Kyoto Prefecture Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Kyoto Prefecture

Kyōto showing a park, hiking or walking and forests

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

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

Tofukuji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, heritage architecture and religious elements

Most popular experiences in Kyoto Prefecture

Tours & day trips

See all 615 activities

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 267 activities

Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 133 activities

Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritsuruya, Nishiki

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 115 activities

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 55 activities

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

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Popular places to visit

Rurikei Onsen

Rurikei Onsen is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Nantan. Discover the area's hot springs and mountain views.

Kiyomizu Temple

4.5/5(157 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.

Nishiki Market

4.5/5(50 reviews)

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

4.5/5(249 reviews)

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.

Kyoto Tower

4/5(117 reviews)

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Nijo Castle which includes a castle, landscape views and heritage architecture

Nijō Castle

4.5/5(81 reviews)

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

Kinkaku-ji Temple

3.5/5(2 reviews)

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

4.5/5(115 reviews)

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.

Shijo Street

4/5(1 review)

During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Areas of Kyoto Prefecture

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 area reviews)

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

Gion

5/5(46 area reviews)

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

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Karasuma

Experience sensory delights at the Kitchen of Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, take an art class and visit a sacred temple in this central neighborhood.

Shoren-in Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope 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.