5 Spots for the Best Sunrise in Kyoto (And 1 Bonus!)

Kyoto is known as the cultural and historical heart of Japan. But did you know that it’s also home to famous sunrise spots?

Watching the sunrise in Kyoto is an activity you can’t miss! But apart from waking up early, you also have to know the best spots in Kyoto to see the sunrise. 🌄

Fushimi Inari Temple is not just one of Kyoto’s major attractions. It’s also one of Kyoto’s most famous sunrise spots!

If you’ve visited the temple before, then prepare for a different atmosphere when you visit for the sunrise. Visiting at sunrise offers fewer crowds, a peaceful atmosphere, and, well, a beautiful sunrise! The hike up will definitely be worth it.

You can go on this Kyoto Panoramic Day Tour if you want to visit Fushimi Inari and a few other popular tourist spots like Nijo Castle and Arashiyama.

But if you want to go on your own, we recommend getting the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass and traveling via the Keihan Railway, which opens at 5AM! That’s definitely perfect for a sunrise trip. 😉

Arashiyama is a classic sightseeing spot in Kyoto and a classic sunrise spot, too!

If you want to see a magical view of the sunrise, then it’s best to go specifically to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s just so different to see the sunrise filter through the stalks of bamboo. And we’re certain you’ll definitely want to take a photo of that. 📸

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is free to enter and is open 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about the time! Most temples also start around 9AM, so you could take a leisurely walk around after seeing the sunrise.

But if you want to visit more of the major Kyoto sightseeing places, especially exploring more of Arashiyama, you can go on the Arashiyama Train and Hozugawa Boat Ride. This day trip will surely complete your magical sunrise in Kyoto!

Mornings aren’t complete without a trip to the park. Whether you’re after a morning jog or the sunrise in Kyoto, Maruyama Koen Park Kyoto should be on your list of places to visit!

And if you visit during spring, you’ll catch a culmination of Kyoto’s natural beauty with the sunrise and all the cherry blossoms around! 🌸

Speaking of jogging during the sunrise, Kamo River is another place you could go to for the sunrise in Kyoto. You’ll definitely be with a few joggers, but nothing too crowded that you don’t get to stop and admire the sunrise.

And when we say admire, we mean admire the sunrise! There’s a different beauty in seeing the sunrise reflected in the water, feeling the cool breeze of the early morning, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. 🌅

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple gates open at 6AM, which is around the time the sun starts to rise and the time crowds start to arrive. Still, you shouldn’t miss out on watching the sunrise in Kiyomizu-dera, particularly in the Higashiyama Mountains. 🌞

You don’t even have to hike going to the mountains! You can ride a taxi and be asked to drop off at the top, where you’ll get to see the sunrise hitting all of Kyoto.

You’ve witnessed the sunrise, so why not witness the sunset, too? After all, both have different beauties that you just have to see! 🌇

After waking up early to view the sunrise in Kyoto, you can explore the rest of the prefecture with a chill itinerary through the Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus. We recommend taking the East Line, hopping off at the Gion stop, and walking to Hanamikoji Street for a beautiful view of the sunset.

It’s not even your typical sunset because it’s a sunset amidst traditional machiya architecture, making you feel transported back in time.

1. What is Kyoto most famous for?

Kyoto is known as the heart of culture and history in Japan, so it’s no surprise that it’s famous for a lot of traditional culture. From temples and shrines to tea ceremonies and historic districts, you’re sure to experience traditional Japanese culture in this prefecture.

2. What is a must-see in Kyoto for the first time?

For first-time visitors, some famous sights to see in Kyoto, Japan, are the Fushimi Inari Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama District, and Gion District.

3. What is the prettiest part of Kyoto?

As everyone says, beauty is in the eye of the beholder… but we’re pretty sure everyone can also agree that the Higashiyama Ward is one of (if not!) the prettiest areas in Kyoto! The area contains within it other famous spots for sightseeing, like the Gion District and the Philosopher’s Path. You’re sure to have a fun time just strolling around and admiring the views!

4. What to see in Kyoto in 1 day?

There’s definitely a lot to do in Kyoto, but we highly recommend going on the Arashiyama Train and Hozugawa Boat Ride for a fun day trip! Trust us when we say that this trip will leave you in awe of Kyoto’s natural beauty.

Catching a sunrise in Kyoto is more than an early wake-up call. It’s a chance to experience the prefecture at its most peaceful and magical. So set your alarms, bring your cameras, and experience a new side of Kyoto on your morning trip.