1 of 20
Photograph by marc stapelberg, National Geographic Your Shot
Discover 20 of Kyoto’s highlights and hidden gems
In this historic city, age-old traditions mingle with a modern metropolis.
ByNano Betts
May 17, 2019
3 min readTimeless, elegant, tranquil: It’s no wonder Kyoto attracts almost four million international tourists a year. Japan’s capital from the eighth to the 19th centuries, the city was spared major damage during World War II and retains its architectural heritage and old-world charm.
In today’s Kyoto, deep-rooted traditions thrive in a 21st-century metropolis. The ancient temples, inspiring nature, bustling markets, contemporary art scene, and culinary culture beckon travelers of all types to explore the city’s hidden treasures.
When to go: There’s something new to discover here in any season. Summer brings a wave of cultural celebrations and fireworks festivals, followed by autumn’s colorful sweep of changing maple leaves. After winter blankets venerable alleys and temples in snow, spring comes with the sakura (cherry blossoms) bursting into bloom in late March, one of the most popular times to visit.
What to do: Rent a bike to cycle through residential and rural areas while traveling between temples in this “City of 10,000 Shrines.” Explore historic buildings, bamboo forests, and UNESCO World Heritage sites before relaxing with a traditional tea ceremony. Here are 10 additional sights and experiences you can’t miss in Kyoto.
Members of our Your Shot photography community made the pictures in this gallery. Join the Your Shot community to share a photo of somewhere that’s meaningful to you.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
