The Best Things to Do in Kyoto
After Hiroshima, we traced Honshu Island to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Known for its attractions, Kyoto makes its way onto every Japan bucket list, and it’s easy to see why. The city conserves Japan’s history and culture, centuries-old buildings, and traditions. The poignant realization that Kyoto, too, was a potential atomic bomb target lent an extra layer of appreciation for its historic sights.
You’ll find countless must-see attractions in Kyoto. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a guide to the top places to visit in Kyoto, spotlighting some hidden gems. This way, you can experience the iconic and lesser-known sides of the city – and escape the crowds for a while. We also included a few bonus day trips from Kyoto to round out your experience. Get ready for temple hopping, riverside strolls, and the matcha buzz.
Places to Visit in Kyoto
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle
As the ancient capital, Kyoto was home to the imperial family from 1331 until 1868. Start at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, rebuilt in 1855 for the final time and known as one of the most significant places to visit in Kyoto. While the palace buildings are closed to the public, you can roam the grounds and soak in the beauty of KyotoGyoen National Garden. It’s a spot loved by locals and visitors alike, featuring history and Japanese landscaping.
Next, take a walk to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the house of the first shogun of the Edo Period and later used as an imperial palace. In 1994, its feudal-era architecture earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Photography is prohibited inside, but one detail that stood out to us was the “nightingale floors" that “chirp” as you walk across them. Pay attention or you'll mistake them for regular floor creaks! Whether by design or happy coincidence, the floors are considered an ancient security system. And Nijo Castle’s are the best example out there.
Gion District
The Gion district is one of the top attractions in Kyoto, known for its picturesque streets that swell with tourists and photographers. Starting from early morning, the race to capture the narrow wooden machiya merchant houses, willow-lined canals, and quaint bridges begins. The other draw is the chance to spot a geisha or maiko – kimono-clad expert hostesses and apprentices.
The machiyas of Gion are home to exclusive ochaya tea houses where geishas entertain, carrying on the art of hospitality since the 17th century. To get a closer look at Japan's cultural traditions, head to Gion Corner for an hour-long daily show at 6 pm. You’ll see live performances by real maiko, witness a traditional tea ceremony, learn about ikebana (the art of flower arrangement), and enjoy bunraku puppetry. It’s a fast-paced cultural primer that gives browsing the streets of Gion a bit more context.
Wander along Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Hanami-koji streets and be mindful of signs prohibiting photography, especially of geisha and maiko. Instead, channel your enthusiasm into capturing Yasaka Pagoda. The striking five-story pagoda is the last remaining structure of the 6th-century Hokan-ji temple that rises above the rooftops of the machiyas.
Samurai and Ninja Museum
Kyoto was once a samurai battleground. If finding sword cuts on Sanjo Bridge’s orbs is intriguing, and you enjoy dressing up, don’t miss the Samurai andNinja Museum. You’ll learn fun trivia, check out ancient armor, and even have the chance to try it on. On top of that, you get to watch a live samurai performance, and, if you’re up for it, learn sword techniques or try your hand with ninja stars. It’s a fun way to connect with Kyoto’s history and culture.
Kiyomizudera Temple
One of the top places to visit in Kyoto is Kiyomizudera, an ancient temple dating back to 780, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name translates to “Pure Water Temple” because of the Otowa Waterfall flowing on site. But its fame is attributed to the expansive wooden terrace towering 42.6 feet above ground with views of Kyoto’s cityscape. In the Edo period, it was believed that jumping from the stage would grant a wish – if you survived the leap, that is.
For a much safer tradition, head to the base of Kiyomizudera, where Otowa Waterfall is split into three streams. Here, you can drink from one of the streams to wish for longevity, academic success, or love (beware – drinking from all three is rumored to tempt fate). We ladled ourselves a cup from one of the streams. Can you guess which one?
Nanzen-Ji Temple
Originally built as an imperial villa in 1264, Nanzen-Ji became the head temple of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. But there’s more to Nanzen-Ji than its historical artifacts and many sub-temples. Its grounds are also celebrated for unique features, from meticulously designed rock gardens and tree groves to a striking brick aqueduct – a somewhat surprising sight. Yet, we can imagine the red brick aqueduct blending seamlessly with the fall foliage.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
You’ll definitely see Fushimi Inari Shrine pop up when browsing photos of Japan. It's a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, renowned for its trails of vermilion torii gates that trace Mount Inari. These iconic paths, some of the most photographed spots in Japan, draw considerable crowds.
There are thousands of torii gates, each donated by companies every ten years in hopes of a prosperous decade. The vibrant orange color isn’t random, too – it’s believed to protect against evil. Though some say it’s also inspired by the color of the fox, statues of which are found throughout the grounds because they symbolize messengers of Inari. The trails lead up the mountain, with the Yotsutsuji Lookout marking the halfway point.
As one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions, Fushimi Inari Shrine is hard to pass up, so here are a few tips for a more tranquil experience. The best way to beat the crowds is to arrive early; the shrine is open 24 hours, so you can start at sunrise to catch the light casting shadows through the gates or see the paths illuminated by lanterns at night. As you ascend, you’ll notice the crowds thinning, though the density of torii gates tapers off past the halfway mark.
For those after Kyoto off the beaten path, explore the hiking trails, including one leading to a secluded bamboo forest – a quieter alternative to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. To find this spot, follow the signs to Fushimi Kandakara Shrine; the bamboo grove lies just beyond it.
Kamogawa River
For a scenic stroll, head to the banks of the Kamo River, which flows through the city for over 12.5 miles. Once an irrigation system, the riverbanks have evolved into popular jogging routes and picnic spots. Come evening, riverside restaurants put out atmospheric lights to lure you in. Whether you’re heading to dinner at Pontocho, Kyoto’s iconic dining alley along the Kamogawa, or enjoying a post-dinner walk, the Kamo River is the spot.
We especially enjoyed our morning walks here, watching Kyoto awaken. While matcha is central to the city’s culture, Kyoto also boasts a thriving coffee scene. One charming stop you can’t miss is Wife & Husband, a cozy, family-run coffee shop by the river. True to the name, the shop is run by a husband-and-wife team dedicated to serving an exceptional cup of coffee while introducing you to Kyoto’s simple pleasures. One of the highlights is their minimalistic picnic baskets with all the paraphernalia for a romantic riverside coffee date. With a small venue and a handful of menu items, they keep things intimate. Hence, reservations are required and can be made on their website. Given their heavily booked calendar, W&H is no hidden gem. Yet, this experience was by far one of our favorite unique things to do in Kyoto.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Originally built as a retirement villa, Kinkaku-ji became a Zen temple in 1408. It has been rebuilt many times, and the UNESCO-listed structure we see today dates back to 1955. The temple’s most unique feature is the two top floors entirely covered in gold leaf, which earns it the name “Golden Pavilion.” Each floor is built in a different architectural style, which you can admire across the pond, where its golden reflection glows in the water. Then, follow the trail that leads behind the temple to view it up close and onward to serene gardens.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Located 20 minutes north, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ranks among the top attractions in Kyoto and the most photographed spots. The park is open 24 hours. Unsurprisingly, it gets quite crowded, and even early-morning arrivals often find photographers already setting up. But no picture truly captures its essence – you have to come to Arashiyama to experience one of Japan's most distinct sounds. Walking on a path fringed by bamboo groves that rustle in the wind is best appreciated in silence. The trail leads up a gentle hill where you should admire Okochi-Sanso Villa's architecture before heading back. Near the forest flows one of the largest rivers in Kyoto, the Katsura River. Cross Togetsukyo Bridge – a famous landmark built in 1934 after repeated floods destroyed its predecessors – and digest your impressions along the riverbank.
Hot Tip: If you want to arrive at Arashiyama in style, try the Hozugawa River Cruise, a traditional sightseeing boat ride along the Katsura River that departs from Kameoka. Hand-paddled and navigated with a single bamboo pole through rapids, it's quite the thrill!
Nenbutsuji Temple Bamboo Forest
For a bamboo forest in Kyoto off the beaten path, head to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, located further north of Arashiyama. This 8th-century temple hides crowd-free bamboo groves and is also home to thousands of stone memorial statues for the deceased without kin. While the bamboo here doesn’t rival Arashiyama’s scale, its placement along steps creates a unique angle and a far more solitary experience.
A bit further north, you’ll find Otagi Nenbutsuji, another 8th-century temple featuring over 1,200 stone Rakan statues, representing Buddha's disciples. With their quirky and varied expressions, these figures bring whimsical energy, unlike Adashino Nenbutsuji. Together, these Kyoto hidden gems provide a quiet escape and are well worth a visit for those looking to explore unique things to do in Kyoto.
Day Trips from Kyoto
Uji
Matcha dominates menus across Kyoto, from traditional tea houses to hipster cafes. Even those who weren’t matcha fans before might find themselves converted after a visit. Kyoto Prefecture’s town of Uji is the birthplace of matcha, and Uji tea is widely regarded as some of the finest in the world. Located just 30 minutes away, Uji is a quick day trip from Kyoto for a taste of Japan’s green tea culture.
Stroll through the lush Wazuka Tea Plantation fields and join the tea-picking (harvest season is from mid-April to October). Back in town, explore the history at the Tea Town Historical Park and attend a traditional tea ceremony at Taihoan to learn the etiquette of having Japanese green tea. Each movement is deliberate and meditative. Then, sample matcha-infused treats, from matcha-flavored soba noodles to sweets, and pick up a tea set for friends and family back home.
Uji is also home to the stunning Byodoin Temple, one of the town’s main attractions and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s only original structure is the Phoenix Hall, which dates back to 1053. It features a wooden Buddha coated in gold leaf and phoenixes on top of the roof that are also on Japan's 10,000-yen bill.
Osaka
We hadn’t planned to include Osaka in our Japan itinerary, but being only a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, the chance to see one of Japan’s most visited cities on a day trip was too good to pass up. Known as the street food capital and often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka draws foodies from around the globe. Head straight to Kuromon Ichiba Market, a historic food market dating back to 1902, where fresh seafood awaits.
Then, take a walk at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, and admire the striking contrast between the castle and modern skyline from the parks on the castle grounds. Finish your day in the Dotonbori neighborhood, home to the famous Glico running man sign and a lineup of street food stalls. Look out for takoyaki, or octopus balls topped with sauces and bonito flakes, the Osaka specialty. And sample an Osaka-style okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a Michelin-recommended spot specializing in the savory Japanese pancake. FYI, Osaka-style skips the noodles typically added in Hiroshima’s version.
Nara
Getting to Nara is a breeze with a quick 35-minute train ride from Kyoto. Yet, it’s wise to arrive as early as possible before the crowds of day-trippers flood in during peak hours. When it comes to day trips, the popularity of Nara Park is hard to beat. Not only for historic sites but also for adorable residents – over a thousand free-roaming deer. Considered sacred in Shintoism, these deer wander around the park and mooch for special deer snacks purchased upon entry. They even bow to get treats! While polite and well-mannered at first, we soon discovered that if you don’t surrender your snack after the first bow, it escalates to an advancing head butt.
Dating back to the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital before Kyoto and is home to Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive temples we encountered in Japan. Be sure to stroll through Naramachi, the traditional district filled with shops and restaurants where you can imagine life as it was hundreds of years ago.
Kyoto is brimming with amazing sights, and while we hope our guide to the top attractions, hidden gems, and day trips has been helpful, it’s by no means exhaustive. Let us know what else you think can't be missed in Kyoto! Stocked up on matcha treats, we were off to the next stop on our Japan itinerary – Tokyo.