Kyoto City is one of the most crowded tourist destinations in Japan.
But let’s be honest— Do you want to enjoy sightseeing without the crowds?
Yes, the good news is, Kyoto has plenty of amazing spots that are much less crowded.
Some of them are even UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
So, let’s go explore!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Demachiyanagi, one of the most peaceful and stylish neighborhoods in Kyoto.
The area is full of hidden gems and trendy cafés, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.
Unlike many other shrines in Kyoto, Shimogamo Shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a mystical atmosphere as you walk along its tree-lined paths.
Inside the main grounds, you might spot shrine maidens (miko) walking gracefully, and there’s a beautiful red arched bridge that adds a distinctly Japanese touch to the scenery.
Just outside the main shrine, there’s a tea and dango (rice dumpling) stand where you can take a break and enjoy the calming power of the forest air.
It’s a peaceful and enriching experience you won’t want to miss.
Located in the same Demachiyanagi area as Shimogamo Shrine, Nashinoki Shrine sits quietly next to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, tucked away in a peaceful residential neighborhood.
This is truly a hidden gem—so hidden, in fact, that even most locals don’t know about it.
The shrine has a charming, nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a Studio Ghibli film.
It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience in Kyoto.
Just one train stop before Arashiyama and about a kilometer on foot, Matsuo Taisha is a spacious and atmospheric shrine with plenty to discover.
Colorful wind chimes line the grounds during certain seasons, and a striking torii gate stands right in front of a waterfall—creating a scene full of traditional beauty and tranquility.
This is actually my personal favorite shrine in all of Kyoto. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a uniquely serene experience just outside the more tourist-heavy areas.
You can also try a fun target-shooting game on the shrine grounds, where you might win omamori (good luck charms).
Fushimi Inari is one of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
During the day, it’s packed with tourists—but did you know the shrine is open 24 hours a day?
Dedicated to the fox deity Inari, the shrine takes on a completely different atmosphere at night.
It’s quiet, mysterious, and just a little bit eerie—yet deeply spiritual.
Locals often prefer to visit at night, when the crowds are gone and the shrine reveals its true, haunting beauty.
At JapanNow!, we feature a wide range of Kyoto travel spots—complete with real reviews from travelers.
Be sure to check out both the hidden gems we introduced today and the city’s more well-known attractions!
