What to do in Kyoto

Activities, attractions and tours

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and heritage architecture
Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and heritage architecture
Kyoto featuring landscape views, a park and hiking or walking
Otsu showing flowers
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring a city, a small town or village and a house
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Most fun & popular experiences in Kyoto

Tours & day trips

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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 155 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.025.132 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Lunch

From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.097.835 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views

Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp820.712 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is Rp979.968 per traveller
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Shows & concerts

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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.897.229 per adult
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What to do in Kyoto

Popular places to visit

Nishiki Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Nishiki Market

4.5/5(50 reviews)

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

Nishiki Market
Kiyomizu Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Kiyomizu Temple

4.5/5(157 reviews)

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

Kiyomizu Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine which includes a temple or place of worship and interior views as well as a small group of people

Fushimi Inari Shrine

4.5/5(249 reviews)

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nijo Castle which includes landscape views, a pond and heritage architecture

Nijō Castle

4.5/5(81 reviews)

Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

Nijō Castle
Stairs up to mountain and maple tree in Japan. Stairs in Park at Kinkaku-ji Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower

4/5(117 reviews)

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Kyoto Tower
Kyoto_KyotoImperialPalace_501429_01

Kyoto Imperial Palace

4.5/5(115 reviews)

Kyoto Imperial Palace is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto featuring landscape views, a park and hiking or walking

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

5/5(5 reviews)

Take a stroll or a bicycle ride through this sublime forest to experience the otherworldly tranquility created by filtered sunlight and rustling bamboo leaves.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Ponto-cho is a Hanamachi district in Kyoto Japan. There are many geisha houses, traditional tea houses, historical architectures and riverbed style cuisine restaurants.

Pontocho Alley

During your visit to Kyoto, you can enjoy retail therapy at Pontocho Alley. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Pontocho Alley

Explore areas of Kyoto

Nijo Castle which includes a garden and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 area reviews)

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

Central Kyoto
Gion showing cycling, night scenes and street scenes

Gion

5/5(46 area reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

Gion
Kyoto Tower featuring a city, a high rise building and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Panoramic view of buildings containing Ninomaru reception rooms at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan. Stitched from 2 images using Canon PhotoStitch 3.1.

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Nishiki Market or Kyoto International Manga Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Ryozen Kannon War Memorial 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.

Higashiyama Ward
The Gion Matsuri Festival is Japans most famous festival. Musicians sit in huge floats that are pushed/dragged around town in Kyoto while the musicians play their flutes. There are two types of floats in The Gion Matsuri Parade, Yama and Hoko. There are 23 Yama and 10 Hoko. The Hoko floats can be up to 25 meters tall and weigh up to 12 tons. The main procession of the floats are held on the 17th of July, which is when this photo was taken. #Festival

Karasuma

Experience sensory delights at the Kitchen of Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, take an art class and visit a sacred temple in this central neighborhood.

Karasuma

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 kilometers away from downtown, while Shimogyo Ward is 3 kilometers 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.