# GOLDEN PAVILION (KINKAKU-JI) 8 
Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Pavilion is an extremely famous three-story Zen Buddhist temple, situated in a pond and encircled by gorgeously manicured gardens.
The top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf. The present pavilion structure dates from 1955 when it was rebuilt after a novice monk set fire to the 14th-century original.
Temple 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1994 | Completed: 14th century, rebuilt 1955
# KIYOMIZU-DERA 7 
Constructed in 1633, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for the wooden veranda, supported by 139 pillars, which projects out from the main hall and offers a stunning view of Kyoto and beyond.
There is not a single nail used in the entire structure.
Temple 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1994 | Completed: 1633
by Martin Falbisoner / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine 7
The main reason most tourists visit this particularly important Shinto shrine is to explore the mountain trails with its spectacular rows of close to 10,000 red and orange lacquered torii gates.
The custom to donate a torii started to spread in the Edo period in the 17th century. Furthermore, several of the shrine buildings themselves are remarkable.
Shinto Shrine Completed: Main Shrine 1499 / Torii 1603 – 1868
by BriYYZ / CC BY-SA 2.0
# SILVER PAVILION (GINKAKU-JI) 7
Completed in 1482 this 2-storied pavilion is known for its elegance combining different architectural styles as well as for its beautifully designed and maintained surrounding gardens.
The Silver Pavilion is not actually silver, but the initial plans were to cover its exterior in silver foil in imitation of the Golden Pavilion.
Zen Temple 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1994 | Completed: 1490
# Sanjusangendo Temple 6 
At 120 m (393 ft), Sanjusangendo Hall is the longest wooden structure in Japan.
The temple is famous for its impressive 1001 life-size statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon which stand on both the right and left sides of the main statue in ten rows and fifty columns.
Buddhist Temple Completed: 1164
by Jorobeq / CC BY-SA 3.0
# NIJŌ CASTLE 6
Located in a large attractive garden, the extensive Nijo Castle with immense stone walls was built in 1679 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period.
After passing through the impressive Kara-mon gate, visitors can enter Ninomaru palace, one of the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, which is famous for its "nightingale floors".
Castle 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1994 | Completed: 1679
# Kyoto National Museum 6
Opened in 1897, the Kyoto National Museum focuses on pre-modern Japanese works and Asian art and displays a wide variety of cultural properties, including archaeological relics, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, textiles, and paintings.
It is widely considered the best museum in Kyoto.
Museum Opened: 1897
by Rdsmith4 / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Heian Shrine 6
Constructed in 1895 for the city’s 1,100th anniversary, Heian Jingū is a relatively new replica of a famous Heian Period structure.
The shrine is famous for its gigantic (24.4 m, 80 ft) Torii Gate, its elegant gardens, and its gorgeous pond views from the beautiful, roofed Bridge of Peace (Taihei-kaku).
Shinto Shrine Complex Established: 1895, partially rebuilt 1979
# Gion 6
Picturesque Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, is at its most atmospheric in the early evening when the lanterns are lit.
This neighborhood is famous for its old wooden buildings, narrow cobbled lanes, tea houses, and exclusive traditional Japanese restaurants.
by Kanchi1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Katsura Imperial Villa 6
Built along the Katsura River in the middle of the 17th century, Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design.
The well-preserved residence of the Japanese imperial family is only accessible as part of a tour.
by John Chang / CC BY-SA 3.0
#11 | Kyoto Imperial Palace and Garden 6
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, known as the Kyoto Gosho, served as the residence of the Imperial family until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869.
Built in the 14th century, the palace complex showcases traditional Japanese architecture, including elegant sliding doors, tatami mat floors, and beautiful gardens.
by Nagono / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Arashiyama and Sagano 6
Arashiyama and Sagano are picturesque districts located in the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, renowned for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
Arashiyama is famous for its iconic bamboo groves, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and enchanting atmosphere, drawing visitors from around the world.
Sagano is celebrated for its scenic Hozu River, offering boat rides that showcase breathtaking views of lush mountainsides, traditional ryokan inns, and historic bridges.
by Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0
HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT NARA 7
Nara boasts an array of historic monuments dating back to its days as the country's capital in the 8th century.
Among these monuments is the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, a towering bronze statue that's a testament to ancient craftsmanship.
Historic Monuments 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1998 | Distance from Kyoto: 34 km
by 663highland / CC BY-SA 3.0
Osaka 6
Osaka is a dynamic city in Japan, blending rich history with modernity, renowned for its vibrant street food culture and iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.
City Distance from Kyoto: 56 km (1 h 5 min by train)
by Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 4.0