The Most Interesting Historical Places in Kyoto

Explore an important chapter in the nation's history at Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the country's royal family. Join a gui

Originally built as 15th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa's retirement villa, Ginkaku-ji Temple stands as a testament to developing Higashiy

With its top two stories completely coated in pure gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji gleams in the sunlight and reflects off the pond at its edge. This Z

Built and rebuilt numerous times since 1653, Osaka Castle looms over its surrounding gardens, moats, imposing stone walls, gates, and turrets

Visit Tenryuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple and World Heritage Site, to meditate and reflect among daily visitors and worshippers. The templ

Serene and ornate, Tofuku-ji Temple operates as a traditional Zen Buddhist shrine. Erected in 1236, the temple was accurately restored in the

Noted for its scarlet tori gates, Heian Shrine remains one of the most important Shinto sites in Kyoto. Built in 1895 to celebrate the city’s

Tucked up against lush hills, Nanzen-ji Temple remains one of the nation's most important Zen Buddhist places of worship. As you enter throug

The imposing tiers of Toji, a World Heritage Site and a symbol of Kyoto, rise grandly over its surrounding gardens. The five-tiered temple, f

Find tranquility and history at Kodai-ji Temple, a Buddhist shrine founded in the 17th century. Originally established in 1606, this site bel