The Ultimate Kyoto Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Japan is an incredible country to visit, and there’s nothing that compares to the beautiful temples, incredible nature, and rich culture of Kyoto. This Kyoto Travel Guide has the ultimate list of things to do in Kyoto.

In this guide, you’ll find recommendations on the best things to do in Kyoto, restaurants and bars, where to stay, the best time to visit, how to get around, and more!.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links.

10 Best Things To Do In Kyoto

1. Fushimi Inari

---

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most iconic and important Shinto shrines in Japan and arguably the most Instagrammed spot in Kyoto. Founded in 711 AD, it’s world-famous for its thousands of vivid torii gates that wind their way up Mount Inari. It can get pretty crowded, so I recommend hiking all the way to the top (2-3 hours roundtrip), where the crowds thin out significantly.

Cost: free

Tip: For even more peaceful views, an off the beaten path hike with a local guide will avoid nearly all the crowds entirely!

2. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

---

Kinkaku-ji, also known as The Golden Pavilion, is an iconic Kyoto Zen Buddhist temple covered in shimmering gold leaf. Located above a peaceful pond and surrounded by lush gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must add to any Kyoto itinerary.

Cost: ¥500 (~$3.5 USD)

3. Kōdai-ji Temple

---

Kōdai-ji Temple is a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. Founded in 1606, it’s known for its tranquil gardens, historical significance, and stunning seasonal illuminations.

Cost: ¥600 (~$4 USD)

Tip: There’s also a bamboo grove within the grounds, so if you want to avoid the crowds at Arashiyama, I’d recommend visiting Kodai-ji Temple instead and checking out the bamboo groves at the end of your visit

4. Yasaka Pagoda

---

Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hōkan-ji Temple, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. This five-story pagoda was originally built in the 6th century, and then was reconstructed in 1440. It’s one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots, so you’ll want to get there early to avoid the crowds. 

Cost: ¥400 (~$3 USD)

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

---

Kyoto is filled with soaring bamboo groves that make for pretty stunning views. The most popular bamboo grove is Arashiyama, but the crowds here can get pretty intense. I’d recommend either going first thing in the morning or visiting one of the lesser known bamboo forests that can be found throughout Kyoto, such as the bamboo forest within the grounds of Kodai-ji Temple or local hikes.

Cost: free

6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

---

Founded in 778 AD, the temple’s main hall features a massive wooden veranda that provides sweeping views of Kyoto, and it’s especially popular during cherry blossom season and autumn. Fun fact: Its name means “Pure Water Temple,” and it’s named after the Otowa Waterfall that runs through the temple grounds.

Cost: ~¥400 (~$3 USD)

7. Gion District

---

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Its streets are filled with traditional teahouses, narrow cobblestone streets, and preserved wooden machiya architecture, making for some beautiful views. While you may get lucky and spot a maiko (an apprentice geisha) on their way to work, it’s important to be respectful if you see them and do NOT block their path or try to take photos.

Cost: free

Note: Several streets of Gion are now closed to tourists due to overtourism and disrespectful behavior, and on many of the smaller streets photography is completely prohibited. Please be mindful of the local residents when visiting!

8. Japanese Tea Ceremony

---

Kyoto is the birthplace of Japanese tea culture, so participating in a traditional tea ceremony is a must! You’ll learn about the process of preparing matcha, the significance of the Japanese tea ceremony, and many offer the chance to try preparing it yourself! Some locations will also offer the option of wearing a kimono.

Cost: ~$30-80 USD

9. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

---

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are two of Kyoto’s most iconic, cobblestone streets, located in the heart of the Higashiyama District. These historic lanes offer a glimpse into old Kyoto, filled with traditional wooden machiya houses, quaint shops, and teahouses. They also offer great photo spots and views of iconic temples like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine.

Cost: free

10. Sake Tasting

---

Sake is a big part of Kyoto’s food culture, especially since Kyoto’s soft spring water makes its sake smooth, refined, and unique compared to other regions of Japan. The Fushimi Sake District is home to historic breweries and a sake museum, but you can also do sake tastings and pairings all throughout the city!

Cost: varies

Best Time to Visit Kyoto

The best times to visit Kyoto are during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to early December). Both seasons offer stunning scenery and comfortable weather, but you will have to watch out for crowds.

Spring: Late March to early April is peak cherry blossom (sakura) season and the weather is very mild. Parks and temples are covered in the beautiful, soft pink flowers making for a super picturesque landscape. However, it is also extremely crowded during sakura season as hundreds of thousands of tourists and photographers arrive to see the iconic cherry blossoms. Prices for hotels and flights will be higher, and you’ll have to get up much earlier to avoid the crowds.

Autumn: Mid-November to early December brings brilliant fall foliage, with fiery reds, oranges, and golds across the city. The weather is cooler than spring but just as magical as long as you have a cozy sweater. While not as busy as sakura season, the fall does bring a fair number of tourists as well who want to catch a glimpse of temples surrounded by beautiful foliage.

Winter: December to February is quieter and sometimes snowy. It’s great for less crowded temple visits and cozy experiences like hot springs and tea ceremonies. We went to Kyoto in December and had an amazing experience. Just be sure to bring a good jacket and gloves!

Summer: July and August are hot and humid, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time. However, the Gion Matsuri (Kyoto’s biggest festival) is in July!

How to Get Around Kyoto

Getting around Kyoto is pretty easy between public transportation, Uber/taxis, and walkable neighborhoods. Google Maps will also be one of your go-to’s!

Public Transportation in Kyoto

---

JR Lines: Great for trips to places like Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, or connecting from Kyoto Station.

Subway: Two main lines (Karasuma and Tozai) run north-south and east-west, covering popular areas like Gion, Downtown Kyoto, and Nijo Castle.

Bus: Kyoto’s bus system is extensive and reaches most temples and tourist spots, especially those not near train stations like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Ginkaku-ji.

Note: You can use an IC card like ICOCA or Suica to tap and go on all transit.

Ubers & Taxis: Uber is a bit different in Japan and is not the typical rideshare you see in countries like the USA. When you request a ride through the Uber app, you’re essentially booking a traditional taxi rather than a private rideshare vehicle.

How Many Days to Spend in Kyoto

There’s so many things to do in Kyoto you could easily spend a month taking it all in. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have that much time off from work! I’d recommend at least 3 full days in Kyoto in order to get the most out of the city.

Is Kyoto Safe for Tourists?

Kyoto is considered to be very safe, and Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world due its low crime rate. In fact, it’s not unusual for lost wallets, phones, or bags to be returned to lost and found with everything intact!

However, as with any major city, you’ll want to take the usual precautions when traveling. Avoid poorly lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t accept drinks from strangers.

What to Wear in Kyoto

What you wear in Kyoto really depends on the season, but overall I would aim for comfortable, modest clothing that works well for walking and sightseeing.

In spring (March to May), the weather is cool to warm, so light layers like cardigans, long pants and skirts, and comfortable sneakers are ideal. A light rain jacket or umbrella is also useful in April. 

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and can be rainy, so breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, loose tops, midi dresses, and wide-leg pants are great. While sandals are okay, choose supportive ones for lots of walking. 

In autumn (September to November), the air is crisp and dry, perfect for layered outfits like light sweaters, scarves, jeans, or maxi skirts. 

Winter (December to February) can be chilly with the chance of snow, so pack a warm coat, thermal layers, gloves, and a hat. Thick socks and weatherproof shoes will keep you warm while exploring. 

No matter the season, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and modest options for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees)!

What to Wear to Kyoto Temples

---

If you’re planning to visit temples, avoid wearing short shorts or crop tops. Many temples require you to remove your shoes to enter, so I’d recommend wearing sneakers with socks instead of sandals so you don’t have to go barefoot.

Do You Need to Know Japanese to Visit Japan?

English is spoken in many of the major tourist spots and hotels, signage on public transport will usually be multilingual, and many restaurants have English menus or menus with pictures. However, English is less common in many smaller restaurants and shops and some restaurants will even have signs that indicate only Japanese is spoken. While you can definitely get by with Google Translate in most of Kyoto, making an effort to learn a few key phrases in Japanese is definitely appreciated by the locals and will improve your overall experience. Below are a few phrases to learn before heading to Japan!

Looking for more Japan recommendations? Check out some of our other posts from the blog!

The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Tokyo