With 1,600 temples, « which temples in Kyoto? » is a real question. We start with the one everyone wants to see — Fushimi Inari Taisha, the mountain of red gates — and how to experience it properly, then rank the other temples and shrines that deserve your time, with fees, hours and the best moment to go.
Fushimi Inari and temple tours available now
Fushimi Inari Taisha: the essentials
Founded in 711, Fushimi Inari is the head shrine of some 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to the kami of rice, prosperity and business. Each of its thousands of torii gates was donated by a company or individual — the donor’s name and date are inscribed on the back. The fox statues are Inari’s messengers, often holding a key to the rice granary in their mouth.
- Access: JR Nara line to Inari (5 min from Kyoto Station, ¥150) or Keihan line to Fushimi-Inari.
- Hours and fee: open 24/7, free.
- Time needed: 1 hour for Senbon Torii and Yotsutsuji, 2–3 hours for the full mountain loop.
The hidden trails
From Yotsutsuji, most people turn back. Continue clockwise around the summit loop: the gates become older and mossier, small sub-shrines (otsuka) appear in the forest, and you’ll often walk alone. A lesser-known path leads down through bamboo towards Senbon Torii’s quieter side — easier with a guide.
Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour
Off the beaten path
- Duration: 3 h
- Format: small-group guided hike
- Level: moderate (stairs)
A local guide takes you up the back trails, explains the symbolism of the gates and foxes and gets you away from the selfie zone. Ideal if you want to understand the place, not just photograph it.
Kyoto: Early-Access Fushimi Inari Private Walking Tour
Crowd-free
- Format: private
- Start: early morning
- Good for: photographers, families
A private early-morning visit, timed for empty gates and soft light.
Prefer two wheels? The Fushimi Inari e-bike tour (4 h, 5.0/5) adds Tofuku-ji and the southern backstreets — see our bike tour guide.
The best temples and shrines in Kyoto, ranked
| Temple / shrine | Why go | Entry (approx.) | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiyomizu-dera | Wooden stage over the valley, Higashiyama lanes | ¥500 | 6:00–8:00 |
| Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) | Gold-leaf pavilion mirrored in a pond | ¥500 | 9:00 opening |
| Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) | Moss garden, sand sculptures, Philosopher’s Path | ¥500 | 8:30 opening |
| Tofuku-ji | Tsutenkyo bridge, best autumn leaves | ¥600–1,000 | Early Nov–early Dec |
| Nanzen-ji | Huge Sanmon gate, brick aqueduct | grounds free | Any time |
| Ryoan-ji | Japan’s most famous rock garden | ¥600 | Opening |
| Tenryu-ji | Zen garden by the bamboo grove | ¥500 | 8:30 opening |
| Sanjusangen-do | 1,001 golden statues of Kannon | ¥600 | Weekdays |
| Yasaka Shrine | Gion’s shrine, lanterns at night | free | Evening |
| Kamigamo & Shimogamo | Ancient shrines, primeval forest | free | Mornings |
Prices change regularly — check on the day. Most temples accept cash only.
Kiyomizu-dera
The 13-metre-high wooden stage, built without a single nail, is the symbol of Kyoto. Drink from the Otowa waterfall’s three streams (longevity, love, success — choose one; drinking all three is considered greedy). Combine it with Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and a tea ceremony in a nearby garden tea house.
Crowd-free tour of Kiyomizu-dera & Ginkaku-ji →
Kinkaku-ji
Burned down by a monk in 1950 (the subject of Mishima’s novel) and rebuilt in 1955, the Golden Pavilion is at its most dazzling on a clear morning — or under snow, a few days a year.
Tofuku-ji
Our favourite Zen temple. The Tsutenkyo bridge over a valley of 2,000 maples is the most famous autumn view in Kyoto, while the modern checkerboard gardens of the Hojo are serene all year. Just one stop from Fushimi Inari — combine them.
Sanjusangen-do
A 120-metre hall containing 1,001 life-size statues of the thousand-armed Kannon. Breathtaking and often overlooked. Photography is not allowed inside.
Temple etiquette
- At shrines (torii gate, Shinto): bow at the gate, purify your hands at the chozuya, then bow twice, clap twice, bow once.
- At temples (Buddhist): no clapping — just join your hands quietly.
- Remove shoes where indicated; wear socks without holes.
- Respect « no photo » signs, especially inside halls.
- A goshuin (calligraphy stamp, ¥300–500) makes a lovely souvenir — bring a goshuin-cho notebook.
Read also:Arashiyama & the bamboo forest
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk to the top of Fushimi Inari?
About 2 to 3 hours for the full round trip to the 233 m summit at a relaxed pace. Most visitors go only to the Yotsutsuji intersection, about 45 minutes up, where there’s a view over Kyoto.
Is Fushimi Inari open at night?
Yes, the shrine grounds are open 24 hours and the gates are lit. It’s quiet and atmospheric after dark; bring a light for the upper trails.
What are the best temples in Kyoto?
Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Tofuku-ji and Nanzen-ji are the classics. For gardens, add Ryoan-ji and Tenryu-ji; for statues, Sanjusangen-do.
How many temples can you visit in one day in Kyoto?
Realistically three to five, if they’re in the same area. Group them: Higashiyama (Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, Yasaka), north-west (Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji) or south (Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji, Sanjusangen-do).
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative (“from”) and were checked in October 2026 — the live price on the booking page always prevails.