Japan’s ancient capital is just one of those places that’s on every traveler’s bucket list. And for good reason! There are just so many things to do in Kyoto, from exploring magnificent temples to sampling the best matcha green tea in Japan. But, with so many options, where do you start? With our top recommendations for must-do experiences in Kyoto, of course.
Pro tip: If you want to try some world-famous Japanese beef, head on over to Kobe — it’s an easy day trip from Kyoto. Trying some of the local beef is definitely one of the best things to do in Kobe.
1. Visit one (or more) of the many temples and shrines
Visiting temples and shrines is one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto. And it’s no wonder, there are simply so many to choose from — literally thousands. And six of our top twelve attractions in Kyoto are either temples or shrines.
The key is deciding just which ones to visit. If you only have time to visit a few we recommend hitting the big three: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple. Fushimi Inari Taisha is where you will find those iconic red torii gates, and if you climb to the top you’ll get a nice view over Kyoto (on a clear day anyway). Kiyomizudera also has striking architecture that extends out of the hillside. While Kinkakuji is also known as the Golden Pavilion — need we say more.
Unfortunately, these three are not particularly close to each other so it takes close to a full day to visit all of them. If you’d prefer someone else takes care of the logistics for you, there are numerous tours available. We recommend this one for ¥15,500 that visits not only the aforementioned temples and shrine but also Nijō Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (on days when the palace is closed), and Sanjūsangendō Temple. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and there’s a lunch-included option if you’d like to upgrade.
2. Rent a kimono and dress like a local
What better place than Kyoto to try on a traditional kimono? There is something incredibly special about wearing a kimono and wondering the ancient streets of Japan’s former capital. And it’s even better if you happen to be visiting during spring when the cherry blossoms are guaranteed to add a romantic touch to all your photos. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can try a yukata instead. It’s the kimono’s summer cousin, and looks just as good but is lighter and more suited to the humid summer.
There are endless options for rental stores, especially around touristy areas. However, do consider the quality of the rentals on offer — some are much better than others. We recommend Wakana, as they have locally-made, high quality rentals available. A big bonus is their location, right next to Yasaka Shrine and just a short walk from Gion — one of Kyoto’s main geisha districts.
You can easily book your rental online. Prices start from ¥4,400 for a single adult, and there is also a couple’s package available for ¥8,600. All packages include dressing and styling services, so you know you’ll look your very best!
3. Explore Nishiki Market
Foodies can’t visit Kyoto without stopping by Nishiki Market — nicknamed Kyoto’s Kitchen. This 400-year-old market has over 100 stalls selling all kinds of fresh fish and meat, sweets and souvenirs, and much, much more.
If you’ve got limited time, this breakfast tour with a local guide will make sure you hit all the best spots. And they even take photos for you, so you can focus on filling your tummy. It costs ¥7,000 per adult. There is a maximum of six participants per tour so make sure to book early.
4. Visit Sagano Bamboo Forest
You may have seen the photos of bamboo reaching into the sky on all sides, and this is the place where you can experience it yourself. Also known as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagano Bamboo Forest is a popular destination for insta-worthy photos. Nestled in the mountains and right by the river, the area is rich in both nature and history. Tenryūji, famous temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby.
After wandering through Sagano Bamboo Forest, we recommend booking a river boat ride. For ¥6,388 per adult, you can cruise along the river from Kameoka to Arashiyama, and enjoy seeing the area from another perspective.
Pro tip: If you don’t like crowds, nearby Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple has a bamboo forest that is a great alternative to Arashiyama.
5. Meet a real life geisha
It’s no secret that geisha can be elusive. Called geiko in Kyoto, these women are highly trained and respected entertainers, and if you are lucky enough you may catch a glimpse of them from afar. And if that’s enough for you, check out our guide on where to spot geisha for some hints and tips.
However, if you want to get up close and personal you have a few different options — and all of them will cost you. If you can speak Japanese, or don’t mind paying a little extra for foreign language service, you can have lunch with a maiko for ¥5,500 — a surprisingly affordable option. A maiko is a young woman who is training to be a geisha; while not at the level of a geiko or geisha they are still highly trained and impressive! Plus, maiko are the ones with the really elaborate kimono and hairstyles.
If only a fully fledged geisha will do, it’s going to cost more. A private banquet with two geiko — at an ochaya (the teahouses where geisha entertain) no less — costs ¥163,462 per person (minimum of two people per booking). The experience includes a full kaiseki meal (traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine) and a live shamisen performance (a traditional three-string instrument similar to a guitar or banjo). While this may pricey, it’s actually still pretty reasonable as far as costs in the geisha world go.
Coming from Tokyo? Here is a breakdown of the best ways of traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.
6. Participate in a tea ceremony
This is another activity steeped (haha) in tradition. And given the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto — and the proximity to Uji, the matcha green tea paradise — this is the perfect place to experience it.
Tea ceremonies have a long history and a number of very specific customs associated with them. Tradionally, such “ceremonies” (for lack of a better translation) involve one host serving tea to guests as an aestheticized act of hospitality. This is the sort of thing you have to be invited to. Fortunately, Kyoto offers other ways to experience the Japanese art of tea. For example, instead of a host preparing the tea, you can try making the tea yourself under the guidance of an instructor. The best part of doing it this way is that you’ll be able to whip up your own cup of traditional Japanese tea long after you’ve returned home.
At a lovely teahouse, not far from Kiyomizudera, you can learn about the tea ceremony with an English-speaking instructor, then try making your own tea, which you can then enjoy alongside some traditional Japanese sweets. If you’d like to get a bit fancy, this tea experience comes with kimono rental and costs ¥8,500 per person (minimum of two people per booking).
7. Find peace in a Zen garden
Many of the temples in Kyoto have beautiful gardens that you can enjoy. Usually there’s a small admission fee of a few hundred yen, but it’s well worth the extra cost. You can see the traditional rooms, with tatami mats over looking tranquil gardens. Some of the gardens include a “zen garden” where careful placement of plants, stones, and raked gravel reflect zen philosophy.
Perhaps the most famous Zen garden can be found at Ryoan-ji Temple. But there’s plenty of other temples with nice gardens, for example Kennin-ji and Nanzen-ji.
8. Shop for bargains at a fleamarket
Flea markets are a great place to pick up unique souvenirs at bargain prices. And considering Kyoto’s long history, there’s always going to be some great antique pieces floating around too. Expect to find new and old ceramics, antique kimono and upcycled kimono products, art and accessories from local designers, and a whole lot more.
While there are plenty of flea markets in Kyoto to choose from, we recommend the Kobo-san Temple Flea Market at Tōji Temple (first Sunday & 21st of each month) for antiques and the Umekoji Handicraft Market (first Saturday of each month) for handmade crafts. There are also a series of different markets held at Okazaki Park from May to August.
9. Take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is the perfect place for a (relatively) calm stroll. It’s a well-known cherry blossom spot, but truth be told it’s lovely at all times of the year. The path follows a shallow canal through the Higashiyama District, with plenty of temples, shrines, and cafés along the way. While thesedays there are lots of tourists, it’s still a nice place to take a walk and enjoy nature.
10. Go sake tasting in Fushimi Sake District
While the Fushimi area in southern Kyoto is most famous for Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, sake enthusists shouldn’t miss the nearby sake brewing district. Fushimi Sake District is well-known all over Japan for its high quality sake made from local underground spring water. The area has a long history of sake brewing, with some breweries claiming to be over 400 years old. Many of the breweries offer tastings, and a few even have their own museums. Some highlights in the area include the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and the Kizakura Kappa Museum. There are also tours of the Fushimi Sake District, like this food and history tour, which mean you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
11. Off the beaten track: Learn all about matcha green tea in Uji
Can’t get enough matcha? Then you’d better head to Uji, a small city about 20 minutes away from Kyoto by rapid train. This city is reknowned for its matcha, which is considered the highest quality matcha in Japan, and it’s the place for matcha enthusists to visit. Plus you can tie in a visit to Byōdōin, the temple featured on the 10-yen coin.
There are variety of matcha related experiences you can do in Uji. For a mere ¥1,430 you can try your hand at stone-milling matcha. Afterwards, relax and sip your freshly ground matcha. If you’d really like to get up close and personal with the matcha process though, you can splash out ¥21,795 per person (minimum of two people per booking) for a visit to a matcha plantation and factory. Your guide will meet you at Kyoto Station and escort you to Uji where you will treated to a tour of one of Japan’s oldest matcha plantations.
12. Off the beaten track: Enjoy the view at Amanohashidate
Had your fill of temples and shrines? If you’d like to explore far flung corners of Kyoto Prefecture why not head to Amanohashidate? Amanohashidate is a natural land bridge that stretches across Miyazu Bay on the Sea of Japan. It’s known as one of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan — no really, it’s a thing. The area has lots of white sandy beaches, and is a popular summer getaway for Kyoto- and Kansai-area residents.
The best way to reach Amanohashidate is to score a seat on one of the three daily services of JR West’s Ltd. Express Hashidate, which goes direct from Kyoto to Amanohashidate Station in just over two hours. One-way fare is ¥4,790, so we recommend using a rail pass like the Kansai Wide Area Pass (or the Kansai Wide Area Excursion Pass for foreign residents). Both passes cover the whole journey, and with just a round-trip between Kyoto and Amanohashidate you’ll have paid off the pass — the rest is just bonus (or use it for that other trip to Uji).
If you do decide to head out that way, we also recommend getting the Kasamatsu 2-day Pass. This includes round-trip tickets for both the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat and the Amanohashidate-kasamatsu Park Cable Car, as well as rides on local buses. The pass costs ¥1,900 and is valid for two days.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Kyoto
Is Kyoto worth visting?
Yes, Kyoto is definitely worth visiting. While overcrowding is certainly an issue at major attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in Kyoto that make it worth visiting. Kyoto has lots of important cultural and historical sites, including well-preserved buildings and artefacts, as well as a few noteworthy pop culture destinations like the International Manga Museum and the Nintendo Museum. There is also a strong traditional food culture in kaiseki course meals and shōjin ryōri vegetarian temple food.
Pro tip: If you want the traditional vibes but fewer crowds, Kanazawa is a good alternative to Kyoto.
How many days in Kyoto is enough?
Three or four days will be enough for most first-time visitors to Kyoto. You’ll have enough time to visit some of the top attractions and a few less well-known places too. That being said, we once spent two weeks in Kyoto and didn’t run out of things to do. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs to do that.
What is Kyoto best known for?
Kyoto is famous for its historical importance as Japan’s ancient capital. Because of this history, it has hundreds of shrines and temples, as well as gardens, residences, and castles. Probably the most well-known among these are Kinkakuji Temple (aka the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (with its thousands of red torii gates), and Nijō Castle.
Which is better — Kyoto or Osaka?
This depends entirely on the type of experience you want. Both cities have an endless list of things to do, but there are some big differences. Kyoto has a lot more historical and cultural attractions than Osaka, while Osaka is a lot more modern with one of Japan’s best food scenes and lots of entertainment options.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in January 2023. Last updated: July 2024.
