Kyoto Travel Guide: The Top Things to Do in Kyoto

Apr 23, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Apr 23, 2024

Kyoto is a cultural treasure trove where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern wonders. From serene temples and lush gardens to bustling markets, Kyoto has something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Fushimi Inari Shrine, wander through the historic streets of Gion, savor traditional tea ceremonies, and indulge in the local cuisine. This is your ultimate guide to exploring the top ten things to do in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is an iconic and revered Shinto shrine in Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion-colored torii gates that form paths leading up the forested Mount Inari, creating a mesmerizing tunnel-like effect. These gates, known as "torii," are donated by individuals and businesses as offerings to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and success. Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Shrine has a long history and holds great significance in Japanese culture. You can explore the shrine's grounds, ascend the pathways lined with torii gates, and enjoy the serene forested surroundings. The shrine is free admission, and it gets crowded. Get there early, before 8:30AM, to avoid the crowds.

On your hike around the the shrine, take a break at Vermillion Cafe, a 100-year old, family-owned tea house with a scenic patio overlooking the river.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is stunning a historic Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO's World Heritage Site that dates back to the 8th century. Its perched on a hillside and known for its stunning wooden main hall built without nails.

It offers panoramic views of the city and is famous for its vast veranda, providing spectacular scenes of cherry blossoms and colorful foliage.

The shrine has a small entry fee and accepts cash only, so make sure you are carrying Japanese Yen to enter the temple

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Lane

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are historic, pedestrian streets leading uphill toward Kiyomizu-dera. They are known for their preserved traditional architecture and old-world charm thats offers a glimpse into Kyoto's rich heritage and a delightful ambiance evocative of ancient Japan. The cobblestone lanes are lined with well-preserved machiya houses and shops selling local crafts.

Make sure you stop at Koyori Sushi for lunch. It is a local sushi restaurant that is better than all Michelin star sushi restaurants I have eaten at. Ring the door bell when you get there, and wait for the chef to come let you in. The restaurant features traditional seating on the floor or at the sushi bar. There are two pre-set menu's each day to select from, and the chef takes cash only.

Teahouses on Ninenzaka Lane

Make sure to stop at a few of the teahouses on Ninenzaka Lane. Check out Maccha House to try the best local matcha from Uji, the city where matcha originated from just outside of Kyoto. Try the Maccha icecream or tea. There is also a Starbucks on Ninenzaka lane that has a traditional Japanese teahouse style.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, also known as Nishiki Ichiba, is a historic and bustling food market located in downtown Kyoto, Japan. Stretching over several city blocks, this covered shopping street dates back centuries and is renowned for its vibrant array of traditional Japanese foods, fresh produce, and local delicacies. Often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is an authentic and lively experience that offers a glimpse into Kyoto's rich food culture.

The seafood vendors and sushi are a must try. Snoopy- Yaki also makes a delicious dessert with a custard filling. Most vendors accept cash only, so make sure you have Japanese Yen when you go to the market.

Gion District

Kyoto's Gion district stands as a symbol of traditional Japan, where geisha culture still thrives. Strolling through the streets here offers glimpses of teahouses, quaint shops, and the chance to spot geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elegant attire.

Yasaka Pagoda

The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hokan-ji Temple, is a historic five-story pagoda located in the Gion District. It is the prominent landmark in the area. Take a picture at the famous Yasaka Pagoda Photography Spot where you can get a perfect picture with the pagoda in the background.

Shirakawa Lane

Shirakawa Lane is a picturesque and charming cobblestone lane that runs alongside the Shirakawa River in the Gion district, The peaceful ambiance of Shirakawa Lane, with its willow trees, wooden bridges, and the gentle flow of the Shirakawa River, provides a delightful contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Gion. This area is considered one of the most scenic spots in Kyoto, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and an opportunity to experience the city's historical charm.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an mesmerizing bamboo forest, where tall bamboo stalks create a serene and picturesque pathway. You can walk through the enchanting grove along a designated trail, immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance created by the rustling bamboo leaves and the gentle filtering of sunlight through the dense canopy above.

If you keep walking up the hill at the end of the bamboo path and pay a small entry fee, there is a beautiful garden and tea house.

Arashiyama is located 10 km outside of Kyoto, and is most easily accessible by taxi which takes 30 minutes. Entry is free admission, but it gets crowded. Get there early, before 8:30AM, to take a scenic picture without the crowds.

If you want to avoid the crowds, there is a Buddhist temple nearby "Adashino Nenbutsuji" that has a lesser known bamboo grove, but charges a small entry fee.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Its top floors are covered in gold leaf, creating a shimmering reflection in the surrounding pond. Surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, it's a symbol of beauty and tranquility. Make sure to admire the temples unique architecture and serene setting. The shrine has a small entry fee and accepts cash only, so make sure you are carrying Japanese Yen to enter the temple.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed during the Muromachi period in the late 15th century, Ginkaku-ji is renowned for its elegant and minimalist architectural design. Despite its name, the temple was never actually covered in silver as originally intended. Nevertheless, the simple beauty of the temple, along with its meticulously designed sand garden called the "Sea of Silver Sand" (Ginshadan), is captivating. The temple complex includes various buildings, a beautiful moss garden, a unique dry sand garden featuring a cone-shaped mound known as the "Moon Viewing Platform" (Kogetsudai), and lush greenery surrounding a tranquil pond. The shrine has a small entry fee and accepts cash only, so make sure you are carrying Japanese Yen to enter the temple.

Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley's nightlife in Kyoto is an enchanting blend of traditional and modern entertainment. As night falls, the historic alleyway comes alive with lantern-lit charm, offering a plethora of dining options within its traditional machiya houses. You can savor an array of culinary delights, from authentic Kyoto cuisine to international dishes, while soaking up the intimate atmosphere. During summer Pontocho's nightlife extends to the riverside, particularly when "yuka" or riverside dining platforms along the Kamo River provide a picturesque setting for dining with stunning views.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant historic site that stands as an emblem of Japan's feudal history. Built in the early 17th century, it served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo Period. The castle's notable features include the Ninomaru Palace with its famed "nightingale floors," intricately decorated rooms, and sliding doors adorned with exquisite artwork and painted screens depicting historical and natural scenes.

Surrounding the palaces are fortified walls and beautiful gardens, such as the Ninomaru and Seiryu-en Gardens, offering serene landscapes and ponds, creating a peaceful ambiance. The shrine has a small entry fee and accepts cash and credit. You can but tickets at the vending machines by the front gate.

Koun-tei Teahouse

Within Nijo Castle, there is a historic teahouse called "Koun-tei Tea House." It is a traditional Japanese tea house located in the Seiryu-en Garden, one of the castle's beautiful gardens. The tea house overlooks a tranquil pond and is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. You participate in or observe a traditional tea ceremony conducted within the Koun-tei Tea House, providing a glimpse into the profound cultural significance and ritualistic beauty of the Japanese tea ceremony amidst the historical surroundings of the castle.