Kyoto has 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites - this high concentration of world heritage sites is a unique feature of Kyoto. There are also special viewings and events in which the sites are illuminated at night. A select number of sites can be used as unique venues for meetings and events., Kyoto has a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are grouped under the label Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. If you stay only for one or two days in the city it is nearly impossible to visit all of the 13 Buddhist temples, 3 Shinto shrines, and one castle., Here is the list of all 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. I, as a Kyoto native, walk you through the highlight of each destination in the most concise way. A complete map of all 17 locations is at the end of this article. 1. Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) Kinkaku-ji, Golden Pavilion, is probably the highlight of all the temples in Kyoto., There are an incredible 17 World Heritage Sites in and around Kyoto! Built in A.D. 794 on the model of the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the middle of the 19th century., There are 17 individual shrines, temples and one castle on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in Kyoto. Collectively the sites are known as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto., UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Kyoto These 17 temples are some of the most magnificent temples in Kyoto. Designated by UNESCO as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, these temples stand out among the 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto Prefecture..