Things to do in Kyoto

Activities, attractions and tours

Heian Shrine which includes religious elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Kyōto showing a park, hiking or walking and forests
Kyoto
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring a house, heritage architecture and a sunset
Kyoto
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Most popular experiences in Kyoto

Tours & day trips

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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 150 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$955 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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

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

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$643 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$603 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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

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

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is HK$451 per traveller
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Shows & concerts

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Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$251 per adult
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What to do in Kyoto

Popular places to visit

Kiyomizu Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

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.

Kiyomizu Temple
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.

Nijō Castle
Nishiki Market showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

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.

Nishiki Market
Kyoto Tower

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.

Kyoto Tower
Fushimi Inari Shrine which includes interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kinkaku-ji Temple

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace

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.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

During your visit to Kyoto, you can enjoy retail therapy at Pontocho Alley. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Pontocho Alley
Shijo Street

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.

Shijo Street

Areas of Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a garden and a pond

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.

Central Kyoto
Kyōto showing forest scenes, landscape views and a garden

Arashiyama

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

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.

Arashiyama
Gion featuring street scenes, cycling and night scenes

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.

Gion
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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.

Shimogyo Ward
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.

Downtown Kyoto
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.

Higashiyama Ward
Otsu

Otsu

Uji

Uji

Photo "Yawata" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Yawata

Osaka

Osaka

Photo by Kean Low

Kameoka

Photo by Lara Tan

Takatsuki

Photo "Nagaokakyo" by Mti (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mti (CC BY-SA)

Nagaokakyo

Hirakata

Hirakata

Frequently asked questions

Is Kyoto worth visiting?
Providing a mix of views and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Kyoto. While you're here, visit Arashiyama Onsen, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kyoto?
Arashiyama Onsen and Kurama Hot Spring are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Kyoto while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kyoto?
Don't go home without visiting Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kyoto.
Is three days enough to stay in Kyoto?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art with a three-day stay in Kyoto. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Osaka.
Is Kyoto a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Kyoto. Several top attractions, like Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kyoto's neighbourhoods, Central Kyoto is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Shimogyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kyoto with kids?
Planning what to do in Kyoto with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Kyoto for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kyoto, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Teramachi Street or Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Kyoto?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Kyoto. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.