5 Kyoto Attractions Best Visited in the Morning – Beat the Crowds
- 株式会社大昌 Daisho
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Kyoto welcomes visitors from around the world. But in the early morning, the air is quieter and you can enjoy some of Kyoto’s hidden gems in solitude. Here are five spots to visit when they first open:
1. Kiyomizu‑dera Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kiyomizu‑dera opens at 6:00 AM, making the early morning ideal for a peaceful visit with fewer crowds and clear, serene views .
📍 Address: 1‑294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama, Kyoto
🕰️ Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
2. Ginkaku‑ji (Silver Pavilion)
With its tranquil Zen garden and moss-covered grounds, Ginkaku‑ji is especially calm shortly after opening at 9:00 AM—perfect for a mindful morning stroll.
📍 Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo‑ku, Kyoto
🕰️ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. Shimogamo Shrine (Tadasu-no-Mori Forest)
Surrounded by the ancient Tadasu-no-Mori, Shimogamo Shrine opens at 6:30 AM, and early visitors can enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere with local morning walkers.
📍 Address: 59 Izumikawacho, Sakyo‑ku, Kyoto
🕰️ Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (admission free)
4. Sagano Bamboo Grove (Arashiyama Area)
This enchanting bamboo path is open 24/7, but arriving between 5:00–7:00 AM offers the chance to experience it before tour groups arrive—photogenic and serene.
📍 Address: Sagano, Ukyo‑ku, Kyoto (Arashiyama)
🕰️ Hours: Open 24 hours, free admission
5. Eikando Temple
Known as “Maple Leaf Eikando,” this temple is lovely in any season. Visiting right at the 9:00 AM opening allows a tranquil walk through its garden bathed in soft morning light.
📍 Address: 48 Eikandō‑chō, Sakyo‑ku, Kyoto
🕰️ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎒 Go Hands‑Free for a Relaxed Tour
If you’d like to avoid carrying luggage on early walks, consider using the Hands‑Free Travel Service—drop your baggage at Kyoto Station and explore unencumbered.