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Kyoto, Japan

Destination Guide

Kyoto

Japan

Best things to do in Kyoto

50 curated attractions in Kyoto, Japan. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - May, September - November

Average temp

16°C/61°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is best known for its historical significance and the preservation of traditional culture. This is a city where the past is woven into daily life, visible in its countless temples and shrines, such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, and in the tea houses of Gion where geisha still entertain. The layout of the city reflects its history, featuring narrow streets and an abundance of gardens that draw both locals and tourists alike. Visitors come mainly for the temples, gardens, and the seasonal displays of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, making it a popular stop on any cultural itinerary in Japan.

Who it's for

Ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and culture. Perfect for anyone who enjoys wandering through beautiful surroundings. However, visitors looking for a nightlife or modern attractions might find themselves disappointed, as the focus here is firmly on tradition and tranquility.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre can be walked across in about 30 minutes, with many temples and attractions nearby
  • Kyoto Station is about 15 minutes by bus or a 30-minute walk from Nishiki Market
  • Buses run frequently but can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons
  • The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is around a 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Religious
Hanamikoji Street

Hanamikoji Street

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Philosopher's Path

Philosopher's Path

Hiking trails
Gion District

Gion District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Forests & jungles
Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Higashiyama District

Higashiyama District

Old towns & historic quarters
Nishiki Orizuruya

Nishiki Orizuruya

Cultural
Maikoya

Maikoya

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Kotouen

Kotouen

Natural Wonders
Sanjusangendo Temple

Sanjusangendo Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Shirakawa Canal District

Shirakawa Canal District

Cultural
Toutensei Kawasaki

Toutensei Kawasaki

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Sanso Garden

Sanso Garden

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Kamo River

Kamo River

Natural Wonders
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Tenjuan

Tenjuan

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Castles & palaces
Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Shinto shrines
Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple

Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Monkey Park

Monkey Park

Wildlife Experiences
Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji

Religious Sites
Kifune

Kifune

Natural Wonders
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka

Cultural
Ryoan-ji Temple

Ryoan-ji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Kurama-dera Temple

Kurama-dera Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Gioji

Gioji

Religious Sites
Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge

Bridges
Katsura Imperial Villa

Katsura Imperial Villa

Historic houses & mansions
Saihoji Kokedera

Saihoji Kokedera

Religious Sites
Pontocho

Pontocho

Food and Drink Destinations
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Shinto shrines
Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle

Castles & palaces
Kodai-ji Temple

Kodai-ji Temple

Religious Sites
Tatsumi Jinja Shrine

Tatsumi Jinja Shrine

Religious Sites
Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

Streets & neighbourhoods
Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Natural Wonders
Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

Shinto shrines
Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine

Shinto shrines
Shinsen-en Garden

Shinsen-en Garden

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Food markets & food halls
Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

History museums
Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower

Observation decks & city views
Kyoto International Manga Museum

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Myohonji Temple

Myohonji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Theme parks

Where to eat in Kyoto

The places worth planning a meal around.

% Arabica

% Arabica

Coffee · $$

★ 4.2 · 5,679 reviews

Chao Chao

Chao Chao

Japanese · $$

★ 4.5 · 3,610 reviews

Tsujiri

Tsujiri

Japanese · $$

★ 4.4 · 2,751 reviews

Menya Inoichi Hanare

Menya Inoichi Hanare

Japanese

★ 4.4 · 2,548 reviews

Kazariya

Kazariya

Japanese · From ¥5000

★ 4.5 · 2,447 reviews

Hikiniku to Come

Hikiniku to Come

Japanese · $$

★ 4.5 · 2,345 reviews

Travel Tools

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