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A large Zen temple complex famous for its large collection of famous artwork. To enter the main hall of Myōshin-ji, you must pay for a tour (tours typically operate every 20 minutes). Inside the main hall you'll find the temple's large dragon painting on the ceiling and the bell. Myōshinji's bell was made in 698, making it one of the oldest in Japan. As one of the head Zen temples, there are many sub-temples on the temple grounds, each with its own sites and separate fees. Some of the sub-temples are even available for overnight stays and meditation (see "Sleep" section).

An overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto. Jingoji Temple was established by Priest Kukai as the head of the Shingon Sect during the Heian Period. Make sure you walk all the way to the back of the temple ground to a commanding view of the Kiyotaki River below wedged between two hills; here you can buy clay disks, which you throw down the mountain after making a wish. The temple is especially lovely in the fall, when the leaves all turn colors.

A former sub-temple of Jingoji. While it is not worth making a special trip to see this temple, those touring the Takao area might as well visit, as it is located on the path connecting Jingo-ji to Kōzan-ji. The bridge leading to the temple and the lanterns outside the entrance are quite nice.

Registered as one of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kōzan-ji is a small temple dating all the way back to the Kamakura period. Inside the temple you'll find a famous painting of rabbits and monkeys acting as humans, considered to be the world's first manga.

It was built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital. Shimogamo is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, they are known as the Kamo Shrines. These shrines were one of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who made often made offerings here. The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. Shimogamo is also a great place to experience Japanese festivals, as many special events are held here, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's top three festivals.

Collectively, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they were highly favored by the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. The shrine is most famous for the tatesuna, the two large sand cones. Their origins and original purpose are unknown, but it has been speculated that they represent nearby mountains. Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites.

Japan's first botanical garden since 1924, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is quite large and houses a wide variety of plants. It is a popular place for plum blossom viewing in February and early March and cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in early April. The indoor garden has a wide variety of tropical plants, desert cactuses, and other plants. The entrance fee only covers the outside gardens, but the additional fee to see the garden is quite nominal, so it is well worth it.

A beautiful villa commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno-o in 1655 and completed four years later. The area is separated into three separate villas. In the lower villa, you'll find a lovely garden with a stream running through it and the Jugetsukan, where the emperor relaxed before making his way to the upper villa. The middle villa is home to the Rakushi-ken, princess Akinomiya's home, and the Kyaku-den, which was also given to Akinomiya when the consort that it was built for died prior to its completion. These buildings contain some particularly beautiful artwork, and an interesting flat pine tree. After seeing all of that, you will finally be escorted to the upper villa. Upon entering the villa, you will ascend the stairs to discover a gorgeous view of the garden and Yokuryū Pond. The tour ends with a stroll along the outer edges of a pond, past a waterfall and the bridges. Princess Diana was once a guest here, a fact the tour guides love to share with visitors. The best time to visit is said to be the autumn when the leaves are changing. If you plan to visit, make your reservation 3 months in advance for the best chances. One-hour tours (in Japanese) start at 09:00, 10,00, 11:00, 13:30, 15;00.

A temple famous for its gardens. A particularly unique feature of this garden is incorporation of Mount Hiei, of which there is a great view from the temple, into the layout of the garden.

For anyone looking to see something slightly different from the standard Japanese temple, Myōman-ji offers a replica of Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha obtained Enlightenment. The rest of the complex is quite Japanese, but still very beautiful, with artwork and a garden.

Built in 1641, this temple once housed the poet Jōzan Ishikawa. Inside the temple there are portraits of 36 influential Chinese poets. Outside there is a garden filled with many azaleas.

A Buddhist temple overlooking the valley from the hills. There is a short cable car from the village to the hills (¥200/100 adult/child), but in order to see all the temples you have to walk either up or down. If you have been doing temple-hopping in Kyoto, Kurama-dera will be a pleasant surprise - even during the peak season, it doesn't get crowded here.

Small shrine in the quiet village of Kibune. Draws crowds of influencers around dusk for its picturesque lantern-lit stairway.

Built in honor of Prince Shōtoku's father, the temple's Jizo contains 6000 tiny Buddha statues inside. The temple is also significant as the final resting place of Empress Kenreimonin, the only member of the Taira clan to survive in the Tales of Heike.

As the top attraction in the Ohara area, this temple is well worth the visit. Housed within the temple are three ancient Buddha statues. Outside, there is a lovely moss garden and a variety of Buddhist statues ranging from the typical spiritual statues to adorable, animated statues.

A temple famous for its Buddhist chants, visitors can hear these chants for free on Sundays at 13:00. Sutra copying is also offered for ¥1000.

A temple where followers are trained to recite the Nyoho Nenbutsu chants. The statue kept within the shrine was originally adorned with the hair of the temple's founding priest.

The priest Hōnen's famous question-and-answer session was held in the temple's hondō (main hall). At the session, he is said to have shined the temple's principal Buddhist sculpture using only his prayers.

Like Yogen-in in Higashiyama, the ceiling of Hosen-in was built using the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where a bloody historic battle took place. As a result, you'll notice blood stains on the ceiling. Outside, there is a charming garden containing a famous 700-year-old pine tree.

The temple's American-educated vice abbot, Rev. Taka Kawakami, offers a detailed English tour of temple and leads Zen meditation lessons. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and also connected to Shinto and Christianity, and also offers accommodation for ¥5000/night.

Much more than simply a Zen meditation session, after one hour of meditation, participants will also get to experience a brief tea ceremony, calligraphy lessons, and an English tour of the temple's garden. It is a rare opportunity for tourists, but be aware that you will need to devote half of a day for the entire session. Reservations are required, but you can make your reservation in English at the website. All participants must be at least 15 years of age.

Well known hot spring in the small village of Kurama (see #See). There are both inside and outside baths, but if the weather permits do take the outside bath (rotenburo). Lying in the hot water, while admiring the green and hilly scenery is wonderfully relaxing. There are separate pools for men and women. There's also a free shuttle bus going every now and then, but you're recommended to take the walk (at least on the way back, which is downhill) and see some Japanese countryside.