Things to do in Kyoto
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Most popular experiences in Kyoto
Tours & day trips
See all 209 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 94 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Guided Historical Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto
Classes & workshops
See all 44 activitiesOpens in new tab1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto
Adventure & outdoor
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Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabRomantic Kyoto: Love Whispers and Cultural Charms
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
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.
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
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Visit 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 culturally rich area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Yasaka Shrine
Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.
Areas of Kyoto
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Kyoto Gion Lamp Museum while you're exploring the area.
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.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Minami Ward
Travellers choose Minami Ward for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nishioji Station or Jujo Station and check out top sights like Kawaramachi Street.
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