Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Kyoto Area

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Kyoto
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Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Kyoto Station Building

4.5

4260 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasumaru Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salokoji-machi 901

This is a large station building with 16 floors over and three floors underground that houses JR Kyoto Station - the entrance to Kyoto. Along with Kyoto Station itself there are a range of facilities including Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto Theater, Isetan department store, specialist shops, an art gallery, a rooftop garden, and Kyoto ramen alley. The central concourse is a roof-covered atrium, and there is a sky path 45 meters above ground. The famous 30-meter-long 171-step staircase is illuminated at night.

The design of the building is impressive and beautiful, especially inside. Its also very big. Like any other big train stations in Japan, its a huge shopping mall with department store many...
Kyoto Aquarium

4.0

541 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou 35-1 (in Umekoji Park)

"This inland aquarium is located in Umekoji Park, about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It consists of 10 areas, including the area of giant salamanders that inhabit the Kamo River, a huge tank filled with artificial seawater that recreates the Kyoto Sea, dolphins, penguins, etc. In July 2020, ""Jellyfish Wonders"" opened, exhibiting 5,000 jellyfish of about 30 species, the largest number in western Japan."

This aquarium has less to see than the Osaka one. However, they have a dolphin show called La La Fin Circus. It was all in Japanese so it was hard for the kids to understand what they were...
Toei Kyoto Studio Park

4.0

521 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Uzumasahigashihachiokachou 10

A movie theme park located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City which makes portions of the Toei Kyoto film studio open to the public. The park offers a variety of events and attractions, including the chance to see how television programs and movies are filmed on a recreated open set, historical dram sword fight and acting shows, a haunted house, and classes on theatrical sword fighting. The park also hosts restaurants and cafes. People of all ages can enjoy an entire day of fun at Toei Kyoto Studio Park. The park’s variety of opportunities to try out movie and TV related costumes are particularly popular, from simple costumes like those worn in historical dramas that can be put on in 15-20 minutes to photography sessions taken by professional photographers.

It’s a place for everybody who love Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. You guys should come here. It’s once in a life time ❤️❤️
Kyoto International Manga Museum

4.0

603 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Karasuma-ku Ikegami Le, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

This manga museum in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto, is Japan's largest manga museum. It first opened in 2006. Including valuable works from the Meiji period and the post-WWII period as well as popular modern titles and foreign works, they have almost 300,000 pieces in their collection. One of their showcases is a ''Manga Wall'' with 50,000 volumes of manga arrayed on bookcases that visitors can freely read. The spacious building is the former Tatsuike Elementary School and people can be found everywhere inside or outside on the lawn reading manga. This is a popular location for foreign tourists and couples.

This isnt strictly a museum but a library of manga books. There is a section of manga in English, German, Italian, Polish, Chinese etc. Each language has different books available. My son spent 3...
Amanohashidate View Land

4.0

453 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Miyadushi Monju

This is an amusement park at the summit of Mt. Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture with a viewing platform from which one can see Amanohashidate. Along with attractions including go karts, merry go rounds and a Ferris wheel, the view from the viewing platform restaurant is stunning. There are seven “fork peepholes” that allow one to look between the forks of Amanohashidate, and the Hiryukan through which one can see what looks like a dragon ascending to heaven. There are monorail and lift services to and from the foot of the mountain.

I went to here with friends . It’s so beautiful place and wonderful view . I really loved it . If you visit japan try to visit Kyoto Amanohashidate Viewland I really recommend this place .
Kyoto Botanical Garden

4.5

385 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shimogamohangichou

Opened in 1924, this is Japan’s oldest public botanical garden. Some 120 thousand plants grow on the garden’s spacious grounds, spanning some 12 thousand varieties. The south side of the garden features the front entrance flower beds blooming with seasonal flowers, a rose garden, and one of the largest greenhouses in Japan, were visitors can enjoy rare tropical plants such as welwitschia and baobab. The north side of the garden includes the virgin Nakaragi Forest and a garden presenting a natural plant ecology as well as cherry trees, Japanese apricot trees, and Japanese irises. The cherry tree blossoms from mid-March to late April are truly splendid and their illumination at night is a must-see. Children of junior high school age and younger as well as senior citizens 70 years of age and older may enter free. Kitayama Station is the closest station to the garden.

I have wanted to come here every time Ive visited Kyoto (7 times) but had never made it before. I was looking for somewhere less crowded and to spend some time in nature. That is exactly what I got...
Yasaka Hall Gion Corner

3.0

520 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachiminamigawa 570-2 Inside the Yakinikan

Here you can enjoy seven of Japan's traditional arts in the space of about an hour including Kyomai traditional Kyoto dance, Kyogen comedy theater, Gagaku traditional court music, Bunraku puppet theater, koto music, tea ceremony, and ikebana flower arranging. It is located inside the Yasaka Hall in Gion, Kyoto City, nearby the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. In the lobby you'll find pictures of annual festivals held in ''Kyoto Gokagai (five districts)'' (Gion Kobu, Miyagawa-cho, Ponto-cho, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi) as well as a Maiko gallery showing the ornamental flower pins worn by the Maiko, their hairstyles, and other small items. This is a famous place for seeing the character of Japan and is popular amongst students on school trips and foreign visitors. It is a five-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

This was an enjoyable taste of seven Japanese art forms seamlessly interwoven together in under an hour that at times it seems like one event with several sub-plots. The event highlights the tea...
Kyoto City Zoo

3.5

240 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Okazakihoushoujichou In Okazaki Park

A zoo established by the city of Kyoto located in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward. This historic zoo was the second to be opened in the country, having begun operating in 1903. The zoo is dedicated to animal breeding and has achieved the first successful breeding in Japan of species such as lions, tigers, western lowland gorillas, and lar gibbons. The zoo houses numerous exhibits only found here, including an Asian elephant herd in the Forest of Elephants and a Gorilla House where visitors can see gorillas learning with the use of touch panels, a first in Japan. In the Otogi no Kuni (Fairy Land) exhibit Animals, used to the presence of humans such as domesticated farm animals can be viewed up close and touched, providing visitors to have fun while learning about the preciousness of life.

We went to the gorilla enclosure and to our HORROR we saw a badly wounded pigeon being chased by a young gorilla. The Kyoto Zoo staff had to see those poor pigeons trapped in that enclosure at the...
Kasamatsu Park

4.0

322 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Miyadushi Ogaki

Located on the north side of Amanohashidate, this park is famous for its viewing platform located 130 meters up the side of Mt. Nariai deemed the “birthplace of ‘matanozoki’ (bending over and looking at the world upside-down from between one’s legs).” The Amanohashidate Cable Car and a lift operate between Fuchu Station at the foot of the mountain and Kasamatsu Station, making it easy to come view the scenery. The view of Amanohashidate from here is considered one of the three best of the area. Referred to as “Naname ichimoji” (“the Slanted Character,”) it is also called the “view of the rising dragon” due to its resemblance to a sinuous dragon rising towards the heavens. The park is filled with enjoyable sites and areas, including a circular sky deck, wooden viewing deck, wishing bell and wishing lock rail, and the Ama Terrace restaurant.

Many people have commented that the view of Amanohashidate, one of Japans Three Scenic Views, can both be seen from the top of Kasamatsu Park, and Viewland. These two parks are on opposite sides of...
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

4.0

156 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Okazakienshoujichou

This art museum inside Okazaki Park in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City first opened its doors in 1963. The museum’s annex, a modern building of glass and gray walls, was completed in 1986. The museum collects and preserves modern art from both within Japan and around the world and boasts a collection of over 12,000 pieces. The museum places particular emphasis on art from Western Japan and the Kansai region with a focus on Kyoto and has a collection of many works from the Kyoto and Kansai art worlds. The museum also displays industrial art pieces. In addition to a permanent exhibit whose contents are changed periodically, the museum also holds special exhibitions. The adjoining authentic Italian café is also popular.

The museum is not a large building. I recall seeing 3 levels of exhibitions permanent and also special exhibition. The permanent exhibition was nice although there was no description in other...
Byodoin Museum Hoshokan

4.5

232 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Uji-shi Uji Renge 116 (Byodoin Keidai)

This museum was opened in 2001 to preserve the collection from the former treasure house, which had deteriorated. The garden is designated as a famous historic landmark, and the building exterior is designed to blend perfectly with it, with special features like using natural lighting in the interior. In addition to being a registered National and Uji City Important Cultural Asset, it also displays a collection of Heian period onigawara gargoyle roof tiles excavated from archaeological sites.

A visit to the museum comes with the entrance price when visiting Byodoin Temple. I found the museum to be a great addition! The museum was pretty large with a lot of great artifacts and information...
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art

4.0

151 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Otsumi-gun Oyamazaki Town 5-3

Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art is located in the town of Oyamazaki, Otokuni County, Kyoto Prefecture. Industrialist Shotaro Kaga designed and built the original building, Oyamazaki Villa, which was later remodeled and converted to a museum. It holds exhibits and displays collections of artists associated with the folk art movement. Located on the slopes of Mount Tennozan, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the confluence of three rivers: the Kizu River, the Uji River, and the Katsura River.

This relatively small villa museum offers a look at a Western-style residence in Japan along with much decorative art and a few Monet paintings. We made a day trip here from Kyoto with a friend, and...
Fukuchiyama Castle

4.0

148 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Fukuchiyamashi Naiki 5

This castle of the old Fukuchiyama feudal domain in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture is a fortress which belonged to a powerful clan was once known as Yokoyama Castle. It was reconstructed by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1579, who renamed it to Fukuchiyama Castle. Once completed there was a castle tower and various other buildings, but after the castle abandonment orders of the Meiji period many were demolished. Just the stone wall, copper gatehouse and the Toyoiwa-no-i Well remain their original Edo period appearance. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1986, and the inside was opened as a museum.

言わずと知れた福知山市のシンボルです。城の縄張りは明智光秀によって定められましたが、城郭は江戸時代に入ってからのものです。廃藩置県による廃城で縄張りも縮小され、昭和後期に発掘調査・天守の復元・福知山城公園としての整備が行われました。名古屋城や大阪城、熊本城のように、威風堂々とした雰囲気はありませんが、市民を静かに穏やかに見守るような、そんな佇まいを感じます。現在、天守は郷土資料館となっています...
Nishijin Textile Center

3.5

173 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto prefecture Kyoto city Kamigyo-ku Horikawa dori Imadegawa south entrance west side

This meeting hall in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture introduces the charm of Japanese clothing, especially Nishijin silk fabrics, and displays related items. The third floor has a show stage on which they hold the extravagant Kimono Show each hour. With the workshops allowing one to watch artisans up close and the reservation handmaking experience activities, there are facilities for one to watch, sow and experience while learning and having fun. There are also Japanese trinkets on sale including clothing sundries and mufflers made of pure Japan-produced silk.

My wife was a little disappointed. She was hoping for fabric she couldnt get at home in Australia. Nothing extraordinary.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 61

First opened in 1956, this park halfway up Mt. Iwata in Arashiyama Mountain Range is home to some 120 Japanese macaques. The monkeys tend to congregate at the viewing area. Living wild and free to walk about the nature-rich grounds, visitors can easily observe them as they go about their lives. The shop at the mountain top rest area sells peanuts and apples for feeding to the monkeys. Colored by beautiful pink cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, the viewing area offers a sweeping view of Kyoto City. This location is particularly popular with international tourists. Arashiyama Station is the closest station to the park.
Uji City The Tale of Genji Museum

4.0

144 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Ujishi Uji Higashiuchi 45-26

This museum located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture collects and displays materials pertaining to the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji), the full-length novel by Murasaki Shikibu. Inside, it is divided into video exhibition rooms including the Heian-no-Ma which introduces the world of the Genji Monogatari and the life of Japanese nobles with models and video, and the Uji-no-Ma, which takes the theme of Uji Jujo (The 10 Quires of Uji) in the third part of the Genji Monogatari, which was set in Uji. There are also a teahouse offering Japanese sweets and a shop selling merchandise related to the Genji Monogatari.

This attractive modern museum reveals the ancient and elegant world of the Heian period of Japan through interactive displays, full screen sets and models. The focus? Just one:The Tale of Genji...
Kyoto Railway Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou

A museum dedicated to railways located on the western side of Kyoto Station. The museum features some 31 thousand square meters of exhibition space, which was the largest in Japan when the facility first opened. The facility displays 53 trains which helped lead the modernization of Japan. The museum is full of other interesting sights and activities, as well, including a giant railroad diorama, a train which visitors can ride pulled by a real steam engine, and a train simulator which shows what it's like to drive a train. The museum also provides a variety of cultural activities such as guided tours and workshops conducted by JR West Japan employees. Walk 20 minutes west from the central entrance of JR Kyoto Station.
Miyama Town Nature Cultural Village

4.0

37 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Nantanshi Miyamachounaka Downward 56

This is a large green space along the clear Yuragawa River in Miyamacho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. There are facilities including promenades, old houses with thatched roofs and sunken fireplaces, a baseball ground and a car camping site. In the lodging facility Kajikaso there is a day trip bathing facility to clean off the day’s grime while looking out over the river, and a joint restaurant serving Kyoto free pedigree chicken, deer meat and sweetfish in cuisine using local seasonal produce. There are plenty of spots where families can enjoy casual nature walks and camping.

The hotel lobby is gorgeous. It’s designed like a log cabin and they keep a real fire going in the fireplace, which makes the whole place smell wonderful. It’s a low-service hotel (the staff are also...
Hosomi Museum

4.0

82 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Okazakisaishoujichou 6-3

An art museum primarily dedicated to ancient Japanese art located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The museum first opened in 1998. The museum displays pieces collected by three generations of the Hosomi family, which was started by industrialist and Japanese art collector Kokoan Hosomi. The museum’s collection spans some 1,000 pieces and covers virtually every genre and period of Japanese art, including Shinto and Buddhist art, tea ceremony art, and Edo paintings. The museum holds a variety of special exhibits. It also houses a tea room and shop and is adjoined by a café, making it a popular place for art lovers.

Small but exhibitions with exquisite taste. Beautiful woodcuts and paintings in an intimate setting. Well worth your time to spend hours there without being rushed or hurried.
The Cube

4.0

76 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Ward, Karasuma-dori Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salinkocho Town 901 Kyoto Station Building

A shopping mall located inside the Kyoto Station building offering fashionable apparel, gourmet foods, and Kyoto souvenirs. Comprised of the B2 fashion floor, B1 Kyoto souvenir and goods floor, first floor Kyoto sweets floor, and 11th floor restaurant street, the facility is connected directly to Kyoto Station, which serves a variety of JR train lines.

The Cube, large center, was linked with JR Kyoto Station should be regarded as the hub of activities for visitors both local and overseas when they traveled to Kyoto. It was large and pleasant to...

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Kyoto Areas

Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.