When I think of Kyoto I think of lush trees, running rivers, rock gardens, and serene birds. Compared to Tokyo, a bustling city full of energy, Kyoto is a huge breath of fresh air that offers a more introverted and quiet way of life. Kyoto is a large city, but it has ancient structures like Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines along with many opportunities to view peaceful Japanese gardens. All of these locations push you to reflect on the beautiful nature in front of you. Here is a list of places to check out if you are looking for some picturesque views.

Number 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

📍Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

Situated in Western Kyoto, this bamboo grove gives off Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon vibes. It is only a short path of .03 miles and has scenic views of tall bamboo trees and a small stream. There are also ponds and shrines within walking distance as well, so it is nice to incorporate this free public spot into a morning stroll. However, the location gets extremely crowded, so I recommend getting there as early as possible. We got there around 7am, and there already were a large number of tourists starting to roll in. Despite the foot traffic, this space is definitely a must see if you get the chance!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Number 2: Walk Along Katsura River

📍Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan

There are plenty of beautiful views along the Katsura River, and we got some great pictures while walking to and from our hotel -- Suiran A Luxury Collection Hotel. There are also some large bridges in the area and a small coffee shop named % Arabica. Although the address above isn’t the precise spot where the photos were taken, this general area offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, where you can take in treetop views and the soothing sound of the river. We visited during the fall season, so the leaves were just starting to turn shades of bright red, orange, and yellow. Consider taking a scenic walk along this river before grabbing your morning coffee.

View while walking along the Katsura River

Number 3: Kiyomizu-Dera Buddhist Temple

📍1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Kiyomizu-Dera, meaning "Pure Water Monastery", is a Buddhist Temple that sits high above Kyoto city. We came here during the middle of the day, so the sky was deep blue, and it was clear enough to see the neighboring mountains. The surrounding trees were also starting to change into fall colors. The structures in the temple itself are breathtaking, but I found the views to be just as beautiful. I recommend heading to this location early since there were a ton of people trying to get the same photos. Aside from the crowds, this spot is absolutely worth a visit for the perfect scenery.

View of Kyoto city from Kiyomizu-Dera.

Number 4: Tenryu-ji Temple

📍68 Saga-Tenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Despite damage done to the premises from numerous fires and wars, the Sogenchi garden has survived in its original form since 1345. It features a pond, carefully placed stones and rocks, and various pine and maple trees. This garden was designated by the United Nations as a World Cultural Heritage site. We visited the temple in the fall, so the leaves were beginning to change colors. We even were graced with the presence of a regal heron, who was basking in the sun. It is easy to get lost in the wonder of the scenery that has been around for such a long period of time. Note that this location requires an entrance fee, and there is an option to view the garden only.

Japanese garden and pond in Tenryuji Temple

Number 5: Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

📍68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City 612-0882

Fushimi Inari-Taisha is a Shinto shrine that is best known for its 10,000 gates that snake up the mountainside. The grounds consist of scenic trails, and the total distance of the trails is estimated to be around one and a half to three miles long depending on the route taken. If you hike halfway up the mountainside, you can reach the Yotsutsuji intersection, which has a large clearing to view Kyoto city and the neighboring mountains. It took us around 30-45 minutes to get to this point but know that the hike is fairly steep and requires walking on uneven stairs and dirt. I recommend bringing some water to drink along the way to stay hydrated and wearing some comfortable shoes. I go into more detail about the shrine in this blog post, but the views alone certainly deserve their own spotlight.