You are therefore deep into Kyoto – the capital of culture and tradition. A manual to be sure to experience the whole thing fully Kyoto is a stunning jewel in the crown of Japan and a former imperial capital loved the world over. This city is so full of life and there is always something that can be done.
Take a walk around the Geisha district, or visit the many temples and shrines for their historic and cultural significance, or enjoy the local cuisine. Kyoto seamlessly infuses its charming ancient core with modern sensibilities, weaving a colorful canvas of things to do that will mesmerize any traveler. The city offers a wide range of enchanting beauty spots.
Top 25 Things To Do in Kyoto
1. Efficiently Tour Kyoto on Bike Rental
Now, I would suggest that when you have only 3 days or less in Kyoto, the first thing that you do is rent a bicycle. In this way, you can move around the city easily and can get to visit numbers of places earlier than walking.
We chose to rent a bike for 2 of the days we were there and now, looking back, should have done so the whole time we were in Japan. The city has great bike infrastructure and drivers are usually really good at sharing the road with bikers. Using the sidewalks is also a common sight for those who might feel hesitant about cycling with the rest of the traffic.
We booked our bike rentals through Bicycle Rental Raku-chari Sanjo near the Gion district, for ¥1500 for 24 hours. Hell, if you are going to be renting long-term, you might even be able to talk him/her down.
You have to be careful because Kyoto is not a bicycle storage bunny and it will get taken away. You could just lock your bike up anywhere but be warned that your bike is likely to be towed. Around 100-200 yen per day in the designated parking zone. However before that is the next episode on how for some inexplicable reason, free bicycle parking is available at many popular tourist destinations. In addition, some places in Kyoto have regulations that prohibit bicycle riding, so it is best to study in advance what it is before borrowing from the rental shop.
- Place: Raku-chary Sanjo
- Price: ¥1500/24 hour
- Parking charge: ¥100-200/for 6 hours/moto
2. Ride the Bike down the Path of Philosophy in Kyoto
For anyone starting a cycling adventure in Kyoto, the Path of Philosophy should be Number one. Ginkaku-ji Temple to Eikan-do TempleThe most beautiful path you can choose, visually stunning and calm.Away from the city disturbances, extending north from Ginkaku-ji Temple to south Eikan-do Temple.
The pathway is lined with adorable shops and coffeehouses making it perfect for a casual bike ride or a walk down lover’s lane.
Best in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in the building, and again in autumn, with mile so vibrant, orange and yellow. Even so, its 13-mile-long canal-side stroll keeps both residents and tourists spellbound all year round.
Between Ginkaku-Ji Temple and Eikan-do Temple Free of Cost
3. Fushimi Inari-Taisha: A Must in Kyoto
This shrine, one of the more popular sites to see throughout Kyoto and on so many of our Instagram feeds, is located at the bottom of Inari Mountain in Kyoto. It is no doubt a taken-in-town location, especially if it isn’t too busy when you visit.
The climb along the shrine’s 4 kilometers of trails brings you into contact with many smaller shrines at the edge of the route. Get there early, before seven if you can, to avoid the tourist buses. After 9 am, the visitors gather in this area. The most photogenic part however is outside the main entrance to the shrine. Instead, take a bit of a walk and you might find yourself all alone, gaining some of the best photo opportunities as we did when we visited.
- Location: Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Price: Free
- Tips: Get here as early as you can, preferably by 6 a.m. to enjoy the area just to yourself.
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
A standout amongst the most famous locales in Kyoto and one of Japan’s most stunning areas. Squeezed between two temples that look as though they have come to life from a myth, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is truly an ethereal experience. Now you see the split view of the corridor by the bamboo stalks that swing back and forth and creak in the winds.
In Japan, bamboo has deep cultural roots, used historically to build, fashion dining utensils, tools, and clothing items, and hats. It is also famous for its cherry blossom in spring and the bright red magical world of maple leaves in autumn. Guests are encouraged to wander through the tranquil forest and visit the temples via the many trails running throughout the property. If you are looking for something to do at a faster speed, the bikes can be rented.
- Where: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Price: Free
- Our tip: arrive extremely early to beat the crowds in the forest.
5. Meet Geisha in Gion: A Cultural Experience
Watching over a Geisha in Gion is one of the top things to do in Kyoto at night. Geisght is an important part of Japanese culture and refers to not only Maiko and Geiko but also to Geiko. Geisha are frequently mistaken as sex workers, but they are skilled in the art of traditional Japanese dance and song.
Hiring a Geisha or Maiko for a private function is expensive, and is normally conducted at an ochaya or ryōtei (Japanese restaurant). Even setting a high-end Geisha or a Maiko can start from ¥100,000. For an outsider, it is hard to get booked by a nice woman (manager) of a Geisha, as those opportunities are kept usually for recurring guests (mostly local businessmen coming there often) and not for newcomers or tourists.
If paying for a private night with a Geisha is outside of your price range, you can instead visiting their habitat. The Gion district is the center of Geisha culture in Kyoto, and a stroll through its streets should net you at least one sighting of a Geisha on their way to or from an appointment. If you spend an evening in Gion, especially on the weekend, you will see them swirl daintily from tea house to tea house absolutely wonderful sight!
In the past I have seen Geiko at the Setsubun Celebrations, I have seen performances at the Kabuki Theatre and I ate at an event titled ‘Enchanted Time with Maiko.
- Location: Hanami Lane
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider Tip: 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM Geiko – possible, especially on weekend nights.
6. Dine with a Maiko: Cultural Experience in Kyoto
One of the first things we asked our Airbnb host in Kyoto was if there was some way to get up close and personal with a Geiko or Maiko, and she directed us to the “Enchanted Time with Maiko” event. It ended up being a highlight.
Ozashiki the cultural party is 3 hours of dining and entertainment that allows interaction with their Maiko closely. Situated in the heart of Gion, guests will indulge in a traditional Kaiseki dinner with free-flowing plum wine, shochu, sakes, and beers while watching a Show-Cha (Tea ceremony) performed by a Maiko. After the performance, the audience are able to sit with the Maiko and have a one-to-one interaction where you can ask any questions to a translator who is present.
Abby, who has long been interested in Geisha culture herself, was able to ask practicing Maiko questions such as “Can you have social media?” and “What do you do for fun?” provided profound insights. To join in this experience, Visit the website and get in touch with organizers for availability. Because this even needs to be booked in advance.
- Location: Yasakadori Great
- Value: ¥19,000 Great Way To Secure A Spot In Kyoto Book In Advance
7. I Feel like a Queen for the day Enjoy Uji Matcha Kyoto’s Best Matcha Experience
For example, Kyoto is famous for its producing superior quality matcha in Japan, if not in the world, and “Uji matcha” is known as one of the best green teas.
The city itself is home to no shortage of high-end matcha cafes where matcha enthusiasts can get their fix of the real stuff. Other notable places include Charyo Tsujiri, Nakamura Tokichi, and Umezono, all providing different experiences in matcha world.
It serves matcha pancakes, matcha sundaes, and good old matcha tea using these green tea products for the visitors to indulge in.
- Location: Charyo Tsujiri
- Price: ¥1,000
- Local tip: Do not be surprised to find a long queue at these popular cafes in Kyoto.
8. Higashiyama Jisho Ji: The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku Ji)
Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, formally known as Higashiyama Jisho Ji, is a beautiful temple in central Kyoto. True to its name, the Pavilion is not silver in material, but it is definitely worth your while. As I stepped onto the temple grounds, I was reminded of the principles of Zen and traditional Japanese design – simple, clean lines, circular windows, and well-groomed gardens that seem to blend seamlessly into the mountains.
The cost of admission to Ginkakuji is ¥500 with the average visit taking about 30 minutes. If you want to avoid the midday crowds, you better visit the area in the early morning or after 5 pm. If you are at Nanzenji Ginkakuji is within walking distance from the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path and it takes about 30-45 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by bicycle.
- Location: Higashiyama Jisho Ji
- Price: 500 Yen
- Kyoto Insider Tip: Get there early to enjoy the site in peace.
9. Tour Kinkakuji: The Golden Glory of Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Temple of the Golden Pavilion,’ is located in Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan from the 8th to the 19th century. One of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples is known because of the gold leaf covering the upper two floors. This building originally belonged to an old shogun who had decided to retire from his brutal martial existence and spend the last few remaining years living amid beauty and tranquility.
The temple reflected his choice as it stood tall and grand amidst a landscape of peace and calm. It has been rebuilt in its current form since the 1950s when it was destroyed in a fire that was said to have been set by a monk who had a breakdown over the death of his brother.
- Where: Kinkaku-ji Temple
- How Much: ¥400
- Insider tip: Stop by on a clear day to really witness the glow of the golden panels beneath the rays of the sun.
10. Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace You must see this AGMENT
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to the Imperial Family before the capital moved to Tokyo in 1868 is still very much a place of importance. Located in the vast Kyoto Imperial Park it can make a good addition to visits to Kinkaku-ji or Ginkaku-ji!
The palace grounds are free to enter, and visitors can also sign up for free English tours which operate at regular intervals throughout the day. Although the interiors of the buildings are not open to tourists, the vast site showcases virtually every aspect of Imperial architectural and home design from the exterior.
Typically, taking a stroll around the campus requires around 45 minutes. A bicycle park, restrooms, and café are available just outside the studio.
- Location: Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Plan to spend about an hour here to thoroughly enjoy the grounds.
11. Savor Kyoto Conveyor Belt Sushi: A Cheap Treat
Sushi is a premium dish in some parts of the world, but in Kyoto, you are spoilt for choice with kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) places that are both easy to find and priced below most Western fast food! It’s both a cost savings and a time-saving way to dine.
In a conveyor belt sushi, the sushi is placed on a rotating conveyor belt that goes by the diners sitting around the bar. It is simply picking what you want as it goes by. It eventually sends you a bill which it figures out based on all the plates you’ve had by the meal’s end. Coloric price scales of plates for sushi (a supper of 2 nigiri plates usually costs between ¥100 and ¥200) depending on the kind of sushi.
You can eat a proper sushi meal for under ¥1500, which is quite a huge difference to what a regularly priced sushi meal costs in the US. As conveyor belt sushi is often hit-or-miss, with some serving mediocre food at inflated prices, we wanted to test out Musashi Sushi, a 4.4-star gem on Google with over 1800 reviews.
- Location: Musashi Sushi
- Cost: ¥1000+ per person
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Visiting during midday can help you avoid long waits.
12. Watch the Sun Go Down at Yasaka-no-Tou: Kyoto’s Pagoda Sunset View Point
Yasaka-no-Tou, A Sunset Hot Spot Sunset shooting is one of the must-do activities if you are a photographer or Instagram user. A well loved attraction of the Higashiyama visiting centers in Kyoto, this pagoda
Overlooking the streets of Higashiyama is the rather imposing Yasaka-no-Tou. This place is crowded at all hours of the day, but you might be able to catch it at a peaceful moment around sunset.
One hour after sunset everything quieted down and we were finally able to take some pictures at a time without people, reinforcing a timelessness at the pagoda region.
- Location: Yasaka-no-Tou
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: For the best photos, plan to stay until after dusk when you can capture the pagoda without any visitors in your shots.
13. Mastering the Art of Sushi Making in Kyoto
Because we love sushi almost as much as you do, so taking a sushi making class in Kyoto is a must. For one fun hour, a Kyoto sushi chef will virtually show you the delicate arts of sushi. Following your lesson, you can sample and rate your culinary masterpieces.
There are sushi classes in every corner of the world, however, nothing can equate to the experience in Japan where you can learn directly from the masters and have access to a wealth of information and expertise.
- Location: Various venues around Kyoto
- Cost: ¥4000-10,000
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Make sure to arrive with an appetite, as you’ll have the chance to eat the sushi you prepare.
14. A Traditional Martial Art: Kendo in Kyoto
One of the lesser-known but quite interesting activities in Kyoto takes place around Kendo, a traditional sport in which the participants (Kendoists) practice swordsmanship using bamboo swords as well as traditional swordsmanship practices of the Samurai. With the usage of bamboo swords (shinai) and protective gear (bōgu), Kendo sheds a unique light on the traditional cultural practices of Japan.
While Kendo may not be as well known worldwide as Jujutsu or Judo, it is even more overwhelmingly practiced within Japan. This served as a beginner’s guide to the basic movements within Kendo, allowing you to come into the visitor’s center and try it out as you learn your desired style. This experience we only found in Airbnb experiences and we could practice at the oldest dojo in Japan, a place usually reserved for martial arts practitioners.
Over the span of two hours, they walked us through the basic moves and then had us spar with each other and with our trainer We found this to be both an enjoyable and enlightening experience that genuinely encapsulates a part of Japanese heritage.
- Location: Butokuden in Kyoto Budo Center
- Cost: ¥8000
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Opt for lightweight attire during summer months as Kendo gear can be quite warm.
- Personal Experience: Found and booked through Airbnb Experiences.
15. Art Hotel: The Creative Side Of Kyoto
One off-the-radar option for lodging in Kyoto is to stay at an art installation hotel, such as the BnA Alter Museum. Conveniently located, this new hotel is unprecedented, on the ground floor you will find the works of 31 unique talents who have made the decoration of rooms a real journey of the senses to make your stay unforgettable.
In addition to a place to rest your head, each room at the BnA Alter Museum also functions as a long-term art installation. From check-in to checkout, a ten-story staircase doubles as an art gallery and a modern bar offers a cultural interpretation of a hotel. Shortly after the opening, we found this accommodation at Airbnb and made a decision for the most fancy room there, which made us more than amazed. I can’t say much more about the details in order to not spoil it, but it really is an extraordinary experience as the above photo of our room says it all.
- Location: BnA Art Hotel
- Cost: ¥15000
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Experience it firsthand without spoilers!
16. Have A Cultural Experience At Kyotos Kabuki Theatre
Kabuki is definitely one of the cultural experiences you must experience in Kyoto if you are heading to this city. Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama, featuring elaborate stagecraft and costumes, and is performed only by men, making use of very stylized gestures and body movements.
I remember going to my first ever Kabuki show in 2013. But the theatricality and humor are overwhelming, if language is a barrier, then the acting translates and it makes for a fun night for people of all ages. Originally opened in 1610, Kyoto’s main Kabuki theater Minami-za has undergone various renovations throughout the year but stands today as one of the oldest places to enjoy this traditional form of theater. The theatre on its own is a sight to behold, holding up to 1086 in its grand interior.
- Location: Minami-za
- Cost: ¥4200-10000
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: It’s wise to secure your tickets early, as performances can sell out quickly.
17. Appreciate the Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto with Sakura Season
One of the most defining aspects of Japanese culture is the annual cherry blossom, or Sakura, season that ushers in spring with a stunning display of green and floral color. It brings millions of people every year to Japan to see these flowers in bloom.
One of the most iconic blooms that Kyoto is known for is Cherry Blossoms. Walking through the city in springtime is like walking through a sea of soft pink tones imparting a sense of serenity and delivering a feast to the eyes.
- Location: Various spots across Kyoto
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: To experience the blossoms in a more tranquil setting, consider venturing out at sunrise, which helps in avoiding the larger crowds.
18. Sake Tasting Experience
If you want to take a little break from all the sightseeing in Kyoto, you must stop by a sake bar. Sake, well.. it’s sake, versatile, drunk cold, room temperature or warm – great for every season. The warming nature of hot sake is appreciated in the cold winter months while cold sake is quite refreshing in the summer. Favourite Kyoto sake bars include JAM+SAKE bar of course and the Sake Bar Yoramu for a great range of sake tastings.
- Location: JAM +SAKE bar
- Cost: ¥300-500 per tasting
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for recommendations to enhance your sake experience.
19. Celebrating Setsubun
Another powerful cultural festival in Kyoto is setsubun, the bean-throwing festival that heralds the arrival of spring. This spectacular festival is a riot of colour and is held every year on February 3; particularly worth catching in the Gion district of Kyoto where Maiko often take part in the fun. The overnight rapid Vienna is an impatiently thrilling event that occurs during the winter, and it is perfect for the sight of sightseers.
- Location: Various locations throughout Kyoto
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Bring a camera to capture this picturesque event.
20. An Aesthetically Cultural Experience in Kyoto: Wearing a Kimono
Renting a kimono is one of the most fun things to do in Kyoto, and both men and women can get in on the action. Walking around the Gion district, you may come across many tourists who wear Kimono (NOT Maiko) as they experience the local dress.
Kyoto is packed with places to rent kimonos, and thousands of people put them on each day to snap Instagrammable photos. Rentals generally last for the whole day so you can travel to different places to look for some picturesque spots to take pictures.
Though if you decide to walk a lot wearing it, primarily those traditional footwear might not be the most comfortable. Route planning can help start shooting and stop locations almost pain free and well, in the shade.
- Location: Various rental shops across Kyoto
- Cost: ¥3000-4000
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: To enhance comfort, wear practical clothing underneath your kimono.
21. Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony: Cultural Activity
The Japanese tea ceremony is a ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea. An insightful and immersive cultural learning experience in Kyoto that aids one to reflect on Japanese traditions.
The ceremony expresses its respect, harmony, purity, and tranquillity. Read more Tea Ceremony In English With Experiencing Visitors are tea ceremony visitors who take part in the ceremony, giving visitors a foundation understanding of the tea ceremony. This is your opportunity to join, as you make your own matcha prepared with a traditional Japanese sweet all in a tranquil environment.
- Location: Various operators throughout Kyoto
- Cost: ¥5000-6000
22. A Culinary Journey in Kyoto: The Nishiki Market
If you can’t wait to get stuck into Kyoto’s amazing cuisine without dropping a cent, there’s always Nishiki Market. Like the popular market in Osaka, Nishiki is a lively, five-block-long shopping street lined with more than a hundred shops and restaurants.
This vibrant market offers a plethora of fresh seafood, produce and numerous local trinkets as you can see from the photo above. You can also eat sushi, sweets or other dishes in Kyoto here as well.
The market is open from 9.00 AM – until 6.00 PM but it is always nice to go early to get the freshest selection. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, close to the end is also a good time to pop by because some vendors will sell things cheaper to try and offload the stock.
- Location: Nishiki Market
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak midday crowds.
23. One Day In Kamo River Park: Heart Of Kyoto City Green Leisure
Arguably the best place in all of Kyoto to enjoy outdoor living, the green spaces lining the Kamo River wolves go down well with tourists. This is a largely visited area for famillies, collectivos and backpackers, especially during weekends, when it transforms into a lively destination.
Card-playing visitors to the park / Here people enjoy pastimes from fishing to boozing to bicycling to barbecuing. Choose this FREE option for anyone who loves the outdoors and getting a taste of the local culture.
- Location: Kamo River
- Cost: Free
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: For a pleasant picnic, consider picking up some snacks and beverages from a nearby 7-11 and enjoy a relaxing lunch by the river.
24. Day trip to Nara: A Humbling Experience with Deer
Though not in Kyoto, I would highly recommend going to Nara as a 1-day trip from Kyoto, it is just 45 minutes away by train. Nara: Famous for Nara Park, an expansive greensward where deer wander around as messengers of the gods that symbolize the city.
Within minutes of entering Nara Park, you will be greeted by these deer, who are surprisingly aggressive when it comes to looking for food in the form of tourists. Only an occasional deer craker (available at local vendors) should be fed to them because human foods can adversely affect their health.
Along with the deer interaction, there is much to see within the park including the grandeur of the Todaiji Temple, so it is an excellent option, especially for family travel if you a lover of nature and wildlife. Don’t forget, if you bow to the deer, they often bow back – which makes a cute way of interacting with your new deer friends!
- Location: Nara Deer Park
- Cost: Free to enter the park; deer crackers cost ¥100; Todaiji Temple entry is ¥500.
- Kyoto Insider’s Tip: Be cautious around the deer as they can sometimes be assertive—avoid teasing them to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
