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Fully updated March 2025. Originally published November 2022.
When going to Japan, Kyoto is at the top of the list of places to visit for good reason. A culturally rich city set along the river, there are shrines, temples, and beautiful sights to visit. These best things to do in Kyoto will help plan your time there.
I have personally been to Kyoto on four different occasions. On each trip, I find something new to love in the historic city. And then, of course, there are my favorite spots that no matter how many times I see them, I have to return.
Kyoto is both equally compact and spread out. It means you can see a lot in one neighborhood at a time. Then you can also adventure out to the outskirts to discover more of Kyoto’s gems. So having at least a few days will help you see as much of Kyoto as possible.
When planning a trip to Japan, you may find it a bit overwhelming, I’d recommend starting with my 2-week Japan itinerary, top tips before visiting Japan, and a guide to transportation in Japan. It will help you get your bearings ahead of time and help you plan accordingly. From there, my Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka itineraries are great ways to dive deeper.
Either way, Kyoto should be at the top of your list if you haven’t been before, and is always worth a return. Soak in all of those still moments, the noises of the markets, and savor every delicious bite in this wonderful city. Here are 30 incredible things to do in Kyoto.
Planning a Trip to Kyoto? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Kyoto:
Hotels
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, for the best downtown Kyoto hotel
- The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West, for the best central Kyoto hotel
- Four Seasons Kyoto, for the best Southern Higashiyama hotel
- Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso, for the best Northern Higashiyama hotel
- Hotel Kanra, for the best Kyoto Station hotel
- Suiran, for the best Arashiyama hotel
✈️ Ready to plan your perfect Kyoto itinerary? Check out top-rated hotels, attractions, and food tours on TripAdvisor – with real traveler reviews and updated prices.
Things to Do
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, don’t miss my Kyoto travel guide, Kyoto itinerary, and guides to the best hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops!
Travel Tip: Be sure to get your JR Rail Pass prior to arrival in Japan!
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30 Incredible Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
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Must-Visit Shrines and Temples in Kyoto
1. Visit the Mossy Gardens at the Lesser-Known Honen-In Temple
One of the most memorable things we have done while visiting Kyoto is an afternoon at Honen-In Temple. It is lesser-known, so far less traffic than the other central shrines in the city.
Located just off of the Philosopher’s Path in Northern Higashiyama, you can climb the hill to explore the temple. Inside you’ll find tranquil gardens and ponds with a stone path and bridge.
The serenity and stillness in this garden make it one of the Buddhist Temples of Kyoto that I always love to return to. Often, you’ll find rotating art exhibits hosted at the complex as well to enjoy in some of the pavilions depending on the season.
For more, read this guide on the best temples in Kyoto to visit.
2. Pass Through the Orange Gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha
One iconic sight to visit in Kyoto is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll probably recognize it from its 1,000 bright orange/red gates that lead up the mountain path in Kyoto.
Many visitors only go about halfway up the path, but you can easily hike 2 hours to do the entire trail, so it is best to plan accordingly based on how much time you want to spend there.
My one recommendation when visiting Fushimi Inari is to arrive very early in the morning to experience it without the crowds. Since it is so highly visited, you’ll find it much quieter in the early hours of the morning. If early morning doesn’t fit your plans, then a visit in the evening has less crowds, so night owls might enjoy that too.
3. Soak in the Views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A historic 1200-year-old temple gives way to not just a beautiful scene but also incredible views over Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a popular place to head to for sunset as the views are unparalleled.
The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it one of the top visited places in Kyoto.
4. Visit the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple (And Get Ice Cream with Real Gold!)
Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as The Golden Pavilion, is one of the top visited sights in Kyoto, and it’s not hard to see why.
The top two floors of the pavilion are completely covered in gold leaf! This shining material reflects off the pond, creating a wonderful scene, especially in the afternoons.
When at the temple, you’ll find vendors selling all kinds of things. One of my favorite food finds here is the soft-served ice cream topped with edible gold leaf. A unique snack to enjoy while in Kyoto.
I would recommend visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple and Tenryu-Ji Temple on the same day as Arashiyama, as they are both located on the western side of Kyoto city.
5. Find Stillness at the Tofuku-ji Temple Zen Garden
For those looking to take a moment or two for quiet reflection, head to Tofuku-ji Temple.
As you pass through the gates, follow into the temple to where the zen garden is. It’s a wonderful location and the stillness here makes for a great spot to zen out. You’ll find many others doing similarly as well. In the fall, you can also spot beautiful autumn colors here too.
6. Visit the 1200 statues of Otagi Nenbutsuiji Temple
If you’re looking for a temple where you can escape the crowds, make your way to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in the hills of Arashiyama.
1200 Rakan, which are statues that represent the disciples of Buddha, are located around the temple grounds. Covered in moss, they’ve become the drawcard for visitors who want to see a quieter side of Kyoto. It’s exactly why I loved this spot when exploring the Arashiyama area.
It’s around a 40-minute walk from both Saga-Arashiyama and Arashiyama train stations, or jump in a taxi which takes around 10 minutes to reach the temple from the Arashiyama train station.
7. Wander Adashino Nenbutsuiji Temple and Saga Torrimoto Street
If you want to enjoy a bamboo grove away from the crowds at Arashiyama’s famous spot, then Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is the best alternative. Great for those who don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn, this temple is around a 30-minute walk from the main attractions in Arashiyama. I was able to snap plenty of photos without crowds.
The temple grounds are dedicated to people who have passed alone, with more than 8,000 statues located across the site.
Pair your visit to the temple with a wander along Saga Torrimoto Preserved Street. Dating back to the Meiji period, the street is filled with traditional machiya which have since been converted into restaurants and shops to be enjoyed by visitors. I love that this area in Kyoto isn’t as busy as other tourist spots.
8. Visit the Peaceful Koi Pond and Gardens of Tenjuan Temple
Another great spot that still feels hidden from Kyoto’s tourist crowds is Tenjuan Temple. A sub-temple of the Nanzen-ji Temple Complex, it is much quieter than the large groups the larger temple attracts.
With a peaceful garden and rock pond, it’s especially beautiful in fall when the leaves change. I couldn’t believe how many people walked right past this somewhat hidden gem that is definitely worth visiting.
Historic Sights and the Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto
9. Stroll the Philosopher’s Path
Located in Northern Higashiyama, the Philosopher’s Path is one thing worth the trek. The path connects several temples and shrines, including Gingaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) you can visit along the way.
You can stroll this quiet path that leads along a canal in a quiet neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll find small boutiques, local ceramicists, design stores, and cafes. There’s not a lot going on, but it is quite tranquil.
One incredible restaurant is located in this neighborhood called Monk, so you could time it to stroll the path and then eat dinner.
During spring months, this is a wonderful location to see the cherry blossoms as well, which usually bloom in late March or early April. The entire trail is around 2 kilometers long.
10. Stroll the Gion District at Dusk
For those looking for a chance to spot a geisha, there is no better place than the Gion District at dusk. Gion is the main geisha district in Kyoto and where you’ll find most of the geisha houses in Kyoto.
If you want to increase your chances of seeing a geisha, then wander around the Gion area around dusk and you may spot one or two.
Please remember to be respectful and always leave their path open as they’re walking. If you’re looking for more information on spotting geishas in Gion, I would recommend reading this article.
11. Experience Cherry Blossom Season
There is no better place in Japan to experience the iconic cherry blossom season.
Kyoto is home to so many cherry blossoms and the city truly comes alive during this special season. My recommendation is to try to make it towards the end of March or early April as the season is quite short, lasting only around two weeks once the blossoms reach full bloom.
You will need reservations for everything far in advance, from restaurants to hotels, as it is one of the most popular times to visit Japan.
12. Visit Nijo Castle
They refer to this style castle as a flatland castle, dating back to the first shogun era of the Edo period. Nijo Castle is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because of this, it’s a popular sight to visit while in Kyoto and well worth it if you’re looking for a historic sight to explore.
You can find some late-blooming cherry blossoms in the gardens at Nijo Castle, so if you miss them elsewhere across the city, head here to try and spot some from mid to late April.
13. Go for a Stroll Through the Historic District of Higashiyama
To take a walk back in time head to the district of Higashiyama for a wood-built quarter that brings you back to feudal-era Japan.
The narrow streets are lined with small traditional wooden machiya which have been converted into shops selling sweets, pottery, and tea houses which give you a good feel of what Kyoto was once like. The area is home to the Yasaka Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple which sits up on the hillside overlooking the city.
My favorite time to come here is very early in the morning to go for a stroll sans the crowds. It is certainly the most picturesque area of Kyoto along Sannenzaka Street.
14. Spend a Morning at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
No matter how many times I visit Kyoto, a morning at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a must.
It’s a bit of a journey, especially in the morning hours from the center but so worth it. We always arrive around sunrise and go for a walk when there are usually just a few other people out. Its peacefulness is unmatched (until the crowds arrive).
Our tradition is to then walk over to the Hozu River and enjoy a coffee at % Arabica which has an epic location on the river.
15. See the City from Kyoto Tower
Head to the observation deck 100 meters above the city at Kyoto Tower for epic views. It’s a popular tourist attraction (and for good reason) as it gives a wonderful opportunity to see the vast city. Inside the Kyoto Tower, you will find a spa, hotel, and restaurants so you could consider enjoying one of these amenities while there.
16. Soak in the Beauty of Ishibe Alley
You may feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set when you arrive here because Ishibe Alley in Kyoto feels totally removed from the city.
The best part is that it is not just a display, there are working hotels, tea houses, and shops in this alley. It is incredibly quiet, you may even spot a geisha from time to time, and it’s well worth a stroll at dawn or dusk.
It’s one of my favorite spots to sneak a photo or two to capture one of the scenic spots in the city.. For more, see this guide on the best photography spots in Kyoto.
17. Retreat at a Luxury Hotel Along the Hozu River
Kyoto houses several luxury hotels across the city, which means you truly have several excellent options to choose from. One of my favorite areas to retreat to is along the Hozu River at Suiran Kyoto. It feels a world away from the city and the tranquil setting makes it an unbeatable location to spend a few days of rest. For more of my favorite hotels, read this guide on where to stay in Kyoto.
18. Delve Into Kyoto’s Artistic Side at Kawaii Kanjiro Home
Once the home of famous Japanese ceramicist Kawai Kanjiro, the traditional farm house-meets-machiya has been turned into a living museum for visitors to enjoy. Offering a look at the creative and homely space Kanjiro created, it is one of just a few traditional Kyoto residences that is open to the public.
A lot of his body of work is located here, as well as his personal collection from artists across Japan and abroad. I loved being able to explore the museum at my own pace, taking in the details of the pieces located throughout.
There are the original kilns that Kawai Kanjiro used to create numerous designs that influenced a generation of artists across Japan.
19. Take a Stroll Along the Takase River
A popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and fine dining restaurants, you can’t beat a walk along the Takase River. A canal built in the Edo period used to transport goods, it’s now a scenic spot running from Kiyamachi Street to Fushimi Port Park.
A leafy spot with many small pedestrian bridge crossings, you can also spot the traditional flat bottom boats known as ‘Takasebune’ moored near Nijo-dori. During cherry blossom season, there are often areas lit up for evening viewing along the riverside making it perfect for an after-dinner stroll.
20. Try Out the Hike from Kurama to Kibune
The perfect spot for a half-day trip, the hike from Kurama to Kibune in the northern hills of Kyoto is a must for nature lovers. Located around 30 minutes from central Kyoto, Kibune, and Karama are two scenic towns situated in the Kitayama Mountains. Passing by Kurama-dera Temple andthe wooded forest, it’s a great way to get out of the city for a bit.
The hike is around 4km long and should take 2-3 hours to complete. To get to the start of the path, catch the train to Kurama Station and begin the walk there. You can hop on a train back to Kyoto from Kibune-guchi Station at the end.
I recommend doing this hike during spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom at Kurama-dera Temple or in fall when the maples change to bright shades of orange and red. The weather is generally cooler and therefore more comfortable for the walk too.
Best Things for Foodies to Do in Kyoto
21. Sip a Cup of Coffee at the Iconic Weekenders Coffee
When it comes to hip coffee shops, Kyoto has a very long list to explore. For more spots, read my guide to Kyoto coffee shops.
You’ll find many across the city to enjoy, which is why I recommend checking the list below. However, one of my favorites is Weekenders Coffee. It’s in a small home and has a wonderful cozy feel to it. It’s also one of my preferred coffees in the city.
22. Join A Food Tour Through Nishiki Market
While in Kyoto, you have to experience the range of food available in the city. I think one of the best ways to do this is on a food tour, as you have an opportunity to taste several categories and be led by a knowledgeable local guide. And there’s no better place to try plenty of local dishes and specialties than at Nishiki Market.
23. Eat Like the Locals in Pontocho Alley
We’ve done a few through our hotels over the years and there are several tours available on Viator (my trusted partner for tours). This brunch tour through the market is perfect to beat the busiest time at the market and get access to expert guidance from an in-the-know guide.
For those looking to lead themselves on a self-led food tour, head straight to Pontocho Alley. It’s home to dozens of restaurants tucked along a small street in the Hanamachi District just off the river.
You can truly go from one spot to the next or consider booking reservations at some of the finer dining restaurants that perch out over the river.
Now our favorite down the street is Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi for their housemade gyoza. We usually go to this restaurant at least twice a trip, and it’s well worth the wait.
24. Stop for a Bowl of Ramen at Ichiran
There are plenty of ramen spots across Kyoto, and the most iconic is always Ichiran.
Purchase your order via the vending machine and then you get seated at a bar-style spot. Eventually, your bowl of ramen appears from behind a curtain! There is always a team member to help you order your ramen as well.
For more of our favorite noodle spots, read my guide to the best restaurants in Kyoto!
Need a Hotel? Read Where to Stay in Kyoto!
25. Have a Kaiseki Dinner at Mizuki Inside the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
One of my favorite meals in Kyoto is actually inside the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Mizuki is a fine dining experience that is focused on a kaiseki-style meal. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that takes you through small dishes focused on refined cuisine. Their kaiseki experience is one of the most elevated I have experienced in Japan, paired with wonderful service.
For this dinner, I would also recommend doing a sake pairing with it as well. For more of my favorite Kyoto eats, read my guide to the best restaurants in Kyoto.
26. Snack on Flower Treats in a Traditional Tea House at Rokujuan
Is there anything more incredible than enjoying warabimochi in a traditional Japanese tea house? Rokujuan was one of my favorite cafe experiences in Kyoto, but you need to book ahead!
The Kubo Family Residence has been preserved for over 100 years and serves matcha and edible flower-filled warabimochi, a type of clear rice cake. They come with brown sugar syrup and soybean flour for dipping. I especially loved sitting on the tatami mat floors while overlooking the gardens.
27. Sip on Matcha Tea at Le Labo Cafe
Matcha is super popular all across Japan, but Kyoto is brimming with great cafes serving this green tea. One of my favorite experiences was sipping on a matcha in the back garden at the Le Labo Cafe.
Hosted in a traditional machiya, you can pair shopping for perfume with a cup of matcha or specialty coffee. If you only want to visit the cafe, then let the staff know you are only ordering coffee and you can enjoy a moment of zen in their back garden and don’t need to wait in the long line for the perfumery.
I visited the perfumery too and recommend you ask to see the former studio on the second floor, it’s stunning.
Enjoy Local Kyoto Artisan Crafts
28. Get a Custom Knife at Aritsugu Nishiki Market
When it comes to taking a souvenir home from Japan, a handmade knife is one of my favorites. Every trip to Kyoto has led us back to Aritsugu in Nishiki Market to pick out a knife. You can then get it engraved as well with a word or small phrase. The artisanal shop offers an array of knives to choose from and it’s also a favorite gift to bring home.
Helpful Read: The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto
29. Shop the Local Hand-Wired Home Goods at Kaanami-Tsuji
Kyoto’s plethora of artisanal shops and makers is something that can’t be missed. For more, see my guide on local shops in Kyoto to shop at.
I talked about the knives that we love, but one other stop is at Kaanami-Tsuji. They specialize in coil goods for the kitchen and home. They’re delicate, incredibly beautiful, and make a wonderful gift to take home.
30. Join in with a Local Tea Ceremony
Matcha tea ceremonies are a centuries’ old ritual in Japan, so I recommend trying it yourself. Your guide will instruct you how to correctly whisk the matcha in a bowl before you pair it with some traditional Japanese sweets.
This tea ceremony in Higashiyama is held in a traditional tea house with tatami mat floors giving you the full experience.
Which Kyoto Attractions Should You Visit Early?
Tourism in Kyoto continues to grow, which means enjoying some of the city’s most popular attractions requires getting there early. These are the spots I recommend you visit early (sometimes very early) if you want to skip the traffic of highly visited places.
Travel Tip: Visiting these spots on a weekday can also mean lower crowds, so if you will be in Kyoto for a few days and want to avoid the busiest times, skip the weekends at the most popular sites.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple — Known for its incredible sunset views, it’s not surprising that Kiyomizu-dera Temple is busiest in the late afternoon. Come here to start your day before you explore the rest of Higashiyama to skip the crowds.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Aim to get here just after sunrise, or by 7am. Crowds start building and by 9am the path through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest can become gridlocked. If you want to avoid it but aren’t an early riser, try Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple instead.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine — Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most popular Shinto Shrines. Start here by 8 am and you can avoid the worst of the crowds, but even earlier is better. Most visitors don’t follow the path all the way to the top, so if you want to snap pictures of the iconic torii gates without the crowds, keep going higher. Evenings are a good alternative if your itinerary doesn’t allow you to visit here in the early morning, as the shrine is open 24 hours.
- Higashiayama — Once the shops and cafes start opening in the streets of Higashiyama, the streets become filled with lots of tourists, especially around Sannenzaka and the streets leading towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple. If you want to snap tourist-free photos of these streets, get there within the first hour after sunrise.
- Nishiki Market — A total foodie paradise, Nishiki Market draws in crowds looking for fresh seafood and local ingredients to take a taste of Kyoto home with them. Whether you join a tour or wander the market stalls yourself, try to get here earlier in the day for an early lunch to beat the crowds.
- Nanzen-ji Temple — One of the busiest of Kyoto’s 2,000 temples and shrines, try to arrive as soon as Nanzen-ji opens for a quieter visit. The temple grounds open at 8:40 am, so it’s a good spot to visit before heading further towards the Philosopher’s Path in northern Kyoto.
- Nijo Castle — Japanese castles are always popular attractions, so get here forthe opening if you want to experience it with fewer people around. Located centrally in Kyoto, it’s easy to reach and you can explore quieter areas later in the day afterwards.
