10 TOP Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture (2026 Activity Guide)

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

Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

P3,163

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio

P1,223

per adult

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

P4,893

per adult

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

P7,360

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Wear a high-quality kimono, enjoy a tea ceremony experience in a small group, and hear fun travel stories from other travelers.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

P5,857

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour

P3,205

per adult

Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour

P3,046

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

P2,243

per adult

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

P1,367

per adult

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Top places to visit

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, drawing millions of visitors a 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 travellers 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.

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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A traditional Japanese building with a stone wall and a canal reflecting the structure.

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

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

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.

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

Kiyomizu Temple

9.0/10 (8,712 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.

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Where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture

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

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 Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

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 Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. 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 Kyoto International Manga Museum 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 Museum of Kyoto. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.