Things to do in Kyoto

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Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Kyōto featuring landscape views, a garden and forest scenes
Otsu showing flowers
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka showing a sunset, a city and a house
Kyu Chikurinin Garden showing a park
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Kyoto must see attractions

1. 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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Kiyomizu Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

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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Fushimi Inari Shrine showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

3. 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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4. 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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Nijo Castle which includes a small town or village, a castle and heritage architecture

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

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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京都タワー

What to do in Kyoto

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Kiyomizu Temple

4.5/5(759 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
Nishiki Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Nishiki Market

4.5/5(253 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
Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

Fushimi Inari Shrine

4.5/5(1,177 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 featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a pond

Nijō Castle

4.5/5(584 reviews)

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

Nijō Castle
Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple

4.5/5(26 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 Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

4.5/5(566 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 Tower

Kyoto Tower

4/5(463 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
Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

4.5/5(3 reviews)

During your visit to Kyoto, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pontocho Alley. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Pontocho Alley
Springtime in Kyoto's Gion district. #asia #japan #kyoto #gion #sakura #streetphotography #travel

Shijo Street

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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.

Shijo Street

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(1,806 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 which includes cycling, street scenes and night scenes

Gion

5/5(208 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
Kyōto featuring a garden, forest scenes and landscape views

Arashiyama

5/5(51 area reviews)

Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, Arashiyama offers attractions like Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryū-ji temple, and Sagano bamboo forest. Easily accessible and walkable, it's perfect for exploring Kyoto's western outskirts.

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

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

Discover bustling Shijō Street's shopping district and explore attractions like Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Railway Museum. Easily navigate the area from Kyoto Station, a major transport hub.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

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

Downtown Kyoto
Central Kyoto

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

Popular day trips from Kyoto

Photo by Breathing Means More

Ibaraki

Photo by Cathy Fuentes

Shimamoto

Photo by Therese Foley

Muko

Lake Biwa Canal featuring a river or creek

Otsu

Uji

Uji

Photo "Yawata" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Yawata

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Photo by Kean Low

Kameoka

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 vacation 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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Central Kyoto is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Shimogyo Ward is 3 kilometers away from the center 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 traveling 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 neighborhoods, 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.