Kyoto Things to Do: 18 Tips and Highlights

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Kyoto is located on the Japanese island of Honshū, only about 40 kilometers from the nearest major city, Osaka. Surrounded by mountains, Kyoto is one of the most important Japanese cities when it comes to culture and history. Translated into Japanese, Kyoto means something like imperial residence, which the city indeed was for centuries. Kyoto’s things to do are diverse and absolutely worth a visit.

Kyoto – Things to Do, Attractions, and Activities

Even during World War II, the city was largely spared, and therefore Kyoto offers many sights, such as temples, palaces, shrines, and more, which are very well preserved. The city is one of the highlights of Japan, and you should definitely visit it. Many of Kyoto’s things to do and attractions we will show you below.

Accommodation In Kyoto – Our Hotel Tip

We have two recommendations for Kyoto. The first is the Seibido Inn. There, you can stay in traditional Japanese rooms. They are very minimally furnished with futon beds, but they still have a TV, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. You can read about our experience in the Seibido Inn review.

If you prefer a normal hotel, we recommend the Kyoto Inn Gion The Second. The rooms come with a standard bed, table, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. There is also a lovely breakfast, and the location is perfect for exploring Gion on your own.

You can find even more inspiration for other hotels in Kyoto here.

1. Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji is located in the northwest of the city and is a popular attraction in Kyoto. The name Kinkaku-ji means Temple of the Golden Pavilion, but this is not its official name. Its official name is Rokuon-ji, which translates to “Deer Garden Temple.”

The Golden Pavilion represents the reliquary hall (Shariden) of the temple and is considered a highlight among Kyoto’s things to do for most visitors. The building, decorated with gold leaf (on the upper two floors), creates a beautiful scene with the Kinkaku-ji pond. Originally, the complex was used by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu for his retirement but was converted into this Zen temple in 1408 after his death.

Surrounded by nature, you can also explore the garden complex of Kinkaku-ji. It is open daily from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM, and admission costs 400 Yen.

2. Ryōan-ji

Not far from Kinkaku-ji lies Ryōan-ji, a Zen temple founded in 1499. While the garden complex is beautiful to look at, the highlight is the Hojo-Teien, one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions.

The Hojo-Teien is the most famous Zen garden in Japan, measuring 25 x 10 meters. It consists of 15 stones, some covered in moss, as well as a carefully raked gravel bed. Besides the Zen garden, you can explore other temple buildings and the large lotus pond. In the middle of the pond, there is a small walkable island with a shrine.

It is open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM (March to November) or from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM (December to February). Admission costs 500 Yen per person.

3. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built in 1601 as the residence for the Tokugawa shoguns (comparable to dukes), who ruled Japan for about 260 years. In 1868, the castle fell into the hands of the Japanese emperor and was later handed over to the city of Kyoto.

The grounds of Nijo Castle are very well preserved and can be visited. You can see the Ninomaru Garden, the Ninomaru Residence, or the Ninomaru Palace within the castle. Since 1994, the castle complex has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Historic Kyoto,” which includes several other sites.

Nijo Castle is open daily from 8.45 AM to 4.00 PM (last entry), and the grounds close at 5.00 PM. Admission costs 620 Yen for Nijo Castle, and if you would also like to visit the Ninomaru Palace, the ticket costs 1,030 Yen. You can also buy discounted tickets, including a guided tour, online in advance. This is especially worthwhile during high season to avoid long waiting times.

4. Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the primary residence of the imperial family until 1869, when the nation’s capital was moved to Edo, today’s Tokyo. The palace grounds themselves are surrounded by a wall, while most of the surrounding gardens are open to the public.

In spring and autumn, there are several days when the Imperial Palace is open to the public. Otherwise, as a tourist, you can still visit year-round with prior registration. From Monday to Friday, guided tours in English take place at 10.00 AM and 2.00 PM. However, you must first fill out an application and bring it along with your passport.

5. Ginkaku-ji

Located in the northeast of Kyoto, Ginkaku-ji is actually named Jishō-ji. The common name Ginkaku-ji refers to the Kannon-den, or Silver Pavilion. Ginkaku-ji literally translates to Temple of the Silver Pavilion. It is also a Zen temple, built in 1482.

Visitors to Ginkaku-ji can discover more than just the Silver Pavilion. The temple grounds include smaller Zen gardens, a beautiful and well-maintained garden with hills, and the Tōgu-dō, another building that houses one of the oldest tea ceremony rooms in Japan, which became the model for many others across the country. You can visit Ginkaku-ji from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM. Admission is 500 Yen.

6. Philosopher’s Path

Right in front of the entrance to Ginkaku-ji begins the Philosopher’s Path, or Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese. The path stretches about two kilometers along a canal. The Philosopher’s Path is especially popular during cherry blossom season in April, as many trees line the walkway.

The path is named after the famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who walked this route daily to Kyoto University while meditating. Along the path, you’ll also find a number of restaurants and cafés where you can take a break.

7. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is one of the top Kyoto things to do, as it is one of the oldest and most famous shrines, at least among tourists. It is the head shrine of many smaller Inari Shintō shrines in Japan and is especially renowned for its countless red torii gates that visitors walk through.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine was reportedly built in the 8th century and is dedicated to Inari, the Shintō god of rice. On the grounds, you’ll also find many fox statues, considered to be Inari’s messengers. If you want to walk the entire path through the torii gates, you should allow 2 to 3 hours to reach the top of the mountain and return.

The red gates were all donated. On the back of each gate, you can see the name of the donor or company engraved. It’s truly a fascinating place. We visited in the late afternoon, and the twilight created a mystical atmosphere. There are also photo tours available. You can visit Fushimi Inari Shrine around the clock, completely free of charge.

8. Byōdō-in Temple

Since 1052, Byōdō-in has been a Buddhist temple, previously used as a private residence by the Fujiwara family. The main hall was built to resemble Buddha’s palace in paradise, at least according to traditional belief.

With a bit of imagination, it looks like a bird, which is why it is also called Hōō-dō (Phoenix Hall). Constructed in 1053, it is now the only remaining building from the original complex. You’ll also find it depicted on the 10 yen coin.

As the temple is located slightly outside of Kyoto but on the same train line as Fushimi Inari, it makes sense to combine both visits. Opening hours vary by season: from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, or 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM in winter months. Admission is 600 Yen.

9. Pontocho Alley

Running parallel to the Kamogawa River (see next point), Pontocho Alley is famous for preserving traditional Japanese architecture as well as for its restaurants and teahouses. The alley is quite narrow, so there is no car traffic, only pedestrians.

While the alley looks charming during the day, it becomes even more beautiful at night when illuminated. Along with the Gion district, this is also one of the spots where you might be lucky enough to see a geisha on weekends. Even if you don’t stop for food or drinks, a stroll here is worthwhile to soak in the atmosphere of Pontocho Alley. It’s no surprise the alley is considered one of Kyoto’s highlights.

10. Kamogawa River

The Kamogawa is a 31-kilometer-long river that flows directly through the center of Kyoto. It originates in the north of Kyoto in the Sajikigatake Mountains. In Japanese, Kamogawa is made up of two words: Kamo, meaning “wild duck”, and Gawa, meaning “river”.

The Kamogawa is especially popular in the summer with both locals and tourists. Many people stroll along the river, gather at the banks to relax, or sit in one of the restaurants with views of the river. If you walk from central Kyoto to the Gion district, you will automatically cross the Kamogawa.

11. In the Moon Bar

The In the Moon Bar is a rooftop bar in Kyoto. However, it is relatively unknown, which makes it our insider tip among Kyoto’s things to do. If you know the way, it is actually easy to find. From central Kyoto, cross the bridge on Shijo-Dori toward Gion. After the bridge, take the second street on the left. On your right, you’ll see a high-rise building. Enter and take the elevator to the 8th floor. Welcome to the In the Moon Bar.

Open daily from 6.00 PM until around 1.00 AM, you can enjoy beers, cocktails, and other drinks, making it a perfect way to end your day after exploring Kyoto’s attractions. The bar is closed on Sundays. It offers a wonderful atmosphere, good music, and a great view of the city. The best view is across the river, Kyoto’s cityscape, and toward the mountains, where the sun sets.

Even though the drinks are a little pricier here, we highly recommend a visit to enjoy a Kyoto sunset and wind down your day. It’s a beautiful modern contrast after exploring Kyoto’s historic sights.

12. Gion District

The Gion district is one of the most famous Kyoto things to do and therefore one of the most visited, partly because of the Geishas. Here, you can still feel like you’re in old Japan, as many of the traditional buildings are well preserved and still in use today.

Gion offers many highlights for Kyoto visitors, including its two main streets, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. You can also explore attractions like Ryozen Kannon, the Yasaka Shrine, or Kiyomizu-dera Temple (see the next points). The district is absolutely fantastic, and if you want to explore it thoroughly on your own, we’ve put together everything you need for a day in Gion. Otherwise, you can also do this with a local guide.

13. Yasaka Shrine

The Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine, is one of the largest in Japan and was built in 656. The Shintō shrine is a popular Kyoto attraction and is often visited in connection with the Gion district (see the previous point).

You can visit the grounds for free and see several shrines and deities. Many Kyoto residents come here to pray. If you want to learn more about the background and history of the Yasaka Shrine, the historical walking tour through Gion, which begins at the shrine, is worthwhile.

14. Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is actually a collection of several Buddhist temples. While its founding dates back to 798, all the halls and buildings you can visit today were constructed in the early 17th century.

The main hall is one of Kiyomizu-dera’s most notable features. Built on a hillside, it offers a terrace with breathtaking views.

Another highlight, in addition to the many Shintō shrines you can discover, is the view from Kiyomizu-dera over the Gion district, the rest of Kyoto, and the distant mountains. The main hall is open daily from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM, with an admission fee of 400 Yen. The rest of the temple grounds can be visited free of charge at any time.

15. Nishiki Market

Open daily from around 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM, Nishiki Market is a popular destination for many visitors. It is located right in downtown Kyoto. The market is a paradise for foodies, as you can try everything related to Japanese cuisine here. Along Nishiki Market, which is often referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen, you’ll find over 100 stalls and restaurants.

From fresh fruit and dumplings to mochi, sushi, and various skewered seafood, you can sample many different foods here. Especially around lunchtime, it’s worth a stop to fill your stomach while sightseeing in Kyoto. By the way, food tours are also very popular, where a guide introduces you to the variety of Japanese cuisine.

16. Higashi Hongan-ji

The Higashi Hongan-ji Temple is located near Kyoto Station, and for many visitors, it is the first temple and therefore the first historical building they see among Kyoto’s things to do. Built in 1895, the main hall (Miei-dō) is the largest wooden structure in Kyoto.

The Nishi Hongan-ji, which was built a few years earlier, is considered the twin temple of Higashi Hongan-ji. In addition to the large main hall, there is also the nearly equally large Amidado Hall, which is dedicated to the Amida Buddha. You can visit the temple free of charge, and it is open daily from 5.30 AM to 5.00 or 6.00 PM (depending on the season).

17. Kyoto Tower

You can enjoy a great 360-degree view from Kyoto Tower. It stands 131 meters tall, but the observation deck for visitors is accessible at a height of 100 meters. Completed in 1964, Kyoto Tower is centrally located in the city, right across from the train station.

Its design is meant to resemble a Buddhist candle, though many people see it more as a lighthouse or a UFO. On clear days, you’ll have a perfect view over Kyoto, the mountains, and even as far as Osaka. It is open daily from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM, and admission costs 800 Yen.

18. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

On the western edge of Kyoto lies the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is definitely one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions. It is a popular destination for tourists and is only a short walk from the train station. There is no admission fee, and you can explore it either on foot or in traditional wooden rickshaws pulled by people.

Although the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is impressive for its massive bamboo trees, it is also sometimes crowded with people due to its popularity. It’s not easy to take photos without crowds, like the ones often seen online. If you want to avoid the masses, it’s best to come VERY early in the morning.

If you want to spend more time in Arashiyama, there are other highlights in addition to the bamboo forest. These include the Monkey Park, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. There is enough to do here to spend an entire day in Arashiyama, or you can join a guided tour.

How to Get There: The easiest way to reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is by train. The journey is relatively simple. We took the Keifuku Randen Tram Line to Arashiyama Station. To get there, take the red subway line (Tozai Line) to the last stop, Uzumasa Tenjingawa. From there, transfer to the tram and ride it to the last stop. From the station, it’s only a short walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Kyoto: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Kyoto in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Kyoto.

How to Get to Kyoto

There are various ways to travel to Kyoto. The first is by plane. However, the city does not have its own airport, meaning you must travel via Osaka International Airport (domestic flights only) or Kansai International Airport (international flights), which is also in Osaka. From there, you continue by taxi or train to Kyoto. You can find flights and prices best on Skyscanner.

The most commonly used option for traveling to Kyoto is the train. The Shinkansen bullet train and regional trains from countless cities in Japan (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, etc.) run to Kyoto. For longer distances, the Shinkansen is worth it; otherwise, you should also consider regional trains. Availability and schedules can be found on 12go.asia.

Info: If you’re staying in Japan for a little longer, a Japan Rail Pass is worthwhile. It includes some Shinkansen bullet trains and many other trains. Individual tickets are relatively expensive, but if you’re traveling for two weeks or more, the Japan Rail Pass definitely pays off, and you can save a lot of money. Highly recommended!

Do you have any tips on Kyoto’s sights? What did you like best about Kyoto? Tell us your opinion in the comments.

Photo: Photo 17 (Higashi Hongan-ji)– Leonid Andronov/shutterstock.com