Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture
Most popular activities in Kyoto Prefecture
History & culture
See all 343 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 198 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Guided Historical Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 79 activitiesOpens in new tabNighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond
Adventure & outdoor
See all 52 activitiesOpens in new tabCity cycle (no gear change)
Shows & concerts
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabSamurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket
Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto Prefecture
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.
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
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.
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.
Yasaka Shrine
Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto Prefecture
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.
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.
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.
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.
Minami Ward
Consider a visit to Kawaramachi Street and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Minami Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Nishioji Station or Jujo Station.
- 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 Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato
- Hotels near Kyoto Racecourse
- Hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Kawaramachi Street
- Hotels near Kyoto Aquarium
- Hotels near Kyoto Tower
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels near Shijo Street
- Hotels near Yasaka Shrine
- Hotels near Heian Shrine
- Hotels near Sanjusangen-do Temple
- Hotels near Gion Corner
- Hotels near Nintendo World Headquarters
- Hotels near Nanzen-ji Temple
- Hotels near To-ji Temple
- Hotels near Togetsukyo Bridge
- Hotels near Kifune Shrine
- Hotels near Yuhigaura Hot Springs
- Hotels near Amano Hashidate Beach
- Hotels near Hanamikoji Street
- Hotels near Sanjo Street
- Hotels near Ryoan-ji Temple