Known as the capital of a thousand years, Kyoto is high on the list of anyone interested in exploring Japan’s refined culture and exciting history. 20% of Japan’s national treasures are found in the city as well as the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, including Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, Ginkakuji and more.
Check out our accessibility reviews of tourist spots in Kyoto (listed alphabetically).
- Smooth, paved paths through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ensures that those in wheelchairs or other mobility aides can also enjoy the ancient atmosphere of Kyoto. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Situated in the Read more...
- Fushimi Inari Shrine is an iconic site in Kyoto with thousands of torii gates that wind up a forested mountain. With a bit of effort, visitors in wheelchairs can see Read more...
- Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is nestled in Kyoto’s eastern mountains and is a popular stop for many visitors to Japan’s ancient capital. While the site has done the best Read more...
- Gion in Kyoto is a great place to catch a glimpse of a geisha and see traditional architecture. While the streets and many shops are accessible, the majority of tea Read more...
- Heian Shrine is a popular stop for visitors to Kyoto and has some beautiful architecture, however, it is not very accessible to those in wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges. Read more...
- Kenninji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto but does not have much to offer for wheelchair users or others with mobility difficulties. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Located just Read more...
- Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of the top stops for anyone visiting Kyoto, and one of Japan’s most popular buildings. Originally a shogun’s estate, it is now a Read more...
- Kiyomizu-dera, officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, is a famous Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto and is often featured in tourist information due to its unique wooden stage that juts out from the Read more...
- Once the residence of the Emperor of Japan, Kyoto Imperial Palace and the surrounding park are now open to the public and is a great way for visitors to enjoy nature Read more...
- Kyoto Tower offers views of the ancient capital that are worth seeing and adaptations to the old building have made it relatively wheelchair accessible. Background Information Kyoto Tower was planned Read more...
- Nanzenji Temple is a very beautiful temple complex which is home to many historically significant structures and gardens. However it is only partially wheelchair accessible. Background Information There’s a lot Read more...
- Nijo Castle is one of the historic sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The facility has done an excellent job of maintaining the Read more...
- Nishiki Market is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto’s local specialties. The narrow street has much to see and lots of flavors, but it is also very crowded Read more...
- The Philosophers Walk, or Philosophers Path, is a heavily photographed pedestrian path located in Kyoto. This pedestrian path is lined with cherry trees and located along the side of a Read more...
- Sanjusangendo and the 1000 golden statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion, is fully wheelchair accessible and not to be missed. Background Information Sanjusangendo is hands down Read more...
- Yasaka Shrine, or Yasaka Jinja, is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines and home of the Gion Matsuri. While it doesn’t appear wheelchair accessible at first glance, it is possible Read more...