Things to do in Kyoto

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular activities in Kyoto

Tours & day trips

See all 789 activities
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 150 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,000 per adult
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 357 activities
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Lunch

From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,300 per adult
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with LunchOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 169 activities
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥12,000 per adult
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya ShrineOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 59 activities
Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is ￥8,964 per traveler
Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking TourOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 18 activities
Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,000 per adult
Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto TicketOpens in new tab

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 culturally rich 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 walkable 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
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
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
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.