Partners Information: Once considered an example of 'over tourism', the ancient capital of Kyoto has become an award-winning role model for other cities after implementing a suite of sustainable tourism initiatives, which balance the needs of the local community with the tourism appeal of the city.
Efforts to encourage visitors to visit many of the city's more popular attractions at different times of the day have had positive outcomes for both locals and travellers alike.
Here are some of our top sightseeing locations for early morning and evening visits to avoid crowds and still get that perfect photo.
Kyoto in the early morning
Plenty of temples and shrines have started to extend their opening hours, allowing early morning visits to avoid overcrowding.
1. Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizudera features a grand stage overlooking Kyoto's sunrise. This popular temple is now open from 6am-6pm. Get there first thing in the morning to enjoy the sunrise from Higashiyama.
2. Yamashina Canal Promenade
A walk along the lush green canal is loved by locals but is a less known activity for travellers. Part of the bigger Lake Biwa Canal which carries water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, the Yamashina section of the canal is 4km. In spring, the canal is lined with some 600 cherry blossom trees which bloom alongside the yellow rapeseed blossoms below the trees.
3. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Located in the centre of Kyoto City and designated as a national garden, Kyoto Gyoen is open 24 hours a day. During the Edo Period, the court nobles resided here but after the transfer of the capital to Tokyo, the buildings were removed and the garden established to preserve the Imperial Palace. The perfect urban oasis!
Kyoto at dusk
Experience Kyoto without the crowds by visiting these sightseeing spots at dusk or early evening. Kyoto also hosts night-time festivals with extended hours for temples and shrines so be sure to check what's on before your next visit!
1. Higashiyama
The backstreets of Higashiyama can be crowded during the day, but at dusk the streets fall quiet. Take an evening stroll through the cobblestone laneways of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to experience Kyoto of bygone days. These paths lead down from Kiyomizudera Temple to Nene no michi (Nene's pathway) and the pathway is illuminated by small lights providing an alluring atmosphere.
2. Toji Temple
The five-storied pagoda of Toji Temple lights up at night and can be admired from afar. While the temple itself opens until 5pm daily (last admission at 4:30pm), it is often open later in the evening for special events with the gardens lit up.
3. Kyoto Tower
A landmark of Kyoto, this retro-style tower is 131m tall and boasts 360-degree views from its Observation Deck. It's the perfect spot to view the entire city in the evening. Regular opening hours: 9am-9:20pm (last admission 9pm).
More information
- Kyoto.travel | Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
- Crowd forecasting tool (Japanese only)
- Kyoto Tower | Official site
*Due to COVID-19, some venues have adjusted their opening hours, so please check before you visit.
