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Kyoto is in every traveler’s spotlight. This spectacular city, about a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, is described by Lonely Planet as “old Japan old Japan writ large: atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional teahouses, and geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.”
Now, zooming in to those atmospheric temples. If you’re headed to Kyoto for food, you’ll most likely try their boiled tofu and matcha. For attractions, it’s the Instagrammable Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is one of the shrines featured on this list.
Shrines in Kyoto are greater in number than those in other cities, like Hiroshima. Moreover, their designs are so diverse that each of your visits will be a unique experience. They reflect the city’s rich history of Buddhism and Shinto, as seen in the thousands of temples and shrines here, each with its own charm. These are the best.
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Can you believe there are over 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto, and that’s for the ancient religion alone? Among those Shinto shrines is Fushimi Inari Taisha. You shouldn’t get out of Kyoto without setting foot here. Aside from posing with the orange torii gates leading to the sacred Mount Inari, make sure to understand its history.
Hours: 24/7
Address: 68-1 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-0882, Japan.
2. Yasaka
It’s a shrine right in the middle of a road where cars pass by. The Yasaka Shrine is at the heart of the Gion District, the geisha quarter. Founded over a century ago, this shrine stands witness to the radiant Gion Festival every July.
Hours: 24/7
Address: 625-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0073, Japan
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3. Shimogamo-jinja
If Fushimi Inari is a social media star, Shimogamo-jinja is the most beautiful. Before you can reach the main hall, you’ll pass by a long pedestrian walkway surrounded by a magical forest. Then, you’ll see the shrine with a wide roof that screams amazing.
Hours: 6:30 AM-5 PM
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumikawachō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-0807, Japan
4. Heian-Jingu
Best known as the venue of the Jidai Matsuri festival, which celebrates Kyoto’s founding, Heian-jingu also has torii gates like Fushimi Inari’s, but their sizes are larger. Interestingly, this shrine serves as a tinier version of the illustrious Kyoto Imperial Palace. Heian-jingu Shrine was built in 1895, then to commemorate the 1,100th founding anniversary of Heiankyo, Kyoto’s former name, so its story is even further back in time.
This is also one of the must-visit shrines for the New Year, where you can pray for happiness, health, and prosperity alongside Fushimi Inari and Yasaka.
Hours: 6 AM-6 PM
Address: 97-1 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8341, Japan
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5. Kamigamo-jinja
Don’t mistake this for Shimogamo-jinja. The Kamigamo-jinja, for some unexplained reason, is largely ignored by tourists, but that’s their loss now. It’s actually beautiful. Though a tedious trek from downtown Kyoto, you’ll be treated to an amazing sign. You may also bike around here and maybe spot a traditional Japanese wedding taking place.
Hours: 24/7
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan
6. Matsuo-Taisha
Now, this is a must-visit as well since it’s one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto, established in the 700s. It will remind you of the Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong. Food lovers will adore this shrine as local sake makers and miso producers visit here to pray for their products to be successfully sold for the entire year. Matsuo-taisha serves the kinpaku miki, a sake filled with gold leaf, every New Year.
Hours: 9 AM-4 PM
Address: 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0024, Japan
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7. Yoshida-jinja
Are you looking for a quieter shrine? Visit Yoshida-jinja. It’s the ultimate favorite of tourists. Surrounded by lush greenery, this shrine is alive with the spirits of Shinto. Japanese children can have their miyamaeri here or their first ceremonial Shinto blessing.
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM
Address: 30 Yoshidakaguraokacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8311, Japan
8. Kitano Tenmangu
Touted as the “symphony of plum blossoms,” Kitano Tenmangu was built in 947 to conciliate Sugawara no Michizane’s spirit. He was a famous scholar, poet, and official during the Heian period. Thus, the temple grounds are filled with his favorite white and red plum blossom trees.
Hours: 7 AM-5 PM
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8386, Japan
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9. Seimei
Fifty years after Kitano Tenmangu, the Seimei Shrine was born. Commissioned by Emperor Emperor Ichijō in memory of his spiritual adviser, Abe no Seimei, it was built on the site of Seimei’s residence after his death. Check out the famous well here, which is believed to have magical water.
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM
Address: 806 Seimeicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8222, Japan
Those are nine of the must-visit shrines in Kyoto. If you wish to see most of the shrines here, you might need to stay in this city for a longer period. Nevertheless, when visiting a Kyoto shrine, mind the dress code, just as when visiting mosques in Malaysia, and to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Want to explore Kyoto comfortably on an e-bike? Join our Kyoto Bike Tour and conveniently roam around the best sights in the city.
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