must visit kyoto

26 Unforgettable Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

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Kyoto is a magical city like nowhere else. As the imperial capital of Japan for over 1000 years (until 1868), it’s the heart of traditional Japanese culture.

There are so many incredible things to do in Kyoto—you can visit golden temples and vermillion shrines, stroll through Zen rock gardens and swaying bamboo forests, slurp down bowls of ramen and participate in graceful tea ceremonies.

It’s one of the only places you can still glimpse geisha in extravagant kimono and white makeup rushing to appointments in wooden teahouses.

Monks still live and work in the city’s 2000 temples and shrines—you’ll see them in flowing robes performing ceremonies and hear the chanting.

You’ll visit a lot of temples in Kyoto, but even after spending two months in the city, we never tire of them. They all offer something unique—a shimmering pavilion, peaceful garden, forest hike, or a delicious vegetarian meal.

Although Kyoto is the centre of traditional Japan, it’s also a modern city with concrete high-rises, numerous vending machines, and a vibrant food scene.

But it’s on a smaller, more manageable scale than Tokyo or Osaka with plenty of green spaces, views of the surrounding hills, and neighbourhoods that feel like villages.

Despite the numerous attractions (including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Kyoto is best explored at a slower pace with time for aimless wandering down narrow stone streets.

In this Kyoto travel guide, I share all the best things to do in Kyoto as well as tips on avoiding the crowds and how to get around. You’ll also find a map with all the top Kyoto attractions.

Video: What to Do in Kyoto

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Watch our video for an overview of what to see in Kyoto, Japan.

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In 2011, when we first visited Kyoto, Japan received 6.2 million overseas visitors. In 2019, 32 million tourists visited the country.

That’s a huge increase, and as Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan , we did notice a startling rise in crowd sizes on our last month-long stay in the city. 

Even with the greater number of tourists, we loved Kyoto just as much on our second visit—it’s still a unique place with an incredible number of stunning sights.

Here are some tips to enjoy Kyoto despite the crowds:

1) Visit for as long as possible

Kyoto deserves more than the two days many people allocate it.

I recommend spending at least four full days here, but a week is ideal and allows time for some of these Kyoto day trips (Nara is the most popular).

We’ve spent two months in the city and still haven’t seen it all.

A longer stay will give you more time to explore less well-known Kyoto attractions and visit popular places at off-peak times.

2) Stay close to major sights

In order to do the next tip, it will help if you are staying close to the popular Kyoto tourist attractions.

You’ll be able to set out early in the morning, take a break in the busy afternoons, and head out again in the evenings without having to travel too far.

I think the best area to stay is Southern Higashiyama (including Gion) at the foot of Kyoto’s eastern hills.

There are a multitude of temples to explore as well as the most beautiful preserved streets and the chance to spot geisha.

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is on a quiet street in Gion. It has stylish, modern rooms, and an onsite onsen and tempura restaurant. We enjoyed our stay here.

If you’d like to stay in a ryokan (traditional inn), the Japanese-style suites at  Ryokan Yachiyo  are beautiful (and huge!) with private open-air baths and garden views. It’s a little further from Gion but close to Nanzen-ji temple and the famous Philosopher’s Path.

We also loved our stay at Sora Niwa Terrace , which is one of Kyoto’s newest hotels and has the most incredible views from its roof terrace and onsen. It’s just over the river from Gion in downtown Kyoto.

See my guide to where to stay in Kyoto for more recommended hotels and neighbourhood information.

3) Get up early

Visiting the most popular sights early in the morning is essential to truly enjoy them. It’s so much harder to appreciate the magic when you’re battling through tour groups.

These are the places that are most important to visit early (on weekdays if possible). If you can’t manage to make it early, then try an hour before closing.

• Fushimi Inari shrine – It’s open 24 hours so go around sunrise (6 am is best) or as late at night as possible (after 8 pm). It’s our favourite place in the city (and one of the most unique things to do in Kyoto), but we gave up after 10 minutes when we visited one afternoon as the crowds were intense.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple – It opens at 6 am and this is the best time to visit (or definitely before 8 am). The picturesque streets leading up to it are also best enjoyed early (or late).
• Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – It’s open from 9 am – 5 pm so either arrive in time for opening or at 4 pm, but it’s hard to escape the crowds.
• Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) – Arrive at opening at 8.30 am or at 4 pm (before it closes at 5 pm).
• Nishiki Market – It’s not as essential to arrive early, but lunchtime here is packed. 10 am is better or just before closing around 5 pm.

I could also add the Arashiyama bamboo grove to this list as it’s one of the most popular Kyoto tourist spots and gets horribly crowded (even before 9 am).

Honestly, I think it’s overrated and haven’t included it in my things to do in Kyoto list. I suggest some quieter, more enjoyable bamboo groves below.

If you have limited time in Kyoto and prefer exploring with a guide, this popular Kyoto early bird tour avoids the crowds at Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the bamboo grove by starting before 7am. 

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4) Discover quieter temples and shrines

It’s easy to find quiet temples and shrines in Kyoto —they are often just around the corner from the crowded spots that everyone feels they have to see.

I highly recommend including some hidden gems along with popular attractions. Perhaps start your day early at one of the temples above and then head to some quieter alternatives.

5) Take a break from temples

Although the temples are incredible, save your energy by mixing them up with some fun and unusual activities.

Take a cooking class , stroll along a quiet canal, sip matcha in a tearoom, learn samurai skills , or hike through a forest—you’ll find plenty of ideas of what to do in Kyoto below.

This Kyoto sightseeing map shows the best things to do in Kyoto listed below. Temples and shrines are marked in red, interesting streets and walking paths in blue, and other points of interest in purple. 

At the end of this post you’ll find transport tips for getting to and around Kyoto.

These are the most popular things to do in Kyoto and they do get crowded.

1) Hike Through Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari is a Kyoto must see. We’ve never visited anywhere else like it—thousands of bright orange torii gates snake up through the forest into the mountains.

It’s as much of a hike as a temple visit (and quite steep in parts), although you do pass many small shrines with stone fox statues and miniature toriis.

The fox is considered the messenger of Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

It takes us about an hour and a half to complete the whole walk (a 5 km/ 3.1 mile loop from the station), but you could easily spend two or three hours here.

You could also choose just to do the lower loop to a viewpoint over the city. I recommend continuing up the mountain as it gets much quieter and feels very peaceful as you walk through the deep forest.

Fushimi Inari gets insanely busy and it’s no fun when you are walking with a crowd, so try to visit around 6 am (7 am at the latest) or after 8 pm.

It’s a very different experience at night with atmospheric lighting and a slightly spooky feel (we even heard a wild boar!).

Details: Free entry and open 24 hours. Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line (if coming from Higashiyama, 10 minutes from Gion-Shijo) or JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line (if coming from Kyoto Station, 5 minutes).

2) Wander Around Gion and Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama, which includes Gion, is one of the top places to visit in Kyoto with some of the most picturesque and best-preserved streets in the city.

In this historic district you’ll find wooden houses on narrow lanes with paved stone pathways and paper lanterns lighting the way.

There are many temples to visit, but this area is perfect for aimless wandering (ideally early morning or late at night, which is why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kyoto ) and soaking up the charm.

Many visitors rent kimono for a day and explore in traditional Japanese attire. 

Streets not to miss include Yasaka-dori which leads to Yasaka Pagoda (Hōkanji Temple), Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Nene-no-michi, and Ishibei-koji lane (no photos allowed).

This area is especially wonderful at night in March during the Higashiyama Hanatouro Festival when the streets are lined with thousands of lanterns and there are special events and illuminations at the temples.

Gion, Kyoto’s main geisha district, is also lovely for strolling day and night. Don’t miss Hanami-koji, the Shirakawa Canal, Shinbashi-dori, and Yasaka Shrine (free entry). 

On the traditional streets of Gion, you may spot a geisha rushing to an appointment at one of the teahouses (especially between 5.30 pm and 6 pm).

Yes, it’s exciting, but the hordes of tourists trying to take photos have made life unpleasant for them. Please keep your distance and be respectful.

We often saw geisha without mobs of tourists following them in the quieter Miyagawacho geisha district, where we stayed near Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theatre.

Wandering around Gion is one of the top things to do in Kyoto at night.

If you’d like to explore with a guide, this Gion at night group walking tour has excellent reviews and is a good way to learn about geisha culture. 

Details: Free to wander the streets. The nearest train stations are Gion-Shijo and Kiyomizu-Gojō on the Keihan Main Line.

3) Enjoy the View from Kiyomizu-dera Temple 

Another top Kyoto sightseeing spot, Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778 AD and has a dramatic hillside location in Southern Higashiyama with views across the city.

The large wooden main hall was built without nails and houses a statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. 

It’s a large complex with many other buildings including an impressive entrance gate, red three-storey pagoda, quiet paths into the forest, and the bizarre Tainai-meguri where you enter into darkness to make a wish (one of the weirdest things to do in Kyoto).

Kiyomizu-dera opens earlier than other temples and it’s well worth visiting at 6 am to avoid the tour groups.

It can also be quieter during the night illuminations held in March, April, and November when it’s open until 9.30pm.

Details: 400 yen entry fee. Open 6 am – 6 pm. It’s a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line. Walking up through the atmospheric lanes full of souvenir shops is part of the fun, but they get extremely busy in the middle of the day.

4) Stroll The Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is a pedestrian walkway along a cherry-tree-lined canal in Northern Higashiyama.

It’s 2 km (1.2 miles) long and connects two of the most famous temples in Kyoto, Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji.

It’s named because the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro was said to have used it for his daily meditation.

The Philosopher’s Path is a pleasant place for a stroll and you can stop off at several quieter temples along the way including Honen-in.

In cherry blossom season, the path is a must do in Kyoto.

Details: Free to stroll the path. It’s not very near any train stations (Keage Station on the Tozai line is a 15-minute walk away).

We always walk here from Southern Higashiyama via Maruyama Park as there’s lots to see along the way. It’s about 5 km (3.1 miles) without detours from Yasaka Pagoda to the end of the Philosopher’s Path near Ginkaku-ji.  

5) Explore Nanzen-ji Temple

At one end of the Philosopher’s Path you’ll find Nanzen-ji, a large Zen temple complex that’s well worth a visit. It’s not usually too crowded and there’s plenty of space for everyone.

The shady grounds are free to wander and you can see the massive Sanmon entrance gate and a large brick aqueduct built during the Meiji period.

From here we like to head up the hill into the forest to the simple shrine Nanzen-ji Oku-no-in beside a small waterfall.

You can also pay to enter the sub-temples. We visited Tenjuan, which has two lovely gardens and is a peaceful escape from the crowds.

There’s a rock garden as well as a large pond garden featuring mossy rocks and a small bamboo grove.

It’s especially beautiful in autumn leaf season when it’s open for special evening illuminations.

Details: Grounds are free. 500 yen to enter Tenjuan which is open 9 am – 4.45 pm. The nearest subway station is Keage Station on the Tozai line. We usually walk from Gion and continue along the Philosopher’s Path.

6) Visit the Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji means Silver Pavilion, but it was never covered in silver leaf. It’s one of Kyoto’s most popular temples and is located at the end of the Philosopher’s Path.

Even without the silver, it’s a lovely temple reflected in a pond.

The stunning gardens include an immaculately raked white sand Zen garden and a beautiful moss garden.

Make sure you follow the path up the hill to admire the temple from above.

Details: 500 yen entry fee. Open 8.30 am – 5 pm. It’s best reached by walking the Philosopher’s Path or you can take bus 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station (40 minutes).

7) See the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple

The Golden Temple or Kinkaku-ji is one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto.

We were prepared for the famous Zen temple to be overrated, and although it is almost always crowded, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the shimmering golden pavilion reflected in a pond dotted with islands of trees.

It was once the retirement villa of a shogun and it became a Zen temple after his death in 1408 (the building has been rebuilt after numerous fires since then). 

The gardens are pleasant for a stroll (if not too busy) and it’s fun to get an English fortune from a vending machine.

Although it’s beautiful, it’s a bit out the way in northwest Kyoto, so if you only have one or two days in Kyoto, I would probably skip it.

Details: 400 yen entry fee. Open 9 am – 5 pm. There are no train stations nearby. You could cycle here (like we did), take a taxi, get the bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station (at least 40 minutes) , or take a guided tour like the Kyoto early bird tour .

8) Spend a Day in Arashiyama

As I said above, I left out the Arashiyama bamboo grove from this list because the crowds have made it unenjoyable (see the bamboo groves at Kodai-ji or Tenjuan in Nanzen-ji instead).

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Arashiyama, though—we love this neighbourhood up in the western hills and recommend spending a day here. Away from the main sights it’s very peaceful.

Highlights include:

• Tenryu-ji – This Zen temple is the most popular attraction in the area and has beautiful gardens and delicious vegetarian lunches at the Shigetsu restaurant (see our Kyoto vegetarian guide ). The bamboo grove is just outside if you want a quick walk through (just keep your expectations low).
• Okochi-Sanso Villa – The former home of famous film actor Okochi Denjiro features lovely strolling gardens and views of the city.
• Jojakko-ji  – See below.
• Gio-ji – A tiny temple with a thatched-roof main hall overlooking a moss-covered grotto.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji – See below.
• Daikaku-ji – A grand temple complex and large pond with cherry trees.

You could also explore with a guide and enjoy street food tastings on the way on this Arashiyama and Sagano Walking Food Tour .

Details: From Kyoto Station take the JR San-In line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (17 minutes) which is about a 10-minute walk from Tenryu-ji.

From Gion we walked to Kawaramachi station, took the train to Omiya then the Randen tram to Arashiyama, which took about an hour.

9) Seek out Cherry Blossoms or Autumn Leaves

The beauty of Kyoto is that every season is different.

Winter is chilly and quiet; summer is hot, humid, lushly green, and festival-filled; but the most popular times to visit are spring or autumn.

In early April, the cherry blossoms (sakura) transform the city into a flowering wonderland.

While it’s crowded and expensive, it’s also magical and the festive atmosphere is fun. See our picks for the best places to see the Kyoto cherry blossoms .

Late November to early December is usually the best time to see the colourful autumn leaves in Kyoto, which can be just as beautiful. 

Recommended Reading: If you’re also visiting Tokyo, check out our guide to the coolest things to do in Tokyo .

These temples may not be as well known as the ones above, but they can often be a more enjoyable experience without the crowds.

See our guide to Kyoto temples and shrines for even more hidden gems.

10) Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a fairly long walk from the popular sights in Arashiyama, but it’s well worth it for an offbeat experience.

It’s the quirkiest temple we visited in Kyoto with 1200 stone sculptures of rakan, the Buddha’s disciples, scattered throughout a shady temple complex.

They all have different facial expressions and poses—scary, serene, cheerful, cute, and just plain bizarre.

Details: 300 yen entry fee. Open 8 am – 4.30 pm. We walked from the Saga Arashiyama station, which takes about 40 minutes, and there are other temples to visit on the way. There’s also an infrequent bus or you can take a taxi from the station for about 1000 yen.

11) Jojakko-ji Temple 

Jojakko-ji is another hidden gem in Arashiyama. Possibly due to lack of expectations and crowds, this was one of my favourite temples in Kyoto.

The hillside gardens are extensive and feature a large cherry tree, mossy roots, small bamboo cluster, a thatched roof gate, and pagoda. There’s a fantastic view of Kyoto from the top.

It’s a beautiful temple to visit in autumn, but it won’t be as quiet then.

Details: 400 yen entry fee. Open 9 am – 5 pm. It’s a 15-minute walk from Saga Arashiyama station.

12) Kodai-ji Temple

Kodai-ji isn’t quite as off-the-beaten-path as the two temples above, but we had it to ourselves when we visited at opening time.

It’s in a convenient location in Southern Higashiyama, so it’s easy to add in a visit while visiting more popular sights like Kiyomizu-dera.

The Zen Buddhist temple was established in 1606. The main hall features beautiful artwork and painted screen doors, but the gardens were the highlight for us.

The rock garden includes raked gravel and a weeping cherry tree, which is gorgeous in sakura season.

The other garden includes a pond and attractive teahouses. Make sure you walk up the hill to the bamboo grove, which is our favourite in Kyoto.

Three times a year (April, August, and November) the temple opens for special night illuminations, which are well worth visiting although it’s much more crowded.

Details: 600 yen entry fee (or 900 yen combo ticket with Entoku-in). Open 9 am – 5 pm. Best visited on a walking tour of Southern Higashiyama. It’s a 15-minute walk from Gion-Shijo station or a bus will get you closer.

13) Entoku-in Temple

Entoku-in is a sub-temple of Kodai-ji that’s usually fairly quiet.

There’s a small karesansui (dry stone) garden and some beautiful screen paintings, but what we most liked were the interactive elements here. You can make your own raked stone garden, trace a Buddha picture or sutra, or try zazen meditation.

Details: 500 yen entry fee (or 900 yen combo ticket with Kodai-ji). Open 10 am – 5 pm. It’s a two-minute walk from Kodai-ji.

14) Kennin-ji Temple

Kennin-ji is conveniently located in Gion and is close to other temples like Kodai-ji, but it doesn’t get too crowded, especially if you visit at opening.

It’s the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and was founded in 1202. There’s a large complex where you can wander for free, but it’s worth paying to go inside.

The main building overlooks a large raked gravel garden, one of the best we visited.

There are lots of small rooms where you can admire beautiful screen paintings and you can walk in the gardens to an old teahouse.

Don’t miss the separate building where there’s a stunning ceiling painting of twin dragons, painted in 2002 to celebrate the temple’s 800th anniversary.

Details: 500 yen entry fee. Open 10 am – 5 pm. Gion Shijo is the nearest station.

15) Yoshida Hill Temples and Shrines

The temples and shrines on Yoshida Hill are hidden gems and are my top pick if you’re looking for non touristy things to do in Kyoto.

We couldn’t believe how empty they were despite the fact they are just as beautiful as some of the more well-known temples, entrance is free, and there are some good cherry blossom spots .

They are a little out of the way, but we combined them with a walk on the Philosopher’s Path—it’s a 2 km (1.2 mile) walk from the Ginkaku-ji end.

These are the four we visited with around a 5–10 minute walk between them.

• Takenaka Inari Shrine – A small shrine with a tunnel of red torii gates that is especially lovely in cherry blossom season.
• Yoshida-jinja Shrine – A peaceful forest shrine with many classic elements like torii gates and sake barrels. We saw a monk performing a ceremony here.
• Shinnyodo Temple – A large temple complex with a huge hondo (main hall) and small pond. We walked down the hill through the neighbouring graveyard to get to the next temple.
• Konkai-Komyoji Temple – Also known as Kurodani Temple, this large complex has an impressive grand entrance gate and staircase lined with cherry trees.

Details: Free entrance. Best explored on foot while in Northern Higashiyama.

Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of your trip, see the 54 best things to do in Japan .

16) Eat Shojin Ryori in a Temple

Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan for vegetarians as it’s the home of shojin ryori or Zen Buddhist temple cuisine, which is free from animal products.

Shojin ryori features multiple small dishes including tofu, seasonal vegetables, and rice. It’s healthy, balanced, and delicious, although you might find some of the unusual ingredients rather odd.

You can try shojin ryori at a number of temples including Shigetsu restaurant in Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama where you eat on the floor in a large tatami room overlooking the gardens.

See my vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto guide for more delicious places to eat.

Details: Shigetsu is open from 11 am – 2 pm and lunch sets costs from 3300 yen. You must also pay the 500 yen Tenryu-ji entrance fee. Make sure you book—ideally a month in advance or two months in peak seasons like autumn.

17) Take a Cooking Class

Japanese cuisine is fascinating and a cooking class is a great way to learn more about it beyond sushi and tempura.

We had an excellent lesson with Emi at Uzuki Kyoto Cooking Class but, unfortunately, the school has now closed.

Another option that looks good (and they can cater to vegetarians) is this Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class with Cooking Sun where you learn to make 5-6 home-style dishes.

Other cooking classes available in Kyoto focus on different dishes such as bento boxes and ramen (with vegan option).

18) Shop at Nishiki Market

Once you’ve learnt miso from mirin on a cooking class, you can delve into Kyoto’s foodie culture some more with a visit to the Nishiki Market.

On this narrow shopping street you’ll find all the ingredients essential for Japanese cooking including an array of pickled vegetables, fish, tofu, giant miso-smothered aubergine, sweets, and other snacks.

There are plenty of opportunities to try free samples or to buy a snack to take with you. We liked the sweet black beans and the chilli coated rice cakes.

The market has become very crowded in recent years, so it’s best to visit early.

You might find it more relaxing to visit a basement food hall in a nearby department store such as Takashimaya or Daimuru instead. This is Kyoto’s main shopping area so there are plenty of options.

Nishiki Market can be overwhelming and confusing, so if you want to learn what everything is you might want to explore with a guide (we plan to next time). Options include:

• Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour – Visit 10-12 vendors with food tastings and enjoy a sit-down lunch afterwards.
• Nishiki Market and Culture Walking Food Tour – Combine tastings at Nishiki Market with a temple visit.
• Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class – On this private tour, you shop at the market then make a donburi (rice bowl) with the ingredients you’ve chosen.

Details: Opening hours vary by stall, but it’s best to visit between 10 am to 5 pm. The nearest stations are Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line or Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.

19) Drink Matcha in a Teahouse

Kyoto is famous for its green tea and stopping at one of the many traditional teahouses is a Kyoto must do and the perfect break on a busy sightseeing day.

Slightly bitter, bright green matcha is served in beautiful bowls accompanied by wagashi, small Japanese sweets such as mochi made from pounded rice and sugar and stuffed with bean paste.

It can be an acquired taste, but even if you’re not a fan, it’s a great cultural experience and worth trying at least once.

There are many teahouses in Kyoto. We loved our experience at Ippodo Tea , a highly regarded tea shop that’s been around for nearly 300 years.

This is the ideal place to buy some high-quality tea to take home as a souvenir, but you can also sample it in their tearoom.

You can choose from a wide range of teas and you’ll be given exact instructions (in English) on how to brew it—they take their tea very seriously here. Our tea and wagashi were superb.

To delve deeper into tea culture, you can also participate in a tea ceremony. The tea ceremony ritual originated in Kyoto and is a fascinating insight into Japanese culture—it’s about so much more than just enjoying a hot drink.

We took part in a tea ceremony in Kanazawa , but there are many options in Kyoto including this 45-minute tea ceremony near the Golden Temple (with option to wear a kimono) or this tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple .

Details: The Ippodo Tearoom is open from 10 am – 5 pm (currently closed until winter 2023 but the shop is open). It’s a little out of the way but it’s not far south of Kyoto Imperial Palace and a 15-minute walk north of Nishiki Market. 

20) Cycle Along the Kamo River

The Kamogawa or Kamo River cuts through the city and is a popular recreation spot for locals.

It’s a great place for a run, walk, or bike ride, especially in spring when the banks are lined with cherry blossoms.

On summer evenings, head to the Sanjo bridge where you’ll often find bands playing and young people hanging out and drinking—a cheaper night out than paying bar prices.

Cycling is an especially good way to explore and you can use the river path as a way of getting to northern Kyoto.

You could start in Gion and cycle north with a detour to the Imperial Palace. At the Demachiyanagi area the river forks and you’ll find the 2000-year-old shrine Shimogamo-Jinja.

Take the left fork to head to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens and the 7th-century shrine, Kamigamo-jinja.

The right fork will eventually take you to Takaraga-ike Park, an off-the-beaten-track spot that’s popular with locals for walks, picnics, and boating on the pond. I had a lovely birthday picnic here under the plum blossoms.

If you want to leave the river and cycle up Kyoto’s hills, I recommend getting an e-bike.

Details: The bike shop we rented from in Gion has now closed. Bicycle rental Raku-chari Nanajo is another option close to the river and a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

A one-day rental from 9 am – 6 pm costs 1100 yen for a standard bike or 2200 yen for an e-bike.

21) Stroll by the Takase River

The Takase River is a narrow canal that runs next to Kiyamachi-dori parallel to the much larger Kamo River.

It was used for transporting rice and sake for over 300 years from 1611. You can see a replica of the flat-bottomed boats that were used at the starting point near Nijo-dori.

It’s an enjoyable place for a stroll by day and night, especially in spring when the cherry trees bloom, and there are lots of cafes and restaurants along the way.

The section between Sanjo-dori and Shijo-dori can be busy, especially in sakura season, but south of here it’s much quieter.

We often walked along the canal south of Gojo-dori and down past Kyoto Beer Lab and it was always a peaceful escape.

Details: Sanjo station is about a five-minute walk from the start of the canal near Nijo-dori. You could also start further south near Kawaramachi station.

22) Hike from Kibune to Kurama

A lovely half-day trip from Kyoto is to the villages of Kibune and Kurama in the mountains a scenic 30-minute train ride north of the city.

You can do the walk in either direction. We started in Kibune, visited the Kifune Shrine, then walked through the forest up a steep path up and over the mountain to Kurama-dera temple, which has fantastic views.

The mountain section only took 35 minutes, but it felt longer as it’s uphill most of the way. It’s a peaceful walk over root-covered trails surrounded by tall trees with a number of small shrines along the way.

The village of Kurama is about 15 minutes downhill from the temple. We enjoyed a tasty shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) lunch at Yoshuji before taking the train back to Kyoto.

This is a great walk in any season. When the weather is cooler, you can ease your muscles in the outdoor baths at Kurama Onsen (currently closed).

In summer, walk in the opposite direction and end with a meal on a suspended platform over the river in Kibune.

In autumn, it’s especially beautiful as the trees turn red. 

Details: The train on the Eizan Kurama Line from Demachi-Yanagi Station to Kibuneguchi Station takes 30 minutes. Return on the same line from Kurama Station.

Entrance to Kurama-dera is 300 yen. Use of the outdoor bath at Kurama Onsen is 1000 yen (or 2500 yen for all baths). 

23) Wander Around Kyoto Botanical Gardens

The extensive Kyoto Botanical Gardens are a relaxing place for a walk with a wide range of trees and flowers, a turtle and carp filled pond, and a huge conservatory with plants from different climatic zones.

We visited in late summer, but it’s even lovelier with the cherry blossoms of spring or red leaves of autumn.

Details: 200 yen entry fee plus 200 yen for the conservatory. Main gardens open from 9 am – 5 pm and the conservatory from 10 am – 4 pm.

The nearest subway station is Kitayama Station. This is a great place to cycle to as you can get there along the Kamo River.

24) Watch the Geisha Spring or Autumn Dances

Geisha (or geiko) are one of the most fascinating aspects of Kyoto. These professional entertainers are highly skilled in traditional Japanese arts and wear elaborate outfits that belong to another time.

It’s exciting to glimpse geisha as they slip into the teahouses of Gion, but it’s even better if you can watch them perform.

Every year in April the geisha districts put on spectacular dances where you can see dozens of geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha) dancing, acting, singing, and playing traditional instruments.

They are stunning shows and I loved getting a closer look at those extravagant kimono and hairstyles.

Don’t miss a show if you’re visiting in April—it’s one of the best things to see in Kyoto.

The Miyako Odori in Gion is the most famous, but we went to the nearby Kyo Odori in our neighbourhood Miyagawacho instead where there were very few tourists. See my Kyoto cherry blossom guide for more details.

In autumn, the Gion Odori is held from 1 – 10 November and we found it just as beautiful (if busier with tourists). We bought tickets a few days in advance from the Gion Kaikan Hall where it is held.

You can also look out for local festivals that include a geisha dance. We saw one as part of the Higashiyama Hanatoro Festival in March.

25) Geek Out at Kyoto International Manga Museum

If you are interested in manga (comics) culture, the Kyoto International Manga Museum is the ideal rainy day destination.

There’s a small exhibition looking at the role manga has played in Japanese culture, but mostly there are just lots and lots of manga comics and graphic novels.

The collection houses 300,000 volumes, and although they are mostly in Japanese, they have translations into many other languages, too.

Throughout the museum you’ll find towering bookshelves and geeky kids quietly reading.

Details: 900 yen entry fee. Open 10.30 am – 5.30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays. Karasuma-Oike is the nearest subway station.

26) Learn a Traditional Japanese Skill

As the home of traditional Japanese culture, there are many opportunities in Kyoto to learn more about the arts and try a unique activity.

We’re adding these fun things to do in Kyoto to our list for our next visit:

• Samurai Experience – Wield a real katana (Japanese sword) and learn about Zen and bushido (the moral code of samurai) in a 250-year-old samurai residence.
• Itajime Shibori Scarf Class – Learn the oldest dyeing method in Japan and take home a scarf you’ve made.
• Ninja Training Dojo – Learn ninja skills including how to use ninja weapons.
• Calligraphy Workshop – Make your own silkscreen-printed kanji t-shirt in this private calligraphy workshop.

Kyoto is best reached by train.

If you fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX), the Airport Express Haruka train to Kyoto takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

If you fly into Tokyo, you can take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto in 2 hours 15 minutes on the fastest train.

If you’ll be visiting a few other places in Japan, it’s well worth considering a Japan Rail Pass . It usually saves you money and makes travel easy as you just hop on the train.

Read my post on whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for more details. 

The Japan Travel by Navitime website or app is the best way to check train times and prices. 

Getting Around Kyoto

We love to walk as much as possible in Kyoto as we often discover hidden spots along the way.

Cycling is also great along the Kamo River, but I wouldn’t venture up to the main sightseeing areas of Higashiyama or Arashiyama as they’re too hilly and crowded.

The public transport system isn’t brilliant and you’ll need to take a mix of trains, subway, and buses to get to every part of the city. A prepaid ICOCA card can be used on all of them.

We use Google Maps for public transport routes and directions.

Life will be much easier if you have a data plan on your phone—a Japan e-SIM by Airalo is the easiest way to get affordable data. You can set it up before you arrive and it doesn’t require a physical SIM card (so you can keep your home SIM in your phone).

Taxis can be convenient for out of the way locations and are much faster than the buses (which can also be crowded).

Drivers don’t usually speak English so it’s best to have your destination written down in Japanese (or show the Google Maps listing) unless it’s a well-known sight.

At Kyoto Station there’s now a foreigner-friendly taxi stand—the drivers speak English and accept credit cards.

Yes, Kyoto is absolutely worth visiting! It should be top of your list of places to visit in Japan.

It’s a wonderful mix of traditional culture, stunning temples, beautiful gardens, delicious food, and interesting activities.

I hope the ideas in this post will help you love Kyoto as much as we do! There can be an overwhelming amount to do in the city, but don’t try to see it all.

Choose a few activities from each of the sections above and you’ll have an amazing Kyoto trip that includes some classic spots as well as more peaceful sights off the beaten track.

Read more of our Kyoto and Japan travel tips.

• Where to Stay in Kyoto: Recommended Hotels and Areas
• 14 Stunning Places to See the Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
• 20 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Kyoto
• The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Temples and Shrines
• 14 Best Day Trips from Kyoto

General Japan Tips

• Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
• 16 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan
• Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
• 56 Best Things to Do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip
• Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth it?
• Where to Stay in Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation
• Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan

More Japan, Direct to your Inbox!

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30 Comments

Where would you recommend staying in Kyoto?

Reply ↓

If you want to be close to the oldest streets and temples, Gion is great. We liked Hotel The Celestine on a quiet street there or we often get an Airbnb.

Or to be closer to shopping and slightly better transport links, you could look at downtown (a more modern area). We liked Sora Niwa Terrace for the amazing view from its onsen and rooftop bar. The rooms are really nice (it’s quite new) but small.

Thank you for the details of your trip. If I may ask, is there a place you can recommend where to rent kimono’s?

I don’t have any personal experience, but if you want to book online and pick up downtown (near the Ju An Tea Ceremony that we enjoyed) there’s Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata .

Or there are loads of shops (no booking needed) in Gion (near Yasaka Pagoda) such as Rental Kimono Rose.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AMAZING GUIDE IT IS VERY HELPFUL

Wow! Thank you so much for this wonderful guide! It’s so beautifully written, and the attention to detail is much appreciated. I don’t have to look any further for my Kyoto plan.

Thank you Bharath and enjoy Kyoto!

Thank you for such a brilliant detailed post. I’ve been to Kyoto a few times and am here again currently! I was looking for other things to do aside from the usual recommendations and this post has given me lots of ideas :)

It’s been many years since I’ve visited Japan and though I went 4 times (with another one on the way!) there’s still more to explore. Thanks for the pointers (and reminders) for some good places to spend time. The photos are beautiful and the links are so helpful. Thank you so much for putting this together (and I completely agree re Arashiyama).

First Japan guide I’ve seen that mentioned eSim. I HAD NO IDEA about these. Thank you very much.

Definitely easier than the pocket wifis that everyone recommends!

Thank you. This gives so much information :-)

Amazing guide! Thank you for putting something so comprehensive together. Looking forward to using your list when we visit this weekend.

Enjoy Kyoto, Randy!

Thank you for putting so much time and energy into creating this excellent resource!

Aw, thank you Ryan! We love Kyoto and are lucky to have had so much time there.

Thank you for providing this information on places to visit. I plan to return to Kyoto once we are able to travel again. I loved it!! It is an amazing place to visit.

I am taking my Mom to Japan, I must confess, when ran across ur site, I must say, it was my 1st and last sop during my trip research process. your attention to detail and useful information is overwhelming, Thank you so much. I am a fan.

Thank you so much, Carlos! I’m glad you found it useful and hope you don’t have to wait too long to visit Japan.

Ugh it’s on my bucket list to visit Japan during cherry blossom season! Maybe next year!

Your article is brilliant, so informative. I’m planning a trip to Japan next summer and I’m torn between an extra day in Kyoto or a day trip to Nikko (when in Tokyo). What would you recommend? We would have 2 and a half days in Kyoto if we kept in the Nikko day trip but I’m starting to think I would prefer the extra day in Kyoto. Thank you.

I would probably go for an extra day in Kyoto – there’s just so much to do there. Enjoy!

If staying for a week in Kyoto, would you recommend hiring a car, or is driving too stressful?!

I think driving would be too stressful and it’s so easy to get around by train, it’s not really worth it. We spent a month in Kyoto and never felt the need for a car.

We went some time ago and I found by chance the railway museum there. Very interesting collection of equipment. Within walking distance of the regular railway station. The locomotives seemed to be a mixture of US and European designs.

We’ll have to check that out next time, thank you!

Excelent tips, will make my trip to Japan much enjoyaBle. Thanks a lo, will continúe to check the other articles

WOW, Kyoto is just beautiful, I will love so much to go and know this place!! The scenes are very beautiful, the great landscapes that you have in your pictures are amazing! I will love to go and take a lot of pictures!

Great pics. We spent 4 weeks in Kyoto a few years back and saw most of these temples. I like what you say about the tourists and how to avoid them…we were surprised by just how many tourists there were (all fighting to take photos…but politely because they’re Japanese :) ). And also about the local transport which, surprisingly, is not very good. Many of the temples on the foothills of the city and some only accessible by city bus which sometimes made for some long journeys.

We also did the Ninja training. Lots of fun, would recommend.

I would also mention a visit to the train station (Kyoto Station). Incredible building and some great views over the city.

And you’re very right about the Kamo river. Nice place for a walk or a jog and best of all free. We spent a lot of time walking it.

Frank (bbqboy)

Yes, Kyoto Station is lovely! Glad you enjoyed your stay as much as we did!

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Kyoto   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Piriya Photography | Getty Images

15 Best Things To Do in Kyoto

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Kyoto receives scores of visitors each year and crowds can be overwhelming at many of the city's top attractions. But never fear: A bit of planning can yield introspective experiences in peaceful atmospheres. Climb the well-worn steps of a  Shinto

• All Things To Do

Fushimi Inari Shrine Fushimi Inari Shrine free

As far as Shinto shrines go (there are about 400 in Kyoto), this one is pretty special. Perched on a wooded hillside in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari is a 1,300-year-old temple dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and  sake  (Japanese rice wine). The shrine complex dates back to the eighth century, but it's not the star of the show. Most visitors come for the close to 10,000 red and orange lacquered  torii  gates that line the 2 ½-mile-long path up Mount Inari, where the shrine sits. Sometimes in dense rows and other times more staggered, the gates are all engraved with the names of Shinto devotees who donated them.

It takes about three hours to make the trek up the mountain, and some recent visitors say that the hike is mildly strenuous, but almost all agree this is a must-see spot in Kyoto, especially for first-time visitors. Plus, travelers report that there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. Peer at the dozens of stone and bronze foxes that line the paths along with the gates (foxes are thought to be Inari's sacred messengers). Or stop in to one of the tea houses or restaurants situated on the path, which serve udon noodle soup and sushi. Because crowds are drawn to their picturesque beauty, Fushimi Inari's trails can get quite congested during the day. To avoid the multitudes, opt for an evening stroll up the mountain – recent visitors say the pervading quiet coupled with the fading light filtering through the trees and  torii  gates makes for an eerie and spiritual experience. Early morning is another optimal time to experience the shrine sans the crowds.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Situated on Otowa Mountain in eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple wows travelers with its stunning natural scenery, which visitors say is best viewed from the verandah off the temple's main building. The "stage," as it's called, sits atop huge pillars more than 40 feet above the hillside and affords visitors panoramas of the surrounding forest. Those views are even more beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom or in the fall with the changing foliage. When you're done taking in the temple's surrounding beauty, you are invited to drink from the Otowa Waterfall, which gave the temple its name ( kiyomizu means "pure water"). The waterfall is divided into three streams, each of which is said to bring longevity, academic success or love, respectively. But according to temple etiquette, drinking from all three streams is bad luck, so don't be greedy.

Also within in the complex is the Jishu Shrine, a red-lacquered temple dedicated to Okuninushi-no-mikoto, the Shinto god of love. Visitors who can successfully walk between two stones outside of the shrine with their eyes closed (the stones are about 20 feet apart) will supposedly have their love-related wishes granted. Along with toying with their fates, recent travelers also enjoyed the souvenir shops found along the path to the temple. Many visitors insist that Kiyomizu-dera Temple should be on every Kyoto traveler's to-do list.

Gion Gion free

Recent visitors to Gion were in awe of its quaintness (though some travelers note that hordes of camera-wielding tourists can detract from the scenery). This neighborhood is known for its charming historic features: historic tea houses, willow-lined roads,  kaiseki  (Japanese haute cuisine) restaurants, wooden  ryokan  (Japanese guest houses) and shops selling local crafts and antiques. But all of those things are secondary to Gion's real source of fame – the geisha. Visitors to Gion may catch a glimpse of these extravagantly dressed women flitting between tea houses on wooden-sandaled feet.

Contrary to western belief, geisha are not prostitutes. A geisha's primary role is entertainment; she is hired to provide diversions at dinner parties and banquets in the form of singing, dancing, games and conversation. But they are more than mere performers: Geisha are living, breathing gatekeepers of ancient Japanese culture. They train from an early age in traditional Japanese art, dance and music, and perform at exclusive dinners in  ochaya  (tea houses), usually only for locals. While tourists can arrange geisha dinners as well, it will put quite a dent in a travel budget. Hiring one geisha for the evening with dinner for two can cost about 103,000 yen (about $900) or more. A less costly way to see Gion's geishas in action would be to check out the daily geisha performances at the Gion Corner theater, which cost 3,150 yen (about $28). Or, if you're visiting during April, you can catch the  Miyako Odori  dance festival – geisha dance performances, which are held four times daily during the festival at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater, cost between 4,000 and 5,500 yen (about $35 to $48) per person. You may also see geisha strolling through the neighborhood; keep a polite distance and refrain from photographing them without explicit permission.

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Arashiyama Arashiyama free

Arashiyama is a quaint neighborhood surrounded by trees and mountains on the western edge of Kyoto. The neighborhood's most iconic landmark is the wooden Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which has spanned the Katsura River since 1934. It makes a great spot for admiring cherry blossoms or changing fall foliage, depending on the season, though some visitors seem less than impressed with the bridge. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds that congregate on the bridge, consider renting a paddle boat to enjoy the scenery from the water. On either end of the bridge are a number of shops, restaurants, temples and gardens to explore. Some recent visitors enjoy walking around and taking in the sites, but others suggest renting a bike. You can get one for the day for around 1,000 yen (about $9) near train stations in Kyoto.

A visit to Arashiyama can be overwhelming, as there is so much to do and see here. It's best to arrive with a plan of action, and to not try to fit too many activities into one day. For example, you won't want to miss a stroll through the area's lush, peaceful bamboo groves, which recent visitors highly recommend. Once you're through the bamboo, you'll find yourself at Okochi Sanso Villa, a beautifully landscaped former residence of Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro. You can tour Denjiro's mossy, manicured gardens daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the admission price of 1,000 yen (about $9) includes matcha green tea and cake (make sure you keep your admission ticket to enjoy this).

Ryoanji Temple Ryoanji Temple

Every day, hundreds of people visit Ryoanji Temple to see its Zen rock garden – which is probably the most famous of its kind in Japan. Located in Kyoto's northern outskirts, the temple was built in 1450, but details surrounding the rock garden's origins are hazy. Its white pebbles, which surround 15 larger rocks, were laid sometime during the Muromachi period (between 1392 and 1573), but beyond that, the garden's origins are unknown.

From any vantage point, at least one of the garden's 15 rocks is obscured from view. But why? Visitors are invited to come to their own conclusions about the garden's deeper meaning. Along with viewing the rock garden, you can explore the temple's grounds, which include a 1,000-year-old pond fringed with lily pads and tree-lined walking trails. The garden, as well as the grounds, are among the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, which were designated by UNESCO in 1994.

Nishiki Market Nishiki Market free

For those unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine, a trip to Nishiki Market can be an overwhelming experience. This bustling, five-block-long covered market is lined with more than 100 stalls, each one hawking Japanese foods and specialty items that are hard to come by in the United States. With barely any English signage for reference, it might be difficult to determine what to buy or where to start. But just because Nishiki Market is busy and confusing doesn't mean you should avoid it. In fact, recent visitors said that's exactly why you should go, saying it's an essential food tour. Others pointed out that this is a great way to sample many different local cuisines without having to buy a whole meal.

The key here is to start small. Sample some authentic green tea or nosh on some  nigiri (rice balls). After you've acclimated yourself to the flavors, you can work your way up to the unfamiliar: roe-stuffed squid, dried kelp or silky  yuba  (tofu-milk skin). Of course, connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine can feel free to jump right in, but Nishiki Market can also offer new eating experiences to old pros. Alongside the more traditional Japanese fare, you'll find some trendier shops like Konnamonja, which sells doughnuts and soft-serve ice cream that are both made from tofu (and reportedly delicious). One thing to note: You'll have to sit (or stand) to eat your food. Walking and eating is not permitted, according to recent visitors.

Nijo Castle Nijo Castle

After years of bitter strife, the aging samurai lord Tokugawa Ieyasu finally wrested power from Japan's many warring clans and unified them at the turn of the 17th century. Upon being proclaimed Shogun (feudal military dictator) of Japan in 1603, Ieyasu constructed a palace that would reflect his supreme power. Nijo Castle in central Kyoto was certainly ostentatious enough to fit the bill. Unlike other noble homes of the day, Tokugawa's gleaming white structure – decorated with ornate wood carvings – was built for show, not for defense. Even the palace's moat and inner wall stood not as defensive structures, but rather as examples of the shogun's exclusivity; only Japan's highest-ranking officials were allowed into the castle's inner sanctum.

That is not to say that Nijo lacked in protective properties entirely. Decades of war had instilled in Tokugawa Ieyasu a deep-seated paranoia, so he had "nightingale floors" installed in his palace. Designed to creak under even the lightest footstep, these floors prohibited anyone from walking through the Nijo Castle unnoticed. Travelers today can tread upon these fabled floorboards as they tour the inside of the castle, but visitors suggest wearing socks, as you'll have to remove your shoes to enter the building. Outside the palace is the lovely Ninomaru Palace Garden designed by famed landscaper and tea master Kobori Enshu. Recent visitors applaud the site’s excellent guided tours in English and say the castle and surrounding gardens are quite beautiful. However, because it is on every tourist's "must-see" list, the castle can get quite crowded. To enjoy your visit in peace, stop by just after opening or right before closing.

Sanjusangendo Hall Sanjusangendo Hall

At nearly 400 feet, Sanjusangendo Hall is the longest wooden structure in Japan (there are archery contests held along the length of the hall every yeah). And lining its lengthy walls is a rare full set of 1,000 wooden statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The human-sized statues were carved from Japanese cypress in the 12th and 13th centuries. Recent travelers are consistently blown away by Sanjusangendo and its statues, calling it an "amazing" and "thrilling" place to visit.

Sanjusangendo Hall is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from April through mid-November, and between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from mid-November through March. Visitors suggest arriving at Sanjusangendo early, as the hall is not well ventilated and only gets hotter and more crowded as the day goes on. Admission costs 600 yen (about $5.25) per person (half-price for children). To get to Sanjusangendo Hall, take bus No. 100, 206 or 208 from Kyoto Station to the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae stop. Alternatively, you can take the Keihan subway line to Shichijo Station (Sanjusangendo is about a 5-minute walk from there). The temple sits across the street from the Kyoto National Museum, and many visitors suggest stopping by both attractions. For more information, visit the official website (in Japanese).

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Philosopher's Walk Philosopher's Walk free

Honoring Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to stroll here on his commute to Kyoto University in the early 20th century, the Philosopher's Walk is a roughly mile-long pathway along the Lake Biwa Canal in the Higashiyama district of northern Kyoto. In the spring, the cherry trees overhang the canal blossom, emitting a flurry of petals onto the path every time the wind blows. But recent visitors say that Philosopher's Walk is gorgeous no matter the season.

Past travelers suggested setting aside about an hour to enjoy the walk, noting that you'll probably want to stop along the way to admire the temples and shrines that can be found just outside the walking path. Others also caution that the area can get quite congested during cherry blossom season. Although there are no public restrooms along the walk, there are cafes and shops.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Its top two floors swathed in gold leaf, the Golden Pavilion sits pretty in Kyoto's northern reaches, overlooking the glassy surface of Mirror Lake. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu lived in the gilded structure in the late 14th and early 15th centuries after he passed political power down to his son, Ashikaga Yoshimochi. When his father died, Yoshimochi had the pavilion converted into a Buddhist temple. However, in 1950, an extremist monk set the golden temple aflame, reducing it to smoldering ashes. What now stands is a replica of Kinkaku-ji that was built in 1955.

Many recent travelers note the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding Kinkaku-ji; the golden temple reflecting in the smooth lake makes for a great photo, no matter the season. Unfortunately, some visitors say that throngs of tourists mar the temple's tranquil atmosphere. To enjoy the attraction without the crowds, heed the advice of reviewers and avoid an afternoon or weekend visit. Keep in mind: Visitors are not permitted to enter the pavilion.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Unlike the very literally named Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion is not actually silver – though it was intended to be. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who built Ginkaku-ji in 1482 as his retirement villa, died before he could swath the structure in silver leaf. But even without the bling, Ginkakuji and its grounds are stunningly beautiful.

The main pavilion, which was converted into a Zen shrine, sits overlooking a glassy pond surrounded by trees. Unfortunately, you can't go in – none of the buildings are open to the public. But visitors come here to enjoy the outdoors. As you stroll around the grounds, you'll come across a lush garden filled with mossy groves, as well as a Zen garden called "The Sea of Silver Sand." If you continue up along the path to the back of the garden, you'll enjoy a stunning view of the temple grounds as well as the city below. Many recent visitors said that a stroll around the garden at any time of day is gorgeous, even if it gets crowded at times (your best bet is to visit right when it opens or on Mondays). Several travelers stopped here while enjoying the Philosopher's Walk as the temple is located just off the trail.

Kyoto International Manga Museum Kyoto International Manga Museum

Many of Kyoto's top attractions pay homage to a Japan of the past, but the Kyoto International Manga Museum focuses on a very current form of Japanese art. Manga is a style of comics that exploded in popularity during the post-World War II period (though some historians date it back to the 12th century) and has steadily been gaining worldwide exposure in the past 60 years. The International Manga Museum, which opened in 2006, showcases a massive collection of Manga (around 300,000 items), from famous works like "Astro Boy" to more obscure comics by non-Japanese artists.

Recent visitors marvel at the museum's extensive collection, and said this is a must-do if you're a manga fan. For many, being able to sit and read the manga copies stored here was a highlight (reviewers said it felt more like a library than a museum). Travelers were also pleased that there were translations in other languages besides Japanese.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by the hills of central Honshu, Kyoto is one of Japan's largest cities. Although one of Japan's great tourist destinations , it is famous for having preserved much of the atmosphere of the past, having been the only major Japanese city to escape the devastation of WWII.

Celebrated as the residence of the Emperor , and Japan's principal cultural center for almost 1,100 years, Kyoto today boasts numerous things to do and great places to visit, including exploring the fine examples of sculptures, paintings, and other art forms in its many museums and galleries.

Your Kyoto travel itinerary should include seeing non-touristy sites, too. These should include the many examples of its centuries-old architecture, much of it influenced by Buddhism, which can still be seen in the splendid temples located in the quieter, less visited corners of the old city.

Kyoto continues to play an important role in Japanese religion, with 30 of the city's temples still serving as centers of various Buddhist sects, along with some 200 Shinto shrines within the city limits. All told, UNESCO World Heritage Site status has been designated to 17 historic buildings in Kyoto.

Find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions in Kyoto.

See also: Where to Stay in Kyoto

1. Nijo Castle

2. fushimi-inari taisha shrine, 3. kinkaku-ji: the golden pavilion, 4. kiyomizu-dera temple, 5. sanjūsangen-dō temple, 6. kyoto imperial palace, 7. nishi honganji temple, 8. the kyoto national museum and municipal museum of art, 9. gion's geishas and temples, 10. katsura imperial villa, 11. daitoku-ji temple, 12. the byōdō-in temple, 13. arashiyama monkey park, 14. arashiyama bamboo grove, 15. kyoto tower, 16. kyoto samurai and ninja museum, 17. enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal, 18. experience a tea ceremony, where to stay in kyoto for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to kyoto, map of tourist attractions in kyoto, kyoto, japan - climate chart.

Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō), complete with well-preserved walls, towers, and a moat, was built in 1603 and later served as the seat of government. The complex has several buildings containing many significant works of art, and is famous as the location chosen by the emperor to issue the rescript abolishing the country's once powerful Shogunate.

Highlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main entrance), as well as the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork. Beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose is another must-see. The castle's fine gardens are also fun to explore.

The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace . Consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, it boasts exquisite interiors decorated with many paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils. The principal apartment is the Hall of the Imperial Emissary (Jodan-no-ma), matched in splendor by the adjoining rooms, Ni-no-ma and Tozamurai-no-ma with their paintings of tigers.

Also of interest is the adjacent building with its large Audience Hall surrounded by a gallery and with sliding doors with large paintings of larches on a gold background. The fourth building, the Kuro-Shoin, has animal paintings by Kano Naonobu, while in the Shogun's private apartments are paintings of mountain landscapes.

If traveling as part of a tour, be sure to request a chance to tread the castle's famous "nightingale floors." These squeaking floorboards were specially designed to replicate the chirping of a nightingale.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301

Official site: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

One of Japan's most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto. Founded in AD 711 and dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, the shrine is still frequented by merchants and tradesmen who pray for prosperity.

The main building dates from 1499 and features a spectacular four-kilometer-long avenue of bright orange "torii," or arches, each dedicated by a business (it takes some two-hours to travel past the 1,000 arches lining the route). Also notable are its many sculptures of foxes, reputed to be messengers of the gods.

A great time to explore the shrine is at night. Not only will you be rewarded with a unique glimpse of this wonderfully illuminated heritage site, you'll be rewarded with few if any crowds.

Fortify yourself with the purchase of traditional Japanese fortune cookies from the shops and stands at the shrine's entrance. And to beat the crowds, visit as early in the day as possible (a 7am or 8am start is well worth it for the chance to avoid other visitors).

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Official site: http://inari.jp/en/

Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and now a Zen Buddhist temple, the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most picturesque attractions.

Taking its name from the gold leaf adorning the top two of its three floors - a design element believed to alleviate any negativity associated with death - the structure has been rebuilt in its original form a number of times, this most recent incarnation dating from the late 1950s.

Built over a large pond, the site is also famous for its beautiful grounds, as well as its old stone pagoda and the Sekkatei Teahouse with its traditionally served beverages. For a different perspective of this wonderful tourist attraction, plus avoiding the summer crowds, time your visit for either winter or autumn (the latter is spectacular thanks to the fall colors).

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-836

In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on Otowa Mountain overlooking the city. Visitors can enjoy a delightful stroll to the temple along quaint Tea-pot Lane with its small shops and craft stores.

This beautiful temple was founded in AD 790 and dedicated to the 11-headed Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy whose statue can be seen here. The existing buildings were erected after 1633 in the period of the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, and stand mainly on a rocky outcrop high above the Otowa Waterfall.

Highlights include the large terrace of the Main Hall, built on 30-meter-tall pillars with five rows of cross-beams and used as a stage for temple dances and ceremonies. The terrace affords spectacular views over the city and the surrounding wooded hills, especially when the leaves change color in fall. Personalized English language guided tours are available.

Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862

Official site: www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengyoin Temple), or the Temple of the 33 Niches, takes its name from its rather unusual structure: its façade is divided into 33 (sanjusan) niches (gen) to reflect the belief that Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, could take on 33 different personifications.

Originally built in 1164, the present elongated building was constructed in 1266 after a fire destroyed its predecessor. Evidence of its former importance as a place of training in archery can still seen in the many holes in its ancient pillars and timbers made by arrowheads.

The most important of its many works of art is the Kannon with a Thousand Hands, a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-tall statue. Dating from the 13th century, it's famous for the 500 standing figures of Kannon lined up on either side of it. Also of note are the additional sculptures of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits considered subordinate to Kannon, located behind it.

Address: 657 Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0941

The original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho ) , built in AD 794 and replaced several times after being destroyed by fire, remains one of the city's most visited historic sites. Although the present building was constructed in 1855, it still impresses.

Occupying a large (once-walled) enclosure near the heart of the city, highlights include its finely decorated gates and important rooms and buildings. These include the Hall for State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Emperor's Residence (Seiryo-den), the Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.

While the lovely grounds of this Kyoto landmark are open to the public, the palace itself can only be visited as part of a guided tour operated by the Imperial Household Agency. Be sure to plan ahead and check their website for reservations and application forms.

Address: 3 Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881

Official site: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall. Rebuilt in 1760, notable features of this fine structure include a number of rooms decorated with paintings on gold backgrounds, and numerous important statues, some dating from the 6th century.

Also of interest is the Founder's Hall (Daishi-do). Here, you'll find the much-revered statue of Shinran, carved in 1244 and later covered with a coat of lacquer mingled with his ashes.

Another notable building is the Daishoin , or Treasury, with various rooms named after the exquisite wall and ceiling paintings with which they're decorated. These include the Sparrow Room (Suzume-no-ma), the Room of the Wild Geese (Gan-no-ma), and the Chrysanthemum Room (Kiku-no-ma) with its fine 17th-century paintings of flowers in gold and white by Kaiho Yusetsu.

Also of interest is the Higashi-Honganji Temple of the Jodo-shinshu sect. Founded in 1602, it's home to a number of examples of fine artwork.

Only a few parts of these temples are open to the public, so be sure to make arrangements through the temple's website in advance of your visit to include other areas not normally accessible.

Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8501

Official site: www.hongwanji.kyoto/en/

In addition to its many fine old temples with their important artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in its world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps the best known is the National Museum, an art gallery established in 1897 that is widely considered the most important such museum in Japan.

Focusing predominantly on pre-modern Asian art, particularly examples from Japan, the museum has been completely renovated and includes a new wing designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi . Highlights of a visit include seeing numerous examples of historic art and applied arts, along with regular exhibitions (be prepared for plenty of walking).

Also worth seeing is Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art. Opened in 1928, this fine gallery features important works by Takeuchi Seihō, one of Japan's leading artists of the 20th century.

Address: 527 Chayacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0931

Official site: www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

Famous as an entertainment and geisha district, Gion is an area of Kyoto that is well suited to explore on foot. Located on the eastern bank of the Kamogawa River, Gion is an eclectic mix of modern architecture and historical beauty that provides a unique taste of numerous Japanese traditions, from the elaborately dressed geishas to well-preserved 17th-century restaurants and teahouses offering a glimpse of old Japan.

Centered on an area encompassing Hanami-Koji Street, Shijo-dori Street, and the waterside promenades of Shirakawa Minami-dori Street, Gion is also famous for its many fine temples. The best-known of these are the 15th-century Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and the Chion-in Temple .

Chion-in is one of Japan's most famous temples, notable for its 24-meter-high, two-story tower (Sammon-san), which houses the country's largest bell. Weighing 71 tons, it was cast in 1633, and is rung only during festivals in mid-April. Gion is a wonderful (and safe) place to enjoy a walking tour at night, too.

Address: Nishi Ten-o-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kansai 606-8341

Originally constructed in 1624 for Prince Hachijo Toshihito, brother of Emperor Goyozei, Katsura Imperial Villa is home to splendid historic architecture and one of Japan's most famous historic gardens.

Designed by Kobori Enshu with assistance by the prince, this beautiful garden is laid out in such a way that the visitor always sees things from the front - smaller gardens are grouped around a large pool with the summits of Mounts Arashiyama and Kameyama in the background.

Highlights include the Miyuki-mon Gates and the many garden paths, some made from river pebbles and others of rectangular cobbles, edged by mosses and bushes. These lead through more gates into the inner garden with a group of buildings known as the Goten at its center.

A particular highlight here is the veranda of Furu-shoin, specially designed to permit observation of the moon, and the three rooms of the Naka-shoin with its many fine paintings by Japan's leading artists. If time allows, be sure to stop and enjoy a meal or light refreshments in one of the many on-site teahouses.

Address: Katsuramisono, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 615-8014

Official site: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/katsura.html

The Daitoku-ji Temple - the Zen Temple of Great Virtue - is one of the principal temples of the Rinzai sect and was founded in 1324. The present structures date from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Of the 22 buildings on-site, seven are open to the public. These include the Kara-mon, a Chinese-style gate with magnificent carvings, and the two-story main gate, Sammon, built in 1589 and notable for its many fine ceiling paintings and statues. The Main Hall, the Butsuden (or Daiyu-den), was built in 1664 and contains a statue of Shakyamuni with his disciples Anna and Kayo and a figure of Daito-kokushi, first Abbot of the temple.

Beyond the Main Hall is the Lecture Hall, or Hatto, based on Chinese models, and the Hojo, or Abbot's Lodging, with its paintings, wooden tablet, and adjoining garden.

Other highlights include the old Abbot's Lodging (Shinju-an) with its statues and tombs dating from the 14th century, and a lovely Zen garden.

Address: 3 Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8231

The Byōdō-in Temple, established in AD 988, boasts many unique buildings, shrines, and artworks and is worthy of a visit. Highlights include the Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do), with its bronze phoenixes on its two gables and rich interior décor. This attractive hall also features 11th-century paintings, including an imposing gilded figure of Amida, and an altar and ceiling inlaid with bronze and mother-of-pearl.

Adjoining is the Kannon-do, a hall directly above the river and known as the Tsuridono, or Fishing Hall. Be sure to spend time visiting the temple gardens with their many fine ponds, as well as the Byōdō-in Museum with its treasures relating to the temple site, including its 52 wooden Buddha statues, carved phoenixes, and the original temple bell.

Also worth a visit is the Zen Tenryu-ji Temple .

Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021

Official site: www.byodoin.or.jp/en/

Perched atop a mountain in the tourist-heavy Arashiyama is one of the most interesting things to do in Kyoto – the Arashiyama Monkey Park. More than 100 snow monkeys call this park home, roaming freely amid the tourists who come to take a peek.

Getting so close to these wild creatures is a fascinating experience, but can also be a little unnerving, as the monkeys have no fear when approaching humans – especially if you've got a bit of food for them. The park features an enclosed area where you can buy bananas to feed to the monkeys. Don't worry – they stay behind the fence. But they do grab, so proceed with caution.

Even if you aren't interested in the monkeys, the top of the mountain has one of the best views of the city below. The walk up the hill takes about 30 minutes and is manageable for most levels.

While in Arashiyama, no trip is complete without a walk through the magnificent Bamboo Grove. No experience is quite like this anywhere else in the world. Get lost among towering stalks of glowing green as you walk the paved path that winds its way through the sun-drenched bamboo forests. In some places, the bamboo is so thick that it's impossible to see through to the other side.

Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is like being transported into another world. But because the legend of its beauty has traveled far and wide, it's a good idea to get here early, so you have the forest to yourself as much as possible.

So much of Kyoto is steeped in ancient history. But that does not mean that Kyoto is not a modern city. One look at the soaring Kyoto Tower will snap you back into the 21st century.

Standing at 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in the city. It features a viewing platform at 100 meters, which has one of the very best views of the entirety of Kyoto. On clear days, you can even see as far as Osaka.

The rest of the building includes offices, restaurants, shops, and a hotel. You can find Kyoto Tower across the street from Kyoto Station.

Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Official site: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/

Japanese history spans centuries and touches on everything from architecture and religion to food and culture. Part of that culture includes the samurai and ninja. In Kyoto, it is possible to delve deeper into this world at the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja museum.

Home to many different exhibits, the museum covers everything from armor and weapons to medieval Japanese history. Many of the armor comes from the Edo period of Japan, which was more than three centuries ago.

For a bonus, the museum also offers a Samurai Experience, where visitors can learn the traditional sword movements that the Samurai used, trained by an actual Samurai master.

Address: Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Official site: https://mai-ko.com/samurai/

One thing you will be doing extremely well in Kyoto is eating. Why not learn a bit about Japanese dining culture with a traditional kaiseki meal? The kaiseki meal is a multi-course, meticulously prepared meal that is as equally delicious as it is a work of art. The purpose of kaiseki is to show the utmost hospitality, making guests feel that they are extremely special. Kyoto has many restaurants dedicated to the art of kaiseki.

The meals are always different, but the pillars are usually the same: an appetizer, a simmered dish, a sashimi, something seasonal, a grilled course, and a dish with rice. Most kaiseki meals are served on the ground, with guests sitting on tatami mats.

Kyoto's Gion district has many places to try a kaiseki meal. Meals tend to run on the expensive side. It is a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, as these experience rarely allow walk-ins. One of the best in the city can be found at Gion Owatari, which is a two-star kaiseki restaurant that is extremely popular among Japanese foodies.

While in the Gion district , it may be interesting to try a traditional tea ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition. It involves preparing and drinking green tea in a special, celebrated way. Like the kaiseki meal, tea ceremonies are meant to make guests feel special and welcome. Tea ceremonies are often performed while sitting on the floor.

Tea came over to Japan from China in the 8th century. Around the 14th century, tea-drinking parties became a form of socializing and a way to show off knowledge about tea. The most formal tea ceremony lasts multiple hours, and usually starts with a kaiseki meal. However, modern day tea ceremonies are much shorter.

A host will prepare the tea in front of the guests. Before the tea is sipped, guests are supposed to eat a sweet treat. Then the tea is poured and sipped from a special tea bowl, all the while adhering to the proper placement of the bowl. It is a beautiful, historic experience, and Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to learn about this important part of Japanese culture.

The best place to stay in Kyoto is downtown, preferably in or near the Gion or Kawaramachi-Dori districts. These areas are central to many of the main attractions, as well as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Below are some highly-rated hotels near these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Ritz Carlton is on the banks of the Kamogawa River and offers unsurpassed luxury and service, four restaurants, and a well-regarded spa.
• The Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a short walk from the main train station and has large, modern rooms with beautiful cedar wood bathtubs.
• In the heart of the Gion area, the Maifukan offers well-appointed rooms with mini fridges. This hotel also has a rooftop garden terrace.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to the main train station is the Ohanabo . This is a small, cozy hotel in a quiet area, with comfortable rooms and a popular restaurant.
• The contemporary Hotel Anteroom is perfect for those looking for something different. This hotel features an art gallery and unique rooms that are tastefully compact but highly functional, including some with terraces.
• The Citadines Karasuma-Gojo is a good option for longer stays, with large rooms that include kitchens and sitting areas.

Budget Hotels:

• The ibis Styles Kyoto Station hotel is in an excellent central location and offers efficient rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
• In the heart of the Kawaramachi-Dori shopping district and also serving a free breakfast is the Super Hotel , with modern and cozy rooms.
• For a more traditional Japanese experience, the Ryokan Shimizu features rooms that come with futons and tatami mats, and an onsen (hot spring) is on the premises.
• See the Best of Kyoto: If you want to cover all the highlights of Kyoto in a day, the Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple is an excellent option. An experienced guide provides a fascinating historical context to the attractions on this full-day tour, which includes a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Cap off your tour with breathtaking views of Kyoto from the terrace of Kiyomizu Temple. Note that this tour involves plenty of walking around the attractions. Pickup from select hotels, lunch, and entrance fees are all included.
• Kyoto and Nara Day Trip: The Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto including Nijo Castle is a great option for those wanting to see the best of this beautiful historic city and its surrounds. This popular 10-hour tour takes in Kyoto attractions including the Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle before whisking you away to Nara to explore Todai-ji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine. Along the way, you'll enjoy a Japanese-style lunch (Western options also available), a professional guide, transportation (including hotel pickup), and admissions.
• Pedal Power: A great way to explore this historic city is by joining a Kyoto Small-Group Bike Tour . Lasting from three to four hours, you'll see the city's historic old architecture, explore its top shrines and temples, and even traverse the famous cherry tree-lined Path of Philosophy. Limited to just nine participants, the tour includes bike rental and a group guide.
• A Rural Walkabout: For those with the stamina, the Arashiyama and Sagano Morning Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore the best areas surrounding Kyoto. Highlights of this four-hour adventure include a walk through beautiful bamboo groves as you make your way to a number of iconic hilltop temples, including Tenryu-Ji and Jojakko-Ji Temple. All admissions are included, as is pickup and transportation.

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Places to Visit near Kyoto : Osaka is an easy day trip from Kyoto, and the city is less than 90 minutes away by high-speed train. Once there, you'll enjoy historic points of interest such as Osaka Castle and Shitennō-ji Temple, and more modern attractions including the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel. For those wanting to see a few off-the-beaten-trail destinations, consider taking a day trip . Popular options include the historic temples of Nara and the busy port of Nagoya , each an easy rail journey away.

Explore Japan's Rich History : Chances are if you like Kyoto, you're also going to like the city of Fukuoka . This fascinating city is famous for its huge 17th-century castle, the splendid Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine, as well as modern attractions like the beautifully designed Kyūshū National Museum. Nagoya is also worth visiting for its history. An easy train ride away, the city boasts numerous lovely shrines and temples, and its own well-preserved historic castle.

Japan Vacation Ideas : Japan, of course, offers no end of great vacation choices. A few favorites include exploring the sites of Tokyo , with its endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options; magnificent Mount Fuji , perhaps the country's most recognizable natural feature; and the beautiful island of Hokkaido, where you'll have the chance to explore the country's most northerly major city, Sapporo .

More on Japan

Kyoto (���s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor 's residence from 794 until 1868 . It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II . Countless temples , shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Top attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Walk the Philosopher's Path
• Beautiful temples and shrines
• Attractive Higashiyama streets

• See the bamboo groves
• Visit the monkey park
• Serene temples and gardens

• Visit beautiful temples
• Explore Higashiyama and Gion

• Visit beautiful temples and shrines

• Explore attractive Arashiyama

• Explore Kyoto's northern side
• Visit Kinkakuji , Ryoanji and Ninnaji temples

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Kyoto official travel guide, cycle kyoto, hotels around kyoto, kyoto hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Kyoto

Experiences around Kyoto

• Things to Do
• Tourist Spots & Attractions

25 Best Things to Do in Kyoto: Explore Bucket List Spots Like Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Gion, and More!

Shrines, temples, tours, day trips... If you've started looking into a trip to Kyoto, you might be overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do here. As the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto has a long history as a cultural powerhouse, and you can still experience the city's historical beauty and unique traditions today. In this article, we've compiled 25 of the best things to do in Kyoto. Read on to learn about the best sightseeing spots and activities to add to your Japan bucket list!

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About Kyoto

Explore japan's ancient capital, historic temples and shrines, kyoto food culture, atmospheric walks and scenic streetscapes, kyoto day trips, kyoto shopping, kyoto art and culture, don't miss visiting kyoto.

Located in the Kansai area of Western Japan, Kyoto is one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations. As the old capital, Kyoto has a wealth of shrines, temples, historical areas, and gardens to see. At the same time, Kyoto is a modern city with plenty of shopping, gourmet dining, and entertainment options as well.

Kyoto is easy to access from Tokyo by bullet train, and is only a 30-minute train ride from Osaka. Kyoto also makes a great base for exploring the Kansai area, with the surrounding cities of Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Japan's biggest lake, Lake Biwa, all very easy to get to from the Kyoto city center.

The climate in Kyoto can be very hot in the summer and fairly cold in the winter. The best times of the year to visit are arguably the cherry blossom season in early April, the autumn foliage period in late November, and the Gion Matsuri period in July. For obvious reasons, these are also extremely crowded periods, as are long Japanese holiday periods such as Golden Week (April 29 to early May) and Obon (mid-August). So if you're planning a trip during these times, it's best to secure all your reservations well in advance. 

A good starting point for planning any visit to Kyoto is our Ultimate Kyoto Travel Guide . Here you'll find everything you need to know about where to stay, eat, shop, as well as all the info you need to get around and stay safe in Kyoto. 

Nijo Castle Kyoto Tour

As the capital of Japan for a thousand years, Kyoto was the home to Japan's royalty, but the Imperial Family was not the only seat of power in ancient Kyoto. The shogunate, Japan's feudal military government, held power over the country from 1185 to 1868.

Completed in 1603, Nijo Castle served as residences, offices, and reception spaces for the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1867, the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, declared the end of the shogunate and the return of power to the Imperial Court at this very castle. After this period, Nijo Castle was used as a detached palace of the Imperial Court before being opened to the public in 1940.

Ninomaru Palace in the Nijo Castle complex is famous for its “nightingale floors”, named for the chirping sound the floorboards make when stepped upon. Ninomaru Palace is not just a site for history lovers; it's also a rare chance to see a range of decorative artworks like folding screens and wall and ceiling paintings displayed just as they were when the castle was in use by the shogunate.

This castle has a long and complex history, and was the site of some of the biggest changes in Japan's history. To properly appreciate its cultural, artistic, and historical background, we recommend seeing Nijo Castle with a guide. The 60-minute Nijo Castle Kyoto Tour  via Voyagin gives you 10% off the original tour price and is both an easy and affordably-priced way to deepen your experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information about this tour, please see the link below!

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Imperial Palace Park

Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years, during which Kyoto, known as Heian-kyo at the time, flourished as a cultural and economic center. Since the capital moved to Tokyo in 1868, the Kyoto Imperial Palace has been preserved as a historical site. While some official functions are held here today, the grounds and gardens are open to the public. Inside the palace gates you'll find preserved buildings used by the Imperial Household and beautifully-crafted Japanese gardens.

In the past, visitors were required to register in advance for a tour to access the palace grounds, but today, anyone can visit without a reservation. Free tours are still available, and are worth joining to find out more about the history and architecture here. English language tours are held daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. To join, just visit the Visitors Room on the right of the entrance before the tour’s start time. Click this link for more details.

While historically the area around the Imperial Palace housed residences of court nobles and were walled off to the public, today this space serves as a large public park. Measuring 1.3 kilometers from north to south, the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is an important green space for Kyoto locals, and also has a range of small shrines, temples, and historical buildings to see. In the spring, the weeping cherry blossom grove at the north of the park is one of the more spacious and peaceful spots in Kyoto for a hanami picnic .

If you're able to secure a tour reservation, the gardens of the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, also located in the park, are definitely worth visiting. This palace was built at the beginning of the 17th century for the retirement of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. While the original buildings have since been lost, many consider the gardens here to be some of the most beautiful in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, with its thousand torii (shrine) gates, is one of Japan’s most iconic sights, and is definitely an unmissable stop during any visit to Kyoto. Located in the city's south, the shrine features torii gate-lined trails that lead around four kilometers up Mt. Inariyama. Along the way, you'll find lush forest and many charming sub-shrines to explore. It can take around two hours to walk up the full length of the trail, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is open 24 hours a day, so you can walk the trails in the evenings or early morning if you want a more serene experience.

This shrine enshrines Inari, a fox god said to grant blessings for things like business and harvests, so keep your eyes peeled for the cute Inari statues found all over the complex.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located in the southern Higashiyama district, is another of Kyoto’s busiest and well-known temples. The main hall’s balcony, or “stage”, seems to jut out of the mountainside, and gives a great view of Kyoto and the surrounding mountain forest. The vibrant red maples make a particularly beautiful sight here in the fall.

The main hall with its large stage was once the site of dangerous tradition. In the Edo period, it was said that if you survived the 13-meter jump from the stage, your wish would be granted. Of course, this practice has now been banned, but today you still hear Japanese people using the phrase “jumping from the Kiyomizu stage” to describe someone taking a leap of faith.

Luckily, there are still some safer places to make a wish at Kiyomizu-dera Temple! When you emerge from the main hall, take the stone stairs up to visit Jishu Shrine, which enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a god of love and matchmaking. If you’re looking for love, stop and for one of the love-themed charms or fortunes here.

You’ll also see two stones decorated with ceremonial rope 18 meters apart on the central path of the shrine. If you can walk from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, it’s said you’ll find true love. Considering how busy this shrine can get, making the walk can be harder than it might seem!

Tenryu-ji Temple

World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple is one of Arashiyama’s most famous sights. The gorgeous Sogen Pond Garden (Sogenchi Teien) here has remained almost unchanged since it was first designed hundreds of years ago, and was the first site in Japan to be designated a Site of Special Historic and Scenic Importance by the Japanese government. The temple itself houses a number of important works of art, and it’s worth paying the small extra fee to access the temple's main building to see the gardens from a different angle while you take in the peaceful atmosphere.

If you enter the temple from the entrance near Hankyu Arashiyama Station and exit from the North Gate, you can head straight into Arashiyama’s famous bamboo forest. This part of the garden is called the Hyakka'en (Garden of a Hundred Flowers), and is a beautiful place to see each season's flowers in bloom. There is also a rest area near the North Gate that looks out over the bamboo forest itself. If there’s a breeze, you can hear the peaceful rustling and crackling soundscape the bamboo forest is known for.

There is also a Japanese vegetarian restaurant called Shigetsu on the premises. With sets starting at 3,300 yen, it’s best for a special meal, but if you want to try Japan’s shojin ryori (Zen temple cuisine), it’s well worth the visit.

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple, located in Uji City to the south of Kyoto City, is a good temple to combine with a visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, as it’s just a few more stops south on either the JR or Keihan lines.

Byodoin Temple’s Phoenix Hall was built in 1053, and is one of the few wooden structures in Kyoto from the Heian Period that has never needed to be rebuilt after fire or other disaster. This hall is so treasured in Japan, it’s even featured on the 10 yen coin. You must reserve a spot on a guided tour to enter and see the interior architecture and artworks housed within the hall. If tours are booked out for the day, the iconic view of the hall reflected in the Aji-no-Ike pond is worth the entry fee in and of itself.

Byodoin Temple is also a particularly beautiful spot for seasonal flowers. Around Aji-no-Ike pond, there are cherry blossoms in early April and a gorgeous trellis of wisteria plus azaleas in bloom in late April to mid-May. In summer, you can see water lilies and lotus, including a variety of lotus called Byodoin Temple Lotus. This plant was successfully germinated from a single, 200 year-old seed found during an excavation on the grounds, and doesn’t grow anywhere else in the world.

Sanzen-in Temple

Sanzenin Temple is the lagest temple in Ohara, a rural town to the north of Kyoto City. This temple is part of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, and is also known to be a monzeki temple, or a temple where members of the Imperial Family served as priests. This temple has a range of buildings and gardens to explore, also houses a National Treasure, a image of Amida Nyorai flanked by two attendants that was created in the Heian era.

 The temple's Guest Hall offers a famous view of the picture-perfect Shuheki-en Garden. Here you can stop for some green tea and a traditional sweet as you take in the pond and landscaped features framed elegantly by the hall's architecture.

Sanzenin is particularly famous among Kyoto locals as a go-to destination for hydrangeas in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage that reaches its peak around a week before the city does. The reds and yellows of the autumn leaves look particularly stunning against the vivid green in the temple's Yusei-en moss garden.

If you're looking to experience Ohara the easy way, you'll find our suggestion for a half-day guided tour from the Kyoto City center that includes Sanzenin and other Ohara highlights below.

Fushimi Sake District Tour

The key to Japan’s most famous sake brewing areas is the quality of the local water. Kyoto Fushimi’s water is said to be perfect for sake thanks to its low iron content and ideal mineral balance, which is created by the underground layer of granite this water filters through.

Whether you’re a diehard sake fan or an absolute beginner, no visit to Kyoto would be complete without trying some of the city’s local sake. An easy way to do this is to explore the area with a guide on a Fushimi Sake District Tour .

This 2.5 hour tour gives you access to Kizakura Fushimigura, one of Fushimi’s best known breweries. You can learn about how high-quality sake is made and try sake pairings with different foods. Experts are on hand to explain the concepts to you in English, so you can leave confident about ordering sake for the rest of your trip!

This tour also takes you around the scenic Fushimi sake brewing area, including the historical buildings and tree-lined canals this area is famous for. This afternoon tour is good to pair with a morning visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. After the tour, why not take a cruise along the Fushimi canal?

Uji Tea Culture Exploration

Uji in Kyoto’s south is a city that produces some of the most prized matcha (green tea) in Japan. Uji was one of the first areas in Japan to start cultivating the green tea that was first imported from China. Over time, the custom of drinking tea spread through Kyoto’s nobility to the general public to become the staple of Kyoto’s food culture it is today.

Today, Uji is a popular scenic area, well known for its Uji Bridge, known as one of the three most ancient bridges in Japan, Byodoin Temple, and the city's rich tea culture. Many visitors enjoy strolling the riverbanks of the Uji River and trying foods made with the local tea like matcha ice cream and soba noodles.

If you want to escape the city, you can take a tour of different tea fields in Uji and its surrounding tea-growing areas. This is one of the easiest ways to find your way around the more rural areas where tea is grown. Visiting on a tour also gives you access to the private farms themselves, and usually come with tea tasting and other hands-on experiences, too. You can check out an example of Uji tea farm tours here !

Kyoto Izakaya Restaurant Tour

Kyoto is known for its many elegant, high-end restaurants, but the local izakaya culture is definitely not to be missed. Izakaya are Japanese-style pubs that serve affordable food and drinks in a relaxed environment. As casual as they are, if you’re new in town, it can be hard to know where to go and how to navigate the menus and sake choices.

This is why we recommend the Japanese Izakaya 101 tour via Voyagin . On this two hour tour, you'll meet with a guide who will take you to some of Kyoto’s best izakaya to try local food and sake. Unlike some other pub-crawl style tours, the guides on this tour take the time to teach you how to order, how to choose sake, and all the other basics travelers might need to know. After this tour, you’re sure to feel at home exploring izakaya on your own!

For more details, including pricing and how to book, check out the link below.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Located to the west of the Kyoto city center, Arashiyama is a historical area known for its beautiful natural scenery.The Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto, and is a must-see when visiting the area any time of year. There are a number of paths through the bamboo forest, but the most popular area starts at the exit of the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple mentioned above, and extends towards the entrance to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge has been considered the symbol of Arashiyama for hundreds of years. This bridge has been rebuilt a number of times since its first version in 843, and the current bridge was rebuilt in 1934 to recreate the design first built in 1606.The name "Togetsukyo" means "Moon-Crossing Bridge", and it has a poetic origin. It's said that Emperor Kameyama, who reigned from 1260 to 1274, was enjoying a boating party on the river under a full moon when he was moved by the scenery before him to write a poem. In it, he remarked that it seemed as though the moon itself was crossing the bridge. This image clearly resonated with the Kyoto townspeople, as the bridge is still known by this name today.

Today, the sight of the Togetsukyo Bridge backdropped by mountains dotted with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage is one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto.

* Arashiyama is typically only lit up at night during the Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro period, which usually takes place every year on March.

West Kyoto Electric Bicycle Tours of Rakusai

If the crowds in Arashiyama leave you wanting to get off the beaten track, consider the  West Kyoto Electric Bicycle Tours of Rakusai . One of the main attractions of this bicycle tour is getting to cycle through the Rakusai Bamboo Park. Designed to educate the public about bamboo and its importance to Japanese culture, the park—consisting of a museum, bamboo path, and gardens—has over 200 varieties of bamboo from all over the world to see.

On this tour, you’ll also have the chance to visit Oharano Shrine and Nishiyama Yoshimine-dera Temple. Oharano Shrine is a historic shrine built in 784 that is known for its beautiful gardens, especially in the fall. Yoshimine-dera, built on the hillside, is best known for its 600-year-old white pine called Yuryu no Matsu (Frolicking Dragon Pine). Supported on bamboo trellis, this tree gets its name from the fact that it grows almost horizontally, resembling the body of a Japanese dragon. In fact, it's said to have the longest tree branch in Japan.

The Oharano area is definitely a hidden gem in Kyoto, but it's known as a tricky area to navigate. If you want to experience the history, nature, and culture of this little-known area without the hassle, look no further than this tour!

Philosopher's Path

Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path is a charming walk that runs from the Eikan-do Temple area to the Ginkaku-ji Temple area in northern Higashiyama. This path runs along the Lake Biwa Canal, and gets its name from the fact that Nishida Kitaro, a famous Kyoto philosopher, was said to meditate while walking along this path.

Lined with cherry trees, the Philosopher's Path is beautiful to walk in the spring, but as its name suggests, the seasonal foliage, charming local houses and gardens, and gentle flow of water through the canal makes for a meditative experience no matter the time of year. It should take around half an hour to make your way along the path, but there are some small boutiques and cafes along the way if you want to linger a little longer.

While you're in the area, we also highly recommend taking the time to visit Nanzen-ji Temple. This important Zen temple complex is known for its enormous Sanmon Gate and unique Lake Biwa Canal brick aqueduct, and is located just beyond Eikan-do Temple at the north end of the path.

Hanami Koji

Hanami Koji (Flower-Viewing Lane) is a preserved historical street in Kyoto's Gion area. The main section of this street is found off Shijo Street between Shijo Bridge and Yasaka Shrine, and runs from Shijo Street towards Kennin-ji Temple.

This is a scenic area for a stroll or a meal in one of the cafes and restaurants housed in the historical houses that line the street. As Hanami Koji lies within the Gion Kobu geisha district, in the evenings you might even be lucky enough to see one heading to or from an appointment at one of the traditional tea houses here. Of course, remember that any geisha you do see are professional artists at work, so be sure to respect their privacy and personal space.

One highlight of the street is Ichiriki Chaya, a high end, exclusive tea house where well-connected visitors have enjoyed luxurious meals, famous Japanese hospitality, and geisha performances for over 300 years. Western readers may recognize the name from its role as an important setting in the book and movie Memoirs of a Geisha. While access is by invitation only, its imposing exterior architecture facing Hanami Koji is an interesting glimpse at a landmark of Kyoto's elite.

Gion Shirakawa Area

Shirakawa is the name of the preserved historical area in Gion that runs along the Shirakawa Canal. Known for its pretty stone-paved streets, traditional townhouses, and willow trees, this area is a beautiful spot that’s very easy to get to from the major sightseeing areas. You’ll find your choice of traditional restaurants and tea houses here, and exploring the area gives a lovely experience of a traditional Gion streetscape. We recommend coming for a walk here in the evenings, as this area takes on a truly special atmosphere when lit by street lanterns.

Tatsumi Daimyojin is a tiny shrine located at the intersection of two of the prettiest streets in the area, Shirakawa Minami-dori and Shimbashi-dori, and is said to be a spot where the local geisha would traditionally pray at while working in the area.

Ohara Kyoto: Sanzenin Temple, Raigoin Temple & Hosenin Temple

Ohara is a small, rural town located around an hour’s drive north of the Kyoto city center. Famous for its incredible autumn scenery and beautiful temples, it’s an area that’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for an experience of rural Kyoto.

As it’s somewhat remote and not connected directly to the city by train, we recommend considering the  Ohara Kyoto tour via Voyagin. This five-hour tour takes you to Ohara by chartered taxi, and gives you a chance to enjoy private guided tours and experiences at Sanzenin Temple, Raigoin Temple, and Hosenin Temple.

Sanzenin Temple with ist famous Shuheki-en Garden mentioned previously is Ohara's biggest attraction. The nearby Raigoin Temple was founded as a training site for Buddhist monks in the Shomyo style of ritual chanting. Hosenin Temple displays some interesting contrasts. It has a beautiful, 700-year-old pine tree to see in its gardens, but is also known as one of Kyoto's "bloody" temples, with ceilings made from blood-stained floorboards taken from the original Fushimi Castle.

On this tour, you’ll explore all these beautiful temples and gardens, and have a chance to try some hands-on activities like sutra copying and chanting. You’ll finish your tour with green tea while enjoying the magical view of Hosenin's gardens illuminated in the evening.

For more information about this unique tour, you’ll find all the details at the link below.

Miyama Thatched House Village (Kayabuki no Sato)

Japan’s most famous thatched roof village is Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, but not everyone knows that there is another village where you can see this beautiful style of traditional architecture not far from Kyoto City! 

Miyama is a thatched house village located around 50 kilometers from the Kyoto city center. Many of these beautifully-preserved houses are open as museums and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty to do as you explore the culture, history, and food of the area. You might find yourself not wanting to go back to the modern world, and luckily enough, you can also stay the night in some of these houses. If you’re with a group, you can even rent out an entire one for yourself!

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is a natural sand bridge that spans Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto. It's famous for being one of the Three Views of Japan, a list of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Covered in pine trees, the sand bar is beautiful to explore in and of itself, and the view of it from the Kasamatsu Park observatory is stunning. A famous thing to do here is to look at the view upside down by bending forward and looking between your legs. It’s said the view from this angle makes the sandbar look like a dragon rising into the sky.

We've recommended a number Kyoto spots that are beautiful in spring and autumn, but Amanohashidate makes a great summer spot, especially if you're looking for somewhere to swim or enjoy water sports. There are regular events for visitors in the summer months, including sea kayaking, beach yoga, and paddle-boarding. For more information about how to book, check out the link to the Amanohashidate Tourism Association below. 

Of course, riding a bike along the sandbar, relaxing in the local hot springs, and trying some of the local, freshly-caught seafood is a relaxing way to enjoy the culture of Kyoto’s coastal areas any time of year!

Kurama and Kibune

If you’d like to experience the landscapes and lifestyles of people who live in the mountains that surround Kyoto City, Kurama and Kibune make a great half or full day trip. You can access both small towns on the Kurama line of the Eizan Electric Railway which departs from Demachiyanagi Station. You can take the train between them, or if you prefer, walk the 4 kilometer hiking trail that connects the two towns. 

Kurama is known for Kurama-dera Temple, situated on the top of Mt Kurama, a short walk from Kurama Station. The walk to the top is very scenic, with many charming shrines, statues, and natural features like waterfalls to explore. If you prefer, though, you can take a funicular up and down the mountain as well. 

Kurama Onsen is another famous destination in the area, and is known in Kyoto for its particularly scenic open-air hot springs.

Kibune is best known for Kifune Shrine, a shrine known for its famous red lantern lined stone stairs leading to the temple and its strong associations with water. You can drink sacred mountain water called "goshinsui" here, and even have your fortune told with water by buying a mizu-ura mikuji. To find out your fortune, just float the paper slip you're given in the temple's sacred water and wait for the text to appear.

Kibune is also known for its quality Japanese restaurants. In the summer, Kibune is one the best places to enjoy the tradition of kawa-doko (sometimes called kawa-yuka), where people dine on platforms built over the river. Here, visitors can enjoy meals while cooling down in the refreshing breeze that rises from the mountain stream.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is sometimes nicknamed Kyoto’s kitchen, and when you visit this jam-packed shopping street you’ll quickly realize why. Whether you want to try Kyoto’s street food or are just interested in seeing some of the city’s traditional food culture, you’ll be amazed by the range of delicacies on offer here. Recommendations from Nishiki Market include Kyoto-style pickles, or tsukemono, made from local vegetables. The huge range of vegetables and pickling methods can be overwhelming, so be sure to take advantage of the free samples as you browse!

* The streets of Nishiki Market are quite narrow. Please be mindful of others by, for example, not staying in one place for a long time when the market is especially busy.

Kawaramachi Shopping Streets

Whether you're shopping for souvenirs, fashion, or local products, you're sure to find what you're after in Kawaramachi, Kyoto's main shopping area. As a general guide, you'll find Kyoto's high-end luxury stores and large department stores along Shijo-dori between Kawaramachi and Karasuma Stations, while the maze-like warren of shopping streets around the Teramachi shopping arcade are a hotspot for stylish fashion boutiques and lifestyle stores.

If you're into Japanese otaku culture, the Shinkyogoku shopping street which runs parallel to Teramachi is known for its game arcades and anime, manga, and video game stores. If you want to know more about these kinds of stores in Kawaramachi, check out our guide to the area here !

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are the names of the preserved hill roads that form the path to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. First built around the year 800, these preserved districts still have some of Kyoto's most unspoiled traditional streetscapes. 

If you're wanting to buy souvenirs, you won't have to look far in these areas. Here you'll find everything from boutiques selling high-quality local food, crafts, and ceramics, to touristy stores packed to the roof with all the cheap and cheerful souvenirs you could want. Make sure not to overload on souvenirs before you get to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, though!

Minamiza Theater

First founded in 1610 and recently reopened after extensive renovations, Kyoto’s Minamiza Kabuki Theater is one of the best places in Japan to experience kabuki theater. In fact, the kabuki tradition was said to have originated as performances held on makeshift stages on the Kamogawa River banks not far from where the Minamiza Theater stands today.

Kabuki is known for its bold, stylized performances and spectacular costuming and stage design. It originated as a form of popular entertainment, and even today is often said to be the most popular form of Japan’s traditional theater. This speaks to just how lively and entertaining kabuki can be, even to a modern audience. Even if you can’t understand the dialogue, a kabuki performance is a feast for the eyes and ears. While Minamiza Theater also hosts plays and concerts, it’s definitely worth trying to get a ticket to a kabuki performance at this historical theater while you’re in Kyoto.

Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum is one of Japan’s four official national museums, and displays fine art, handicrafts, and archeological artifacts from pre-modern Japan and Asia. There are almost always a number of different exhibits to see here, including rotating displays of the museum’s permanent collection and regular special exhibits. 

Even if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about Japanese art, you’re sure to find the classical pieces here beautiful in and of themselves. Since so much about a trip to Kyoto is about appreciating the history of the area, a visit to the Kyoto National Museum gives you a chance to learn a little more about the artistic and cultural background of the other sites you’ll be seeing.  When you come to Kyoto, be sure to visit the museum's official website below to see what exhibitions are on!

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan

The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts displays examples of all 74 of the designated traditional industries in Kyoto, with everything from textiles to ceramics and even roof tiles! Workshops and demonstrations are held almost every day, and you can even buy some handmade pieces for yourself. This museum is a great way to get a sense of the scope of the arts and crafts culture in Kyoto.

If you’re looking for a deeper experience of Kyoto’s craft culture, the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts also manages the Kyoto Artisan Concierge. This service connects visitors with local artisans who are willing to open up their studios for visits. If you find yourself drawn to a particular craft while visiting the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, why not make use of this service to learn more?

Kyoto is a city that everyone should visit at least once. But with so much to do here, planning a trip to Kyoto can definitely be a challenge. We hope you can use this introduction to 25 things to do in Kyoto as a starting point for your itinerary. We've definitely just scratched the surface in this article, so if you want to know more, check out our other articles about Kyoto here . As long as you avoid peak travel periods such as the cherry blossom period (late March to early April), the autumn foliage period (late November to early December), and the Gion Festival period (July), we're sure you'll have a grand time exploring Kyoto!

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram !

Thumbnail: Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Things To Do In Kyoto

Kyoto is world famous for its wonderful temples and shrines. But that’s only the beginning of the story. There’s also incredible shopping, bicycling, hiking, museums, galleries and green spaces. Here’s a full list of things to do in Kyoto.

This page is a directory of all the essential things to see and do in Kyoto. On this page, we list the main things to do in Kyoto to give you an overview and we link out to our pages where you can get all the details about each specific activity.

Visit an Incredible Buddhist Temple

There are more than a thousand Buddhist temples in Kyoto, ranging from world-famous spots that are always crowded to quiet places where you can have the place to yourself. Check out our list of The Best Temples in Kyoto . My Walking Tours page includes the perfect introduction to Kyoto’s temples.

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Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

There’s nothing like having a quiet, peaceful temple all to yourself. That’s never going to happen at Kyoto’s world-famous temples, but there are hundreds of lesser-known temples in the city that few tourists ever visit. Even in busy seasons you might be the only person there. Good choices include the subtemples of Daitoku-ji , Myoshin-ji and the temples in far northern Higashiyama, like Enko-ji .

Try a Night in a Ryokan

A hotel is a hotel anywhere in the world. But, a ryokan is a distinctly Japanese form of accommodation and Kyoto has some of the best. Sure, a good ryokan is more expensive than a hotel, but a stay usually includes two great meals. You can also have a simple ryokan experience, usually without the meals, at many budget or mid-priced ryokan in the city. And, if you’re traveling with a family, a ryokan is the best way to fit everyone in one room. See our Kyoto Ryokan page for more details.

Walk Through a Shinto Shrine

To feel the spiritual energy of Japan, walk through the mystical gates of a Shinto shrine. For a list of the most powerful shrines, check out our list of the Best Shinto Shrines in Kyoto , such as the essential Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine . My Kyoto Walking Tours include some of the city’s most awe-inspiring shrines.

See a Geisha Dance

If you’re going to be in Kyoto in April, May or November, you should definitely see one of Kyoto’s five annual geisha dances. They range from the opulent Miyako Odori to the quaint Kitano Odori. There is simply nothing else like them in the world. For more details, see our Kyoto Geisha page .

Contemplate a Perfect Japanese Garden

Kyoto is home to the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with everything from tiny Zen gardens to expansive stroll gardens. Check out our list of Kyoto’s Best Gardens . Highlights include the zen garden at Ryoan-ji Temple and the strolling garden at Ginkaku-ji Temple . You’ll get to see some of my favourite Kyoto gardens by joining one of my private walking tours .

Soak in an Onsen or Sento

A soak in a steaming hot Japanese bath is the ideal way to relax after a day of sightseeing. A natural hot spring (onsen) is the luxury way to do this, but if you’re in a hurry, you can pop into a local public bath (sento) for about four dollars. For more details, see our Kyoto’s Best Onsen and Kyoto’s Best Sento pages.

Take an Evening Walk

It’s no secret that Kyoto is crowded these days. However, even in the busiest season, you can escape the crowds by taking an evening stroll. Streets like Nene-no-Michi, which can be shoulder-to-shoulder during the day in cherry blossom season, can be completely deserted in the evening. And, Kyoto looks magical by night.

Here are some places to try: Ninen-zaka/Sanen-zaka/Nene-no-Michi , Kiyamachi-dori south of Shijo-dori, the Path of Philosophy , and Ishibei-koji . My Gion Evening Walk is a private Kyoto tour exploring the world of the geisha after dark.

Immerse Yourself in Japanese Arts

Kyoto is THE place to experience the wonders of the Japanese arts. For all the details, check out our Kyoto Arts page . These include the expected museums and galleries, such as the Kyoto National Museum , but also the traditional artforms such as Kabuki, Noh, and Geisha entertainment. Traditional Japanese arts can be very popular, so it’s worth booking in advance. Geisha and Maiko events, for example, can be found via GetYourGuide and cultural events like tea ceremonies are available through Klook .

Stroll Through a Soothing Green Space

Had enough of crowds, concrete and neon lights? Why not head to one of Kyoto’s wonderful parks or other green spaces? Check out our list of Kyoto’s Best Green Spaces , such as huge Kyoto Gyoen , the park surrounding Kyoto Imperial Palace. If you need some alone time, you’ll have no trouble finding a quiet place in Kyoto. For starters, try one of our Kyoto Off-the-Beaten-Track Itineraries . My Kyoto Walking Tours include some of the city’s most beautiful parks.

Eat a Fantastic Meal

You’ll have the best Japanese meals of your life in Kyoto. For our top picks, check out our Best Restaurants in Kyoto page . In addition, each of our district pages has a full list of restaurants in that area. There are some excellent traditional Kyoto food activities you can book through GetYourGuide, as well as guided restaurant and bar tours via Klook. Some of Kyoto’s best restaurants can also be booked through Klook.

Go for a Bike Ride

A bicycle is the perfect way to explore Kyoto. For all the details, check out our Cycling in Kyoto page, which includes information on how and where to hire a bike, as well as some of our favourite cycling routes. Booking a Kyoto bike tour is a fun way to get to know your way around without having to worry about getting lost.

Shop for the Perfect Souvenir

For the perfect gift or souvenir, you won’t find a better selection than in Kyoto. Check out our Kyoto Shopping page and Kyoto Arts and Antiques page . From art and antiques to lacquerware and washi (traditional Japanese paper), there is a plethora of quintessential Japanese items you can take home.

Go for a Hike

Kyoto is a hiker’s paradise. There are mountains on three sides of the city and they’re latticed with hiking trails. For our top picks, check out our Best Kyoto Hikes page . The Mt. Daimonji-yama Climb , for example, brings you up to the best viewpoint over Kyoto, and the Takao to Hozukyo Hike follows a beautiful river that’s great for swimming in the hot months. If you’d prefer to have your hikes organised, GetYourGuide and Klook both offer guided hikes, tailored around different experiences and day trips.

Escape the Crowds

With all these great things to see and do, it’s no surprise that Kyoto can get a little crowded, especially in the spring. But, it’s easy to escape the throngs. Check our guide for How to Escape the Crowds in Kyoto , with plenty of suggestions for the lesser-visited landmarks.

Take a Daytrip Outside the City

If you’ve got a few days in Kyoto, why not take a daytrip outside the city? Check out A Day Trip to Ohara and the Kitayama Area . And, of course, there’s always Nara .

For a relaxing overnight break, why not head to bubbling hot springs Kinosaki Onsen ? Or, for lovely beaches and hot springs, why not rent a car and explore the Tango-hanto Peninsula ?

Taking part in an organised tour is the most stress-free way to take a day trip. GetYourGuide has a great choice, including hotel pickup, and Klook offers trips to Nara and further afield.

Check out a Department Store Food Floor

Kyoto’s department store food floors (“depachika” in Japanese) are like Aladdin’s Cave – filled with wonders that will dazzle your eyes and whet your appetite. The two best are Daimaru and Takashimaya , both in downtown Kyoto. If you can’t make it to these, you can dash into the food floors at Isetan Department Store before jumping on the shinkansen.

See the show GEAR!

For something totally different that both kids and adults will enjoy, we strongly recommend checking out the non-verbal multimedia performance called GEAR , that brings together music, dance, magic, and truly groundbreaking set design and lighting effects. To avoid disappointment, you can buy tickets in advance .

Enjoy a Cup of Tea in a Traditional Teahouse

You can drink coffee at Starbucks anywhere in the world, including Kyoto. But, you’ve come all this way, why not try something unique to the city? A hot cup of frothing matcha paired with a Japanese sweet is a real Kyoto experience and there are some great places all around the city to try it. Visit our Tea in Kyoto page for some top picks.

Go to a Kyoto Market

Kyoto’s big flea markets, Tenjin-san (25th of every month) and Kobo-san (21st of every month), are some of the best markets of their kind in all of Asia. You will be amazed at the offerings, from antiques to ceramics to used kimono, with plenty of food to boot.

If you aren’t in town when those are held, you can try the Chion-ji Handicraft Market (15th of every month) or the Kamigamo-jinja Handicraft Market (fourth Sunday of every month). Finally, if you love antiques, you cannot miss the Pulse Plaza Grand Antiques Fair (held irregularly). You can book a guided tour around Nishiki Market or shop as part of a food tour .

Keep the Kids Happy

Traveling with kids? I know what that’s like. Check out our Kyoto With Children page for a list of suggestions of how to engage the little ones’ attention. The guide includes the most kid-friendly attractions, as well as the best places to eat and stay when you have children in tow.

Suggested Itineraries

If you want some ideas about how to put it all together, check out our Kyoto Itineraries page . And, if you want some help planning your trip, we’d be happy to help you plan things with Japan Travel Consulting .

Other Useful Links

• For help planning your days in Kyoto, visit our Kyoto Itineraries page .
• For some recommendations for things to do in Kyoto, visit our Things to Do in Kyoto page.
• For some recommended Kyoto activities, see our Kyoto Activities page.

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport . You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
• Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

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Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 15 Best Things to Do in Kyoto (Japan)

15 Best Things to Do in Kyoto (Japan)

Japan is a land of dichotomy, always maintaining a balanced approach to modern advancement and tradition. Where other cities in Japan have technology, Kyoto has temples, reigning as the country’s cultural capital. When Kyoto was initially listed as a target for the catastrophic a U.S. atomic bomb during WWII, the Secretary of War demanded that it be taken off due to its cultural importance.

Those who venture to Kyoto can expect magical sights of bamboo forests, ornate shrines and temples, impeccably dressed geishas, theatre performances, rambunctious monkeys, and blooming cherry trees when the season permits. Travelers can learn all about art, tea, Zen Buddhism, and other pillars of Japanese culture all within the borders of this easily-accessible city.

Kyoto is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, though the best time is in spring or fall to avoid harsher weather and crowds. If you’re lucky enough to visit during spring, you’ll experience the city with a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms. Likewise, fall comes with warm hues of red, orange, and yellow from the maple trees that match perfectly with the warm-colored temples. No matter when you go, you’re sure to be amazed.

Lets explore the best things to do in Kyoto :

1. Wander through the incredible Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Kyoto’s most iconic treasure, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is located at the end of a flamed colored walkway made up of thousands of traditional torii gates. Visitors can easily spend a day wandering through the trails surrounding the network of ornate shrines. Half way up the mountain, expect incredible views of Kyoto at the Yotsutsuji Intersection.

The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine honors the Shinto god, Inari, known as being the god of rice.

Recommended tour : Fushimi Inari Shrine Guided Walking Tour

2. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple

Amidst a placid lake and surrounded by trees is the golden Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple wrapped in gold leaf, with the top floor gilded both inside and out. It was originally built as a retirement home for a famous shogun, who sanctioned the building to become a temple after his death.

Go early in the morning to see the sun glean off of the temple and to beat the crowds.

3. Participate in a tea ceremony

Though tea ceremonies, known as chado or sado, are available all throughout Japan, experiencing one in Kyoto is especially sacred due to its strong Zen Buddhist roots. During a tea ceremony, the cup of tea is prepared artfully and carefully before serving it.

The ceremony is meant to acknowledge the utensils, each other’s company, and the tea itself all while being mindful of the present moment.

Book online : Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

4. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Atop a beautiful hill is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by cherry trees. The temple is known for hosting an array of magical features. Walk between two stones with your eyes closed in front of the Jishu Shrine, build to honor the god of love. If you can do this successfully, then you will find true love.

The shrine is also connected to the Otowa Waterfall, which is incorporated into a separate shrine and divided into three streams symbolizing success, love, and a long life. Drink from the stream that correlates to your greatest desire for good fortune. This shrine is definitely worth the visit not only because of its beauty but also because of the mysticism that surrounds it.

Suggested tour :  3-Hour Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour

5. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at the Kyoto Tower

A modern structure in a city of temples, the Kyoto Tower is the tallest building in Kyoto. Visitors can view panoramic views of the city extending all the way to Osaka. On the platform, telescopes and LED touch screens highlight notable landmarks, so that you can put a name to what you’re seeing. Go at sunset for the best experience.

6. Dine at a restaurant in Pontocho

Near the Kamogawa River, Pontocho is a lively alley with restaurants lining each side. There are hundreds of restaurants offering everything from fine dining to inexpensive yakitori. Don’t blindly follow what your guidebook tells you, the best restaurants are usually small, hidden, and might not advertise their menu in English.

The best strategy for finding memorable cuisine is to simply walk into whatever shop’s ambience appeals to you most. On a hot night, sit at a restaurant overlooking the Kamogawa River, as the flowing water tends to cool the air.

Fun tour available : Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

7. Find peace at the Eikando Zenrinji Temple

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy Japanese architecture and relax, go to the Eikando Zenrinji Temple. Not as crowded as many of the other temples in Kyoto, though just as stunning, this temple is hosts a serene environment with large koi ponds. The best time to visit is in autumn, when the maple leaves turn various shades of red. Walk up to the pagoda for an even more incredible environment and view of Kyoto.

8. Monkey Park Iwatayama

Put on a comfortable pair of shoes and head uphill to a park full of monkeys. Be warned, there are monkeys everywhere. Swinging through the trees, scampering across the path, and even daring to come close for a better chance of stealing food, these primates provide entertainment for everyone.

If you’re feeling brave, you can buy a package of nuts and apples from a nearby shop to feed the monkeys. Keep all bags zipped tight – the monkeys have no qualms about rummaging through your bag in search of an extra treat.

Available tour : Arashiyama Guided Animal Walking Tour

9. Nishiki Market

No matter if you’re a shopaholic or just a browser, the Nishiki Market is an interesting place to spend a day. Here, you can find delicious treats, handmade traditional crafts, ceramics, textiles, and more.

Foodies will love the fresh seafood section and sampling the local fare like dumplings, pickles, freshly roasted tea, fish cakes, and yakitori from the food stalls. This is a great stop for extra hot or rainy days, as the entire market is shaded.

Recommended tour : Nishiki Market Small Group Walking Tour

10. Walk down the the Philosopher’s Path

Following a canal this trail starts from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji.

The Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama is a place of peace and meditation. Along the path you’ll find some smaller temples and shrines as well as some restaurants and cafes.

Available tour : Guided Walking Tour around Philosopher’s Path

11. Climb to the top of Mt. Kurama and relax in the hot springs

About 20 kilometers from the center of Kyoto is Kurama, a quaint town known for its traditional hotels and baths. Travelers can hike to the top of Mt. Kurama to Kurama-dera, an ornate Buddhist temple just above town. Those who want to save their energy for later can even take a cable car halfway up. Past the temple is a steep hiking trail surrounded by old trees with outstretched roots where its common to see songbirds, deer, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Available tour : Kyoto Hike and Hot Springs Visit

12. Enjoy the Kyoto International Manga Museum

Japanese cartoonists have a unique style of drawing figures for their audience. Manga is created for adults and children alike, and is commonly seen all throughout Japanese pop culture – with a significant history that draws back to the late 19th century.

At the Kyoto International Manga Museum, you can browse through popular manga, learn about its influence in the post-WWII era, watch artists create manga, and even have your portrait drawn. Though the majority of manga is in Japanese, there are quite a few English copies in the gargantuan manga library.  Fans of Pokemon, Dragonball Z, and Sailor Moon are sure to feel a pang of nostalgia.

13. Smell cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s best place to view cherry blossoms. In the evening, the central weeping cherry tree is even lit up for a spectacular display. The magical thing about this park is that it has many varieties of cherry blossoms, so visitors can witness a range of color, size, and texture. Enjoy a cup of tea or warm meal under the trees and watch the cranes float by on the nearby pond.

14. Sanjusangendo Temple

Handcrafted from wood, this temple houses one thousand incredibly detailed statues of the deity, Kannon, and took over one hundred years to finish. The contrast between the temple’s simple exterior and ornate interior is a unique atmosphere to walk into. Each Buddha is covered in gold leaf, and though they look similar, every single one is slightly different. No matter if you are religious or not, this temple is a must-see.

15. Wander through the Gion District

Gion is Kyoto’s entertainment district, known for being a hub for artists, theatres, and geishas. It’s easy to spend sun-up to sun-down in this area, exploring all that it has to offer. Gion hosts the Minamiza Theater, renowned for featuring kabuki shows – a genre of theater that features dance, dramatic make-up, and bright colors. Visitors can also walk down Hanami-koji, the cherry tree lined main street, and write down their hopes and dreams to place upon the Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine’s magical stone. In between cultural attractions are hundreds of cafes, food stalls, and perfectly placed benches.

There is no better place to find an interesting, cultural, and well-rounded view of Kyoto than in the Gion District.

15 Best Things to Do in Kyoto (Japan):

• Wander through the incredible Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
• Visit the Kinkakuji Temple
• Participate in a tea ceremony
• Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at the Kyoto Tower
• Dine at a restaurant in Pontocho
• Find peace at the Eikando Zenrinji Temple
• Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Nishiki Market
• Walk down the the Philosopher’s Path
• Climb to the top of Mt. Kurama and relax in the hot springs
• Enjoy the Kyoto International Manga Museum
• Smell cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park
• Sanjusangendo Temple
• Wander through the Gion District

20 Popular Tourist Attractions in Kyoto – An Overview Per Area

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is always listed among the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It is a wonderful place to visit, all year round and offers an abundance of things to see and do. Like many of the other bigger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, it has been through rapid growth as a center of the economy. Many amazing sightseeing spots draw many tourists to the city. Once you open a travel guide in Kyoto, you might get a little confused and feel lost as there are so many places to go and things to do there. In this article, we list Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions (and some hidden attractions), and tell you more about each area and its’ highlights! But first, let’s start with an introduction to a beautiful city!

About Kyoto

1. kyoto station, 2. kyoto imperial palace & kyoto gyoen, 3. gion district, 4. nijo castle, 5. nishiki market, 6. kinkakuji temple, 7. ryoanji temple, 8. kurama temple and kifune shrine, 9. fushimi inari shrine, 10. tofukuji temple, 11. gekkeikan okura sake museum, 12. kiyomizu-dera temple, 13. sanjusangendo temple, 14. arashiyama bamboo groves, 15. togetsukyo bridge, 16. arashiyama monkey park iwatayama, 17. amanohashidate, 20. yokai street, kimono rental in kyoto, japan wonder travel tours in kyoto, where to stay in kyoto, other articles you may like.

Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) is Japan’s oldest city and served as the nation’s capital and the emperor’s residence for over 1,000 years, from 794 until 1868. Over the centuries, the city has been destroyed by many wars and fires, however, because of its cultural and historical value Kyoto was largely spared by the WWII bombings. It is for this reason that you can still visit many old cultural landmarks and historical sites. And because of the preserved townscape, you will find many people walking around in a beautiful kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) in Kyoto! If you want to try on a kimono and explore the city, you can easily find some kimono rental shops in Kyoto to complete the look to match the historical sites.

Present day, Kyoto is home to about 2,000 temples and shrines such as the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Some of Kyoto’s other famous tourist destinations include the Imperial Palace and the Gion district.

Kyoto is often combined with day trips to some of Japan’s famous tourist destinations that are located nearby, including Nara, Kobe, and Hiroshima.

Kyoto station is the city’s main gateway located in the very center of Kyoto. This is where most tourists start their trip in Kyoto as almost all of the public transportation lines depart and arrive here. The station is also known as a huge shopping complex, where you can try local foods and find perfect souvenirs to take home. Around the station, there are several attractive spots that can be seen from the observation deck of Kyoto Tower, which offers an amazing view of the entire city of Kyoto!

For more things to do around Kyoto Station have a read below!

▶Book your Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission E-ticket here

Other famous tourist attractions are also accessible by bus or subway. Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho), one of the most popular historical spots in Kyoto, can be reached by a 10-minute comfortable ride on the subway from Kyoto Station. Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of the imperial family for over 1,000 years. The current building was reconstructed in 1855 after it burned down but the architecture kept the ancient style. It is located in the vast park of Kyoto Gyoen, and you can see the other important historical sites and enjoy beautiful gardens.

Learn all about Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and Kyoto Gyoen in the article below!

Gion district, often described as the geisha district, is the famous entertainment district that is home to many beautiful traditional restaurants and is great for strolling around. For those who want to have a more special experience, you can also visit traditional performances by geisha. It’s not easy to see the geisha’s performance since many of the places don’t allow first-timers. It’s best to book the walking tour including access to meet geisha and maiko who are apprentices of geisha and see their beautiful performance if you are interested in their history, culture, and traditions.

Recommended tour:

Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko

Another must-visit spot called Nijo Castle, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is within walking distance from Kyoto Gyoen. This castle was originally built in 1603 and used as a temporary stay for the shogun when visiting from Tokyo and the lookout for Kyoto Gosho. The big reconstruction had been done with gorgeous paintings on the sliding doors, and it was the event that showed the power of the Edo shogunate throughout Japan. However the prosperity didn’t last forever, the end of the flourishing Edo period, one of the biggest historical events of Japan, happened here in 1867, when the imperial court regained its power once again when the last shogun returned its power to the court. The gorgeous interior and beautiful paintings on the sliding doors can be seen in the main hall, Honmaru Goten. Also, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gardens at the castle site.

If you’re feeling hungry, Nishiki Market is the ideal spot to sample delicious Japanese traditional cuisine amid the unique atmosphere of the small stores lining the lively, narrow street. Located in the central part of Kyoto, it’s easily accessible from the city’s popular tourist attractions. Known as the Kitchen of Kyoto, Nishiki Market offers a variety of foods to try. For instance, Takotamago, a small octopus stuffed with a boiled quail egg, and Yuba, a traditional regional specialty made from tofu skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk which has been enjoyed in Kyoto since ancient times. Another Kyoto specialty is Hamo, which is Japanese pike conger eel. Its tempura is especially delicious. With so many shops, it can be hard to decide what to try. But don’t worry, leave it to the local guide and make sure you sample all the best foods that Nishiki Market has to offer!

On this Nishiki Market Food and Drink Tour , you can not only enjoy local food and drink, but also discover where the people of Kyoto shop and eat, learn about the area’s history, and explore both traditional and modern parts of the city.

▼Book our food and drink tour in Nishiki Market! This locally guided tour takes you on a food adventure at Nishiki Market, and then, you will stroll two Geisha districts. One is Pontocho Alley known as a scenic and quaint grummet spot along the most quaint river, Kamogawa, and the other one is Gion District, the biggest Geisha district of Kyoto. Let’s try several Kyoto local foods, sake, and sweets on the tour!

The most prestigious site is Kinkakuji Temple, also known as Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple widely known because of its stunning design and appearance covered with gold leaf. You can take a relaxing walk in the Japanese traditional garden around the temple as well. In winter, the magnificent view of the golden temple covered by snow can be seen if you are lucky!

Learn more about the Kinkakuji area below!

Ryoanji Temple is another Zen temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a famous rock garden which represents a simple, but important aspect of Japanese culture.

Explore all of the other zen and rock gardens Kyoto has to offer in the article below.

Further north in the mountains, there are two historical sites, Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine. This area is also known as the best spot to enjoy hiking on the sacred mountain while exploring the spiritual sites in nature. The atmosphere here is different from what you can feel in the city, and the place offers an unforgettable memory! Although it is a bit out of the way, it is definitely worth visiting.

▼Book our Kurama & Kibune Private Trekking Tour! In this private tour, the guide will pick you up at your hotel and take a local train to the sacred mountain of Kurama. While hiking to the top, you will find many shrines and temples the guide will explain. During summer, you can have lunch at a traditional ‘kawadoko’, a riverside restaurant in the Kibune area!

This is probably what most tourists think of when they think of Kyoto. The southern part of Kyoto City has the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto; the Fushimi Inari Shrine. What makes it so special and popular is the long line of thousands of red torii gates known as Senbon Torii. You have probably seen the iconic red torii gate pictures online or in guidebooks before. And to be honest, this is actually a must-visit spot that is also easily accessible by train from Kyoto station.

Discover everything that Fushimi Inari has in store below.

Besides Fushimi Inari Shrine, there are a number of other tourist spots in the area. Tofukuji Temple is one of them which is known as the best place to see the beautiful view of the colorful leaves in autumn. It’s one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto and the large temple site includes the Zen garden and the oldest gate of the Zen temples in Japan which is designated as the National Treasure.

It’s a museum about Japanese sake, renovated from the old sake brewery. You can learn the history and process of making sake using a traditional method, but of course, you can taste some sake at the end of the tour! There’s an optional tour to visit the small sake brewery where a fermentation process can be observed through the window.

Sake Spectacular: Museum Tour & Tasting in Fushimi

When it’s your first time in Kyoto, we recommend visiting the famous temples such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto all year round which is always crowded with many tourists. Kiyomizu-dera is located in the middle of the mountain, and its wooden stage of the main hall is so famous that many people visit and see the view over Kyoto City from the stage. On the way up to the temple, you can enjoy some souvenir shopping and have some snacks at the stores lining up on the gentle slope path.

Explore the historic temple to it’s full potential with the article below.

It’s nicknamed a forest of Buddha statues because 1,001 Buddha statues are nestled in the long wooden main hall of the temple. Each face of the statue is slightly different, and it is said that you can find a familiar face in them. The view of the overwhelming number of statues all lining up neatly along the hall is quite an impressive sight.

The Arashiyama area is a popular tourist attraction which is about an hour away from central Kyoto. Compared to other areas in Kyoto City, the area is relatively isolated and a bit outside of the city. However, once you visit there, you will immediately understand this is exactly where everyone should go to experience the real Japan coexisting in harmony with nature. The peaceful bamboo forest is always full of tourists but has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. If you stop and listen to the sound of the bamboo moving in the wind, you almost forget you are in one of the most popular places in Kyoto!

The Togetsukyo Bridge, a 155-meter-long wooden bridge over the Katsura River, creates a breathtaking view along with the Arashiyama Mountain in the background. It is the landmark of the Arashiyama area, and once you cross over the bridge, you can start exploring the main sightseeing street and spots in Arashiyama.

Arashiyama Monkey Park is home to about 120 wild monkeys. At the observation deck, you can check the view over Mt. Hiei and Kyoto City with the monkeys! There’s a place where you can feed monkeys with some fruits or peanuts through the wire fence, and also there’s a playground for kids.

If you travel further from Kyoto City, you can discover completely different attractions of Kyoto surrounded by beautiful nature. In Northern Kyoto, there are tranquil villages near the ocean providing stunning scenery.

Amanohashidate is a popular spot located in Miyazu Bay, the 3.4 km sandbar covered with 5,000 pine trees across the bay. You can take a pleasant walk across the sandbar or cycling is popular too.

In Ine in Tango peninsula, over 230 boat houses floating in the sea create unique and beautiful scenery. It can only be accessed by sea taxi or ferry. These unique houses were originally built for fishermen, who parked their boats on the first floor and then used the second floor as their residence. Please note that to respect the residents, it’s strongly recommended to take a guided tour if you would like to explore the area.

Uji is a small town located a bit far from central Kyoto City. It is known for its matcha tea and the historical temple. Byodo-in temple is a beautiful temple originally built in the Heian period. Flip the 10 yen coin and you’ll find a picture of it! Uji is also known as their tea field and Uji matcha is one of the high-quality brands of tea.

Learn more about the matcha tea capital of Japan below!

▼Book a one-day tour from Kyoto or Osaka to explore Northern Kyoto Traveling to the countryside of Japan is sometimes a little tricky in terms of the convenience of transportation and lack of English signs. If you are looking for the easiest and most comfortable trip to Northern Kyoto, take a private tour exploring Ine, Amanohashidate, and more beautiful attractions in the area!

Last but not least, there are many unique and mysterious spots in Kyoto. Yokai Street is one of them. Yokai are legendary creatures that appear in folklore. Yokai Street is a shopping street where you can spot some marks of Yokai and is best known for the Yokai parade that is carried out on the second Saturday in October every year. You think it’s similar to the Halloween parade but somehow it’s more beautiful yet scary with hundreds of Yokai walking solemnly on the street. It will get you a chill up and down the spine.

Read more to find 10 Mysterious Spots and Stories in Kyoto

Are you looking to get the full Kyoto experience and dress up in a nice kimono while you’re in the beautiful area? We offer a number of affordable kimono rental plans that are suited for everyone. With shops in both Gion and near Kyoto Tower, and hundreds of different kimono to choose from, you are sure to find something that you like. Check out our plans below and let our staff do the rest!

Book your rental here !

When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!

▶ Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

▶ Kyoto Arashiyama Best Spots 4h Private Tour with Licensed Guide If you only have a day or two in Kyoto, we offer a half-day tour combined with must-visit spots in one of the most popular areas in Kyoto – Arashiyama. A knowledgeable bilingual guide will make sure that you can get the full experience in just a half-day!

▶ Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.

▶ Kimono Experience Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!

By now you have an idea of what to do in the different parts of Kyoto, but then the next question arises. What is the best place to stay in Kyoto? All things considered, we recommend you stay downtown, in or near the Gion or Kawaramachi-Dori districts. These areas are well connected to public transport and central to many of the main attractions. Here you will also find an abundance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

• Tazuru – a traditional Japanese ryokan with historic charm, overlooking the Kamo river.
• Kyoto Hotel Okura – luxury hotel offering great views of Kyoto and the Higashiyama Mountains
• Gion Minami House – apartment rooms that also enable you to relax after your full day of sightseeing.

Surrounded by beautiful nature, rich with history, and filled with many interesting and beautiful places, it might be quite a challenge to decide on the best places to go in Kyoto. The former imperial and political capital of Japan has so many options and attractive places to choose from. We hope with this article you got some helpful information and that you now have an idea of where you want to go!

Find out the top 10 tours in Kyoto▼

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TOP 50 Things to do in Kyoto: Must See, Must Do & Must Experience Activities (2024 Edition)

• Top Attractions and Activities

Local Cuisine

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Top Attractions

#1 arashiyama bamboo forest.

This area is outside the downtown area and has a lot of stops at temples and shrines so it's best to explore it for half a day. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants around the area so there's no need to worry about snacks and food.

Most pictures of the forest can't hold a candle to the real thing. What you see on the web is just a fraction of the magical experience, so make sure you add this to your itinerary!

#2  Kyoto Tea Ceremony  #1 RATED KYOTO ACTIVITY 

#3  Samurai & Ninja Museum  with EXPERIENCE    #1 RATED MUSEUM & English Tours Held Every 15 Minutes

The museum also has exhibits from the Edo Period from samurai and ninja families, along with real katanas! You can even book a lesson to try them out with the Tameshigiri or Sword Cutting lesson --this is the only event that you can use a real samurai sword. All the workshops and classes use model swords so even kids can participate.

#4  Fushimi Inari Shrine The 10,000 gates

#5  KINKAKUJI TEMPLE

The Kinkakuji Temple is by far the most famous and the most picturesque temple in Japan! Catching sight of the gold-covered structure is an almost surreal experience--but the building is only covered in gold leaf for the top two floors.

The temple is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Make sure to arrive a few minutes before it opens so you can avoid any crowds! You can also visit around 4 PM since the tourists start thinning out before closing time.

The Golden Pavilion is outside the city and you can't actually enter the building, so there's not much to do besides strolling around the garden.

#6  Geisha Experience

#7 Kiyomizu-dera Temple 

The Kiyomizudera Temple main hall is completely made of wood! There is not a single piece of metal or nail that supports the structure. The temple is said to be named after a sacred water fountain that grants anyone who drinks from it the gift of health and longevity--"Kiyomizu" means "clear water".

Just behind the main temple hall, you'll find a shrine dedicated to the god of matchmaking and love. Legend has it that if you can find the two secret stones and walk from one to another your eyes closed your wish for love will come true.

Kiyomizu temple is right next to the historic Yasaka shrine and only about a 10-minute walk from the Gion Geisha District. Kiyomizu temple is right next to the historic Yasaka shrine and only about a 10-minute walk from the Gion Geisha District.

#8  Ni shiki Market

There are many other types of food to try including but not limited to:

• Marinated maguro sashimi on a stick
• Soy milk donuts
• Grilled shrimp and mackerel on a stick
• Green tea ice cream
• Pickled eggplants
• Dried seafood snacks
• Japanese fried tamago

If you are not a fan of seafood, there are many places that serve red meat including  Kobe beef.

#9  Onsen  &  Sento

In Japan hot springs are called “onsen” and it is illegal to call a public bath “onsen” if it does not have natural hot springs with certain minerals.

For most foreigners though, it does not matter if it is a public bath (a.k.a sento bath) or onsen. After all, the traditional setup and the experience are pretty much the same.

Many ryokans and hotels have a traditional-style public bath! You can book an onsen-ryokan to get double the experience of a traditional Japanese inn and a relaxing hot spring bath.

#10  Ya saka Pagoda

Legend has it that if you can crawl under the huge stone you will dispel bad spells forever.

The Yasaka Pagoda is located close to a number of attractions in the Higashiyama District. You can create a short walking tour from Kiyomizudera to the pagoda and pass by many old-style shops, cafes, shrines, and temples: Chionin, Shorenin, Heian Shrine, and go further to Nanzenji, the Philosopher's Path, and the Ginkakuji Temple.

#11 Night Food Tour at   Pontocho  (先斗町)

If you prefer, there are also different cuisines available in the area: Italian, Chinese, American, to name a few. Most establishments offer their services in English as well to make it easier for visitors who don't speak fluent Japanese.

#12 JAPANESE GARDENS  

Each Japanese garden element has special meanings (e.g. pine trees: strength; circle-shaped pebbles: waves in the ocean and the transience of life; turtle stones: longevity) Top 10 gardens listed below.

Many people come to Kyoto to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities but then face the hordes of tourists at main sites. Luckily Kyoto is home to a number of tranquil Japanese gardens some of which are just a walking distance from the downtown area. The meanings wary but both rock gardens and tea ceremony gardens meant to bring a miniature version of nature in your backyard. Big rocks represent mountains, small rocks represent hills, pebbles shaped as circles represent waves in the oceans.

As a Kyoto resident, these are my most favorite Japanese gardens and ideal to visit if you are short on time:

• Kenninji   near the Gion area.
• Kodaiji   near Kiyomizu temple.
• Shosei-en  near the Kyoto station.

If you're staying for more than 3 days in Kyoto or visiting the northern part of the city, I recommend dropping by these spots to take a break from all the busy tourist areas:

• Katsura Villa

If you're staying for even longer or about a week, you can add these gardens to your itinerary as well:

• Saiho-ji Temple ,  as UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enkoji  moss garden
• Isuien , the old Imperial tea garden in Nara

A majority of the gardens in Kyoto also hold tea ceremonies or shorter tea tasting! Make sure to check if the gardens you're visiting offer this relaxing experience.

#13 RYOA NJI Z en G arden    

Besides the garden and trails around the area, you can also try the Yudofu or boiled tofu, which is a Kyoto specialty, or order drinks and other dishes.

#14   Kifune Shrine

This is a fun way to enjoy the view of nature as you try the local cuisine and Japanese sweets.

The floating cafes are best experienced during spring and summer!

#15 Try Traditional Japanese  Calligraphy  and Ikebana

The Shodo calligraphy is used as a zen training method at temples.

Visiting the cultural capital of Japan, you're sure to find even locals wearing kimonos and practicing traditional arts. One of the most prominent activities you'll find is "Shodo" or Japanese Calligraphy, and "Ikebana" or flower arrangement. These two activities are not just hobbies to learn, they are also used as a form of Zen training.

In Shodo, it is believed that what comes out of your brush is your true spirit from how you make brush strokes on paper and so on. Japanese monks would often try to achieve satori or enlightenment by drawing Zen circles.

Ikebana, although on the surface may just be flower arranging, considers the aesthetic appeal of Zen and balance. This can range from the colors and angle degrees of the branches.

Both of these activities are great for bonding with friends, families, and couples!

#16   Nijo Castle  

N ijo Castle  (二条城) was built in 1603 at the start of the Edo Period and served as a residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate until it ended in 1867.

The castle is unique as it looks more like a temple than a typical castle. The reason for this unusual design was because it was built during peacetime, so there was no need for big keeps and an observation tower. If you come to visit, however, you may find that the floors squeak everywhere, no matter how light you are! This was specially made to detect any sneaky ninjas from raiding the castle at night while everyone is sleeping.

#17 Kyoto KAISEKI Meal 

The kaiseki or kaiseki-ryori  is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. It was recently added as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage , as a valuable experience in Japan. Kaiseki meals are known to be a great way to experience the seasonal flavors of the country, as well as to enjoy the aesthetic arrangement of the ingredients.

Typically, kaiseki would be composed of:

• 5 different types of cooking (raw, simmered, fried, grilled, boiled)
• 5 different tastes (salty, sour, bitter, sweet, savory)
• 5 different colors (white, brown, red, yellow, green)
• Many different seasonal elements (leaves, flowers, mushrooms, etc.)

#18  The Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path  #1 SPOT during the SAKURA SEASON

Also known as the Silver Pavilion , the Ginkakuji is a Zen temple located along the eastern part of Kyoto in Higashiyama. The villa was modeled after the Kinkakuji, and built as the retirement home of Ashikaga Yoshimasa. After Yoshimasa's death, the residence was converted into a Zen temple in 1490.

Although you can reach the pavilion by bus, I highly recommend walking along the Philosopher's path from Nanzenji especially in the spring.

The Philosopher's Path connects the Nanzenji to the Ginkakuji and is a great sightseeing spot on its own especially during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom along the walkways and the creek.

This sightseeing spot is best visited during the cherry blossom season in the spring, so make sure you time your visit!

#19   Sanjusangendo  1000 Buddhist Statues

Sangusangendo ,  unlike most Buddhist temples in Japan, does not have a lush landscape with perfectly maintained hedges. The temple is home to 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The structure is the longest wooden temple in Japan, measuring up to 120 meters.

If you want to learn about Buddhism and if you only have one day then this is it. First, there are 1000 Cannon statues protected by 28 heavenly kings and also 2 Nio statues, the Raijin and Fujin. The long hall was originally built in the 12th century making it one of the oldest wooden structures in the world.

#20 Train like a Ninja in the KYOTO NINJA MUSEUM   

Dress up like a ninja, use a blow gun and throw ninja stars!

The Samurai & Ninja Museum is one of the only experience-based museums in Kyoto and Japan. You can try a variety of activities here from trying on samurai armor to using model ninja weapons!

The ninja tradition was born on the skirts of Mount Hiei which is in Kyoto. There were many ninjas living in Kyoto who frequented the Nijo Jinya, next to the Nijo castle during the Edo period. The Samurai & Ninja Museum near the Nishiki Market is one of the best places you could go that keeps the ninja traditions and stories alive.

They have a selection of activities, some of the best selling tickets are:

• Samurai & Ninja Museum Basic Ticket
• Ninja Experience for Kids and Families in Kyoto
• Ninja Experience in Kyoto for Adults SPECIAL Authentic Ninja Training Lesson

#21  Imperial Palace Park  

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所) served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868 when the capital moved to Tokyo. It is surrounded by the Kyoto Imperial Park or Kyoto Gyoen and located in the center of the city.

There are a number of small gardens at the park along with old buildings and villas. Locals would typically walk walks or go jogging at the park before 9 AM. Unfortunately, no one is allowed to enter the buildings.

There are guided tours available to explore the palace grounds. I would recommend this if you like to jog early in the morning or are staying in Kyoto for more than 3 days.

The park is also used for recreation including tea ceremonies at any of the four teahouses.

#22  Animal Cafes:  Baby Pig Cafe  or Cat Cafe or Owl Cafe 

Animal Cafes are especially popular in Japan, and Kyoto is one of the places where you can visit them!

The baby pig Cafe is one of the most popular spots in Kyoto. This features miniature Shiba Inus, a type of dog breed that descended from the regular Shiba Inu--like Hachiko in the movie and in the real story.

This is the type of dog that appeared in the movie Hachiko. An interactive petting activity. 1st floor is crowded, 2nd floor is quieter and nicer. Online reviews are mixed: some reviewers claim it is very crowded and the dogs are not friendly.

#23  NINENZAKA

Ninenzaka or "Two-year hill" is a paved pedestrian road in Higashiyama where you can find traditional buildings and antique shops! If you're interested in more than just buying pottery, some shops will let you make your own bowl like the  Kashogama Pottery School .

Ninenzaka is believed to help couples who are wishing for a healthy child and a safe delivery. If you're wanting the same for yourself, make sure to walk down the cobblestone path on your way to the Kiyomizudera .

#24 Join a  Sushi or Okonomiyaki Cooking Class

If you have time, I would highly recommend booking a cooking class! There's something more satisfying in making the local cuisine compared to just buying and snacking on them.

There are various cooking classes around Kyoto if you know how to look. Maikoya provides in-depth workshops that let you participate in the ingredient selection as well! Join the  Nishiki Market Tour with Rolled Sushi Cooking Class Kyoto  and learn how to make sushi from expert cooks, or  Okonomiyaki cooking experience Kyoto .

Each of these classes will have you learning how to make the snack on your own from scratch. Surely you'll be able to replicate the dishes at home and transport your taste buds back to Kyoto!

#25 Hunt for Forgotten  Antiques  

Kyoto is an ancient city, making it the best place to go antique shopping! Besides Ninenzaka, Kyoto has a collection of historic neighborhoods that you can visit--one of my favorites is the Teramachi Street area between Oike and Karasuma.

If you like the Geisha district in Gion, I'm sure you'd also enjoy visiting the Kamishichiken  area! This is the oldest geisha district and is home to the famous Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The area is a lot like Gion but without the tourist crowds.

A more unique area is  Yokai Street  where you'll find life-size monsters all over the street! It's not a very large area but you can explore it with a quick walk around. The majority of the shops you'll find here are secondhand and thrift stores that contain interesting knick-knacks.

There are a lot more places to find antique shops all over Kyoto! These are just some of the more visited and easy to navigate areas.

#26 See a Festival in Kyoto

Japan has so many cultural traditions, and festivals are one of them! Similar to the ones you've likely seen in animes and pictures online, traditional festivals are regularly held to welcome the seasons and during significant dates in the area.

If you want to experience this in Kyoto, you should try to schedule your trip around them! The biggest festival is the Gion Matsuri  as pictured above, which lasts almost 2 weeks in July . Thousands of locals would participate in this, wearing traditional outfits.

There are a number of festivals around Kyoto. Here are some of my recommendations if you want to plan your itinerary around them:

• In February,  the Yasaka shrine hosts the Setsubun festival where you'll see the Maiko and Geisha perform for crowds of spectators.
• On May 15  people dress up as aristocrats, walking from the Imperial Palace to the two main Shinto Shrines in Northern Kyoto.
• In April,  there is a month-long festival called the Miyako Odori festival where you can watch Maiko and Geisha perform a dance.
• On August 16, there is Gozan no Okuribi where you can see giant kanji--shaped bonfires on the mountains surrounding Kyoto. This is to greet the spirits who come to visit the mortal world for a day in mid-August.
• In October,  the Jidai Matsuri  is held at the Heian Jingu Shrine  and people would dress as major historical figures.
• In November, there is a number of festivals in Kyoto that celebrate the beginning of autumn.

#27  Yakiniku

Yakiniku is as much of an experience as it is a delicious dish. Similar to popular restaurant trends, you will get to grill prepared meat and vegetables at your table! This is also commonly referred to as Japanese Barbecue. A grill is normally installed into the middle of the table, making it safe for everyone including kids.

#28  Shabu-Shabu

Shabu-shabu is one of the internationally beloved Japanese dishes. It is a popular hot pot dish where you are normally served with thinly sliced raw meat and vegetables that you cook at your table in steaming hot broth. This is a great way to enjoy time with good company as you wait for your meal together.

#29  Nabe (Japanese hot pot)

Nabe or Nabemono is another variation or Japanese hot pot. Nabe can contain just about anything from vegetables, tofu, and meatballs that you boil in a cooking pot at the table. This is the dish that sumo wrestlers usually eat before the tournaments.

#30  Okonomiyaki

#31  zauo  fishing restaurant.

Although this experience is not in Kyoto, I highly recommend trying Zauo! It's a short train ride to Osaka and you can catch your own fish which the restuarant will prepare for you as sashimi or any dish you prefer. This is also cheaper, and you can't ask for a fresher catch!

#32  Kani Doraku Kyoto Honten

Kani Doraku is one of the most popular restaurants in Kyoto. They specialize in crab dishes, from crab hot pot to snow crab legs! They also serve a variety of other seafood and crustaceans. This is a great stop for foodies and lovers of succulent crab meat.

#33  Menbaka Fire Ramen

Although ramen is fairly common, this restaurant offers an extraordinary experience for guests. This small traditional restaurant is the only place in the whole world that you can get a fire show while watching the chefs prepare a fierce noodle dish for you.

As this is a popular attraction, make sure you get there early as they don't accept reservations!

#34  Kushikatsu

Indulge in snacking on popular deep-fried street food like meat, fish, and vegetables on sticks served to your table and you get to chose toppings on your own at your table.

Things to do in Kyoto at Night

There are not many night activities geared toward tourists other than some kabuki performances at the Minamiza theater. However, you can do many things at night in Kyoto including but not limited to:

• Romantic walk by the Kamo River
• Meeting locals at  HUB pub   or other bars at the Pontocho entertainment district
• Walk in the  Gion geisha district
• Try some theme cafes such as  bluefish  cafe/bar where you can touch baby sharks
• Wander in the temple gardens  illuminated at night
• Go to the observation deck of  Kyoto Tower  and view the city lights
• Try some rooftop cafes such as my favorite,  in the moon  

Non-Touristy Things to do in Kyoto

Most people have jobs and work hard, so usually, people mostly hang out on weekends. Families who have a car can go to theme parks or fruit-picking and tea-planting farms outside the city.

KYOTO FACTS

• What does Kyoto mean?  It means "capital city"
• What is the population of Kyoto?  1.5 million (foreigners are 2% of the population)
• How many Geisha (Geiko or Maiko) are there in Kyoto?  Fewer than 200
• What is Kyoto's original name?  Heian City (became capital in 794 AD)
• Where is the Kyoto Airport?  There is no "Kyoto Airport." The closest airport in "Kansai airport" which is in Osaka. The Kansai airport is 45 KM away from Kyoto.
• How many UNESCO world heritage sites are in Kyoto?  17
• How many temples are there in Kyoto?  1600
• How many shrines are there in Kyoto?  800
• How many tourists stay in Kyoto? 13.2 Million (2019), 5.17 Million (2021)
• Best sushi in Kyoto:   Musashi sushi . Not the best or cheapest but a decent place with a decent price and fresh sushi.
• Best ramen in Kyoto:  Ippudo ramen . Not the best ramen but a decent place with an easy-to-understand menu with an affordable price.
• Best steak restaurant in Kyoto:   Gion Karoku . Not the best steak restaurant but a decent yakiniku place in the historic geisha district where I take my guests. It is a bit pricey.
• Best izakaya in Kyoto:   Ganko Sanjo Honten  near the Sanjo bridge. There are also many good izakayas on Kiyamachi Street.
• Best Vegetarian restaurant in Kyoto :  Ain Soph  with unique vegan burgers.
• Best Halal food/restaurant in Kyoto:   Istanbul Restaurant  with a good selection of Mediterranean dishes.
• Best Italian Restaurant in Kyoto:   Pizza Salvatore Cuomo Pizza & Grill . Definitely not the best but a decent place with decent price located by the river.
• Best Rooftop bar in Kyoto: In the Moon by the Kamogawa River.
• What is the climate of Kyoto like?  Cold in the winter, hot in the summer. It snows in December and January. It rains in half of July.
• What is the terrain of Kyoto like?  There is no sea or ocean in Kyoto. Kyoto is surrounded by tall mountains.
• What are the local sweets of Kyoto?  Yatsuhashi (sweet beans paste in rice flour)
• What is the local dish of Kyoto?  Obanzai (combination of small dishes mostly made out of vegetables grown in Kyoto)
• How far is Kyoto from other cities?  Kyoto is 15 mins from Osaka, 30 minutes from Kobe, 45 minutes from Nagoya, and 2.5 hours from Tokyo (by bullet train).
• What are the famous companies in Kyoto?  Nintendo, Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramic), Wacoal
• What are Kyoto local dialect phrases?  Ookini: thank you; Oideyasu: Welcome...
• The cultural capital of Japan. There are fewer earthquakes in Kyoto and Kyoto was the only major city that was not bombed during WW2 since the war minister in the US had spent his honeymoon in Kyoto and really liked the city.
• Kyoto has the highest number of national treasures in Japan.
• Kyoto has the highest number of bakery shops per capita in Japan.
• Kyoto was modeled after the Tang dynasty capital in China.
• Kyoto has many old townhouses with gardens in the middle which are called " machiya ."  
• Kyoto is where the kabuki culture, geisha culture, kimono tradition, and the noh theater were born.
• In Kansai, Kyoto is known to be the place for education (there are many high-ranked universities).
• Japanese people consider Kyotoites a bit snobbish and conservative.
• Kyotoites are also known for their indirect communication style (it is believed that they never show their true face).
• People of Kyoto think the capital should be Kyoto, not Tokyo.

Kyoto Travel Tips

• Kyoto and Osaka are not far from each other  (many Kyoto residents work in Osaka). You can stay in Osaka and still come to Kyoto every day during your visit.
• The  downtown of Kyoto is not the Kyoto Station.  The downtown area is near the Kawaramachi Station.
• The  shopping district is Teramachi shopping Street . The souvenir shops and kimono shops are located on Shinkyogoku Street. The largest variety of electronics and cameras are found at Yodobashi Camera, a huge building right next to the Kyoto station.
• JR pass is not a great option in Kyoto  as you either have to ride a bus or take the subway. If there are 3 or more people in your group, taking a taxi is usually a good option. UBER is not common in Japan and I usually use Didi and JapanTaxi instead. Both apps work just fine and have good rates.
• There are very few public bathrooms in Kyoto, always remember these 3 spots to find a bathroom:  convenience stores, train stations, and franchise stores  such as McDonald's and Starbucks.
• There are very few public trash bins in Kyoto, always remember these 3 spots for public garbage can: convenience stores, train stations, and franchise stores such as McDonald's and Starbucks.
• If it suddenly rains, or it gets too hot/cold, then you may want to go to the Teramachi shopping area where there are so many shops, cafes, and flea markets in a covered area.
• During the Sakura (Cherry blossom season) everywhere gets so crowded, but you can enjoy the city by going to any zen garden I listed above.
• Although it is changing,  many shops still do not accept cards  especially in the Nishiki market, so please always carry some cash.
• In Kyoto, store owners usually don’t jack up prices in tourist areas, so feel free to buy souvenirs anywhere.
• Always pick a young person  to ask for directions .  If you write what you are trying to say on a piece of paper, many people can understand you.
• Always pick the oldest person  to complain about something. In Japan hierarchy almost always depends on age.
• If you have a heavy backpack you can always put it in the  lockers available at every train station .
• The  nearby cities are closer than you may think . You can go to Osaka in 15 minutes, Kobe in 25 minutes, and Nara City in 40 minutes.

WELCOME TO MY HOMETOWN KYOTO: OIDEYASU!

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24 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan (2024 Update)

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: July 12, 2024

With so many things to do in Kyoto like witnessing the cherry blossoms in full bloom, enjoying tea ceremonies in traditional tea houses, and walking through Zen gardens, you’ll never want to leave. Known for its remarkable history, Kyoto Prefecture has managed to preserve its authenticity and ancient traditions and acts as a window into Japan’s past. It has one of the world’s largest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the most visited and loved cities in Japan. Once the capital city, Kyoto remains the cultural and spiritual heart of Japan.

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is a place that is full of temples, and by spending some time here and exploring each one you can really see why this is considered the capital of traditional Japanese culture.

While downtown Kyoto lacks onsens, it offers numerous sentos or public baths for a traditional bathing experience.

You can still see geisha in their traditional kimono and white makeup walking the streets and all of the temples and shrines are still occupied and maintained by monks that still carry on the old ways, wearing their flowing robes and performing ceremonies from long ago.

If you are looking for a destination that allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka then this is the place for you. It can be overwhelming to have so many things to do in Kyoto, so this guide should give a good idea of all the must-see things in Kyoto.

About Kyoto

Kyoto is located in the Kansai area, about 3 hours away from the capital city of Tokyo by Shinkansen (the main train line). The Kansai region is renowned for its local cuisine, which makes Kyoto a fantastic place for culture and food lovers alike. We suggest planning on at least three days in the city to really get the most bang for your buck.

Pick up your 1 or 2 day hop-on-hop-off bus pass to explore the top attractions, temples, and shrines in Kyoto at your own pace. Including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and more.

1. Explore the trails of Fushimi Inari Shrine

One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to walk the trails of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Once an important pilgrimage walk, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most visited shrines in Japan. Famed for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto God of rice.

Its beautiful gates make it one of the top things to do in Kyoto. The hike along the forest trail is fairly easy. You can choose to do the whole loop, which will take about 3 hours or do the lower loop if you don’t have that much time.

The trail itself is very busy all year round, however, the clever traveler can avoid the crowds by hiking up the mountain just before sunset or early in the morning. Along the way, you will encounter the best view at the Yotsutsuji intersection for an amazing photographic opportunity over Kyoto.

Where is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is located in southern Kyoto at the foot of Mount Inari. To reach it, take the train to Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line, and the entrance is a 5-minute walk from there. Book a highly-rated Fushimi Inari Shrine tour with a local guide. Journey into a secret bamboo forest, see the red tori gates and take in the views away from the crowds. 

2. Kinkakuji Temple

Located in northern Kyoto, The Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple that is really worth seeing. Decorated in gold leaf (hence why they call it the golden pavilion), the temple sits on a calm lake surrounded by trees. When you visit Kyoto, don’t miss seeing this striking temple; it is one of the most photographed places in Kyoto.

The Kinkakuji Temple was originally built as a retirement home for a famous shogun, and he sanctioned it to become a temple after he died in 1408. Strolling the grounds, it is easy to see why this would make a perfect retirement place.

Like most places in Kyoto, we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the morning light that shimmers off of the calm waters and the Golden Temple itself.

3. Philosopher’s Walk

One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk. The Philosophers Walk is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful yet beautiful stroll. Along the Philosopher’s Walk, visitors can find charming tea shops offering traditional tea ceremonies and unique matcha beverages.

This pedestrian walkway is located along the Biwa Canal that is lined with cherry trees. It also connects the Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion) temples. This walk is one of the top things to do in Kyoto especially if you are here when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. There are some smaller temples as well as some cafes and restaurants along the path that are worth visiting.

This Kyoto Walking Tour lets you discover the magic of Kyoto through cultural experiences, temples, and shrines, including Tofukuji Temple, Zen garden, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, plus a visit to the Geisha district.

4. Visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove

One of the top attractions in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through the tall green stalks is like stepping into an alien world. The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is perhaps the most beautiful natural spot in Kyoto. When the wind blows, the bamboo stalks slowly rock, creating an elegant and dreamy dance.

The best time to visit Arashiyama is just before sunrise when the warm rays of the sun slowly penetrate the silent forest. It is also when you will avoid most of the crowds and tour busses. This is just something you cannot miss when visiting Kyoto.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is located in Western Kyoto and can be reached by taking the train from Kyoto station to Arashiyama station. Then it is just a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the paths, just follow the signs. It is also free to enter.

This highly rated bamboo forest tour takes you on a rickshaw ride through Arashiyama forest with a personal guide. Imagine traveling by traditional means through one of Japan’s most iconic scenes.

5. Go Geisha Spotting in the Geisha District: Gion

Kyoto remains a romantic vision of Japan, with Geishas being its most alluring subject. Gion, known as the entertainment quarters in Kyoto, is the best place to go Geisha spotting. These elusive performers are highly skilled in traditional Japanese arts such as dancing, singing, and playing instruments and are still very much admired and idolized, not just by the Japanese but by the whole world.

There are several companies in Kyoto that organize Geisha shows. These usually include partaking in a tea ceremony, followed by a Geisha dance. Book this night walk Geisha Tour – one of the most popular walking tours in Kyoto. A 100-minute guided walk takes you through nighttime Gion to learn about Geisha traditions.

Update on closed streets in Gion: As of April 2024, the government of Kyoto has decided to close some streets to tourists in the Gion District. Unfortunately, this is due to the lack of respect, trespassing, and bad behavior of tourists. The penalty for being caught on these streets is a fine.

So please respect the closures. As for the streets that are closed, these are the ones I believe have the restrictions: Nanyuan Alley, Nishihuami Alleyway, Dongsongzhu Alley, West Songzhu Trail, Shochiku Koji, Hatsunekoji, Middle Road, Yayoi Koji, and few smaller ones.

Read about dressing up as a Geisha in Memoirs of a Male Geisha in Tokyo, Japan by NomadicBoys.

6. kiyomizu dera temple

Kiyomizu Dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in eastern Kyoto and has to be one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. Built in 778 this zen Buddhist temple has some of the best views across the city. The main hall was actually built without nails, which is pretty cool to see, and the rest of the complex is just as impressive.

The Otowa Waterfall has three streams of water each with a different benefit. One for longevity, one for academic success, and the other for success in their love life. Locals use cups attached to long poles to drink from one of them.

As with most of the extremely popular things to do in Kyoto, it is advised to get there early to avoid the busses and crowds. Luckily the Kiyomizu Dera Temple opens earlier than most (6 am) so that is a bit easier to do. It is easily accessible as it is a 10-minute bus ride from Kyoto station. Take bus 100 or 206. the entrance fee is 400 Yen.

7. Witness the Cherry Blossoms

Almost everyone has heard of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura) that takes place each year in Kyoto. During this time the cherry blossoms around the city’s temples and shrines are in full bloom and it creates this fairytale-like atmosphere. Some of the top places to see the cherry blossoms are The Philosopher’s Path, the Yasaka Pagoda, and the Kodai-ji Temple which houses the weeping cherry blossom tree.

If you do choose to visit Kyoto when the cherry blossoms are in bloom just be aware that is insanely busy all around the city at this time and everything is more expensive. Cherry blossom season is in the spring (April is the main month) so make sure to book early.

8. Admire The City From Kyoto Tower

A lot of the popular things to do in Kyoto revolve around Japanese culture, Zen temples, and cherry trees, but there is a modern side to Kyoto as well. One of the best places to visit in Kyoto for a taste of modering Japan is the highest structure in the city, Kyoto Tower.

Located in central Kyoto, the tower offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area as well as telescopes and touch screens that show the names of what you are looking at. It is strange to see such a structure in the middle of a city that is known for its temples and it has been a controversial subject for locals since it was built.

In our opinion, it is still worth making the trip up to get the full appreciation of the beauty of this city.

9. Attend a tea ceremony

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a fascinating practice that dates back to the 15th century when a Zen Buddhist monk influenced the way such ceremony was performed. Although an old tradition that is said to have started around Uji, the practice of the tea ceremony is still very much taken seriously today.

Attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto is a must-do experience. Many study it in detail and are willing to share their knowledge with travelers, who can experience an authentic tea ceremony in one of the myriad tea houses located in Kyoto. Experience your own Japanese tea ceremony led by a tea master as you learn of the rules, history, and spiritual role of tea in Japanese culture.

10. Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market should be on every food lover’s bucket list. Visitors can also find a variety of Japanese sweets, which are a delightful treat and a part of Kyoto’s culinary culture. A maze of narrow streets lined with food stalls, Nishiki Market has been nicknamed Kyoto’s kitchen.

This is the best place to try the bizarre Tako Tamago (small octopus on a stick with an egg inside its head), local pickles, and fresh eel.

11. Eat in Shijo Dori

No trip to Kyoto can be complete without spending a considerable amount of time devouring local delicacies. For the culinary enthusiast, Shijo Dori is the place to be, as this is a long street dotted with food shops and eateries.

Furthermore, it is on Shijo Dori that most tourists can indulge themselves in sampling traditional foods, including matcha goods, charcoal ice cream , fruity mochi, and plum tea.

12. Shrine and Temple hopping

Kyoto remains the spiritual soul of Japan, being home to over 2000 shrines and temples. With so many options, it’s difficult to imagine visiting all religious sites during a short visit to Kyoto. Yet there are several shrines and temples not to be missed, including Ginkaku-ji, and Ryan-ji.

Although few know it, one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, a small Buddhist temple located way off the beaten path, around the Arashiyama district.

Book this Zen Meditation Tour , where you’ll practice Zen meditation with a Buddhist monk, participate in a tea ceremony, and wander through the bamboo grove. Plus, many more cultural experiences. Details here.

13. Tofuku-ji

Tofuku-ji stands as one of the city’s most esteemed Zen temples, gaining significant attention for its breathtaking autumn colors. Established in 1236 by the imperial chancellor Kujo Michiie, the temple’s roots trace back to the monk Enni, who formed its inaugural community of monks.

The name “Tofuku-ji” itself is a blend of characters from two of Nara’s ancient temples, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, symbolizing its aspiration to exceed their magnificence. The expansive temple grounds are home to various notable structures, with the main hall and temple gate both honored as National Treasures of Japan. Moreover, several buildings within the compound are recognized as Important Cultural Properties.

14. The Zen Gardens

One of Tofuku-ji’s highlights is its Zen gardens, which encompass the Hojo or the Abbot’s Hall. Designed in the 1930s by the renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori, each of these gardens mirrors a distinct theme and showcases the essence of modern Zen garden landscaping.

The southern Zen garden, with its iconic moss and granite squares in a checkered layout, is perhaps the most distinguished. In contrast, the Western Zen garden paints an imaginative scene of a mother tiger and her cubs traversing a river, represented through moss mounds and white gravel. The remaining northern and eastern gardens also possess unique designs, employing elements like rocks, moss, and azaleas to craft abstract patterns and landscapes.

Beyond the gardens, the Tsutenkyo Bridge, leading to the Kaisan-do Hall, offers another visual treat, especially during the autumn. The surrounding valley, brimming with maple trees, transforms into a vivid canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, drawing large crowds.

Located conveniently near the Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line, the temple is relatively easy to access from Kyoto Station. While most of the temple grounds are open to the public for free, certain areas, such as the Hojo gardens and the Tsutenkyo Bridge, require an entrance fee. A visit to Tofuku-ji, whether for its tranquil gardens or the animated autumn foliage, promises an unforgettable Kyoto experience.

15. Sleep in a Ryokan

To experience traditional Kyoto, staying in a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan is an absolute must. Although relatively expensive, these Japanese inns usually include dinner and breakfast, top-notch service, and the use of the hot springs (onsen).

Ryokans vary in terms of facilities and budget, but the best ones will include all of the above. A friendly word of warning: the ryokan experience is so incredible that it becomes rather addictive.

The Gion Fukuzumi Ryokan ** is a top-rated ryokan for travelers to Kyoto. See it on TripAdvisor . Search more Kyoto Ryokans here. **

16. Take a day trip to Mount Hiei

Although Kyoto has so much to offer, the true zen can be pursued outside of the city and within its surrounding mountains. Mount Hiei is a fantastic option for a day out, being easily accessible and home to a few temples along the way.

To access the top of the mountain, there is a cable car (a recommended experience) or a mountain trail that leads to an old Buddhist monastery. For a great day out, it is best to take the cable car to the top and then descend on foot to enjoy some of the ancient Japanese forested trails.

17. Lose yourself in the Kyoto station

Perhaps the least expected recommended attraction, the Kyoto Station, is an amazing place to spend a day. With over 14 stories full of shops and eateries, this place has something for everyone. Start in the basement and shop in the local department store, which sells mouthwatering fresh food.

End the evening by eating either sushi in Musashi or tonkatsu in Katsukura. It is also a great spot to enjoy amazing views over the city at night.

18. Kyoto International Manga Museum

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do make sure to check out the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Even if you are not into manga comics you will be impressed by the 300,000 volumes of comics that are translated into many different languages. The museum is a fun stop if you have kids and is the perfect place to kill a few hours if the weather is bad.

19. Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place not to be missed, especially if you are visiting in the spring or fall. This palace was used as the residence of different Emperors for 500 years until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The walled compound has some incredible and expansive gardens which really come to life in the fall.

The building themselves are designed in the traditional Japanese style and make the perfect accent to the surrounding nature. This is a place you definitely want to stroll around for an hour or so. It is close to Nijo Castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum as well as the Nashinoki Shrine.

20. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle in Kyoto is a beautiful piece of traditional Japanese architecture and a historical landmark. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, it represents the power and prestige of the shogunate during the Edo period. It marked the beginning of the Edo era, a long period of peace and stability in Japan.

The castle is divided into two main areas: the Ninomaru Palace and the Honmaru Palace. Ninomaru Palace is the main building and is famous for its interior decoration and the sliding door paintings by the Kano school. It’s also famous for its “nightingale floors” which chirp when you walk on them as a security measure against ninjas. This is a fun added experience to your visit.

21. Nazen-ji Temple complex

Nazen-ji Temple is located in the eastern part of Kyoto, Japan and is a lovely spot that combines history, architecture and nature. Founded in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama, it’s a Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism temple. The emperor abdicated his throne and became a monk and lived here in his later years.

The temple complex is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture with several sub-temples, a rock garden, and well-maintained landscape gardens. One of the highlights of Nazen-ji is the Sanmon Gate, a two-story gate that offers great views of Kyoto from the top floor. Built in 1628, it’s not only a work of art but also a symbol of the temple’s legacy.

The Hojo is another must-see. It has beautiful sliding doors with intricate paintings, and the adjacent Leaping Tiger Garden is a karesansui (dry landscape garden) masterpiece. The gravel is raked to perfection, and the rocks are placed strategically to create a sense of calm.

Beyond its physical beauty, Nazen-ji Temple has cultural and historical importance. It was an important place for the development of the tea ceremony, and its sub-temple, Konchi-in, was a hub for tea culture. The temple has inspired many poets, artists, and monks over the centuries.

22. Monkey Park in Iwatayama

Monkey Park in Iwatayama, Arashiyama, Kyoto, is fun for all ages. It is home to over 100 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. Located in a mountain forest, you can observe these amazing primates up close and enjoy views of Kyoto.

You can reach the Monkey park via a 30–40 minute difficult hike up Mount Arashiyama or a 5-minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station. If you choose the trail, it goes through a beautiful forest, and when you get to the top, you are rewarded with some incredible views.

Interacting with the monkeys at Iwatayama is a great experience. The monkeys are used to human and often come to you, so you can observe their behavior and social interaction. You are basically put in a cage in the designated feeding area, which allows you to feed the monkeys with food you can buy at the park and get up close and personal. The monkeys are playful and curious.

When you visit the park, please follow the rules to ensure your safety and the monkeys’ well-being. Do not make direct eye contact with the monkeys, as they may perceive it as aggression. Keep a safe distance, and do not touch or pet the monkeys. Feeding is only allowed with the provided food in designated areas to prevent any health issues for the animals. Keep your belongings secure and out of reach, as the monkeys are curious and may snatch your stuff.

23. Fushimi Sake District

Fushimi Sake District is located in the south of Kyoto and is famous for its traditional sake breweries. Fushimi has a sake making history over 400 years. Fushimi means “hidden water” and it’s the high quality water, rich in minerals and soft in texture that has given Fushimi sake its reputation.

The history of sake brewing in Fushimi goes back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) when the area was strategically located near the confluence of rivers and was a perfect spot for production and distribution. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Fushimi sake became nationally famous, and many of the breweries established during this time are still operating today.

Walking through the narrow streets lined with these old buildings, you can visit various breweries, and each of them offers tours and tastings. The tours will show you the process of making sake, from rice polishing to bottling.

Besides the sake breweries, the district has canals, willow-lined streets, and shops selling sake souvenirs. The calm and beautiful scenery of the area makes it a lovely place to wander and enjoy Kyoto’s sake.

24. Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto

Historically, Kyoto has been the imperial capital of Japan for more than a thousand years. In 1994, UNESCO inscribed 17 historical sites in Kyoto (as well as nearby Uji and Otsu cities) as a collective World Heritage Site known as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” Not all temples in Kyoto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so if you want to make a point of visiting the designated monuments, here is a list.

• Kiyomizu-Dera Temple : Known for its wooden terrace that offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, this temple is particularly popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
• Enryaku-ji Temple : Located on Mount Hiei, it’s historically significant as the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism.
• Daigo-ji Temple : Famous for its five-story pagoda, it’s another popular site during cherry blossom season.
• Ninnaji Temple : It’s known for its traditional imperial palace style architecture and beautiful gardens.
• Byodo-in Temple : Located in Uji, this temple’s Phoenix Hall is prominently featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin.
• Ujigami Shrine : Also in Uji, it’s considered to be the oldest standing shrine in Japan.
• Kozan-ji Temple : Located in the Takao region of Kyoto, it’s recognized for its ancient scriptures and its beautiful surroundings.
• Saiho-ji Temple : Known as the “Moss Temple”, it’s famous for its moss garden.
• Tenryu-ji Temple : Located in Arashiyama, it’s particularly noted for its scenic garden.
• Ryoan-ji Temple : Famous for its rock garden, which is a quintessential representation of Zen garden design.
• To-ji Temple : Known for its five-story pagoda, which is the tallest in Japan.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) : Renowned for its golden pavilion which shimmers beside a pond.
• Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) : While not covered in silver, it’s renowned for its sand garden and beautiful grounds.
• Shimogamo Shrine : One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, it’s located in a forested area, providing a serene atmosphere.
• Kamigamo Shrine : Another ancient Shinto shrine with a tranquil ambiance.
• Nijo Castle : Known for its “nightingale floors” which chirp when walked upon, as well as its beautiful gardens.
• Kyoto Gyoen (Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace Gardens) : Located in the heart of Kyoto, it was the former residence of the Emperor.

Each of these sites has been recognized for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance, contributing to Kyoto’s reputation as the cultural heart of Japan. If you’re planning to visit Kyoto, exploring these World Heritage Sites would offer a deep dive into the city’s rich history and unmatched beauty.

How to Get to Kyoto, Japan

Getting to Kyoto, Japan, largely depends on where you are starting from and your mode of transportation. Most people travel to Kyoto after visiting Tokyo but you can fly directly to Kyoto as well.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) : This is the nearest major international airport to Kyoto. From Kansai Airport, you can take the Haruka Express train which directly connects the airport to Kyoto Station in about 75 minutes.

Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport, ITM) : It’s a domestic airport but also quite close to Kyoto. From here, you can take buses that run between the airport and Kyoto Station.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya) : Another option, though farther away. From here, you’d typically take a train to Kyoto.

If you’re traveling within Japan, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is one of the most convenient methods. From Tokyo , the Tokaido Shinkansen takes about 2-2.5 hours to reach Kyoto.

If you’re planning to travel around Japan, consider getting a JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass). It allows unlimited travel on JR lines (including most Shinkansen lines) and can be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling between multiple cities.

Long-distance buses connect Kyoto with other parts of Japan. While they take longer than the train, they can be cheaper, especially if you’re traveling overnight.

You can also drive to Kyoto if you’re comfortable navigating Japanese roads and traffic rules. Ensure you have an appropriate driver’s license and understand toll road fees.

Getting Around Kyoto

Once you’re in Kyoto, the city has a comprehensive bus and subway system to get you to most major attractions. There are also taxis and bike rentals available.

Accommodations in Kyoto

Kyoto has a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), guesthouses, to capsule hotels. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season.

Important : Always check travel advisories, entry requirements, and other pertinent details before planning your trip, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best way to get to Kyoto would largely depend on your starting point, budget, and travel preferences. Safe travels!

Final Thoughts

Kyoto is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Japanese culture, get a glimpse into the history of Japan as well as take in the incredible architecture that has made this one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you plan on visiting Kyoto you won’t be disappointed.

This post was originally written by Cory Varga and has been updated by The Planet D. Cory and G, are the happy British couple behind You Could Travel, a website geared towards inspiring others through information-packed articles that revolve around travel guides, recommendations, and tips. They specialize in soft adventure travel, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and culinary affairs. They motivate and encourage a nomadic lifestyle through storytelling and photographic essays. Follow them at: YouCouldTravel / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Plan Your Trip to Japan With These Resources

• 50 Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
• Traditional Japanese Food: 20 Dishes You Can Try in Japan or At Home
• Mind-Blowing Facts about Japan
• Places to Visit in Kyoto – My Favorite City in Japan
• Complete Nikko Japan Travel Guide – 18 Things to do and Places to See

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Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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5 thoughts on “24 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan (2024 Update)”

Plant D really this superb blog and cherry blossoms are so nice and its treat for my eyes. Thanks for sharing with us!

I am going to Kyoto in march. I am looking forward to walking in the bamboo forest. Thanks for the great tips!

I want to spend a lifetime in Japan.

I was in Japan last winter and wish I would have stayed in a Ryokan and seen the Fushimi Inari Shrine! Just means I have to go back I suppose!

We’re visiting Japan in 2018, as part of our round the world trip! We’ve just started planning for it and I can’t wait! Will definitely be noting down Kyoto when we visit Japan, beautiful pictures as always 😀

Must-see attractions in Kyoto

Nishiki Market

Downtown Kyoto

The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…

Located atop 848m-high Hiei-zan (the mountain that dominates the skyline in the northeast of the city), the Enryaku-ji complex is an entire world of…

Kiyomizu-dera

Southern Higashiyama

A buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the basin of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most popular and most enjoyable temples. It…

A collection of soaring buildings, spacious courtyards and gardens, Chion-in serves as the headquarters of the Jōdo sect, the largest school of Buddhism…

Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary…

The military might of Japan's great warlord generals, the Tokugawa shoguns, is amply demonstrated by the imposing stone walls and ramparts of their great…

This temple is hard to miss, with its giant camphor trees growing just outside the walls. Fortunately, most tourists march right on past, heading to the…

Byōdō-in is home to one of the loveliest Buddhist structures in Japan: the Hōō-dō hall (Phoenix Hall), which is depicted on the back of the Japanese ¥10…

This exquisite temple was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The extensive grounds include gardens…

Daigo-ji is a World Heritage–listed sprawling temple complex located in the Daigo district of Kyoto, which lies on the east side of the Higashiyama…

Yasaka-jinja

This colourful and spacious shrine is considered the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district. It's a bustling place that is well worth a visit…

Maruyama-kōen

Maruyama-kōen is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. This park is the place to come to escape the bustle of the city centre and amble around gardens…

Sanjūsangen-dō Temple

This superb temple’s name refers to the 33 sanjūsan (bays) between the pillars of this long, narrow edifice. The building houses 1001 wooden statues of…

Gekkeikan Sake Ōkura Museum

The largest of Fushimi’s sake breweries is Gekkeikan, the world’s leading producer of sake. Although most of the sake is now made in a modern facility in…

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Located in an old elementary school building, this museum is the perfect introduction to the art of manga (Japanese comics). It has 300,000 manga in its…

Yasui Konpira-gū

This interesting little Shintō shrine on the edge of Gion contains one of the most peculiar objects we've encountered anywhere in Japan: the enkiri…

There are few streets in Asia that rival this narrow pedestrian-only walkway for atmosphere. Not much to look at by day, the street comes alive at night,…

Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum is the city's premier art museum and plays host to the highest-level exhibitions in the city. It was founded in 1895 as an…

Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka Area

Just downhill from and slightly to the north of Kiyomizu-dera, you will find one of Kyoto’s loveliest restored neighbourhoods, the Ninen-zaka–Sannen-zaka…

Kawai Kanjirō Memorial Hall

This small memorial hall is one of Kyoto’s most commonly overlooked little gems. The hall was the home and workshop of one of Japan’s most famous potters,…

Founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is an island of peace and calm on the border of the boisterous Gion…

Rokuharamitsu-ji

An important Buddhist pilgrimage stop, this temple was founded in 963 by Kūya Shōnin, who carved an image of an 11-headed Kannon and installed it in the…

Mibu-dera was founded in 991 and belongs to the Risshū school. It houses tombs of pro-shogunate Shinsen-gumi members, who fought bloody street battles…

Museum of Kyoto

This museum is worth visiting if a special exhibition is on (the regular exhibits are not particularly interesting and don’t have much in the way of…

Located in a large merchant’s house, this kimono-shop-museum walks visitors through the architecture of a traditional building built in the daibeizukuri…

Ebisu-jinja

This small shrine near Kennin-ji honours Ebisu, the god of prosperity. Naturally, it's a popular spot with local businesspeople. The Tōka Ebisu festival…

Kizakura Kappa Country

Kizakura is worth a look if you're in the Fushimi area. The vast complex houses both sake and beer breweries (these are not open to the public), courtyard…

This tucked-away temple makes for a worthy detour when hitting the boutiques and restaurants downtown. The name refers to its unique hexagonal shape, and…

Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto

This one-room museum is filled with unexpected wonders in a wide variety of kaleidoscopes. Not sure who will enjoy this more, children or the adults…

This subtemple of Kōdai-ji has a lovely Zen garden and is a pleasant retreat from the busy touristy surrounds. You can buy a combo ticket with Kōdai-ji…

Higashi-Ōtani

This is one of the largest Buddhist graveyards in Kyoto. It's an atmospheric (if spooky) place for a walk.

Kyoto City Hall

Built in 1927, this imposing building takes up one block on the corner of Kawaramachi-dōri and Oike-dōri.

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Home » Asia » Japan » Kyoto

20 BEST Places to Visit in Kyoto (2024)

Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital and is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. And after you’ve spent some time there, you’ll understand just how it got that title.

There are endless amazing and historic places to visit in Kyoto, amazing food, and an incredible culture to explore. So, no matter how long you’re spending in the city, you won’t be short of things to see and do.

But there’s a downside to all of this beauty. Kyoto can feel like a very foreign city sometimes, and this can make it a little intimidating to visitors. It’s so old that it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Japanese because it grew in a time long before people traveled for fun.

If you’re concerned about traveling in Kyoto, you shouldn’t be. With our easy guide, you’ll be able to find all the places you’re most interested in and go home with priceless memories and lots of great photos to put on social media!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Kyoto:

These are the best places to visit in kyoto, faq on the best places to visit in kyoto, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in kyoto.

Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t been to Southern Higashiyama, you haven’t been to Kyoto!

• Visit glorious well-known temples like Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu dera temple, Kennin-ji, and Chion-in.
• Try and spot geishas in Hanami-koji .
• Be wowed by the cherry blossom at Shimbashi (in season).

I know you can’t wait to get started so get yourself a matcha green tea latte while you peruse where to stay in Kyoto and learn all about the BEST neighbourhoods in Kyoto and the accommodation options they offer.

Book yourself an Airbnb next to your favourite attractions in Kyoto! Now, onto the bamboo forests…

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#1 – Kinkaku ji Temple & the Golden Pavilion

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• One of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in Kyoto.
• You’ll be able to  take some amazing pictures of this golden pavilion as you clamber around the lush gardens.
• This site gets really busy in tourist season, so try going in the off-season for a really amazing experience.

Why it’s so awesome: This temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and it’s easy to see why. It’s a golden pavilion surrounded by gardens that are perfectly designed to invoke serenity and peace. The site was once built as a retirement home for a famous shogun and was made a temple after his death. Get this one on your Kyoto itinerary .

What to do there: This site is amazing at any time of day or year, but if you want to see the sun gleaming off the gold leaf that wraps around this building then go in the early morning. This will also allow you to get there ahead of the crowds because this Kyoto must see gets incredibly busy. The area is also incredibly beautiful in autumn, when you can see the building backlit by fire red trees.

#2 – The Fushimi Inari taisha Shrine – A must visit place to visit in Kyoto on the weekend!

• Made famous in the book and movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
• A stunningly beautiful and haunting set of trails that weave through the mountain.
• You’ll need to be physically fit to make it up the walkway, but the views and the ornate shrines are worth the effort.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’ve ever seen Memoirs of a Geisha and marvelled at the scenes where the characters walked along pathways lined with bright red pillars, then the Fushimi Inari shrine is where those images were shot. This Kyoto must-visit attraction is the city’s most iconic location and includes thousands of the red torii gates set along trails that wind their way up the mountain.

While it is an epic spot for Instagram photos, it is in fact a working shrine, dedicated to the shinto god of rice, Inari. You will see many fox statues around the site because foxes are said to be his messengers.

What to do there: You’ll need most of an afternoon to explore this site . The trails are surrounded by a network of shrines and you’ll get amazing views at key spots up the mountain. Make sure you spend some time at the Yotsutsuji Intersection, where you’ll be able to take some amazing pictures of Kyoto.

You should note that this is an incredibly popular spot for photos and if you want to get a nice shot without anyone in the background, that’s not gonna happen. Be expecting large crowds throughout the entire day and to be waiting a long time for people to move out the way for you to get a nice photo. Personally, I thought the busy atmosphere of this place takes away the magic.

I’ve come up with an EPIC Fushimi Inari travel guide to help you make the most out of your Japanese journey. Don’t miss it!

#3 – Kiyomizu dera Temple – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Kyoto

• While you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure you stop by this site for some peace and quiet.
• This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be respectful!

Why it’s so awesome: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is set at the top of a hill and is surrounded by cherry trees, which is why it’s widely considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the city. It’s also known as a magical temple, where you can find true love or drink from streams symbolizing love, success, or a long life.

What to do there: This is a beautiful, serene spot to spend some time in. When you arrive at the Jishu Shrine, try to walk between two stones with your eyes closed in front of it. This apparently will allow you to find your true love.

You should also spend some time at the Otowa Waterfall, which is divided into three streams representing love, success, and longevity. Drink from whichever stream symbolizes your greatest wish and really become a part of the mysticism that surrounds this beautiful site.

#4 – Kyoto Tower

• You’ll get panoramic views from the top of Kyoto Tower and be able to see the whole city and all the way to Osaka.
• Go at sunset for the best views.

Why it’s so awesome: You may think by now that Kyoto is all temples and shrines, but it’s also a functioning modern city. The Kyoto Tower is the tallest in the city and offers incredible views that extend all the way to the next city!

What to do there: Go up the tower at sunset if you want to see the city against the coloured sky and make sure you spend some time exploring the telescopes and touchscreen at the top of the building. They highlight the best places in Kyoto for tourists, and you may get some new ideas for your trip from them!

Get A Local Kyoto Guide! 

I’m sure you agree that our things to do in Kyoto guide is awesome. However, if you really want to get under the skin of Kyoto, then why not get yourself a tailor-made itinerary from a local Kyoto guide?! Via Hero can connect you with local Kyoto guides who will custom design a perfect itinerary for you.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

#5 – Pontocho – A must-see for foodies!

• You’ll find the best places to eat in Kyoto in this area!
• Don’t just follow your guidebook, the best restaurants are usually small and don’t have English menus.

Why it’s so awesome: Pontocho is a lively alley that’s lined with restaurants that offer a range of Japanese foods from fine dining experiences to snack foods that should be on everyone’s backpacking in Japan itinerary. This range and the quality of the food makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Kyoto for locals and tourists alike.

What to do there: The best restaurants in this area probably won’t have English advertisements, so ignore your guidebook and just explore. Look for a restaurant that smells and good and has lots of locals in it, because that’s where the best food will be. If it’s a hot night, try to choose a restaurant that overlooks the river, as you’ll be able to eat your meal in slightly cooler air.

#6 – Kyoto Imperial Palace

Why it’s so awesome: As one of the most important sites in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Imperial Palace leaves everyone who visits it in awe. As the once former residence of the Emporers of Japan before they moved to Tokyo, you can be sure to see ornate detailing and gorgeous interiors throughout this centuries-old landmark.

What to do there: By taking a walking tour of the Imperial Palace, you can learn all about the history, marvel at the intricacies of the design and learn about the importance of the residence of the shogun.

For culture vultures and lovers of Japanese history, you cannot miss this attraction.

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#7 – Yokai Street – Quite the quirky place in Kyoto!

• This street reveals the more unusual side of Japanese culture.
• Make sure you take your camera to capture images of the imaginative little statues outside the businesses!

Why it’s so awesome: Japanese culture is incredibly detailed and unusual, and this small street reveals just how unique it really is. It’s a commercial street that celebrates local folklore, which includes the yokai, strange beings from Japanese legends. Some yokai are good, others bad, and some are inanimate objects that come to life. These ideas are explored by the business owners in this street, who all have small statues outside of their shops celebrating these stories.

What to do there: This street isn’t a tourist area and the clientele is mostly locals. The statues are just there to acknowledge Japan’s culture and past and to introduce it to curious passers-by. It’s located near the shrine on Imadegawa Dori and each display is different in a nod to the incredible variety in the yokai stories.

#8 – Sagano Bamboo Forest

• If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for little nature, then this is a great place to visit.

Why it’s so awesome: This site is located about 30 minutes from Kyoto’s city center and it’s a surprise to see so much nature so close to the city. The wooden paths weaving through huge bamboo stalks are a Kyoto must do and are the perfect place to wander and take in one of nature’s miracles.

What to do there: This site is very popular at the moment, so it often gets crowded with tourists. Fortunately, there are numerous paths through the bamboo, which means that you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to just stand and listen. Or, if you’re legs are feeling tired, one of my favourite things to do here is to take a rickshaw ride through the bamboo forest, which is a really zen activity.

The sound of the bamboo, the creaking and rustling, and twisting of wood, is one of Japan’s most important soundscapes, and you’ll never forget those sounds once you’ve heard them. It’s a strangely meditative sound, which is why this is one of the most unusual things to do in Kyoto.

#9 – Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple – One of the most underrated places to see in Kyoto

• A peaceful Zen Buddhist Temple that’s a little off the beaten track.
• A great choice if you’re looking for Kyoto vacation ideas where you can get away from the crowds at the more popular attractions in Kyoto.

Why it’s so awesome: This remote Buddhist zen temple is located on the top of a hill and surrounded by more than 1,000 stone sculptures. It’s an oasis of calm that encourages meditation and deep thought that might not have been there if it weren’t for the work of one man.

The temple was destroyed in the 1950s by a typhoon and painstakingly rebuilt by one of its priests with the help of the locals. They also created the carvings that surround the site.

What to do there: Pay close attention to the stone sculptures that surround the zen temple. They depict Buddha’s disciples and line the path like moss-covered guardians. They were created by the priest and the locals, so the small faces are unique and incredibly expressive.

#10 – Nishiki Market – A great place in Kyoto if you love to shop!

• A great place if you love to shop and even if you don’t!
• Make sure you sample all the food on offer, as Japan has one of the greatest snack cultures in the world.

Why it’s so awesome: The Nishiki market has enough shops, stalls, and food options to fill an entire day of your time! That’s why it’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto for tourists and locals alike. It’s also a good place to good on hot or rainy days as the entire area is shaded to keep you safe from the elements.

What to do there: Browse the stalls for souvenirs and just take in the action. This is the perfect location for some people watching as you’ll see everything from local families to crowds of tourists. Make sure you bring your appetite with you too, as the stalls offer a range of tasty snacks from fresh seafood to dumplings and yakitori.

#11 – The Philosopher’s Path, the Best Place to Visit for Cherry Blossoms

• One of the most meditative walks you’ll ever take.
• This path is a Kyoto must do and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Why it’s so awesome: The Philosopher’s path winds its way from the Silver Pavilion to the neighborhood of Nanzenji. It’s a long walk if you go the whole way and designed to encourage meditation and peace. You don’t have to walk the whole way but treading in the footsteps of all those who have come before you is a strangely connective experience that shouldn’t be missed.

If you’re visiting during April and you’re lucky enough to be in Kyoto during the time. of the cherry blossom blooms, then this is the place to see them! The Philosopher’s Path is lined with cherry trees that flower a gorgeous pink for one week only. Cherry blossoms are short-lived, so you would be really lucky to witness them.

What to do there: Start wherever you choose and just walk. This is a beautiful part of Kyoto, so there’s plenty to see along the path. It’s also lined with cafes and restaurants, so when you get hungry or thirsty then stop off for something tasty before resuming your walk.

#12 – Maruyuma Park – A perfect place to visit in Kyoto if you are on a budget!

• The perfect place to visit in Kyoto if you need a break from the city.
• This park is a stunning example of Japanese design and form.

Why it’s so awesome: This is one of the most popular parks in the city and it’s a fairly young one as well. Until 1886 it was little more than a weed garden until it was redesigned by Jihai Ogawa, a renowned landscape gardener. The garden is done in a traditional Japanese style with ponds, decorative bridges and statues.

What to do there: If you’re in Kyoto during Japan’s cherry blossom season, then this is the perfect place to see them. It does get fairly crowded at this time of the year as well as noisy, but it’s the perfect place to see this beautiful spectacle. The rest of the year you can relax and have a picnic or explore this beautiful green space. And during festivals, the park is alive with portable food carts that will offer you some of the tastiest snacks you’ve ever tried.

#13 – Higashiyama District – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Kyoto

• When you walk through this district, you’ll feel like you’re walking through Japan’s ancient past.
• A great place to put on your Kyoto itinerary if you want to do some shopping.

Why it’s so awesome: This district of Kyoto holds all the age and the majesty that you would expect from such an old city. The streets are narrow and lined with wooden buildings and traditional stores that sell all manner of foods and goods. It’s a popular area for tourists and locals alike, but don’t let that stop you from spending an afternoon in this picturesque district.

What to do there: Put aside an afternoon just to wander. The narrow streets are a maze of dark wood buildings that smell of aged wood and incense, and the vibe and the history behind them will excite your imagination. Make sure you stop by the shops, restaurants and cafes that interest you. You’ll find everything from pottery to sweets and traditional crafts, so it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir to take home with you.

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#14 – Gion, the Geisha District of Kyoto City

• Home of the famous geishas!
• This area has a variety of great places to eat, shop, and have a meal.
• If you enjoy people watching, this is the area to do it in.

What to do there: When you’re trying to decide what to do in Kyoto City, this is the place to go for inspiration. Gion is home to the famous Geisha bars, close to some of the best zen temples in the city and contains lots of restaurants and traditional tea houses, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony . There’s always something going on in this area, and you could spend an entire day exploring it and eating amazing foods.

What to do there: Arrive during the day to take full advantage of everything this district has to offer. Have a meal and then rent a kimono and wander the streets in traditional fashion, looking at the traditional crafts and shops. You’ll be able to pick up some great souvenirs in this area and once it gets dark, you might be able to see some geishas hurrying towards their workplaces in traditional garb with cell phones in hand!

One of my all-time favourite things to do in Gion is to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. In traditional japanese culture, the drinking of tea is not just to quench your thirst but a meditative process. A tea ceremony is one of the most unique things to do in Kyoto and there is no better place to enjoy it than in Gion, the heart of ancient Kyoto.

#15 – Shorenin Temple – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Kyoto!

• One of the quieter and most beautiful temples in Kyoto with a great atmosphere.
• The gardens at this temple make it one of the best places to visit in Kyoto for quiet contemplation.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want to explore somewhere that’s traditional but not crowded, then this temple is a great choice. Despite being close to the Higashiyama District, this is one of the quietest temples in the city. It’s also a monzeki temple, which means that its head priest was traditionally chosen from Japan’s imperial family.

What to do there: This is a place of peace and tranquillity, and it’s a great place to go when you need to relax and get your energy back. There are also four gardens attached to the temple which are absolutely stunning and well worth exploring.

#16 – Nijo Castle

• A castle that dates back to the Edo-era and brings up thoughts of samurais and Shoguns.
• If you’re interested in Kyoto’s history, this is the perfect place to explore it.

Why it’s so awesome: You might not think of Japan in connection with castles, but there are a lot of these old structures all over the country. Nijo Castle is one of the best places to visit in Kyoto City if you want to explore this past, with its samurai, Shoguns, and flashing swords. The castle has two large moats and there are actually 2 palaces inside the castle itself. The first was owned by the Shoguns and the other by the emperor.

What to do there: The Shogun’s palace is open to the public, so take the time to explore it. The palace has what’s known as nightingale floors, which are deliberately created so that they squeak when you walk on them. This feature was an early alarm system for the Shogun, who was always at risk of attack!

This area is also buzzing with some of Kyoto’s best hostels . Book yourself in and visit the castle without paying for transportation!

#17 – Kyoto National Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Kyoto

• If you want to learn more about traditional Japanese art, then this museum will give you a good knowledge base.
• It’s one of four national museums across Japan and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Why it’s so awesome: There are four national museums across Japan and the Kyoto National Museum focuses on traditional Japanese art. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the precise and very unusual artforms that were popular in Japan’s history, then this museum will give you a thorough education. The museum’s special exhibitions are shown in a building from the Meiji period, which adds some historical drama to the collections, while the permanent exhibition is in a modern building built in 2014.

What to do there: The collection in this museum changes constantly as special exhibitions are put on display. So, when you travel to Kyoto, make sure that you look up online to see what’s showing and don’t miss any special displays that pique your interest.

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#18 – Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

• The perfect place to have a drink and learn more about this traditional alcohol.
• There’s a free sake tasting after a visit to this museum, so make sure you have some food in your stomach before you go there.

Why it’s so awesome: Sake is absolutely iconic in Japan , and you can’t visit Kyoto without tasting some of this traditional alcohol. And the best way to appreciate it is with a visit to this museum, where you’ll be able to see the traditional tools and methods that are used to make some of the many varieties of sake.

What to do there: The museum is open during business hours throughout the year except over the Christmas and New Year’s period. You need to pay a small admission fee to get in, and then you’ll be able to explore the history of this fascinating and historically important beverage. Afterwards, don’t miss out on the free sake tasting, and don’t be surprised if it’s a little stronger than you expected!

#19 – Kyoto International Manga Museum

• The Kyoto International Manga Museum will allow you to explore this extremely popular Japanese artform.
• Manga are Japanese comic books, but they’re definitely not just for kids.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum serves as a facility for manga research and it also has a massive exhibition space where you can explore an incredibly wide range of different genres. They also hold regular special exhibitions on international manga themes, so make sure you check them out if you’re in Kyoto at the right time.

What to do there: This museum is open every day except Wednesday and there’s an entrance fee. The fee is well worth paying if you’re interested in Manga though because they have an incredibly wide range of these popular books as well as exhibitions on international manga. So, if you read manga, or if you’re interested in seeing what all the hype’s about, then put aside a couple of hours to explore this museum.

#20 – JR Kyoto Station – A great place to see in Kyoto if you love architecture

• A great place to start or end your trip to Japan.
• You don’t need to be traveling to visit this station – it has restaurants, shops, and food options that will keep you occupied for hours.

Why it’s so awesome: It might sound funny to hear that you need to see a train station, but Japan always seems to be the exception to the idea that functional places have to be boring and ugly. Kyoto station is amazing. It’s an architectural wonder that’s won several international awards and it’s also one of the biggest buildings in Japan.

What to do there: This station feels like a small world all packed into one area. It has a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater and department store all packed into one area and yet it always manages to feel comfortable and beautiful rather than crowded. Make sure you take the time to explore it while you’re in the area.

Have a meal, see a movie, or just wander around and take photos of the striking building. Japan is relatively safe , but don’t fall onto the tracks while looking up at the brilliant architecture around you, that one’s on you. It’s a fitting entry point into Japan and a great place to spend some time while you’re traveling around the country.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Kyoto

Best places to visit in Kyoto during autumn?

The famous Kinkaku ji Temple is wonderful any time of year, but the colours of the golden pavilion are especially stunning during the autumn months.

Best places to visit in Kyoto in winter?

Head indoors to the Nishiki Market and indulge in some local food and pick up some unique souvenirs at the same time.

What is Kyoto best known for?

The city is best know for it’s historic sites, castles and geishas. Check out the Southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto for the highlights.

What should I not miss in Kyoto?

You can’t miss the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine… it’s that long walkway covered in red tori gates! Just be sure to go early to miss the crowds!

Kyoto is probably one of the most foreign feeling cities you’ll ever visit. It has a vibe and a sensibility that’s incredibly different to what you’ll find in western countries and a beauty that’s both ancient and restrained.

When you’re looking for the best places to visit in Kyoto, you’ll be confronted with a seemingly endless list of historic and stunningly beautiful sites. And that will be your hardest task when you’re in this city, sorting through all the options and deciding which ones you want to see.

That’s why I’ve created this list so you can spend all your time basking in the atmosphere rather than trying to make up your mind what you most want to see.

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Kyoto 4 Day Itinerary: Best Places to Visit [+ Map]

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Kyoto is an absolute must-visit for any trip to Japan. The city was the capital of Japan for several centuries and so you’ll find historic buildings galore in Kyoto. You can easily spend a week here and you still won’t manage to visit all the sights and temples in and around Kyoto.

Table of Contents

• Sights and our route suggestion
• Guided and special tours
• Getting around: Buses and metro
• Restaurants

Day trips from Kyoto

Kyoto travel guide.

Most travelers don’t have that much time anyway. That’s why we’ve have compiled a 4 day itinerary for Kyoto in this post.

We’ll tell you which temples we’ve seen in Kyoto, what we thought of them, which ones you absolutely have to see, and we’ll give you a route suggestion for a tour of Kyoto.

Our Kyoto post features 4 walking tours for 4 days in Kyoto . If you have more than 4 days in Kyoto, you can obviously see even more, and if you have less time on your hands, we’ll tell you which sights we’d skip.

And as always, we have a lot of practical tips on where to stay in Kyoto, our favorite restaurants, and local public transport.

You can use the table of contents to jump to a section of your choice or read the entire article from top to bottom. Have fun!

Read all our posts about Japan

Kyoto sights and our route suggestion

When we started planning for Kyoto, we were completely overwhelmed by the huge number of temples and sights. The individual highlights in Kyoto are also quite far apart, so you have to plan ahead if you want to see as much as possible in a relatively short time.

To help you with your planning for Kyoto, we’ll show you the order in which we visited the temples and give you our tips for a route through Kyoto.

We read elsewhere that you should buy the Kyoto Bus Pass for a price of 500 yen per day to use all the buses in Kyoto. We can’t really confirm that though. Most days we didn’t need one as our hotel in Kyoto was in a perfect location and we were able to use our Japan Rail Pass on the local train.

We’ll tell you in each section whether the pass is useful for that day’s tour or not.

Of course we didn’t manage to see all the temples, but that’s completely impossible in just a few days anyway. Nevertheless, we did manage to see all the most important sights in Kyoto and also some checked out some well-kept secrets that you won’t find on your average itinerary for Kyoto.

Day 1: Guide to the temples in the east of Kyoto

For starters, we scoped out the temples in the east of Kyoto on our first day there. These temples are all close to the city center, making it a good first-day tour.

All the sights and attractions are within walking distance so there’s no need to buy the Kyoto Bus Pass on day 1 of our itinerary.

Our feet ached a bit at the end of the day, but all in all the distances between the temples don’t warrant taking the bus.

#1 Gion and Kennin-ji

Passing through the Gion district (a), which has developed into the center of Japanese geisha culture over the years, we headed to Kennin-ji Temple.

The 12th-century Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. The vast temple complex is really worth seeing and not as crowded with tourists as many of the other temples.

The temple might not be all that spectacular, but it’s still a good entry point into world of temples in Kyoto.

Our verdict: Nice enough, but not a must-see.

10:00 am to 5:00 pm

#2 Yasui-konpira-gu

If you explore Kyoto on foot, you’ll come across small hidden temples that you’d never get to see if you had just taken the bus from A to B.

That’s how we came to visit Yasui-konpira-gu Shrine, which we stumbled upon by chance after our visit to Kennin-ji. At first glance, the small temple doesn’t really stand out amidst Kyoto’s large and well-known temples.

If it wasn’t for one wonderfully weird thing: There’s a large stone covered with notes standing in the temple complex. And there’s a hole in this stone that grown-up men and women actually crawl through – first in one direction, then in the other. The things people do…

Of course we wanted to know what it was all about, so here’s what we found out: The stone has the power to help you with your relationships with other people. If you want to establish a relationship with someone or to end a relationship, then this is the stone for you.

Here’s how it works :

• First you have to pray in the main hall of the temple.
• Then you buy a note to stick on the stone for 100 yen.
• Write down your wish on the note.
• Then you crawl through the stone from front to back while reciting your wish.
• Next you crawl back in the other direction while you continue to recite your wish.
• When you’re done, you stick your note next to all the others and the magic stone will take care of the rest.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Our verdict: A real hidden delight that we highly recommend. Plus it’s magic, so there’s that.

Open 24 hours

#3 Kodai-ji

Kodai-ji is a Zen temple that we liked a lot. Surprisingly enough, we hardly encountered any tourists here. That’s probably because the bus tours don’t visit the temple, so only independent tourists come here.

The vast temple complex includes a Zen garden and a small bamboo forest that’s great for taking pictures.

Our verdict: One of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto and absolutely worth seeing.

9:00 am to 5:30 pm

600 yen or 900 yen in combination with the Entoku-in Temple

#4 Entoku-in

Entoku-in is a small sub-temple of Kodai-ji, located right on the opposite side of the road. The temple has a nice garden, but apart from that it isn’t particularly spectacular.

Sometimes Entoku-in hosts light shows in the evening, which we hear are very worthwhile.

Our verdict: Not something you really need to see.

500 yen or 900 yen in combination with Kodai-ji Temple

#5 Chion-in

Chion-in is a Jodu Shinshu Buddhist temple. This particular version of Buddhism is particularly popular in Japan.

The huge entrance gate is especially interesting, with the stairs leading up to the temple right behind it. The main hall is currently undergoing renovation and is hidden beneath a huge corrugated iron construction.

The inside of the hall is partly accessible though and a huge ceremony with lots of believers was in progress while we were there.

Our verdict: Due to the ongoing construction work, scheduled to last until 2019, the temple isn’t a highlight at the moment.

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

#6 Ninning-zaka, Sannen-zaka & #7 Kiyomizu-dera

At the end of the day we visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The 8th-century Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, which makes it a prime destination for all tourist groups. The pretty streets, Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, exude the ‘old’ Kyoto charm.

Since Kiyomizu-dera is one of the best-known sights in the city, the streets are packed with tourists and souvenir shops. If you have the time, try to get off the main roads and explore the side streets.

Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall is under renovation and is hidden behind an impressive bamboo scaffolding. That’s not that big a problem though, the hall isn’t that photogenic on the outside anyway. You can still get inside despite the ongoing construction work.

Our verdict: Of course Kiyomizu-dera is a must-see in Kyoto and the location with a view overlooking the city alone is worth the visit.

6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Day 2: Temples in the south and around Kyoto Station

We started the second day in the south of Kyoto. The temples there are too far to walk from the city center, but you can get there in a few minutes by train. You don’t have to get a ticket if you have a JR Railpass. If not, the trip still only costs about 2 euros.

Once again, the Kyoto Bus Pass isn’t worth it for day 2 of our itinerary.

#1 Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the absolute highlights of any Kyoto visit. The shrine itself is rather unspectacular, but the red torii you pass through on your way up the mountain more than make up for it.

In total, there are more than a thousand of these red gates, all of them donations by individuals or companies. In the beginning, the torii are very dense, but later on the gaps between them get larger and larger.

It’s still very crowded right at the bottom around the first torii, and taking pictures is almost impossible when you’re surrounded by that many people. Fortunately, the bus tourists don’t go very far up the mountain, so it empties out as you get closer to the top.

Have a bit of patience and you’ll get a chance to take some great souvenir photos.

Our verdict: An absolute highlight that you mustn’t miss.

open 24 hours

It’s a 14-minute train ride to Inari Station from Kyoto Station with the JR Nara-Line. The ascent starts right outside the train station.

#2 Tofuku-ji

After Fushimi Inari, we walked to Tofuku-ji. Tofuku-ji is a Zen temple, one of the most beautiful temples we’ve seen in Kyoto. Surprisingly, only few tourists come here.

The temple complex is beautifully idyllic, with an old wooden bridge, a small stream, lots of greenery, and beautiful gardens.

Our verdict: Apparently it’s a well-kept secret, but one you definitely shouldn’t let slip you by.

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The main buildings are free, while the area with the bridge and the Zen garden cost 400 yen each. But both they’re both really worthwhile.

It’s 20 minutes’ walk from Fushimi Inari. When you’re done here, you can take the JR train from nearby Tofuku-ji Station to Kyoto Station.

To-ji Temple is located to the south of the train station. It dates back to the 8th century and is mainly known for its 5-storey pagoda, which rises up from the beautiful temple garden.

To-ji isn’t featured on the usual tourist routes, so it isn’t particularly crowded here.

Our verdict: Pretty temple away from the crowds. But not something you absolutely need to see.

8:30 am to 5:00 pm

It’s a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Kyoto Station.

#4 Higashi Hongan-ji and #5 Nishi Hongan-ji

As the final stop on our temple tour around Kyoto Station, we checked out the two Hongan-ji twin temples. The two temples look very similar on the outside.

But the golden interior of the huge halls is what makes these temples worth seeing. They’re the largest of their kind in Kyoto. The two temples are only 5 minutes apart and are a good way to end, or if you want to do it in reverse, start this day’s itinerary.

Our verdict:  Their proximity to the station make them a nice way to finish the day, but they’re not an absolute Kyoto highlight.

5:50 am to 5:30 pm

5 minutes’ walk from Kyoto station

Day 3: Sightseeing in the northwest and center of Kyoto

It’s actually worth buying a Kyoto Bus Pass for day 3 of our itinerary. Taking the bus is the only way to get to the temples in the northeast because they’re not connected by train or metro.

#1 Kinkaku-ji – The Golden Pavilion

The first stop of the day is an absolute highlight on any Kyoto itinerary, Kinkaku-ji Temple. The pavilion languishes in a picturesque setting by a small lake a small lake and is a real eye-catcher with its entirely gold-plated facades.

If you want some peace and quiet here, you should make sure to be at the front of the line when the ticket counter opens at 9 am.

Otherwise, be prepared to be buoyed along by tourist groups pushing their way through the rather narrow pathways. Of course the pavilion is really beautiful, but it’s no place to relax.

Our verdict: The golden pavilion looks great, there’s no question about it. But the masses of tourists really cloud the picture. This was the most crowded place we visited in all of Kyoto.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Bus routes 12, 59, 101, 102, 204, and 205 go straight to the temple from Kinkakuji-michi Station. The bus ride takes a good half hour from the city center.

#2 Ninna-ji

About two kilometers to the west of Kinkaku-ji lies the Zen temple Ninna-ji. The temple has a beautiful garden and is an especially popular place during cherry blossom season.

There’s a vast cherry tree park on the grounds, which must look absolutely magnificent when the trees are in bloom.

We were there towards the end of cherry blossom season, so unfortunately many of the flowers had already dropped. It was still very pretty.

If you feel like it, you can stop at Ryoan-ji Temple on the way from Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji, which is known for its beautiful rockery.

Our verdict: During cherry blossom season, this temple is an absolute highlight. If you’ve already taken the long journey to the Golden Pavilion, a little detour here is definitely worth your time.

500 yen (and an additional 500 yen for the orchard in the back during cherry blossom season)

The bus number 59 takes about 10 minutes from Kinkaku-ji to Ninna-ji.

#3 Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Kyoto and was the seat of the Japanese Emperor for many centuries. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Emperor moved to Tokyo, which has been the capital of Japan ever since.

Many travel guides and online sources claim you need to apply to visit the Imperial Palace in advance, but that’s not true any more.

The grounds are open to everyone nowadays. And there’s a free guided tour in English at 10 am and 2 pm every day.

Our verdict:  Huge grounds and an interesting insight into the world of the powerful. But if we had to choose between the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, we’d probably opt for the castle.

9:00 am to 4:00 pm (until 5:00 pm from April to August), closed on Mondays and during special ceremonies

The bus number 59 takes about 20 minutes to get from Ninna-ji to the Imperial Palace. From the train station, the fastest way is to take the metro (closest stop: Imadegawa, Karesama Line).

#4 Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is located just over a kilometer from the Imperial Palace. The castle used to be the residence of the shoguns, the leaders of the samurai.

The castle buildings are very impressive and the circular path through the gardens is very worthwhile. The castle is particularly famous for its squeaking parquet floors, which are said to have been specially built so no one could enter undetected.

It’s been said that the squeaking sounds like a nightingale. We think it sounds more like bats.

Our verdict: Nijo Castle is very impressive and definitely one of the highlights in Kyoto.

Unfortunately, there’s no direct connection from the Imperial Palace to Nijo Castle. But it’s only a 20-minute walk. You can also take the metro (closest stop: Nijojo-mae).

Day 4: The sights in the west of Kyoto

Day 4 of our itinerary takes you a bit further out from the center to the Arashiyama district in the west of the city, home to some of Kyoto’s most famous attractions.

Arashiyama is also a major destination for many travel groups, so brace yourself for masses of tourists, but there are also some great places off the beaten path where you can get away from them.

If you want to do everything on the itinerary, we recommend starting by 9 am at the latest, otherwise you’ll be cutting it very close.

How to get to Arashiyama: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama. The whole journey takes about 15 minutes. The trip’s free if you have a JR Pass, otherwise it costs 240 yen. There are buses going to Arashiyama too, but it takes a lot longer and is much less comfortable than by train.

The Kyoto Bus Pass isn’t worth it for day 4 of our itinerary. It doesn’t even cover the buses going to the more distant sights in Arashiyama, so you’d have pay anyway.

#1 Tenryu-ji

The most frequented tourist attractions in Arashiyama are all along the main street, which is lined with souvenir shops and leads to Togetsukyo Bridge (a).

Located along this road is Tenryu-ji, the main temple in Arashiyama. Its huge garden is particularly impressive. You have to buy separate tickets for the temple buildings and the garden, but it isn’t worth paying to see the buildings. The garden runs right past the buildings, so you can see everything from there.

Our verdict: The garden is definitely worth it, the temple itself less so.

8:30 am to 5:30 am

500 yen (garden), 300 yen (temple)

#2 Bamboo Forest

Next head through the Tenryu-ji Gardens straight to the famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. There’s a relatively wide path leading through the huge bamboo grove.

Everyone wants to take a selfie among the huge bamboo trees. But you’ll need to bring a lot of patience to take pictures because masses of tourists push their way down this path too.

Our verdict: The bamboo forest is impressive, but the masses of people are just extremely distracting. If you want to take a selfie among bamboo plants, we’d recommend Kodai-ji (day 1) or Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, which is also located in Arashiyama.

#3 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji

Up until this point, our visit to Arashiyama hadn’t really convinced us yet, and we wouldn’t recommend taking the trip to Arashiyama just for the Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji.

But for us, the real highlight of Arashiyama is the northwest. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located in the extreme northwest and it was basically deserted during our visit.

There’s a cemetery in Adashino Nenbutsu-ji with more than 8,000 stone statues. Very impressive! There’s also a bamboo grove right next to the temple, and unlike the more famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, there isn’t another soul to be seen.

Our verdict: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji was our absolute highlight in Arashiyama and the entire area in the northwest is simply beautiful.

It takes about three quarters of an hour to walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Or you can take the bus number 91. The closest stop is called Toriimoto and the trip costs 230 yen.

#4 Stroll through the northwest of Arashiyama

The walk from the station to the northwest of Arashiyama is very idyllic and there are many beautiful temples along the side of the road. We’d definitely recommend walking one leg of the way there or back. We took the bus there and walked back.

Tourist groups don’t stray that far northwest and so suddenly you’ll find yourself alone in an idyllic suburb with traditional houses and lots of tiny temples.

It’s really worth spending some time exploring the area.

#5 Romantic Train in Arashiyama

A perfect end to a day out in Arashiyama is a ride with the so-called Romantic Train. The ancient train happily hurtles down the line on its 25-minute journey through a beautiful landscape from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station about 7 kilometers to the west.

The trip goes down a gorge and past a wide river, through tunnels and over two slightly dubious looking bridges. In terms of scenery, it probably isn’t the most spectacular train ride there is, unlike the train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka for example, but it’s worthwhile nonetheless.

And at the end of the trip, the conductor, who was almost as old as the train, even burst into song!

The trip is especially pretty in the fall when the leaves start to get some color. But it’s also really popular around that time, so make sure to book a few days in advance. The same goes for the cherry blossom season.

You can buy tickets at the JR counter at Kyoto Station, or right at the station if the train isn’t full. We were lucky and managed to get a ticket right on the spot.

The last train leaves Torokko Saga Station, which is right next to Saga Arashiyama Station, at 4:01 pm. The train’s destination, Torokko Kameoka, is about a 10-minute walk from Umahori Station, where you can catch a JR train back to Kyoto.

Instead of ending the day with the trip, it’s also a good way to start it. In that case, take the JR to Umahori from Kyoto and then take the first Romantic Train from there to Arashiyama at 9:29 am. It’s a single-track railway, so the journey is just as nice in both directions.

Our verdict: A nice end to a day in Arashiyama!

The train leaves Torokko Saga (Arashiyama) once every hour between 9:01 am and 4:01 pm. The return trip to Arashiyama leaves Torokko Kameoka Station every hour from 9:29 am to 4:29 pm.

Kyoto: Guided tours and special tours

Of course it’s fun exploring Kyoto on your own, but sometimes you might like to head out to discover the city with a local guide.

We’ve found you some special guided tours through Kyoto where you’ll get to know the city from a different perspective and are guaranteed to get some real insider tips.

The tours can all be booked online and are led by an English-speaking guide.

Kyoto Welcome Tour : This tour is perfect for your first day in Kyoto. Your local guide will accompany you on your first steps around Kyoto and give you lots of tips for your time there, which you can explore for yourself in the next few days.

Tea ceremony in Kyoto : A Japanese tea ceremony is a real experience and Kyoto is a perfect place to experience that kind of thing.

Cycling tour through Kyoto : You don’t always have to get around by bus or your own two feet. Why not explore Kyoto by bicycle for a change? You can do so on this tour.

Kyoto highlights with private guide : This tour is for great if you don’t have much time and want to see as much of Kyoto as possible. A private guide will take you to the most important sights of Kyoto in tour.

Food tour through Kyoto : This culinary tour through Kyoto is something for true connoisseurs. The guide will take you to a food market where you can try many local specialties.

Getting around in Kyoto: Buses and metro

The sights in Kyoto are relatively far apart and are sometimes they’re even all the way out in the suburbs. We planned the individual days of our 4-day itinerary for Kyoto so you can spend most of the time on foot. But that doesn’t always pan out and you can’t go completely without taking the bus or metro in Kyoto.

Buses in Kyoto

The most common means of transportation in Kyoto is the bus. Buses will take you to most distant corners of the city.

But bus travel isn’t all that comfortable because on the one hand, buses are usually packed with people and on the other hand, they stop every 2 minutes, so it takes forever to get from A to B. That’s why we tried to avoid buses and took the train whenever we could.

A bus ride costs 230 yen and the easiest way to pay is with an IC card. If you were in Tokyo before, you can also use your Suica card from there in Kyoto.

A Kyoto Bus Pass costs 500 yen and is valid for unlimited bus travel for one day, which is worth it if you plan to take three or more trips. The bus pass is available at Kyoto Station, tourist information offices, and other major stations in the city area.

We only used the bus pass on the third day when we visited the temples in the northwest. On the other days we only took the bus once or twice.

By the way, unlike in most of Europe, you enter the bus at the back and exit at the front. You pay for your trip when you get off, either in cash (have exact change ready!) or with the IC card. If you have a bus pass, then you only validate your ticket the first time you get off, and then just show it to the driver the next time.

Metro and local trains in Kyoto

The metro and local trains are generally a lot faster and more comfortable than buses in Kyoto. Metro lines mostly run in downtown Kyoto while local trains are most suitable for visiting the temples scattered outside the city center.

We’ve already told you which train goes to which attraction in our 4-day itinerary above.

Where’s the best place to stay in Kyoto? Our Kyoto hotel tips!

Unfortunately, staying in Kyoto doesn’t come cheap. Especially in the main travel period in spring and autumn, the already exorbitant prices go up even further.

We really recommend taking a hotel in downtown Kyoto because the distances are far enough as it is without having to commute into town first.

The area around Kyoto Station is a great location for exploring the Kyoto’s sights and attractions. So is everything north of the station to the left and right of the main shopping street Karasuma Dori.

Our hotel in Kyoto: Tabiya Hotel

Attention : The Tabiya Hotel is currently closed and we don’t know if it will open again.

Originally, we had booked an apartment in Kyoto via Airbnb, but that was a complete disaster. So we had to move into a hotel at the last minute and were lucky that the Tabiya Hotel still had a free room. After all, the city was already at 97 percent (!) occupancy.

The Tabiya Hotel is located in a quiet side street to the east of Karasuma Dori. Restaurants, stores, and the Shijo metro station are just around the corner. The temples in the east and the station aren’t far away either. The perfect location!

The rooms were really tiny and even more cramped than our hotel in Tokyo . But everything was very new and modern, the bed was comfortable, of course the toilet seat was heated, and the Internet connection was excellent. Weird how quickly you get used to things in Japan.

You just shouldn’t bring too large suitcases, otherwise things might get a little tight. The room was cleaned every day and you can take a small free breakfast (yogurt and pastry) from the fridge in the hallway.

Our tip : We stayed in the Tsuyukusa room and felt very comfortable there. We recommend asking for one of these rooms: Wakaba, Tsuyukusa, Kaki, and Matsuba. Because they all face the street and each have a large panoramic window. That made our room feel very homey and bright. The rooms facing the back, Koiai, Akane, and Sakura, only have small windows.

To the hotel: Tabiya Hotel

Other hotels in Kyoto

Our hotel only had 8 rooms and it isn’t unlikely that your preferred hotel in Kyoto might be fully booked. So we’ve found you a few other recommended places to stay in Kyoto.

Cheap hostels in Kyoto:

Fairfield House Backpackers Hostel Piece Hostel Mosaic Hostel

Mid-range hotels in Kyoto:

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi Sakura Terrace The Gallery Kyoto Itoya Hotel

Upscale hotels in Kyoto:

Aoi Hotel NAZUNA Kyoto Nijo-tei Hotel Kanra

Our favorite restaurants in Kyoto

We also discovered some great restaurants in Kyoto that we’d like to share with you.

Musashi: Running Sushi in Kyoto

Musashi is a running sushi restaurant in Kyoto and what a place it is! The plates are slightly more expensive than in other running sushi restaurants and cost 146 yen, or 346 yen for special dishes.

The selection and quality is really great, so we ate here three times. There are two Musashi branches in Kyoto: One is located at the back of the Kyoto Station in Hachijo Dori. The other is in the center on the corner of Sanjo Dori / Kawaramachi Dori. We like the restaurant in the train station a bit better, but both are good of course.

Both restaurants are very popular, so you may have to wait to be seated. We always got there before 6 pm and got a table right away.

Opening hours:  10:00 am to 10:30 pm (at the station); 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (in the city)

Tadka: Indian restaurant in Kyoto

Tadka in Oshikoji Dori is a super-delicious Indian restaurant in Kyoto. If you’re looking for an alternative to Japanese food, then Tadka is a great choice.

The menu isn’t very long, and many dishes are completely vegetarian or even vegan. Everything we tried was extremely tasty and authentic, so we came back here a second time.

It mainly attracts a younger crowd of eco-conscious Japanese hipsters. Something we only rarely got to see on our trip. Very pleasant!

Opening hours:  Noon to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Organic House Salute: Vegan restaurant in Kyoto

The Organic House Salute, five minutes from the station, is a cute, completely vegan restaurant. You take off your shoes at the entrance and sit at the small tables on the floor.

The menu is relatively short. The dishes are super-delicious and the different cakes top off a great dining experience!

Opening hours:  11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and also from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm on weekdays, closed on Thursday.

Tenkaippin: Delicious ramen in Kyoto

Tenkaippin is a small chain of ramen restaurants in Kyoto. We were at the one in Imadegawa Dori, just around the corner from the Imperial Palace. They have very tasty ramen, the typical Japanese noodle soup, one of the best we ate on our trip.

Our tip : We took the ramen dish where it said in the menu that we could spice it to taste.

The opening hours vary depending on the restaurant. But most of them open every day and stay open well into the evening.

Many travelers go on day trips from Kyoto to Nara and Osaka. Nara, like Kyoto, is a former capital with many impressive temples. You can take the JR Miyakoji Line to get from Kyoto to Nara in about 45 minutes.

Osaka is another popular destination for a day trip from Kyoto. Japan’s third largest city is also only a half hour away by train and has some great sights and attractions to offer.

Our tip: Since you’ll be going from temple to temple anyway when you’re in Kyoto, we’d recommend not going straight from Kyoto to Nara. The charm of Nara pales a bit when you come directly from Kyoto.

Therefore we’d recommend not just going on a day trip to Osaka from Kyoto, but staying there a few days instead. Then you can go on a day trip from Osaka to Nara, which will make it appear much more beautiful in contrast to the modern city rather than to the other historic city of Kyoto.

Another popular day trip destination from Kyoto is Amanohashidate, a more than three-kilometer-long sand bank along Miyazu Bay to the north of Kyoto. Getting there from Kyoto is a bit more complicated and not exactly cheap, so booking a private tour is a worthwhile option.

Lonely Planet has two English-language travel guides for Kyoto:

Kyoto City Guide   Pocket Guide for Kyoto and Osaka

More tips for your trip to Japan

We hope that our guide to Kyoto will help you plan your time in Kyoto and will also be useful when you get there. We’re really looking forward to your feedback and would be pleased to hear from you with more travel tips, ideas, and hints for Kyoto.

What did you think of the city? Was it your absolute highlight in Japan or did you grow a bit temple-weary? Please let us know in the comments below!

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The Kyoto checklist: 15 things you absolutely must do in Kyoto

Kyoto is easily one of the most FOMO-inducing cities in the world. Packed with so much to see/do/taste/try/fall in love with, you might be unsure of what should be on your Kyoto-do list. That’s why we’ve done it for you! Here are the  15 things you absolutely must do in Kyoto  in order to get the ‘full experience’ and keep those nasty feelings of missing out safely at bay.

1. Explore a world of temples

There are more than 1600 temples in Kyoto. 

Sixteen. Hundred. That means if you visited a different temple every day of the year for four years, you  still  wouldn’t have seen every temple in Kyoto. For the time poor, there are a handful of famous Kyoto temples that you need to visit (particularly first-timers), with each one bringing something entirely unique to the table. We suggest ticking off one or two of these:

• Daigoji:   The temple’s five-storey pagoda is the oldest surviving structure in Kyoto.
• Kiyomizudera :  One of the most iconic temples with a beautiful panoramic view of Kyoto (note: the main hall is undergoing renovations until March 2020, but visitors can still enter)
• Ginkakuji   (‘Silver Pavilion’) :  Once a shogun’s retirement villa, now a classic Zen temple
• Kinkakuji (‘Golden Pavilion’):  A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf
• Tofukuji :  See the oldest Zen gate in the country
• Ryoanji :  Draw inspiration from the world-famous rock gardens
• Tenryuji :  The temple boasts one of the  finest examples of traditional Japanese garden design
• Honen-in:  A tranquil temple covered in moss and mystery
• Eikando (aka Zenrinji) :  The temple is famous for brilliant foliage in the fall

2. Stroll through Shinto shrines

Meaning “the way of the gods”, Shinto is Japan’s oldest religion and lives on in over 400 Shinto shrines across Kyoto. Again, there’s a lot of them, so make sure you leave room to wander through at least one of the following:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine :  One of Kyoto’s most prominent and popular attractions
• Heian-jingu Shrine :  An iconic symbol of Kyoto with its towering red torii gate
• Yasaka-jinja Shrine :  Buzzing with energy and home to the Gion Matsuri (festival)
• Kifune-jingu Shrine :  A retreat nestled in a quaint village in the northern mountains of Kyoto

Kitano-tenmangu Shrine:  One of the most famous plum blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, this shrine holds an annual plum blossom festival in February

3. Join a ‘zazen’ meditation session at a Buddhist temple

Practice mindfulness by joining a zazen  meditation session  at one of Kyoto’s many Buddhist temples.

Typically catering to groups, you’ll be guided through the basic techniques of Zen Buddhist meditation, its history and how to incorporate it into your everyday practice.

Kyoto has an abundance of temples that offer meditation courses as well as lodging e.g. Shunkoin or  Myoshinji Temple , with many offering English sessions. Reservations are often required, so be sure to plan your journey to self-realisation in advance!

4. Get bamboozled by Arashiyama

One of Kyoto’s most iconic and insta-famous attractions, the  Arashiyama Bamboo Grove  truly is a sight to behold. Located in the Sagano area of western Kyoto (a 20 minute train ride from JR Kyoto Station), the bending walk through the vibrant, emerald green bamboo forest is a short, immersive experience that transports you to another world. (Hot tip: the experience is most stunning if you approach from the side gate of  Tenryuji Temple .) If you happen to be here in December, be sure to catch the winter illumination event, Hanatoro, which involves thousands of lanterns lighting up the night throughout the Arashiyama area.

For a non-touristy experience, consider visiting Otokuni Bamboo Grove in Muko City (a 10 minute train ride to Mukomachi Station from JR Kyoto Station, followed by a 10 minute taxi ride), a 1.8km forest path lined with eight kinds of bamboo hedges.

5. Meet a geisha in Kyoto

The geisha of Kyoto (known locally as ‘geiko’) live and work in one of five ‘kagai’ (‘Flower Town’) neighbourhoods where they sing, dance and entertain clientele in exclusive teahouses. Stroll through the oh-so-charming streets of Gion or Pontocho at dusk and you may be lucky enough to spot maiko—geiko in training, as they make their way to an appointment.  

The most authentic way to get up and personal with a maiko or geiko is at a teahouse or ryokan, which can be arranged by a tour operator and high-end hotels. Or head straight to  Gion Corner  at Yasaka Hall to watch daily maiko dances and enjoy six other traditional performing arts including tea ceremony, koto (six-stringed zither), gakaku (court music) and kyogen (short-form theatre).

6. Don a kimono in Higashiyama

What better way to explore the traditional district of Higashiyama than in an authentic kimono! Neighbouring Gion, Higashiyama has plenty of rental shops (many with English websites) that will properly fit you with a beautiful kimono or yukata of your choosing. Male kimono are also available! The best place to take your kimono for a spin? Take a stroll down by the canal along the  Philosopher’s Path , one of Kyoto’s most scenic city walks. The path also conveniently connects many of the temples and shrines listed above.

7. Craft your own Kyo-Yuzen keepsake

Invented in the late 17th century, Kyo-Yuzen is a traditional Kyoto dyeing technique used to bring textiles to life (like that kimono you’ll be donning). 

If you want to try your hand at the ancient craft, workshops are dotted over the city that give you the opportunity to learn about the intricate dyeing process and create your own Kyo-Yuzen memento to take home to show off. Workshops usually run for an hour or so, making them perfect for slotting between other must-dos!

8. Visit the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair and the Kyoto International Manga Museum

If you’re a fan of anime, manga and cosplay, head to the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair, an event held over two days in September each year. Featuring shops, exhibition booths, a character café, cosplay show, workshops and more, the event aims to promote anime and manga culture to the world and connect budding creators with companies.

At the Kyoto International Manga Museum you can choose from 50,000 volumes of manga to read, see original artwork, and attend a workshop to learn how to create your own manga. The museum is open year-round except for Wednesdays, the New Year’s holiday and maintenance periods.

9. Sip on Sake in Fushimi Sake District

While many travellers include a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine on their itinerary, it’s a little known fact that Fushimi is one of Japan’s most famous sake-producing areas.

Fushimi is blessed with abundant spring water containing the perfect balance of potassium and calcium – ideal for creating delicious sake.

Take a scenic canal boat ride on jikkokubune, flat-bottomed boats that once transported sake and rice to the old Fushimi river port. Visit the Sake Café Fushimi Yume Hakushu to taste different kinds of sake made by local breweries or head to Sake Bar Aburacho to sample premium Ginjo-shu from over 80 varieties.

10. Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb up Mt. Iwatayama to see around 120 Japanese macaques in the wild at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. A 20-minute walk from the park entrance takes you to the mountain’s summit and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Kyoto city. There’s a feeding area for monkeys here too (for a change, visitors enter a caged hut and feed the free-roaming monkeys outside through the fencing), and a playground for children. The area is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn colours.

11. Munch down Michelin-stars

Kyoto is the 3rd most Michelin-starred city in the world. (Tokyo and Paris take 1st and second place, respectively). From traditional Kyoto-style  kaiseki  to sushi to French cuisine, the city of Kyoto is a gastronomical nirvana. What makes things even more exciting is that many of the starred establishments are very budget friendly, especially if you visit during lunchtime. If you’ve always wanted to go to a Michelin-starred restaurant, Kyoto is your chance to do it.

12. Experience ‘kawadoko’, Kyoto style al fresco dining

During the warmer months (typically May through September), some restaurants set up decks over or next to rivers and waterfalls so you can enjoy a meal while the flowing water beneath you keeps you cool. 

Well-known areas to try kawadoko include the village of Kibune in the northern mountains of Kyoto and along the Kamogawa River, the city’s main waterway.

After dinner, take a stroll along the riverbank, beautifully illuminated by lanterns and streetlights.

13. Explore Nishiki Market, the kitchen of Kyoto

No trip to Kyoto is complete without strolling through Nishiki Market, stretched along a 400m path from Teramachi to Takakura. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the market sells everything from pickles and preserves to kitchen knives. Samples are always on offer, so go hungry! 

Local specialities include ‘yuba’ (tofu skin) and soy milk doughnuts. The best time to visit is around 10am in the morning.

14. Stay the night in machiya, a traditional townhouse

Machiya  are the traditional townhouses that line the busy streets of Kyoto. Many of the narrow wooden homes have been restored and preserved, and open their doors to travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind stay unique to Kyoto. 

Machiya are popular accommodation options in Kyoto so be sure to book ahead, especially during peak season or dates that align with festivals and big events.

15. Attend Kyoto’s biggest festival

The legendary  Gion Matsuri  transforms the entire city into a massive party in the summer! There are many different events, however the grand procession of giant floats (Yamaboko Junko) held on 17 and 24 July is the main event not to miss. Taking place over the entire month of July, make sure you book your ryokan, Machiya or hotel well, well, well in advance. 

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The 10 Top Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

If Kyoto is not at the top of your bucket list, it should be. The Japanese city is one of the rare destinations you can count on to constantly exceed the hype built up around it. Which is not surprising, what when you consider that walking its streets exposes you to more than a millennium of history, most of which saw Kyoto as Japan's imperial capital.

As you'll see exploring the selections below, which have all earned mentions as the Top 10 things to do in Kyoto, the city is not so much a tourist trap as it is a tourist paradise, a place where you'll want to stay for far longer than your plane ticket allows.

Kiyomizu-dera

You might find yourself concerned as you walk the hill up to Kiyomizu-dera, an eighth-century Buddhist temple perched on a hill in the eastern reaches of Kyoto. It's extremely crowded here, rain or shine, sun or snow and at almost all hours of the day.

Once you reach the main view point inside the temple, however, particularly if you happen to visit around sunset, you'll understand why this is among the best of Kyoto's top attractions, and is totally worth putting up with the throngs of tourists.

Tip: While Kiyomizu-dera is beautiful 365 days a year, it's especially stunning under spring's cherry blossoms and autumn's brilliant colors.

Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

Would you believe that one of Japan's most picturesque bamboo forests sits within Kyoto's city limits? You will once you set foot in Arashiyama, which is less than half an hour from Kyoto station by train or bus. As an added bonus, you enter the forest through Tenryuji Temple, which provides an absolutely gorgeous gateway to the grove.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

Another of Kyoto's most iconic images is of seemingly endless orange gates extending up the side of a mountain. This is the Fushimi Inari Shrine , whose path is actually less than two miles, just in case you're thinking to hike its entirely.

Of course, if you're just on the hunt for the ultimate Kyoto selfie, you won't have to walk far from Inari station. After just a few minutes, in fact, you'll realize why this is one of Kyoto's top 10 attractions!

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

While a gold-covered Zen temple has technically existed at the site of Kinkaku-ji since the mid-15th century, the one you see reflecting on the pond today actually dates back less than 100 years to 1955, when it was rebuilt after arson at the hands of a fanatic monk. Like most of Kyoto's top ten attractions, the aptly-named Golden Pavilion looks great no matter when you visit, although the white snows of winter seem to contrast best with its shiny exterior.

The Philosopher's Walk

Interestingly, the second-most famous Zen temple in Kyoto is called the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), although it is not conspicuously silver in color. Although not as pretty as its golden sister, the Silver Pavilion sits at the beginning of the so-called Philosopher's Walk, which might just be Kyoto's prettiest stroll. If you head to the Silver Pavilion after lunch, you can walk the entirely of the path before sunset, potentially winding up at Kiyomizu-dera in time for sunset.

Explore Kiyomizu-dera or nearby Gion, which boasts a few important selling points. First among these is the fact that Gion is the surest place in Kyoto to spot a geisha, although this title does come with a caveat: Geishas are still incredible rare to spot , and most of the ones you do won't want their pictures taken. Rather, you're much more likely to spot visitors from around Japan and neighboring countries dressed in geisha outfits. And let's face it: Some of them look convincing enough that your friends back home might not realize they're impostors!

Kyoto Imperial Palace

In spite of its important name and massive size, Kyoto Imperial Palace does not make it on to lists of Kyoto's top attractions as often as some of the other places you see above and below it. Yet it's a worthwhile addition to any Kyoto itinerary, both because it served as the residence of Japan's imperial family for more than 1,000 years, and because it sits right in the middle of many of the attractions you're going to see anyway.

Kyoto Tower

Most of the top ten attractions in Kyoto are ancient, which isn't a shock when you consider how much history the city has. With this being said, a trip to the top of Kyoto Tower is worth considering, if only because of the incredible panorama it offers.

Even if you only manage to admire Kyoto Tower from afar (it looks great from the view point of Kiyomizu-dera!) it's impossible to miss from ground level in the city, on account of the fact that it towers 430 feet into the air—Kyoto's tallest structure, by a long shot.

Nijo Castle

Like Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle is the most unsung of Kyoto's top ten attractions, since it's not as selfie-worthy as Fushimi Inari Shrine or Arashiyma, nor as scenic as the Philosopher's Walk or Kiyomizu-dera. Yet Nijo Castle is as picturesque as it is historically important—it was built in the early 17th century to house the first Shogun of the Edo period (which, ironically, was what led to Japan's capital being moved to Tokyo). Like the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle is also convenient enough that there's no reason you shouldn't visit it.

Kyoto Station

As is the case with Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station is among the most modern of the top ten attractions in Kyoto, with most of what remains of it having been built long after its 1877 inauguration. Even more surprising than the station's inclusion on this list, however, is the incredible perspective you get from its 15th floor, which reveals a building much more futuristic than you'd expect for the gateway to a largely ancient city like Kyoto.

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38 Best Things to Do in Kyoto: See, Eat, and Shop Your Way Through Japan's Cultural Capital

Kyoto is a must-visit destination when heading to the Kansai region in Japan. There are so many iconic sightseeing spots, including the Kiyomizu Temple and Arashiyama (the bamboo forest ), and unique cultural experiences you can only enjoy in Kyoto! Here are 38 things you can do in Kyoto, so take a good look at this list and pick out the ones you want to do! Main image: PIXTA

Getting to Kyoto and Public Transportation in Kyoto

Firstly, here’s also a quick rundown on how to access Kyoto.

Access from Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Unfortunately, there are no airports in Kyoto, the closest airports are Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport ). As well as having flights from overseas, KIX can also be easily accessed via Narita Airport or Haneda Airport in Tokyo in around one hour, with some cheap flights starting at around 5,000 yen. From KIX, you can take the local trains or a bus which will directly take you to Kyoto in around 80 minutes.

Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto

The most convenient method of transport from Osaka to Kyoto is to take the train. You can take the special rapid train on the JR Kyoto Line which takes 29 minutes from JR Osaka Station to Kyoto Station for 570 yen. You could also take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, which takes only 15 minutes but will set you back 1,420 yen. Both are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Other options include taking the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line from Hankyu Osaka- Umeda Station, which will get you to Kyoto- Kawaramachi Station (central Kyoto) in 44 minutes for 400 yen. Another option is the Keihan Main Line, leaving Yodoyabashi Station and arriving at Sanjo Station.

Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto

There are multiple ways, ranging from buses, shinkansen, and by air to get to Kyoto from Tokyo. One of the most popular options is the shinkansen. Tokyo and Kyoto are connected via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. A regular one-way fare starts at around 13,320 yen. If you are able to get a Japan Rail Pass, this shinkansen ride can also be covered by it. Beware, the Japan Rail Pass only covers the Hikari and Kodama trains. If you are looking to budget and want a more affordable way to travel, or not planning to get a Japan Rail Pass, using the highway bus is a great option. Prices will vary heavily depending on the season and days you decide to go, but some cheap tickets can start at around 3,000 yen! The trip takes around 7 – 8 hours and there is an option of taking the day bus or the night bus, so when you wake up you will have arrived at your destination.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto has an abundance of public transport which are easy to use and many will conveniently stop by popular tourist destinations. Buses, subways, and trains are most commonly used by both tourists and locals. Some tourist spots, such as Kinkaku-ji and Ginkakuji, are not located near train stations and hence it is easier to use a bus. Buses in Kyoto have a flat fare of 230 yen (within the city center.) There are also unlimited day passes available, with some passes giving you discounts at various tourist spots when presented.

Recommended All Year-Round Attractions in Kyoto

1.kyoto station: the gateway to kyoto and a hot spot filled with different restaurants and shops.

The first Kyoto Station was built in 1877 just a little north of the current structure, using red brick - the most modern material available at the time. The present Kyoto Station was completed in 1997. Made of glass and steel, it is visually striking and very different from the traditional structures Kyoto is most known for. As Japan’s second-largest train station, Kyoto Station was constructed to accommodate the millions of visitors the city sees each year. Inside the station complex is a department store , hotel , theater, and numerous restaurants and shops. It is also a nice rest place to take a break from all of the sightseeing you will be doing.

• Address Kyoto Station Building, 901 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-dori, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8216 View Map
• Nearest Station Kyoto Station （JR Tokaido Line / JR Biwako Line / JR Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Kyoto Line / JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line / JR Nara Line / Karasuma Line / Kintetsu-kyoto Line）
• Phone Number 075-361-4401

2. Kyoto Tower: Climb the tallest building in Kyoto to take in the beautiful ancient city

Kyoto Tower stands at 131m tall, and amongst the ancient temples and shrines , this modern landmark is a beauty to see. Climb to the viewing platform and take in a 360 view of the beautiful ancient history!

• Address 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216

3. Nishiki Market: Visit “Kyoto’s Kitchen” filled with all things food related, from fresh produce to cookware

Nishiki Market is a fantastic place to find the best seasonal foods and delicious Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets , pickles, seafood , and sushi ! Over 130 stores line the market today. The market also attracts visitors from across Japan and the world who are looking to buy Kyoto specialties, making it a bustling destination all day long. A great way to experience the local Kyoto cuisine! (Many shops offer free samples too!)

• Address 609, Nishidaimonjicho, Tominokoji-dori Shijo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8054 View Map
• Nearest Station Shijo Station （Karasuma Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-211-3882

4. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Relish in the stunning sight of the beautiful red torii gates

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most famous tourist spots and is known for the rows and rows of red torii gates. Constructed over 1,300 years ago, Fushimi Inari Taisha has more than 30,000 sub- shrines all over Japan, conferring blessings of a bountiful harvest, business success, familial stability, and the granting of wishes. The most striking place is the “Thousand Shrine Gates”, which, as the name suggests, is a continuous line of the red gates. This was gifted by those who had their prayers and wishes granted, and the gates have been there since the Edo period. If you don’t have any time, make sure to at least see this path of gates, and if you have a few hours to spend, try walking through the gates around the mountain .

• Address 68, Fukakusayabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 612-0882 View Map
• Nearest Station Inari Station （JR Nara Line）
• Phone Number 075-641-7331

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Travel through the beautiful bamboo forest and enjoy the beauty of the city

You can walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest from Saga - Arashiyama Station, about 15 minutes by train from JR Kyoto Station . Beloved as prime villa grounds by nobles for over a thousand years, it’s a very popular area for its beautiful nature and wealth of temples . The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a spot loved by both locals and tourists for good reason. The surreal experience of being surrounded by the never-ending rows of bamboo trees is one you must enjoy yourself. No photo will be able to capture this unique experience.

• Address Saga Ogurayama Tabuchiyama Town, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 616-8394 View Map
• Nearest Station Torokko Arashiyama Station （Sagano Scenic Railway） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 075-213-1717

6. Kyoto Railway Museum: Take your family to learn all about the history of Japanese railway systems

This museum showcases over 50 retired trains and shows from steam trains to recent electric trains. It can be a great place to take children to or to head to when the weather is not looking good.

• Address Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8835 View Map
• Nearest Station Umekojikyotonishi Station （JR Sagano Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0570-080-462

7. Toei Kyoto Studio Park: Become a samurai or ninja from the Edo period for a day

Toei Kyoto Studio Park was born in 1975 as Japan’s first theme park where visitors can enjoy historical Edo period drama sets and experience the world as it was during that time. Dress up as a samurai or geisha and enjoy stepping back in time.

• Address Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward, Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho 10, 616-8162 View Map
• Nearest Station Uzumasa Station （JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0570-06-4349

8. GEAR Theatre: Enjoy the only non-verbal stage play in Japan

This is a one-of-a-kind theater, where you can enjoy a non-verbal performance, which will stimulate your five senses as you see the story unfold before your eyes. Be prepared to be amazed by the endless amount of tricks and amazing performances!

• Address 1928 Building 3F, Benkeiishicho 56, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8082

9. Kimono: Explore the streets of Kyoto while dressed up in a beautiful kimono

Experience Kyoto while wearing a beautiful kimono! There are kimono rental stores in Kyoto Station , around Kiyomizu-dera Temple , Arashiyama , and Higashiyama, etc., where you can experience everything from dressing, makeup, hair style, clogs, and accessories. Many stores have foreign language staff on hand, so foreign visitors can feel at ease. In addition to traditional kimonos, cooler yukata are also available in the summer , and some stores even have romantic Taisho-style hakama to wear. Rent a kimono and take Instagram-worthy photos and fully immerse yourself in the history-filled streets of Kyoto!

10. Hanami-koji: Take a stroll along Hanami-koji to unveil the mystery of the geisha and maiko

Gion is known as the entertainment district of Kyoto, and within it is Hanami-koji, where beautiful traditional buildings stand. While taking a stroll through Hanami-koji you may be lucky enough to see some maikos and geishas.

• Address Gionmachiminamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0074 View Map
• Nearest Station Gionshijo Station （Keihan Line） 5 minutes on foot

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11. Keage Incline: An Instagram worthy beautiful location

Keage Incline is a disused railway that is open to the public. Take a walk, and enjoy the beautiful views of the cherry blossoms. It’s a beautiful place to snap a photo for your Instagram as well!

• Address Nanzenjifukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8435 View Map
• Nearest Station Keage Station （Tozai Line） 9 minutes on foot

12. Ninnaji Temple – Enjoy the sea of cherry blossoms

Ninna-ji Temple is an impressive temple complex in northern Kyoto, created as a summer retreat for the Imperial Family and founded in 886. It was tradition for a member of the Imperial Family to act as head priest, and this custom lasted until 1867, when the Imperial household moved to Tokyo. The temple grounds are extensive and contain an elegant five-story pagoda, a huge main gate, beautifully landscaped gardens , teahouses, prayer halls, and living quarters. It is also famous for its locally cultivated late-blooming cherry blossom trees, named Omuro Cherries. These flowers are late blooming hence usually bloom around the middle of April.

• Address 33, Omuroouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8092 View Map
• Nearest Station Omuroninnaji Station （Keifuku Dentetsu-kitano Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-461-1155

13. Daigoji Temple: Also known as the legendary “Temple of Flowers”

Daigoji Temple has been well-known for its extravagant cherry blossoms ever since the Heian period, with both tourists and locals flocking to view this magnificent sight.

• Address 22, Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1325 View Map
• Nearest Station Daigo Station （Tozai Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-571-0002

14. Nijo Castle: The perfect place to enjoy cherry blossoms at night

Nijo Castle is a World Heritage Site consisting of a moat, two concentric walls, gardens and the remains of a tenshu tower. It was built in 1603 by Ieyasu Tokugawa, first shogun of the Edo era, with the purpose of housing the Military Commissioner of Kyoto and the shogun when he visited Kyoto. During the cherry blossom season , the history-filled Nijo Castle has a sakura illumination festival. With over 300 sakura trees, all are illuminated at night so visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night as well.

• Address 541 Nijojocho, Horikawa Nishiiri, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8301 View Map
• Nearest Station Nijojomae Station （Tozai Line）
• Phone Number 075-841-0096

15. Heian Jingu Temple: A century-old temple decorated by beautiful cherry blossoms

The Heian Jingu Temple is known for its stunning display of weeping cherry blossoms. It is one of the best locations to view the weeping cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

• Address 97, Okazakinishitennoucho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8341 View Map
• Nearest Station Higashiyama Station （Tozai Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-761-0221

16. Maruyama Park: Explore the beauty of the century-old cherry blossoms

Kyoto’s oldest park , Maruyama Park is located near Yasaka Shrine and has become one of the most popular and crowded spots for cherry blossom viewing parties in Kyoto, during the spring season ! They have an iconic weeping cherry blossom tree as a centerpiece which is also lit up at night.

• Address 473, Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto others, 605-0071 View Map
• Nearest Station Gionshijo Station （Keihan Line） 13 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-561-1350

17. Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden: Take a walk to find your favorite cherry blossoms

A relaxing garden , perfect to take a walk and enjoy the variety of cherry blossoms they have on display. This is especially a great option if you want to avoid crowding!

• Address Shimogamo Hangi Town, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-0823 View Map
• Nearest Station Kitayama Station （Karasuma Line）
• Phone Number 075-701-0141

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18. Kamogawa Nouryo-Yuka: Enjoy the summer breeze with the locals

The Kamogawa Nouryu-Yuka is a part of the summer tradition in Kyoto and has been passed down since the Edo period. It is where open-air seating is created by the Kamo River by various restaurants and tea shops so people can enjoy the summer breeze along with traditional Japanese cuisine .

19. Nanzen-ji Temple: A photogenic location with a magnificent aqueduct and dry landscape gardens

One of the most photogenic temples in Kyoto, with an extravagant brick aqueduct standing in front of the temple and a beautiful garden that will set your heart at peace.

• Nearest Station Keage Station （Tozai Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-771-0365

20. Nanzenji Junsei: Get a taste of authentic Kyoto tofu in soup

Kyoto’s Nanzenji Temple is gorgeous in every season , and it seems a postcard-perfect photo awaits at every turn. There are many beautiful spots in Nanzenji Temple for snapping photos, such the brick aqueduct and the garden representing a Zen interpretation of the world. Here you can also enjoy one of Kyoto’s famous foods, yudofu, alongside a beautiful view of the gardens of Nanzen-ji Temple and at the location where it originated from

• Address 60 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8437

21. Kyo no Tanabata Festival: Head to Nijo Castle to enjoy a classic Kyoto summer festival

Enjoy the various nighttime events celebrating “Tanabata,” the Star Festival. Tanabata began around the year 700 and has origins in a Chinese legend of two stars and lovers, Hikoboshi and Orihime, who were separated by the Milky Way and only able to meet once a year on July 7. During the event, people write their wishes on paper and hang them on bamboo branches, in the hope that the stars will make them come true. You can enjoy this stunning display of illuminated strips of paper with bamboo leaves around the Kamo River and Nijo Castle areas.

22. Gion Festival: Experience a classic Japanese summer festival

This is one of Japan’s three most famous festivals, held in the Gion district during the whole of July. The festival started as a religious ritual to appease the gods following a deadly plague in 869. The festival’s highlight is the ‘Yamahoko Junko,’ a parade held on the 17th and 24th of July, where decorated wagons are pulled through the streets. In the days before the parade, the streets are lined with night stalls selling snacks and sweets . Enjoy the bustling crowds of people as they gather to eat, drink, and have fun watching the procession!

• Address Yasaka Shrine and others, Kyoto Prefecture Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, 605-0000 View Map
• Nearest Station Kyoto Station （JR Tokaido Line / JR Biwako Line / JR Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Kyoto Line / JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line / JR Nara Line / Karasuma Line / Kintetsu-kyoto Line） 20 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 075-561-6155

23. Byodoin Temple: A World Heritage Site that you might have seen on the back of the 10 yen coin

This famous temple in Uji is known to feature on the Japanese 10 yen coin, making this remarkable temple a must-visit. During the summer season , you will find the ponds blooming with pink lotus flowers.

• Address 116,Ujirenge, Uji-shi, Kyoto, 611-0021 View Map
• Nearest Station Uji Station （JR Nara Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0774-21-2861

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24. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Head over to take pictures of the gorgeous maple trees with the beautiful temple

Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the can’t-miss points of interest in Kyoto. The old historic temple , reportedly opened in the year 778, is a designated world heritage site . Its 130,000 square meter premises are situated halfway up the side of Mt. Otowayama and include over 30 buildings and monuments. One of the most well-known tourist spots in Kyoto, while it may be crowded with many tourists, it is well worth the visit. The stunning autumn foliage is unique to the season and the light-ups are a must-visit!

• Address 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0862 View Map
• Nearest Station Gionshijo Station （Keihan Line） 25 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-551-1234

25. Ginkaku-ji Temple: Enjoy the stunning different shades of red leaves surrounding the temple

Not to be confused with Kinkaku-ji Temple , this temple is known for the harmony of the white sand and lushly growing moss in its neatly manicured garden and the beauty created by the Zen temple ’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere. During winter , the beautiful gardens of the temple are filled with various shades of autumn colors and it is a great way to enjoy the unique autumn view with the stunning history-filled temple .

• Address 2, Ginkakujicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8402 View Map
• Nearest Station Mototanaka Station （Eizan Dentetsu Eizan Line） 28 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-771-5725

26. Togetsu-kyo Bridge: An iconic spot of Arashiyama and a beautiful view of the maple trees

A landmark in western Kyoto for over 400 years, this wooden bridge spans the Katsura River in the historic Arashiyama district. The Togetsu-kyo Bridge alone is a must-visit, but in autumn , you get both the stunning view of the iconic bridge and the mountains , which have turned into warm autumn colors!

• Address Sagatenryuji Suenobaba Town, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 616-8385 View Map
• Nearest Station Arashiyama Station （Keifuku Dentetsu-arashiyama Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-411-9990

27. Sagano Scenic Railway: Journey through the stunning foliage

This sightseeing train in Arashiyama runs along the Hozugawa River and gives you a stunning look at the nature of the area. It is also perfect during autumn to ride directly through the stunning autumn scenery.

• Address Kurumamichicho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-0000 View Map
• Nearest Station Torokko Saga Station （Sagano Scenic Railway） 2 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-861-7444

28. The Philosopher’s Walk: Escape from the city and take a slow walk

The Philosopher’s Walk (Tetsugaku-no-michi) is a stone path that follows the small canal between Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple in eastern Kyoto. It is a wonderful place to take a stroll and to retreat from the city and maybe enjoy some local foods. It passes by a number of quiet and picturesque temples , and is renowned as one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring , when beautiful pink blossoms overhang the path like a canopy. In autumn , portions of the trail are transformed into gorgeous, fiery scenery.

• Address Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Sakyo Ward Jodo Temple Ishibashi Town-Wakaoji Town, 606-8406 View Map
• Nearest Station Kyoto Station （JR Tokaido Line / JR Biwako Line / JR Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Kyoto Line / JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line / JR Nara Line / Karasuma Line / Kintetsu-kyoto Line） 40 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 075-761-3863

29. Ryoanji Temple: Experience the Zen aesthetics and autumnal scenery

Ryoanji Temple is well-known for its rock garden , with fifteen stones carefully placed on a bed of raked white gravel. A viewing platform allows visitors to take in the scene, although from whatever angle you view the garden , you can never see all fifteen stones at once. No one knows when or who designed the garden or what it signifies, and this mystery just adds to the garden ’s allure. The grounds of the temple become especially striking during the autumn season .

• Address 13, Ryoan-ji Goryounoshitacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8001 View Map
• Nearest Station Ryoanji Station （Keifuku Dentetsu-kitano Line） 7 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-463-2216

30. Toji Temple: Home to the iconic five-story pagoda

Toji Temple ’s five-story, 55m high pagoda has long been a Kyoto landmark and pillar of spiritual and community life. When heading to Toji Temple , remember to take a picture of the five-story pagoda. See for yourself the outstanding pagoda which was built to help protect from negative spiritual energies.

• Address 1, Kujocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-8473 View Map
• Nearest Station Toji Station （Kintetsu-kyoto Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-691-3325

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31. Kifune Shrine: Enjoy the romantic view of the snow with the red lanterns

Kifune Shrine sits at the foot of Mount Kurama in Sakyo Ward, about a 40-minute drive from Kyoto’s center. Kasuga lanterns line the stone stairway leading up to the shrine . This otherworldly view representative of the shrine is often shown on TV and in magazines. In winter , with the snow settling onto the grounds, the stark contrast between the white snow and red lanterns turns the landscape into a magical winter wonderland.

• Address 180, Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1112 View Map
• Nearest Station Kibuneguchi Station （Eizan Dentetsu-kurama Line） 30 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-741-2016

32. Sanjusangendo: Home to 1001 Statues of Kannon

A must-visit temple , home to 1001 statues of Kannon. No photo can do it justice, and when you see the rows of statues, it is sure to leave you stunned.

• Address 657, Sanjusangendomawaricho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0941 View Map
• Nearest Station Shichijo Station （Keihan Line） 7 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-561-0467

33. Higashi Honganji Temple: Don’t miss out on the stunning winter landscape

Higashi Honganji Temple is one of the two large temples in the center of Kyoto. Its stunning garden and ponds are open to the public and become a surreal romantic view during winter .

• Address Higashitamamizucho, Shimojuzuyamachi-dori Ainomachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8190 View Map
• Nearest Station Kyoto Station （JR Tokaido Line / JR Biwako Line / JR Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Kyoto Line / JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line / JR Nara Line / Karasuma Line / Kintetsu-kyoto Line） 6 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-371-9210

34. Kinkaku-ji Temple: Enjoy as the temple shines brightly amongst the white snow

While Kinkakuji Temple is stunning no matter the season , during winter and when the snow has set, the temple becomes one of the most spectacular views one must see. The stark contrast between gold and white will leave you breathless.

• Address 1, Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 603-8361 View Map
• Nearest Station Kitanohakubaicho Station （Keifuku Dentetsu-kitano Line） 20 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 075-461-0013

35. Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is known as one of the ‘Three Most Famous Views in Japan’. According to legend, it was created as a path to the heavens by the deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto. The sandbar stretches for 3.6 kilometers, and visitors can enjoy walking or cycling from one end to the other. And while stunning throughout the year, during winter the view becomes one of a kind. As the snow slowly covers all of the greenery, this is a view you must see for yourself.

• Address Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto, 626-0001 View Map
• Nearest Station Amanohashidate Station （Tantetsu Miyatoyo Line） 7 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0772-22-8030

36. Ine Town: Also known as the “Venice of Japan”

Ine Town is in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture , on the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is about a 20-minute drive from the scenic Amanohashidate . Ine’s unique houses are directly in front of the sea, and the first floor is used as a storage place for boats, while living quarters are on the second floor. The houses lining the seafront in the town are of construction unique to this area. It is beautiful during the summer , and in winter , it is transformed into a beautiful snow globe when the flurries settle. It is also a great place to enjoy winter seafood delicacies.

37. Miyama Thatched-Roof Village: A cute small village in Kyoto

A small traditional Japanese village north of Kyoto which will make you feel like you went back in time. Miyama Kayabuki no Sato has thatched-roof houses built from 220 (Edo period) to 150 years ago (Meiji period), with 39 of the 50 houses still inhabited. In winter , it is a great way to see what Japan was like back in the day.

• Address Miyamachokita, Nantan-shi, Kyoto, 601-0712 View Map
• Nearest Station Wachi Station （JR San-in Line） 33 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0771-77-0660

38. Hozu River Cruise: Experience a tour of Arashiyama’s winter landscape

The Hozugawa River Cruise (Hozugawa Kudari) is a popular 2-hour, 16km cruise past cherry blossoms in spring and stunning autumn foliage in fall. Don’t worry, the boats are heated so you can enjoy the views without freezing!

• Address 2, Shimonakajima, Hozucho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, 621-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Kameoka Station （JR Sagano Line / JR San-in Line） 9 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0771-22-5846

▼Related links

• Area Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple
• Category Other Sightseeing

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12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024

• Germaine Koh

We’ve found some of the best hotels and things to do in Kyoto. From traditional sites to fun activities, bookmark this guide to start adding to your Kyoto bucket list!

Travelling to Japan? Before we delve right into the best things to do in Kyoto, along with the best Kyoto hotels to stay at, here’s what Kyoto’s really about: Kyoto is known as the cultural heart of Japan, where tradition meets modernity in a seamless blend. It’s located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu and was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. 

The rich history has left the city with a whole wealth of cultural heritage, being home to over 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – with temples and palaces that were once home to shoguns (Japanese military rulers) and traditional streets lined with well-preserved shophouses and stores. 

If you’re looking to dive into the cultural essence of Japan, with a unique modern twist, then Kyoto is the city to visit!

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Best Kyoto Hotels:

Searching for accommodations? To make your trip planning even more seamless, we’ve found some of the best hotels in Kyoto to meet all your travelling needs.  

For the traditional Ryokan experience: Hiiragiya Ryokan

Image credits: Conde Nast Traveller

There are plenty of ryokans to choose from while in Kyoto, but the Hiiragiya Ryokan is one of Kyoto’s most prestigious ryokans that offer an authentic experience with tatami mat rooms, futons and exquisite kaiseki cuisine. Stays can be pretty pricey, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for the full ryokan experience.

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Address : Nakahakusancho, Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8094, Japan 

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Hiiragiya Ryokan here .

For the grad trip that’s finally happening: Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Image credits: Sakura Terrace The Gallery

A stylish yet affordable option, Sakura Terrace The Gallery is a great choice for friend groups travelling on a budget. There are rooming options for guests looking for something simple and affordable, and for those that want a bit more space and luxury. The hotel is located right by Kyoto Station and you can have a luxurious breakfast buffet spread at ¥2300 (~S$20.80) per pax

Best Deal: Get 7% off with Agoda on YouTrip Perks

Address : 39 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto 601-8015, Japan 

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Sakura Terrace The Gallery here .

For a romantic getaway: Hoshinoya Kyoto

Parked along the beautiful Oi River, Hoshinoya Kyoto is the perfect retreat for couples looking to take things slow and enjoy the serenity of nature. There are different activities you can opt for like traditional boat rides, flower arrangement, morning meditation or even a digital detox stay – perfect for lovebirds looking for a beautiful getaway

Address : 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0007, Japan

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Hoshinoya Kyoto here . 

For the solo-travellers: Nine Hours Kyoto

Image credits: Nine Hours Kyoto

If you’re travelling on your own, check out the futuristic Nine Hours Kyoto Hotel that’ll help you save costs on accommodations while staying right in the heart of Gion. Each room can sleep up to two and is separated by gender. There aren’t many amenities but you will have all you need for a great nine hours of rest. 

Best Deal: Get up to 6% cashback with Trip.com on YouTrip Perks

Address : 588 Teianmaenocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8036, Japan

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Nine Hours Kyoto here .

For families with young children: The Thousand Kyoto

Image credits: Kyoto Insider

The Thousand Kyoto is a family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and modern amenities and is located right by Kyoto Station. Its great location is the draw for families so that you can explore the city while having easy access to the hotel as and when you feel like heading back. There are also different dining options and a garden within the hotel’s premises to make things easy and chill.  

Address : 570 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8216, Japan

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about The Thousand Kyoto here . 

Overview: The Best Things To Do In Kyoto

Here’s an overview of what to do in Kyoto for easy reference:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Nijo Castle
• Kyoto Tower
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Kyoto Railway Museum
• ShinPuhKan Mall
• Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
• Nishiki Market
• Hanami Koji
• Arashiyama Itsukichaya
• Honke Owariya Soba

Read on for more details 👇

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha

Image credits:  Wikimedia Commons

Known for the scenic hike lined with thousands of red torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine that’s located on the top of Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and is known to have been around since 794 AD. 

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Check out the best time to visit Japan here

2. Kinkaku-Ji

Image credits:  Maikoya

The stunning Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its top two floors which are covered in gold leaves and an icon of Kyoto. The Kinkaku-Ji temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens that date back to when the temple was first built before 1408. The place was initially the home of a shogun until he passed away and the grounds were rebuilt as a Zen temple of the Rinzai Sect, a great place for history buffs and those interested in the history of shoguns. 

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Admission Fee : ¥400 (~S$3.60)

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Check out this 14-day itinerary around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

3. Nijo Castle

Image credits:  Japan Today

The Nijo Castle was built back in 1603 as the home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. It was kept within the family but was later used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1994. One of the features of the castle is its nightingale floors, a precautionary measure against intruders to protect the shogun. 

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301

Opening Hours: 8:45 AM – 5 PM

Admission Fee : ¥1030 (~S$9.30)

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Here are 10 ways to save money in Japan

4. Kyoto Tower

Image credits:  Klook

Offering panoramic views of the city, the Kyoto Tower is one of the greatest icons in the whole of Kyoto. Learn more about the city’s geography and get a bird’s eye view of the city from 131m up in the air. While the observation deck is the highlight of the tower, there are also shops and dining options within the compounds. 

Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Admission Price:  ¥900 (~S$8.10)

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Here are 19 best things to do in Tokyo

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Image credits:  snow monkey resorts

Another one of Kyoto’s icons is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a forest lined with bamboo trees that gives you the surreal feeling of being transported into a different dimension. It may not sound like much, but the tranquillity of the forest is something you must experience for yourself while in Japan. 

Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007

Opening Hours: 24 hours

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Here are 10 must-buy items at Don Quijote

6. Kyoto Railway Museum

Image credits:  joprimsa.com

Japan is well-known for its modern and extensive railway systems. At the Kyoto Railway Museum , you’ll get to discover the history of Japan’s train systems and see all 53 railway vehicles that have been adapted through the years. You’ll even get to see a life-sized Thomas the Train car that has been parked within the museum’s premises.

Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Admission Price:  ¥1200 (~S$10.80)

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Found a good JPY exchange rate you’d like to lock in? Here’s how you can capitalise on the JPY right now !

7. ShinPuhKan Mall

Image credits:  gltjp.com

ShinPuhKan is a new re-imagined shopping mall housed within a restored historical building that was built back in 1926. The layout of the mall includes portions of the original building restored and a newer annexe so the whole complex looks historical yet modern at the same time, making it one of the must-see places in Kyoto. There are boutiques, a cinema and countless dining options, as well as a hotel all located within the complex. 

Address: 586-2 Kakimotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0915, Japan

Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Here’s a not-so-ordinary guide to Japan

8. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Image credits: Japan Web Magazine

Step back into the olden days of Kyoto and take a stroll along old cobblestone streets that lead down from the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. The streets are lined with restored traditional shophouses with shops selling sweets, traditional crafts, food and souvenirs that will give you a taste of Japan back in 808 AD. 

Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024 : Here are the best Japanese onsens and roykans to stay at in Japan

9. Nishiki Market

Image credits: No Destinations

Nishiki Market, affectionately known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ is a five-block long shopping street that is home to more than a hundred shops and restaurants. There are plenty of things to appreciate and try, from fresh seafood, to local produce, kitchenware and knives. Some shops serve free samples for you to try, and there are also a few restaurants and food stands for you to try local dishes. 

The sheer number of stores can get pretty overwhelming, so you might want to consider going on a food tour , where a local guide will introduce you to some of the best food stores within the market. Remember to use your YouTrip card while booking your tour to get up to 5% cashback on Klook!

Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM(Varies by store) 

Best Things To Do In Tokyo 2024 : Here are brands that are cheaper in Japan than Singapore

10. Hanami Koji

Image credits: Getty Images

Hanami Koji is the main hanamachi street within the Gion district that is distinctly known for its wooden Machiya houses and glimpse into the traditional streets of Kyoto. Many of the Machiya houses are home to Ochaya (tea houses) and high-end traditional restaurants. At night, the street is lit with lanterns and a bustle of activity as locals and tourists flock to the area to try and spot geishas and maikos getting from one place to another clad in traditional dress. 

Address: JHanamikoji Street, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out the best things to do in Kyoto & Osaka here

11. Arashiyama Itsukichaya

Image credits: Table Check

For an authentic dining experience, check out Arashiyama Itsukichaya, a charming teahouse that offers Japanese dishes like crispy tempura, sea cream shabu and wagyu rice bowls, carefully plated with attention to the finest details. It’s a whole new experience having a meal so carefully prepared and plated against the beautiful backdrop of the Katsura River. 

Make sure to have a reservation as the restaurant is often fully booked. 

Address: 1-1 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0006, Japan

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Make reservations at Itsuki Chaya Arashiyama Honten here . 

12.   Honke Owariya Soba

Image credits: Honke Owariya

Honke-Owariya is Kyoto’s oldest soba restaurant that was first founded as a confectionary shop back in 1465 in the middle of the Edo Period. The business then expanded into a soba noodle shop, serving orders from the Imperial Family and Zen Temples back in the day. Be sure to try their classic Ho-Rai Soba and to end your meal with their signature Sobamochi. 

Address: 322 Niomontsukinukecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0841, Japan

Opening Hours: 11 AM -3 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Make reservations at Honke Owariya here . 

Experience the cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto!

There’s so much to see and do while in Japan! We’ve found the best time to visit Japan and all you can do each month. And if you’re looking to make more than one stop, here’s the ultimate 14-day itinerary that’s all planned out for you so you don’t have to. 

With your trusty YouTrip card, you can make purchases with a tap of your card, or with Apple Pay , and make easy cash withdrawals at your nearest Family Mart and Lawson too. It doesn’t get any better than that! 

So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with < YTBLOG5 > and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Japan

W ith its unique blend of traditional culture and dazzling modernity, Japan offers an incredible tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure. Yet, with so much to explore, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Fear not, we're here to help! Travel journalist Kevin Erickson has curated a list of the must-visit places in Japan that promise a truly unforgettable journey.

• Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto
• Experience Tokyo's electrifying cityscape
• Discover the cultural heartbeat of Osaka
• Immerse yourself in Hiroshima's poignant history
• Explore the stunning wilderness of Yakushima

The Timeless Beauty of Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is a living testament to Japan's rich history and tradition. With over 1,600 temples, serene Zen gardens, and the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate pathway, Kyoto transports you back to Japan's imperial past. A visit during the cherry blossom or fall foliage season will make your journey especially magical.

Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps

Japan's vibrant capital, Tokyo, presents an electrifying mix of neon skyscrapers, pop culture, high-tech innovations, and bustling street markets. From the fashion hub of Shibuya to the historic Asakusa district and the otaku paradise of Akihabara, Tokyo is a city of delightful contrasts that never fails to impress.

Osaka: The Nation's Kitchen

Known as the "nation's kitchen," Osaka is a haven for food lovers. From street-side takoyaki and okonomiyaki to high-end kaiseki cuisine, Osaka offers a culinary journey like no other. Don't miss the lively Dotonbori area and Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's historical heritage.

Hiroshima: History and Resilience

Hiroshima, though known for its tragic past, showcases remarkable resilience and peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum provide profound insights into the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb, while the scenic Miyajima Island, just a short ferry ride away, offers a tranquil escape.

Yakushima: Island of Ancient Forests

A trip off the beaten path leads to Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its ancient cedar forests, which inspired the animated film "Princess Mononoke," Yakushima is an enchanting realm of nature where you might even encounter the endangered Japanese macaque.

Nara: The Birthplace of Japanese Culture

Nestled in the Kansai region, Nara is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors, Kyoto and Osaka. Yet, as the first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is brimming with historical treasures. It's home to Todai-ji, the world's largest wooden structure housing a towering Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by thousands of stone lanterns. But Nara's charm doesn't stop at its temples. The city's park is famous for its hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred and protected as national treasures.

Hokkaido: Nature's Paradise

If you crave pristine wilderness, set your sights on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Here, you'll find stunning landscapes, from volcanic hot springs in Noboribetsu to lavender fields in Furano. Daisetsuzan National Park offers incredible hiking trails, while the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts wildlife such as brown bears and sea eagles. In winter, the snow festival in Sapporo, the region's capital, showcases spectacular ice and snow sculptures.

Nagasaki: A Tale of Triumph

Nagasaki's past is imbued with foreign influences and a tragic history, making it a poignant visit. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum narrate the tale of its WWII devastation, while Glover Garden and Oura Church highlight the city's close ties with the West during Japan's period of national isolation. For a tranquil getaway, the nearby Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned coal mining facility and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's industrial past.

From ancient traditions to futuristic cityscapes, Japan offers a unique travel experience that transcends the ordinary. As Chris Rowthorn, a Lonely Planet writer and Japan travel expert, aptly puts it, "Japan is a world apart - a cultural Galápagos where a unique civilization blossomed, and today thrives in delicious contrasts of traditional and modern." So why wait? Begin your Japanese adventure today!

When is the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is in spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms, and fall (September to November) for autumn colors. However, Japan has something to offer in every season.

What should I eat in Japan?

Japan boasts a rich culinary tradition. Must-try dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, and regional specialties such as Kyoto's kaiseki and Osaka's takoyaki.

How can I travel sustainably in Japan?

Embrace the Japanese concept of 'mottainai' (waste not, want not). Utilize public transportation, avoid disposable items, respect local customs, and consider staying in eco-friendly accommodations.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

While Japan can be pricier than other Asian countries, it offers a range of options for different budgets. Prepaid transportation cards, affordable eateries, and a variety of accommodations can make your trip economical without compromising the experience.

• Japan National Tourism Organization
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Lonely Planet

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A guide to exploring tokyo and kyoto, japan.

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Yasaka Pagoda and Sannen Zaka Street in Kyoto, Japan.

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience its rich history alongside its cutting-edge modernity. Two cities that epitomize this balance are Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo, the bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, and a nonstop energy. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is a serene city known for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and picturesque gardens. Together, these cities offer a comprehensive glimpse into Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.

Exploring Tokyo

The Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Shibuya, for instance, is famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where travelers can witness the organized chaos of thousands of people crossing the street simultaneously. This district is also a hub for fashion, youth culture, and entertainment, with many shops, cafes, and nightclubs.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakua, Japan.

Just a short train ride away is the historic district of Asakusa, where travelers can step back in time and explore the city’s more traditional side. The highlight here is Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, which is approached via the bustling Nakamise shopping street. Here, you can purchase traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural history of Japan.

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The Sugamo food tour includes tastings of many local, traditional sweets.

For those looking to delve into Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene, the Arigato Japan Sugamo Foodie Adventure is a fantastic way to taste authentic Japanese cuisine. Sugamo, often referred to as the “Old Ladies’ Harajuku,” is a charming neighborhood known for its traditional shops and eateries. The tour guides visitors through local markets and food stalls, offering a taste of everything from street food to traditional sweets.

The teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition in Tokyo.

Another unique experience in Tokyo is the teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition. This immersive digital art museum blurs the boundaries between the viewer and the art, creating an interactive experience where you become part of the installation. The museum features rooms filled with vibrant projections, where the environment shifts and changes with your movements, offering a mesmerizing experience unlike any other.

Kayaking in Tokyo gives a different perspective of the city.

For a different perspective of the city, the tour company Tokyo Great Kayaking offers tours that let you paddle through the city’s waterways, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. The route provides stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and iconic landmarks, giving you a chance to see the city from a unique vantage point.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without exploring its pop culture—two hotspots include Harajuku and Akihabara. In Harajuku, you’ll find the latest fashion trends and quirky shops, while Akihabara is a paradise for fans of anime, manga, and video games.

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, in Tokyo, Japan.

While there are no shortage of hotels in Tokyo, the recently opened Hotel Groove Shinjuku centrally located in the vibrant district of Shinjuku, this contemporary hotel offers modern amenities and stylish rooms. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city, with easy access to Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and entertainment areas. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, JAM17, offers a hospitable dining experience that blends Japanese and Western cuisines with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their house-made bread and chart-topping views.

Exploring Kyoto

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan.

While Tokyo dazzles with its modernity, Kyoto captivates with its timeless beauty and cultural heritage. As Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples, shrines, and historic sites, each offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural history. One of the most famous is Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Another must-visit site is Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates that form a pathway up the mountain, creating a breathtakingly serene atmosphere. One of the most popular sites in Japan, it is best to visit early in the morning to avoid the massive throngs of tourists, while checking out lesser-visited spots like the Daigoji Temple right down the road later in the day for a less hectic, crowded experience.

Maikos walking on in Gion, Kyoto.

The historic district of Gion is another highlight of Kyoto. Known as the center of Kyoto’s geisha culture, Gion is filled with traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow streets that transport you back in time. It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot, particularly in the evening when the lanterns are lit, casting a soft glow over the streets.

Staying at Machiya Residence Rikyu-An offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese living. This beautifully restored machiya, or wooden townhouse, is located in the heart of Kyoto and provides an authentic and immersive experience. With tatami-mat rooms, sliding shoji screens, and a tranquil inner garden, Rikyu-An combines the charm of old Kyoto with modern comforts.

Food tours are popular excursions in Kyoto.

For food lovers, Arigato Japan’s Pontocho Evening Food Tour is a good option. Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most famous dining districts, known for its narrow alleys and traditional wooden buildings. The tour takes you to several local izakayas and restaurants, where you can sample Kyoto’s famous kaiseki cuisine, yakitori, and more. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local food culture while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pontocho.

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

A popular activity for many tourists to Kyoto is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The Tea Ceremony at Camellia Teahouse is located in the heart of Kyoto, and provides an intimate setting where you can participate in a tea ceremony led by a skilled tea master. You’ll learn about the rituals and techniques involved in preparing matcha (powdered green tea) and have the opportunity to savor the delicate flavors of the tea along with traditional Japanese sweets.

Planning a tour to Japan

Most Japan tours start or end in Tokyo.

While some people prefer booking their travel ala cart (hotels, activities, train travel), others prefer to book with an agency. One option is InsideJapan Tours , which was founded by two Japanophiles, Alastair Donnelly and Simon King. Here’s how it works. The agency creates an itinerary based on the requests of the traveler. The itinerary can be in-depth and include hotels, activities, train tickets and more (with each day planned out from morning to night) or can be more a frame-work (with hotels planned and suggestions made in terms of activities).

When including activities in the itinerary, the agency can include Insider Experiences which range from video game tours, an insider’s look at the world of sumo wrestling, Tokyo’s Manga and Anime scene, Kyoto’s gardens tours and Gion’s geisha culture.

One of the key strengths of InsideJapan Tours is their deep knowledge of the country. Their team of experts includes both expatriates who have lived in Japan for years and native Japanese staff. The Insider Experiences are all led by English-speaking guides, who are also fluent in Japanese and currently live in Japan.

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