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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Most popular activities 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 134 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,000 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥71,775 per traveler*
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Classes & workshops

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Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritsuruya, Nishiki

Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritsuruya, Nishiki

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,700 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 ￥8,496 per traveler
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Shows & concerts

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Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥18,000 per adult
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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

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

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

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
Kyoto Tower

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 Tower
Nijo Castle featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a pond

Nijō Castle

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

Nijō Castle
Kinkaku-ji Temple

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

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

Shijo Street

During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Shijo Street
Heian Shrine featuring a pond, a garden and a temple or place of worship

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.

Heian Shrine

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

Higashiyama Ward

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Traditional-style buildings and protected status define this part of Kyoto, with entertainment in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Must-see attractions include Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.

Higashiyama Ward

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.