Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture in 2026

A pathway flanked by tall green bamboo stalks.

A traditional Japanese temple with red and white structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of visitors.

A busy indoor public space with multiple levels, escalators, and glass railings.

A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, wooden beams, and a small balcony.

Wooden containers with numbered labels, filled with various items like chopsticks, keys, and small decorative objects.

Things to do

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

￥569

per traveler

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

￥12,000

per adult

Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Sightseeing Full Day Trip from Kyoto

￥8,777

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Kyoto Cultural Walking Tour Small Group: Zen, Inari & Gion

￥8,645

per adult

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

￥9,509

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip

￥8,338

per adult

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

￥15,000

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

￥3,500

per adult

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Nakagyo

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto

￥2,500

per adult

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Kyoto Prefecture must see attractions

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 travelers 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, attracting millions of visitors each 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. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, this one is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the Temple of the Golden Pavilion’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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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 Prefecture

Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

Nishiki Market

8.8/10 (4,133 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.

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Where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture

Find the best Kyoto Prefecture areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kyoto Prefecture

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

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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.

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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.

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A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs.

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Nishiki Market or Kawaramachi Street and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

A traditional Chinese dragon dance with performers in blue patterned costumes on a decorated platform.

Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

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