We have been introducing the series of the list of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We hope the information will help you enjoy your trip.
Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Here, we’ve ordered all of Kyoto’s 17 World Heritage Sites in order of how easy to access each one is. Of course, this is a highly subjective list, but it’s based on several even dozens of visits to each one.
The list of Seventeen Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Byodoin Temple
Ujigami Shrine
Daigoji Temple
Nijo Castle
Nishi Hongaji Temple
Toji Temple
Saihoji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Kosanji Temple
Ninnaji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Kamigamo Shrine
Shimogammo
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple
Kiyomizu Temple
Kamigamo Shrine
Located in northern Kyoto is Kamigamo Jinja with a rich history as one of the important Shinto sanctuaries in Kyoto. Established on 678, it is dedicated to the god of thunder.
Many royal families and nobles have been having a high degree of sanctity or holiness since ancient times.
The main hall and sub hall are designated as National treasure because of the construction method. The most main hall of shrines in Japan is influenced by Kamigamo’s. It is worth the effort for fans of Shinto shrines.
【Information】
Address:
339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ku, Kyoto, 603-8047
Access:
・A short walk from “Kamigamojinja mae” Bus Stop on the City Bus #4 at Kyoto Sta.
・15-minute walk from “Kitayama” Sta. on the Subway Karasuma Line
Time:
5:30~16:00 (Nino Torii）
8:00~15:45 (Romon Gate）
Admission Fee:
General Admission is free.
＜National Treasure Observation＞
500 yen（Older than 13-year old）
Shimogamo Shrine
Shimogamo shrine is traditionally linked with the Kamigamo shrine to the north, with the two referred to collectively as the Kamo Shrines. It is said that the Kamo family established the shrine in BC. 658 to enshrine their ancestor and the god of thunder for flood control and good harvest. The two main halls are found in the same year of Kamigamo’s, which is the same point for the selection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
【Information】
Address:
33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ku, Kyoto 616-8092
Access:
・A short walk from “Arashiyama Tenryuji mae” Bus Stop on the City Bus #11,28,93 at Kyoto Sta.
Time:
9:00~16:30 (March to November）
9:00~16:00 (December to February）
Admission Fee:
＜Palace & Gardens＞
500 yen（Older than 15-year old）300円（6-15 years old）
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai Sect founded in 788 by Priest Saicho. It is located at the top of Mt. Hieion the border of Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture. The name of Enryakuji is the general term for 150 small temples. Enryakuji’s attractions are concentrated in three areas: East area, West area, and Yokokawa area. The east side faces Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, and the west side faces Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto. With its beautiful natural environment and 1,200 years of history and tradition.
The reason why the temple is the one of the World Heritage Sites is that many influential monks later sects trained here. They cultivated the history of Buddhism in Japan.
【Information】
Address:
4220 Sakamotohon Cho, Otsu City, Shiga, 520-0116
Access:
・A 20-minute walk from JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station
・A 10-minute walk from Keihan Sakamoto Station
Time:
＜East area＞
8:30 ~ 16:30 (March to November)
9:00 ~ 16:00 (December)
9:00 ~ 16:30 (January and February)
＜East area＞
9:00~16:00 (March to November)
9:30~15:30 (December)
9:30~16:00 (January and February)
Admission Fee:
＜East area, West area, and Yokokawa area＞
1,000 yen（Adult）600yen（12-18 years old）300yen（Elementary School student）
＜National Treasure Admission＞
500yen（Adult）300yen（12-18 years old）100yen（Elementary School student）
