Things to do in Kyoto

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.
A pathway flanked by tall green bamboo stalks.
A flower shop with various plants and flowers displayed outside.
A row of traditional Japanese houses with tiled roofs and wooden facades.
A traditional Japanese garden with a wooden house, a red umbrella, and a stone lantern.

Things to do

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

RM14
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

RM489
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Picture 3 for Activity From Kyoto: Nara Guided Half Day Bus Tour

From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch

RM302
per adult
From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

RM139
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
The most photogenic temple in Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour

RM101
per adult
Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Nakagyo

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto

RM63
per adult
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

RM302
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Nishiki Market

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.
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A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

2. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travellers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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A red torii gate with stone lion statues on either side, leading to a shrine with a red roof.

3. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors a year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

4. Kyoto Tower

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.
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A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the temple’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
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A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by a tranquil pond, with reflections of the structure and surrounding trees.

6. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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A traditional Japanese building with a stone wall and a canal reflecting the structure.

7. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove might be one of Kyoto’s most photographed destinations, but few photographers can truly capture the magic of this leafy oasis. Explore a network of walking trails that cut through the serene forest and escape the outside world as the pale-green bamboo stalks seem to extend endlessly on either side of your path. Weave through the towering trees and spend some time listening to the gentle sway of the stalks and the wind in the leaves.
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A pathway flanked by tall bamboo trees, leading into a forested area.

What to do in Kyoto

Stay near popular Kyoto attractions

A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

Nishiki Market

8.8/10 (4,133 reviews)
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," this 400-year-old market offers a sensory journey through Japan's culinary heritage. Sample local delicacies while browsing shops filled with handcrafted knives and ceramics.
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Where to stay in Kyoto

Find the best Kyoto areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kyoto
Learn more about Kyoto
A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and people walking.

Gion

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

Central Kyoto

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Ishibe Alley and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

A pathway through a bamboo forest with a wooden fence on one side.

Arashiyama

You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Bamboo Forest Street is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.

A traditional building with a curved roof, ornate decorations, and a tree in the background.

Nishijin

Nishijin is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to explore sights like Funaoka Thermal Bath.

A stone structure with circular depressions in a forested area.

Muko

A pagoda-style tower with a stepped design, surrounded by gravel, trees, and a red bridge.

Uji

A traditional Japanese gate with red and gold accents, surrounded by autumn foliage.

Yawata

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A river winding through a forested valley with a house on the left bank.

Kameoka

A large crowd gathered under numerous colorful kites.

Takatsuki

A forested area with a small waterfall flowing over rocks into a calm pool.

Nantan

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, green hills, and scattered islands.

Takashima

Frequently asked questions

Is Kyoto worth visiting?
Providing a mix of views and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Kyoto. While you're here, visit Arashiyama Onsen, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kyoto?
Arashiyama Onsen and Kurama Hot Spring are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Kyoto while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kyoto?
Don't go home without visiting Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kyoto.
Is three days enough to stay in Kyoto?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art with a three-day stay in Kyoto. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Osaka.
Is Kyoto a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Kyoto. Several top attractions, like Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kyoto's neighbourhoods, Central Kyoto is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Shimogyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kyoto with kids?
Planning what to do in Kyoto with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.
What to do in Kyoto for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kyoto, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Teramachi Street or Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Kyoto?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Kyoto. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.