Top 5 Hidden Gems of Kyoto
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Facts & Figures
The Top 5 Hidden Gems of Kyoto is my handpicked list of unique Buddhist temples, shrines, lookouts, and river cruises for you, which are a bit off the beaten track. Kyoto has amazing spots to offer and there is something to discover on every corner:)
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1. 8000 Buddhist statues at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
The Buddhist temple Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is located in the Sagano area of Ukyo-ku in the north-western part of Kyoto. The temple is well-known for its more than 8000 Buddhist statues. The statues and towers were created in memory of the souls who could not get a proper burial, because they were poor and had no families.
Address: 17 Adashino-cho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo-ku, 616-8436, Kyoto
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2. View over Kyoto from Awata-jinja Shrine
Awata-jinja Shrine is located on top of a hill. From there, you have an amazing view of Kyoto, Mt. Atago, Mt. Hiei, Okazaki Park, and the Heian Jingu Shrine. The beautiful and quiet shrine was once the starting point of the Tokai-do Road, which connected Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo). Before travelers started their journey, they visited the shrine to pray for a safe trip.
Address: Awataguchi Kaji-cho 1, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0051
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3. Residential Area near Ninnaji Temple
After I visited the Ninnaji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Kyoto I discovered this beautiful neighborhood beside the temple. I stayed for over one hour in this residential upper-class area to admire their Japanese garden design and housing style. During my visit, I was lucky enough to experience the cherry blossom season in Kyoto, which made this day even more complete.
Address: 33 Omuro-ouchi, Ukyo-ku, 616-8092, Kyoto
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4. 1200 moss-covered Rakan Statues at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Otagi Nenbutsuji is a quiet Buddhist Temple on the outskirts of the Arashiyama district in Kyoto. The temple is famous for its more than 1200 moss-covered Rakan (Arhat) sculptures. Each of these stone sculptures stands for a Buddha disciple and has a unique facial expression, posture, and body shape.
Address: 2-5 Fukatani-cho, Saga-Toriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8439
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5. Hozu River Boat Cruises
Enjoy a riverboat cruise from the city of Kameoka to the beautiful Arashiyama district in Kyoto. It takes you approx. 2 hours and you follow the river for a total length of 16 km. You will fall in love with the surrounding nature and the absolute highlight is when in autumn the leaves turn into an ocean of yellow, red, and orange.
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My tips for local activities
How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >
Where to stay in Kyoto?
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Day trips from Kyoto:
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I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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Books about Japan
Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
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