Kyoto: Exploring Hidden Gems to Avoid Crowds

SO13 spots

Even in Kyoto, which suffers from overtourism, there are still places you can enjoy quietly. Hidden temples and shrines recommended by locals, and famous spots for flower water arrangements. For those tired of the 'usual Kyoto'.

Note: This list contains advertising (affiliate links).

Japan, 〒606-8154 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Ichijōji Monguchi Town 27

The former villa of the poet Ishikawa Jōzan in Ichijōji, a literati world highlighted by the beauty of its white sand and trimmed gardens.

Japan, 〒616-8435 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward, Sagatoriimoto Kosaka Town 32

A hermitage nestled in the inner recesses of Sagano, its moss garden's beauty and tranquility make you forget the hustle and bustle of tourist spots.

Japan, 〒617-0855 Kyoto Prefecture, Nagaokakyō City, Jōdo-dani Dōno-dani 2

A Kannon revered for healing eye ailments, nestled in the mountains of Nagaokakyō, its hydrangea and autumn foliage seasons are particularly beautiful.

Japan, 〒604-8185 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Nakagyo Ward, Karasuma Street Aneyakoji Sagaru Bancho 586-2

A complex facility renovated from a Taisho-era telephone exchange, discover new Kyoto culture closely connected to the local community.

Japan, 〒600-8022 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Shimogyo Ward, Inari Town 318-6

A new lifestyle hub in Kawaramachi, a sophisticated gourmet space with an organic focus.

Japan, 〒606-0067 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Kamitakano Higashiyama 55

An exceptional autumn foliage spot nestled in the mountains of Kamitakano, available for quiet viewing by reservation only.

Japan, 〒610-0211 Kyoto Prefecture, Tsuzuki District, Ujitawara Town Okuyamada Kawakami 149

A temple in the mountains of Ujitawara, famous for its wind chimes and heart-shaped windows, its refreshing summer sounds are its charm.

Japan, 〒621-0856 Kyoto Prefecture, Kameoka City, Kamiyata Town Kamigakiuchi 22-2

A hidden gem for autumn foliage in Kameoka, you can have the beautiful mountain maples all to yourself by venturing a little from the city.

Japan, 〒603-8231 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita Ward, Murasakino Daitokuji Town 73-1

Among the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji, it has a particularly calm atmosphere, with a magnificent dry landscape garden associated with the Hosokawa family.

Japan, 〒603-8468 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita Ward, Takamine Kitatakamine Town 47-47

A tranquil Zen temple in Takamine, its four seasons viewed from the 'Window of Enlightenment' and 'Window of Delusion' cleanse the soul.

Japan, 〒606-8184 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Ichijōji Haraiden Town 10

A long-established independent bookstore in Ichijōji, a sub-cultural mecca in Kyoto where culture lovers gather.

Japan, 〒602-0822 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kamigyo Ward, Seiryū Town 236

A long-established Japanese confectionery store in Demachiyanagi, the queue for mame mochi can be relatively smooth on weekdays.

Japan, 〒603-8047 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita Ward, Kamigamo Motoyama 339

A World Heritage site and Kyoto's oldest shrine, its vast grounds in Kamigamo can be visited quietly on weekdays.

🎫 Book activities from this list on Klook

Open Klook