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

Kyōto featuring a park, landscape views and hiking or walking

Yasaka Shrine which includes heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Kyōto showing a city and interior views as well as a large group of people

Tofukuji Temple featuring heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes markets

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Most popular experiences in Kyoto Prefecture

Tours & day trips

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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Kyoto: Make Your Own Matcha with a Tea Master Tea Ceremony

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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

Shows & concerts

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Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Free cancellation available

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Popular places to visit

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.

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.

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.

Nijo Castle featuring chateau or palace, a pond and heritage architecture

Nijō Castle

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

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.

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 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.

Pontocho Alley

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.

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.

Areas of Kyoto Prefecture

Nijo Castle which includes a pond and a garden

Central Kyoto

5/5(12 area reviews)

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

Gion

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

Kyōto which includes landscape views, forest scenes and a park

Arashiyama

You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.

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.

Kyōto which includes mountains and a river or creek

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.