Things to do in Kyoto
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most popular experiences in Kyoto
Tours & day trips
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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
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Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Classes & workshops
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Skip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO
Adventure & outdoor
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Kyoto/Osaka: Sanzenin, Bamboo Forest, & Arashiyama Day Trip
Shows & concerts
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Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset
What to do in Kyoto
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.
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.
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.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a stop at Kyoto Imperial Palace. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants 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.
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.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take a stroll or a bicycle ride through this sublime forest to experience the otherworldly tranquility created by filtered sunlight and rustling bamboo leaves.
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.
Areas of Kyoto
Central Kyoto
Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.
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.
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.
Downtown Kyoto
If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Rokakkudo Temple and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
Higashiyama Ward
Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.
Karasuma
Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
- Hotels near Kiyomizu Temple
- Hotels near Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hotels near Nishiki Market
- Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Kyoto University
- Hotels near Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Yasaka Shrine
- Hotels near Togetsukyo Bridge