The Most Beautiful Shinto Shrines In Kyoto

Shinto is Japan’s oldest religion. Shinto means “the way of the gods” and the shrines provide a place of worship as well as homes to the spirits. Kyoto is home to over 400 Shinto shrines, so it can be a daunting task to choose the best shrine to visit on any trip. Here are some beautiful pictures of the best shrines in Kyoto to help make your choice that little bit easier.
[jwplayer eivaXMG6-RnIdcM25]

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most beautiful and impressive attractions in all of Kyoto. The city’s most important shrine is also its most popular and attracts visitors by the bus load.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan

Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine is one of the most visually impressive shrines in all of Japan with colourful buildings and beautiful gardens. It is a relatively new shrine having been built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as capital of Japan.

Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341, Japan

One of the Gardens at Heian Jingu Shrine

Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Yasaka Jinja Shrine is a colourful, bustling downtown shrine in the heart of the city, which overlooks the geisha and entertainment district of Gion. It is one of Kyoto’s most important shrines and has a long connection with the Kyoto Geisha community. The shrine is home to the famous Gion Matsuri which takes place every year over the entire month of July.

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0073, Japan

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Jinja Shrine is one of the oldest and most beautiful shrines in Kyoto. Located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo Rivers, the shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest with trees that are up to 600 years old making it an amazing place to take a stroll.

Stage at Shimogamo Shrine on a Beautiful Day

Purifyingn Pool at Shimogamo Jinja Shrine

Kifune Jinja Shrine

Kifune Jinja Shrine is located up on a hill that offers a fantastic escape from the heat of summer in the city. Stone steps lined with red lanterns create an attractive and atmospheric setting that is just magical in any season.

Japan, 〒601-1112 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Kuramakibunecho, １８０

Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Kamigamo Jinja Shrine is another high ranking shrine in Kyoto. It is historically significant as the Tokugawa Shoguns were very devoted to this shrine.

339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8047, Japan

Shinto Priest and Priestess at Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.