There is a unique shrine in the north of Kyoto. It is a little further than Amanohashidate, one of the three great view of Japan, from Kyoto station. In shrines, Usually there are two statue of guardian dogs or foxes. But Kotohira shrine, in Kyotango Kyoto, has guardian cats. You can get there by train from Kyoto station. And get off the train at Mineyama station. Then walk toward east about 1.3km, you can reach there. It is located on the top of konpira hill. You can see Shinto architectures, beautiful view and the cats on the way to top. At the foot of the hill, you can also see many turtles. If you like cats, I recommend to get a cat-shaped amulet at the store.(near the turtle pond) Famous shrine near Kyoto city is always crowded. Kotohira shrine is farther than those. But Kotohira is little-known good spot. This is one of the reasons that I like Kotohira shrine. Please drop in on your way to Amanohashidate.
Adress: 1165-2, Mineyama-cho Izumi, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto-fu, Japan
I’ll also write articles about Amanohashidate.