Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Kyoto is a timeless city filled with cultural landmarks, temples, and natural beauty. Although iconic destinations like the Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are famous, many lesser-known places provide a more peaceful and unique experience. These hidden gems are perfect additions to any Kyoto tourist places list and ideal for those seeking something different on their Kyoto trip. Let’s explore these 10 offbeat places to visit in Kyoto for a deeper, quieter connection with the city’s heritage.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Kyoto
Do not forget to visit these best places in Kyoto on your amazing trip.
1. Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a quirky temple with a serene atmosphere. Nestled in the quiet Saga Toriimoto area, it is home to 1,200 rakan, or stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. Each rakan is unique, with expressions ranging from joyful to contemplative, making it an amusing and thought-provoking visit. This site is far less crowded than typical tourist places in Kyoto, offering peace and charm. Visitors can take time to explore the detailed carvings and enjoy the temple’s lush surroundings.
Location: Saga Toriimoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The 1,200 unique rakan sculptures
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Tokyo
2. Gio-Ji Temple
Photo: じゃんもどき / Wikimedia Commons
Gio-ji Temple is a hidden sanctuary in Kyoto known for its magical moss garden. The temple’s thatched-roof main hall sits amidst a lush carpet of moss, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. It is an ideal spot for those who enjoy quiet moments in nature. Unlike busier Kyoto tourist places, this temple offers a calm retreat, perfect for meditation or photography. It also has a poetic history tied to the tragic love story of Gio, a 12th-century dancer.
Location: Sagano, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The serene moss garden
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station
3. Daigo-Ji Temple
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Daigo-ji Temple, located on Kyoto’s outskirts, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exudes historical significance and natural beauty. The temple grounds include the Five-Story Pagoda, which is the oldest surviving wooden structure in Kyoto. Visitors can wander through serene gardens, including a beautiful pond surrounded by seasonal blooms. Far from the bustling crowds of central Kyoto, Daigo-ji allows visitors to explore at their own pace. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and scenic tranquillity.
Location: Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The Five-Story Pagoda
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Daigo Station
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Japan
4. Yasaka Koshindo Temple
Photo: そらみみ / Wikimedia Commons
Yasaka Koshindo Temple is a vibrant and colourful spot dedicated to Koshin, the guardian of good fortune. Brightly coloured fabric pom-poms called “kukurizaru,” each representing a wish, adorn the temple. Visitors write their wishes on these pom-poms and hang them around the temple. The cheerful atmosphere and unique design make it a favourite for photography. Although smaller than other tourist attractions in Kyoto, it leaves a big impression with its charm and cultural significance.
Location: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The colourful kukurizaru pom-poms
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kiyomizu-Gojō Station
5. Pontocho Alley
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Pontocho Alley is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric spots, blending tradition and modernity. Small restaurants, bars, and teahouses occupy the wooden buildings lining this narrow lane. At night, the alley transforms into a magical space with glowing lanterns, offering an authentic glimpse into Kyoto’s nightlife. Visitors can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine while soaking in the ambience. Unlike crowded tourist places in Kyoto, Pontocho Alley provides an intimate experience steeped in history and local culture.
Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: Authentic dining experiences
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kawaramachi Station
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Japan In August
6. Daruma-dera
Photo: OhMyDeer / Wikimedia Commons
Daruma-dera, or Horin-ji Temple, is a unique Kyoto attraction known for its collection of Daruma dolls. With over 8,000 dolls in various sizes and designs, the temple celebrates perseverance and determination, traits symbolized by the Daruma. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the intricate details of the dolls, and learn about their cultural significance. This hidden gem is quiet and immersive, making it a great choice for those seeking lesser-known Kyoto tourist places.
Location: Nishijin, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The extensive Daruma doll collection
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
7. Fushimi Inari’s Hidden Bamboo Groves
Photo: Satoshi Hirayama / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates, its hidden bamboo groves are a lesser-known treasure. These peaceful paths wind through lush bamboo forests, offering a quiet escape from the shrine’s busy main trail. The groves are perfect for meditative walks and capturing unique photos. Visitors who explore beyond the torii gates will find these hidden paths a highlight of their Kyoto trip. It’s one of the best offbeat places to visit in Kyoto.
Location: Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: Hidden bamboo trails
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Inari Station
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Japan
8. Jojakko-Ji Temple
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the hills of Arashiyama, Jojakko-ji Temple offers stunning views of Kyoto and a peaceful environment. Its gardens feature vibrant foliage in autumn, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Visitors can explore its historic pagoda and stroll through lush surroundings. Compared to other tourist attractions in Kyoto, Jojakko-ji is less crowded, providing a serene retreat. Whether you visit during the cherry blossom season or autumn, this temple is a picturesque addition to your Kyoto itinerary.
Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto
Major Attraction: Autumn foliage views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station
9. Kifune Shrine
Photo: Senbei6304 / Wikimedia Commons
Kifune Shrine, dedicated to water deities, is located in the northern mountains of Kyoto. The shrine’s most iconic feature is its lantern-lit staircase, which looks especially beautiful in the snow or during summer greenery. The serene atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine at the riverside restaurants nearby.
Location: Kibune, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Major Attraction: The lantern-lined staircase
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day trip
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kibuneguchi Station
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Hiroshima
10. Okochi Sanso Villa
Photo: KimonBerlin / Wikimedia Commons
Okochi Sanso Villa is a hidden gem in Arashiyama. Once the residence of a famous Japanese actor, the villa is now open to the public, showcasing its meticulously designed gardens and stunning views of Kyoto. Visitors can enjoy a serene walk through the grounds, which include tea houses and scenic spots for photography. Unlike busier Kyoto tourist places, this villa provides a tranquil experience steeped in art and nature. A visit here is a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto
Major Attraction: Scenic garden walks
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station
Kyoto’s hidden gems provide a quieter and more personal experience of this historic city. These offbeat places to visit in Kyoto showcase the city’s cultural depth, from quirky statues and moss gardens to peaceful shrines and lantern-lit paths. Adding these unique destinations to your Kyoto tourist places list will help you see a side of Kyoto that few others do. Step off the beaten path, and explore these serene spots. Book your trip with TripXL and make your Kyoto trip truly unforgettable!
Cover Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels
