Things to do in Kyoto
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Most popular activities in Kyoto
Tours & day trips
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Private & custom tours
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Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto
Kiyomizu Temple
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.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
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.
Nishiki Market
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Kyoto Tower
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 Imperial Palace
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a stop at Kyoto Imperial Palace. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Heian Shrine
An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
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.
Shijo Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this culturally rich area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto
Central Kyoto
Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.
Gion
Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Higashiyama Ward
Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple 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.
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.
Arashiyama
You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.
- Places to visit
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- Kawaramachi Street
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Nishiki Market
- Nijō Castle
- Kyoto Tower
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Kyoto University
- Heian Shrine
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Yasaka Shrine
- Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Nintendo World Headquarters
- Sanjusangen-do Temple
- To-ji Temple
- Kifune Shrine
- Nanzen-ji Temple
- Kyoto Aquarium
- Mount Hiei
- Sanjo Street
- Hanamikoji Street
- Philosopher's Path
- Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Toei Kyoto Studio Park
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Sanzenin Temple
- Ginkaku-ji Temple
- Umekoji Park
- Hotels near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Hotels near Pontocho Alley
- Hotels near Nishiki Market
- Hotels near Kyoto University
- Hotels near Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hotels near Kiyomizu Temple
- Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Kyoto Racecourse
- Hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Hotels near Kawaramachi Street
- Hotels near Kyoto Aquarium
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Kyoto Tower
- Hotels near Heian Shrine
- Hotels near Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels near Shijo Street
- Hotels near Yasaka Shrine
- Hotels near Gion Corner
- Hotels near Nintendo World Headquarters
- Hotels near Sanjusangen-do Temple
- Hotels near To-ji Temple
- Hotels near Kifune Shrine
- Hotels near Nanzen-ji Temple
- Hotels near Mount Hiei
- Hotels near Togetsukyo Bridge
- Hotels near Doshisha University
- Hotels near Ryoan-ji Temple
- Hotels near Sanjo Street
- Hotels near Hanamikoji Street