweet tooth.

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Explore Deep Kyoto

While it's plenty of fun seeing all the famous spots in Kyoto, going somewhere that is less well known has its merits too, as you can make your own unique memories of Kyoto.

Main image by Pixta
This is an updated version of an article published originally in 2017.