Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Kyōto, Japan

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine

A famous shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a trail up Mount Inari.

Easy Access: Located near JR Inari Station, easily accessible from Kyoto Station or Kansai Airport.
Unique Experience: Offers a unique and peaceful walking experience amidst the torii gates.
Iconic Landmark: One of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

The former residence of the Japanese Emperor, featuring beautiful gardens and buildings.

Historical Significance: A symbol of the long history of Kyoto as the imperial capital.
Tranquil Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere within the city.
Easy Access: Located near Kyoto Station, easily accessible from both train and airport.

A stunning bamboo forest located in the picturesque district of Arashiyama.

Natural Beauty: Offers a unique and breathtaking natural beauty experience.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Easy Access: Well-connected to Kyoto and Kansai Airport via train.

An iconic Buddhist temple with a beautiful wooden stage overlooking Kyoto.

Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and culture.
Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of Kyoto city from its wooden stage.
Easy Access: Located near Higashiyama Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A traditional district with beautiful wooden machiya houses and tea houses.

Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience, including the possibility of spotting geishas.
Shopping Opportunities: Offers numerous traditional shops and restaurants to explore.
Easy Access: Located near Gion-Shijō Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful castle in Kyoto, boasting elaborate wooden architecture.

Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was once the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.
Architectural Marvel: Features intricate wooden architecture and secret nightingale floors.
Easy Access: Located near Kyoto Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful gold-leafed temple built over a clear pond.

Iconic Landmark: One of Kyoto's most iconic and photographed landmarks.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens and a tranquil pond.
Easy Access: Well-connected to Kyoto and Kansai Airport via train.

A beautiful walking path lined with cherry trees and stunning temple views.

Scenic Beauty: Offers a picturesque walk through Kyoto, especially during cherry blossom season.
Historical Significance: Connected to the historical Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and other temples.
Easy Access: Located near Ginkaku-ji, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful temple with a phoenix-adorned roof on its pond.

Iconic Landmark: One of Japan's most iconic temples, often featured on the yen 10 bill.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene pond with a phoenix statue.
Easy Access: Well-connected to Kyoto and Kansai Airport via train.

A lively market filled with traditional Kyoto food shops and restaurants.

Culinary Experience: Offers a unique culinary experience, with many traditional Kyoto foods to sample.
Shopping Opportunities: Features numerous shops selling traditional Kyoto food products.
Easy Access: Located near Shijō Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A temple housing a thousand life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Historical Significance: Features over a thousand beautiful wooden statues, making it an important cultural landmark.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and calming atmosphere within the temple.
Easy Access: Located near Kyoto Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful imperial villa with stunning gardens designed by Imperial court architects.

Historical Significance: An important example of traditional Japanese architecture.
Natural Beauty: Features beautiful gardens and a serene lake setting.
Easy Access: Located near JR Katsura Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful temple with a silver leafed roof in the Higashiyama district.

Historical Significance: An important cultural landmark, originally intended to be covered in silver leaf.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a tranquil pond.
Easy Access: Well-connected to Kyoto and Kansai Airport via train.

A beautiful shrine built in the traditional imperial style.

Historical Significance: An important cultural landmark, constructed to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by a beautiful forest and peaceful gardens.
Easy Access: Located near JR Sanjō Station, easily accessible from train and airport.

A beautiful Zen temple with stunning autumn foliage.

Natural Beauty: Known for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional gardens.
Zen Experience: Provides a peaceful Zen experience within the temple grounds.
Easy Access: Located near Tofukuji Station, easily accessible from train and airport.