Mibu-dera

A private residence, Nijo-Jinya is a former samurai house. Tours discuss the roles of samurai and the dangers experienced during that time period. The house features unique trap doors and escape routes used by samurai and former residents to escape fires and attacks. Guided tours are available in Japanese by a family member of the current residents. You are welcome to bring an interpreter.

Although cherry blossom-viewing and festivals can be seen all over Japan today, Shinsen-en Garden is where the very first organized cherry blossom viewing festival took place.

One of many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji is one of two temple complexes of the Buddhist sect, Jōdo Shinshū (the other being Higashi Honganji). It was founded in 1602, and has gates dating back to 1573.

Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto, with fine gardens and splendid centuries-old structures. The castle was built by the Tokugawa shoguns to serve as the shogun's residence in Kyoto. After the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as an imperial residence before being converted to a museum and opened to the public. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru Palace complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on so as to give advance warning when someone was approaching. From the empty base of the donjon that once overlooked the innermost section of the fortress (known as the Honmaru), you can get good views over parts of the castle compound and the wider city beyond. The donjon and original Honmaru Palace burnt down in two separate fires; the current Honmaru Palace was originally part of a prince's residence, and moved to its current location in the Meiji Period (late 19th century). The Honmaru Palace was opened to the public for the first time in 18 years on September 1, 2024, but reservations are required, and it will cost an additional ¥1,000. See also Japanese castles.

In the heart of the city is located the Butoh-kan, the world's first theatre devoted to weekly performances of the elusive dance of Butoh. Performances are by world-famous Butoh dancer Tenko Ima, every Thursday at 18:00 and 20:00. She is accompanied by live Shamisen music. The "theatre" is an ancient plaster storehouse, so the atmosphere is vivid and intimate, because there are only eight seats per show. Due to Covid-19, the theater has been closed since May 2021.

An expansive and modern railway museum with over 50 historical Japanese rollingstock, primarily used in service by JR West and its predecessor, JNR. Three Shinkansen models are on display, along with an extensive collection of preserved steam locomotives, including one you can ride. Many informative displays and exhibits of railway technology, operations and systems line a three story main building, coupled with an outdoor locomotive garage complete with railway turntable mean it is easy to spend hours in here. In addition, a very popular train simulator and miniature railway display complete the experience; the former is so popular it requires a lottery to get a turn!