- Tofuku-ji Temple
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
- Daigoji Temple
- Manpukuji Temple
- Mimurotoji Temple
- CHAZUNA
- The Tale of Genji Museum
- Ujikami Shrine
- Kosho-ji Temple
- Byodoin Temple
- Kyoto Racecourse
- Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine
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Tofuku-ji Temple and Hojo Teien (Garden of the Abbot's Hall)
When the subject of famous places in Kyoto for autumnal leaves is brought up, Tofuku-ji Temple is the first name that comes to mind. The name Tofuku takes the first part of its name "to" from Todai-ji Temple for its massive scale, and "fuku" from Kofuku-ji Temple for its teachings and practices. Although formerly known as a place for cherry blossoms, the monks cut down the cherry blossom trees in the Muromachi period because of concerns that admirers would disturb their practice. In their place, maple trees multiplied until they reached the count today of some two thousand. In fall, many tourists come to Tsuten-kyo Bridge, the crossing of which is like crossing a sea of beautiful autumnal leaves.
- Address:
- 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- April to end of October: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
November to early December: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Early December to end of March: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- URL:
https://tofukuji.jp/ – Japanese
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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of Inari Shinto, which includes about 30,000 shrines dedicated to the worship of Inari, the god of grain and fertility. During the New Year's visit season, the temple is crowded with worshippers.From the back of the main shrine leading to Mount Inari is a mystical corridor called "Thousand Torii" made of more than 5,000 vermillion torii gates.
- Address:
- 68 Fukakusa Yabu no Uchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- URL:
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The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
This is a commemorative museum to major sake maker, Gekkeikan. A brewery built about a century ago was remodeled to house exhibits showing the history of sake, the sake brewing process and the implements once used to make sake. Enjoy sake tasting and pick up some to take home as well.
- Address:
- 247-banchi, Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
- Hours:
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry: 4:00 p.m.)
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Daigoji Temple
Daigoji Temple, a World Heritage site founded in 874, has been known as the "Temple of Flowers" since the Heian period (794-1185) and is famous for its cherry blossoms. In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi invited 1,300 people to the temple for a lavish cherry blossom viewing party known as the "Daigo no Hanami". In addition to cherry blossoms, the temple grounds, which cover the entire mountain range in a rich natural setting, are home to a variety of seasonal flowers, and many cultural assets remain, including the five-story pagoda, designated as a National Treasure of Japan, which has stood for more than 1,000 years.
- Address:
- 22 Daigohigashioji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- March to the first Sunday of December: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The day after the first Sunday of December to the end of February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
*Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
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Manpukuji Temple
Obakusan Manpukuji Temple is located in the center of the city and was founded in 1661 by a Chinese monk, Ingen Ryuki. The temple has been preserved in its original condition, with its 23 main buildings, as well as its corridors, screens, and pavilions, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Manpukuji Temple also serves Fucha cuisine, a Chinese style of vegetarian cuisine.
- Address:
- 34 Gokasyosanbanwari, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
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Mimurotoji Temple
Founded 1,200 years ago, this is a sacred place of worship of the Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy). Famous for its seasonal flowers, the temple is especially popular for its weeping plum blossoms that bloom in March, azaleas in May, hydrangeas in June, and the changing leaves in the fall. It is famous throughout the country and is visited by many.
- Address:
- 21 Todoshigatani, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- April to October: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
November to March: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- URL:
https://www.mimurotoji.com/ – Japanese
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CHAZUNA
Opened in 2021, this park facility will help you to discover the fascinating appeals of Uji Matcha and Uji City. The park has a museum where you can learn about the history and culture of tea-making and the city of Uji. Daily activities related to tea are also hosted. The park itself is covered with tea plantations.
- Address:
- 203-1 Maruyama, Todo, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
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The Tale of Genji Museum
This is the only museum, even in Japan, dedicated to the Tale of Genji. Written at the start of the eleventh century in the Heian period, the Tale of Genji is a novel by a woman we know as Murasaki Shikibu. Depicting the history of love affairs of Hikaru Genji, the tale is a "bestseller" that has been read and loved for a thousand years.The museum's restored exhibits include an oxcart used by members of the Heian nobility, much like those that appear in the tale and a multi-layered kimono with elegant color schemes.
- Address:
- 45-26 Uji Higashinai, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed:
- Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) and year ends and New Year holidays
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Ujikami Shrine
Ujikami Shrine, built so as to face Byodoin Temple across the Uji River, has a modest exterior, but it is registered as a World Heritage Site as the oldest shrine in Japan still standing.
- Address:
- 59 Uji Yamada, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (last entry: 4:10 p.m.)
- URL:
https://ujikamijinja.amebaownd.com/ – Japanese
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Kosho-ji Temple
Kosho-ji Temple is located at the bottom of Mount Asahi in Uji. Walking along the gently sloped path, you will arrive at a Chinese-style gate, San-mon. The main building of the temple is said to be the remains of Fushimi Castle and is also used to practice Zen Buddhism. Flanked on both sides by brooks, the approach is called Koto-zaka (Zither Slope) for the tinkling sound of the water.
- Address:
- 27-1 Uji Yamada, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Byodoin Temple
Phoenix Hall, one structure at the World Heritage Site Byodoin Temple so inspiring it is on the 10-yen coin and one of its phoenixes is on the 10,000-yen note. The fires of war have found their way to the temple many times throughout the centuries, and only the Amida hall has miraculously survived, preserving the Buddhist architecture, images, paintings and gardens from the eleventh century when Heian nobility culture flourished.
- Address:
- 116 Uji Renge, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- Please check the website.
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Kyoto Racecourse
Horse races are held at Kyoto Racecourse for about 40 days a year. The track opens at around 9:00 a.m. and there are 12 races a day from around 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The admission fee is ¥200 and betting tickets can be purchased starting at ¥100. Kyoto Racecourse holds five big races a year, and the festivities on the day of the races are as exciting as the races themselves.
- Address:
- 32 Yoshijima Watashibajima-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.
*Opening hours on horse racing days are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Closed:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, national holidays, New Year holidays, and other ad hoc closed days
- URL:
https://www.jra.go.jp/facilities/race/kyoto/ – Japanese
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Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine
Built at the beginning of the Heian period to protect the south-western gate, the shrine was held in high regard together with the Enryaku-ji Temple that was built to protect the north-eastern gate. The main shrine building, which is built in the rare Hachiman-zukuri architectural style, is designated as Japan’s National Treasure. Popular for protecting against misfortune, many worshipers flock to the shrine year-round.
- Address:
- 30 Yawata Takabo, Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours:
- 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*The operation time of shrines will vary during the New Year period. Please visit the website linked below for details.
- URL:
https://iwashimizu.or.jp/ – Japanese