Things to do in Muko

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Therese Foley
Photo by Therese Foley
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Top places to visit

1. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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Kiyomizu Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

2. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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Nijo Castle which includes a castle, landscape views and heritage architecture

3. Nishiki Market

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.
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Nishiki Market showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

4. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, this one is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
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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.

5. Kyoto Tower

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.
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Kyoto Tower

6. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travelers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine which includes interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

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What to do in Muko

Popular places to visit

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

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.

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

Nijō Castle

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

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
Kinkaku-ji Temple

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Tower

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.

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

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
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

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
Kyōto showing a park, hiking or walking and forests

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.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Heian Shrine which includes religious elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Kyoto

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

Nagaokakyo

Frequently asked questions

Is Muko worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of great things to do in Muko. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Muko?
Once you've visited top attractions like Arashiyama Onsen and Keage Incline, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Muko.
What is the top tourist attraction in Muko?
You can't leave without exploring Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Muko.
Is three days enough to stay in Muko?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden with a three-day stay in Muko. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Kyoto.
Is Muko a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Muko. Several key attractions, like Nizaemonnoyu and Komyoji Temple, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Muko's best neighbourhoods, Minami Ward is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Nishikyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Muko with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Muko with kids.

What to do in Muko for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Muko for adults including Teramachi Street and Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Muko?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Muko is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.