14 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

As the heart of traditional Japan, Kyoto (京都) offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, serene gardens, vibrant markets, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re hoping to explore iconic landmarks or hidden gems, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this historic city. Here are the top 14 things to do in Kyoto:

1. Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

No visit to Kyoto would be complete without a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社), renowned for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. The ancient shrine, which was founded in 711, is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

The entire shrine sits atop Mt. Inari, which stands at 233 metres tall and belongs to the shrine grounds. Walking the full loop through the gates, shaded by the wooded forest, takes 2-3 hours and offers stunning photo opportunities and a serene walk. Keep an eye out for the many fox statues across the shrine grounds, as foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers.

How to get there

The easiest way to get from central Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Taisha is via the Keihan Main Line (京阪本線) to Fushimi-Inari Station (伏見稲荷駅). The station is then a short 4 minute walk from the entrance to the shrine.

Alternatively, hop on the Nara Line (奈良線) to Inari Station (稲荷駅), which is right outside the shrine entrance.

2. Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), sometimes known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’, is one of Kyoto’s most recognisable historic structures, and a must-see for your trip. The top two floors of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site are completely covered in gold leaf.

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The renowned Zen Buddhist temple was originally designated as a holiday villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, meaning it’s bursting with centuries of history. It’s a big hit with photographers due to its beautiful reflection in the surrounding pond.

Kinkakuji’s temple grounds span 132,000 square metres, and include beautiful gardens and the quaint Sekkatei Teahouse, so make sure you explore the grounds fully to get the most out of your visit.

Getting there

The most convenient way of getting to Kinkaku-ji is via bus. There are many bus routes that go from central Kyoto straight to Kinkaku-ji, such as the 205, 12 or 46. The best exact route for you will depend on where you’re starting from, so it’s always best to consult your hotel or a navigation app such as Google Maps. For tips on how to use public transport, including buses, in Japan, check out our essential tips.

3. Wander Through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama (嵐山) district is home to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – the ultimate Instagram-worthy destination in Kyoto. The towering bamboo-lined paths that cut through the groves make for a relaxing experience, especially when there’s a bit of a breeze causing the tall stalks to gently sway and the leaves rustle overhead.

There’s one drawback: this is one of the busiest attractions in all of Kyoto. In order to have a much better experience, we’d recommend one of two solutions (or both, if you’ve got the time):

1. Aim to get here as early in the morning as possible. We arrived at 6:00am after catching the first train to Saga-Arashiyama Station, and we were the ONLY people there!
   
2. Head to one of the many alternatives nearby, that are just as good but have a fraction of the number of tourists. One example is the incredible bamboo grove inside the Adashino Nenbutsuji temple (化野念仏寺), which doubles as a fascinating cultural stop featuring 8,000 statues dedicated to lonely souls.

Getting to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

If you’re aiming to get here as early as possible from central Kyoto, then your best bet would be to get the San-In Line train to Saga-Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅), which arrives a 13 min walk from the bamboo forest at 5:47am. This train departs from Kyoto Station around 5:30am and costs just ¥240.

If you’re not fussed about getting there early, then use Google Maps to help you navigate the best route from your accommodation – it’ll tell you the fastest/cheapest/most efficient route, depending on your preference.

4. Discover the Hidden Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple (愛宕念仏寺) remains one of Kyoto’s best kept secrets. Home to over 1200 moss-covered stone statues, the temple has a turbulent history stretching 1300 years, being damaged from floods and typhoons throughout the ages.

Each of the moss-covered “rakan” (enlightened disciples of Buddha in Japanese Zen Buddhism) statues is completely unique, with many having fun and whimsical expressions. Despite their weathered appearance that complements the ancient temple surroundings, these statues were actually only carved during the 1980’s.

The head priest at the time, Kocho Nishimura, was also an accomplished sculptor, who struck gold with his idea of having visitors carve their own statues under his guidance. Some look as though they are deep in serious prayer, while others are smiling, laughing, or holding objects that reflect the carvers’ hobbies and passions. We spent ages here selecting our favourites!

Getting there

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is best visited in combination with a trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, as it’s a lovely 30 minute walk through the pleasant district passing quiet temples and shops.

Alternatively, the number 92 bus runs from Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae stop straight to the temple, and only takes 13 minutes.

5. Explore the Charming Gion District

Right in the heart of Kyoto is Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha sightings. Here you can wander the narrow streets and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in the evening, and you might even spot a geisha or maiko on their way to an appointment. Please remember to be respectful and not to intrude on their privacy.

A particularly nice part of this district is Shirakawa Lane (祇園白川), a traditional-feeling cobbled stone street lined with bamboo railings next to the small canal. Also, don’t miss Minamiza Theater (南座) on your right as you cross the bridge into Gion.

6. Shop and Eat at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market (錦市場), which is sometimes called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, is a food lover’s paradise. The covered market stretches over 5 blocks and houses over a hundred shops and restaurants where you can sample a variety of local delicacies, from fresh seafood to traditional sweets.

Our favourite part of Nishiki Market was the food court towards the west end of the street. You can buy all sorts of small dishes from different vendors and eat them together around old wooden barrels serving as tables. Since it’s impolite to eat and walk in Japan, this was perfect compared to eating by the side of the food vendor. There’s also a small bar inside the food court serving beer – perfect for a midday stop to fuel up for the rest of your day.

The market and adjacent Teramachi Shopping Arcade are great places to shop for unique souvenirs while you’re here too.

7. Experience a Kimono Tea Ceremony

It’s hard not to think about tea ceremonies when you think of Japanese culture. The best way to immerse yourself in this tradition is with a kimono tea ceremony.

Many places in Kyoto offer this experience, where you can wear a traditional kimono and participate in a formal tea ceremony, learning about the customs and etiquette involved.

We booked the Kimono Tea Ceremony Gion Kiyomizu by Maikoya, and were thoroughly impressed! They’re one of the highest rated providers on Tripadvisor, and for good reason. From being assisted in selecting and dressing in a kimono, to observing – as well as participating in – the amazing tea ceremony hosted by their expert tea master/host, their friendly staff were brilliant. They explained the significance behind the ceremony during the many steps demonstrated with precision and care. We can’t recommend them enough!

8. Visit the Serene Chion-in Temple

Chion-in (知恩院) temple is a peaceful and often overlooked gem in Kyoto. The temple is home to a whole range of awesome features, from the traditional Japanese gardens to a massive bell that was the largest in the world between the 17th and 19th century!

One of the standout attractions within the temple grounds is the Sanmon Gate, which is Chion-in’s main entrance gate. The impressive structure is 24m tall and 50m wide, and is the largest wooden temple gate in Japan, dating all the way back to the early 1600s.

The entire temple complex was practically deserted when we visited at 10:30am on a Wednesday, which made our exploration much more enjoyable than expected. It almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Wandering through the tranquil grounds and admiring the beautiful architecture and gardens without the large crowds that accompany more famous temples was a real treat! Make sure to head round the back of the main hall to the ticket office so you can admire the rest of the complex and gardens – it’s an absolute must!

How to get to Chion-in temple

The temple is within easy walking distance from central Kyoto, located on the east side of Kamo river. Combine a visit with nearby Gion district or Yasaka Shrine for an efficient and enjoyable walk through Maruyama Park (円山公園).

9. Walk Along the Philosopher’s Path

Walking the scenic 2km Philosophers Path (哲学の道, sometimes called Tetsugaku No Michi) is a great way to spend a few hours in Kyoto, especially during spring’s beautiful cherry blossom season or the colourful autumnal season.

The path is lined with quaint cafes and shops along the way, as well as numerous picturesque spots for the perfect shot to share online!

When you start at the north end you’ll be walking south – back in the direction of central Kyoto – you can check out often the overlooked Nanzen-ji temple (南禅寺) or Eikando temple (永観堂), which are both highly recommended. If you can’t get enough of the enchanting temples of Japan, there are many more just off the path that you can explore, most of which are usually very quiet and peaceful, away from the crowds.

How to get there

Get bus number 32, 5 or 7 to the north end of the Philosophers Path, plotted on the map below:

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10. Discover Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Japan’s most famous and cherished temples. Translating to “pure water temple”, the impressive structure boasts over 1,200 years of history at the site of Otowa Waterfall.

The temple is best known for its main hall and attached wooden stage that are perched on a steep cliff and provide breathtaking views of Kyoto. During cherry blossom season and autumn when the numerous surrounding cherry and maple trees explode into life.

Its intricate system of pillars provide remarkable earthquake resistance – despite not using a single nail in its assembly – ensuring the survival through numerous disasters since its reconstruction in 1633.

Expect lots of crowds – arrive early to enjoy a more relaxed environment. The temple opens from 6am every day.

Best way to get to Kiyomizu-dera

The temple can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus 206 in 15 minutes, and should cost only ¥230. When you get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, walk  10 minutes uphill to reach the temple entrance.

11. Marvel at the Yasaka Shrine Lanterns

Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) is a vibrant and lively stop with over 1350 years of history. The shrine is well known for its summer festival – Gion Matsuri – which is celebrated in July, and is one of the biggest in Japan. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the festival, you’ll get to witness grand processions with massive floats and hundreds of participants.

The shrine is busy all year round, but becomes especially busy during the cherry blossom season (early April), as the adjacent Maruyama Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.

12. Stroll Through Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley (先斗町) is a narrow, atmospheric alleyway adjacent to the Kamo River, packed with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and bars.

Business hours and closing days of the restaurants, bars and shops along Pontocho Alley vary, although most are usually open from around 17:00 to 23:00. Many places also offer English menus.

From May through September, many of the establishments build temporary platforms over the flowing water so that visitors can dine out in the open air, known as ‘kawayuka’.

13. Admire the Heian Shrine and Gardens

Heian Shrine (平安神宮), with its impressive torii gate and beautiful gardens, is another must-visit in Kyoto. Heian is the former name of Kyoto, and is dedicated to the sprites of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city: Emperor Kammu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867).

Explore the east and south gardens, and don’t miss the iconic bridge (located in the east garden).

14. Stay in a Traditional Ryokan

If you’re after a truly quintessential Japanese experience, stay in a Ryokan in Kyoto! Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns that provide an authentic experience of old Japanese hospitality. Rooms usually comprise of tatami floors and futon beds, but often come with a heftier price tag that matches the experience you’ll receive.

Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is a fantastic option, where we stayed during our time in Kyoto. The location was great and they even host a weekly sake-tasting event on Saturdays, where you’ll have the chance to sample various types of sake and gain a deeper understanding of the origins of this refined beverage.

Bonus Ideas For Your Trip

If you’re still hungry for more, you’re in luck. Kyoto is one of those cities with seemingly endless attractions. Check out some more things to do in Kyoto we’d highly recommend:

– Walk among the moss forest found in Giōji temple.

– Spot Kyoto’s oldest building, a five-storied pagoda in the Daigo-ji temple complex.

– Wander the stunning streets around Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka – keep an eye out for the famous Hokan-ji Pagoda.

Want An Itinerary To Tie This All Together?

Luckily for you, we’ve made just the thing! In our Ultimate 2-Week Japan Itinerary, we’ve included 3 days to explore all of these epic Kyoto attractions in a convenient and efficient route that we’re sure you’re going to love. Check it out, and let us know how you get on – we’d love to hear your feedback!

Kyoto has so much to offer, and is easily one of the best destinations in Japan – maybe even in all of Asia! From the famous landmarks to its hidden treasures, there are so many things to do in Kyoto that will make your visit unforgettable. We hope you enjoy our recommendations and your trip to this enchanting city! ⛩️👘

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