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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
with its distinctive two-story entrance gate (sanmon) and aqueduct, is another popular temple in Kyoto, but its larger size means that it doesn't seem as crowded as many of the others. Nearest bus stop: Nanzenji, Eikando-michi. Nearest subway station: Keage. Open daily, 08:30-17:00. Walking around the temple complex is free, including the unusual Meiji-era aqueduct that wouldn't look out of place in Italy. There are three regions of Nanzenji that you can pay to enter: Sanmon - the two-story main gate to Nanzenji Temple charges ¥500 for admission, and offers pleasant views over the surrounding area of the city. Nanzen-in Zen Temple - a small, but relaxing temple and moss garden behind the aqueduct, dating back to the 13th century, charges ¥300 for admission, and is probably only worth it if you have a particular interest in Zen Buddhism. Hōjō - the abbot's quarters, is a more interesting building, with a small raked gravel garden and some impressive paintings on the sliding doors of the buildings.
Nanzen-ji , or Zuiryusan Nanzen-ji, formerly Zenrin-ji , is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Emperor Kameyama established it in 1291 on the site of his previous detached palace. It is also the headquarters of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. The precincts of Nanzen-ji are a nationally designated Historic Site and the Hōjō gardens a Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple was destroyed in a fire in 1895 and rebuilt in 1909.
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永観堂禅林寺
A large temple said to have been constructed by Priest Kūkai. The temple features a unique statue of Amida Buddha, Mikaeri Amida, that looks to the right rather than facing forward; there's a charming legend attached to it. The temple grounds also feature a Tahōtō pagoda and a lake. The temple is particularly pleasant in the autumn when the leaves are changing (and the admission fee jumps to ¥1000; also, during the peak leaf season, the grounds close at 16:00 and reopen at 17:00 for an additional viewing session (¥900) where the trees, buildings and paths are illuminated by hundreds of lights). Matcha sets under the trees, on the benches set off the main path, ¥500.
若王子神社 Nyakuōji-jinja; 熊野若王子神社 Kumano Nyakuōji-jinja
Established in 1160, a nice shrine to visit in the autumn when the leaves are changing. It's a worthwhile stop for those travelling along the Philosopher's Path, but probably not worth making the trip just to see this shrine.
光雲寺
A temple designed around the borrowed scenery of the surrounding mountains, it was once owned by Empress Go-mizunoo.
Like most zoos, visitors will see lions, tigers, and monkeys. There is an aviary and reptile exhibit, as well. The zoo has some native Japanese animals, but there isn't much to set it apart from most other zoos in the world.
京都市美術館
This museum houses a wide variety of art with the permanent collections featuring artists that are from Kyoto. Special exhibits may feature Japanese art from other areas or foreign artwork.
青蓮院
Once associated with the head Tendai Buddhist sect temple, Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, Shōren-in is considered to be one of the top five Tendai sect temples. During the Tokugawa period, it served as temporary lodging for a retired emperor after the Imperial Palace burned down. Those who come during November may be able to practice a tea ceremony (See "Do" section of the guide).