Northern Kyoto Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Northern Kyoto
Where to stay in Northern Kyoto
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Raku Art Museum and Seimei-Jinja Shrine.
Downtown Kyoto
While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Rokakkudo Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle are top sights in Nakagyo Ward, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station to see more sights in the area.
Arashiyama
You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.
Sakyo Ward
Noted for its gardens and mountain views, there's plenty to explore in Sakyo Ward. Top attractions like Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto Concert Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Matsugasaki Station or Kokusaikaikan Station to see more of the city.
Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025
Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025
Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025
Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025
Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025
Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025
Popular places to visit
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take a stroll or a bicycle ride through this sublime forest to experience the otherworldly tranquility created by filtered sunlight and rustling bamboo leaves.
Heian Shrine
An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.
Activities
Kyoto/Osaka: Sanzenin, Bamboo Forest, & Arashiyama Day Trip
Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto Coast, Amanohashidate & Ine Bay Day Trip
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
- Kawaramachi Street
- Nishiki Market
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Nijō Castle
- Kyoto University
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Heian Shrine
- Yasaka Shrine
- Pontocho Alley
- Shijo Street
- Gion Corner
- Mount Hiei
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Arashiyama Onsen
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Gion Shirakawa Area
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Bamboo Forest Street
- Kitano Tenmangū
- Toei Kyoto Studio Park