Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments of Kyoto

On a windswept sandbar between the Sea of Japan and Kumihama Bay, the Hakoishihama Site preserves more than two thousand years of human history. Designated a National Historic Site in 1921 after Chinese Xin Dynasty coins were discovered here in 1903, this Kyotango dune landscape is a quiet, atmospheric witness to ancient maritime trade between Japan and the Asian continent—framed by white sand, black pine, and the rhythms of the Sea of Japan.

Discover the Hayaagari Tile Kiln Ruins (隼上り瓦窯跡) in Uji, Kyoto — a nationally designated Historic Site from the Asuka period. Explore how these 7th-century kilns produced roof tiles for Toyura-dera Temple in ancient Asuka, revealing Japan's earliest Buddhist temple construction networks.

Small hexagonal stones from the hills of Kameoka, Kyoto, split open to reveal patterns like six cherry blossom petals. A National Natural Monument since 1922.

In Ayabe's Kimi Basin, Kyoto Prefecture, two fifth-century square tombs stand 120 meters apart. Hijirizuka, 54 meters per side, ranks among Japan's largest.

Explore the Hiyoshigaoka-Akeshi Tumulus Group, a nationally designated historic site in Yosano, Kyoto. Discover the largest stone-clad rectangular tomb from the Yayoi period, dating back over 2,100 years.

Omotesenke's head residence garden in Kyoto, a National Place of Scenic Beauty since 1957. Its triple roji has been tended on the same plot since 1594.

A national historic site spanning Nakagyo and Kamigyo Wards of Kyoto, marking the political heart of Heian-kyo, the capital founded by Emperor Kammu in 794. Where the Daigokuden throne hall, the Chodo-in government compound, the Burakuin banquet halls and the imperial dairi once stood, stone markers, fenced foundation remnants of the Burakuden and a preserved corridor base of the dairi now record an absence twelve centuries long.

Discover the Moriyama Archaeological Site, a nationally designated historic site in Joyo City, Kyoto. This Jomon-period settlement features restored pit dwellings, ancient stone tools, and traces of continuous habitation spanning from the Late Jomon to the Kofun period.

Kyoto’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.