The Best Things to do in Kyoto, JapanThe best things to do in Kyoto, Japan? I’ve got you covered! We recently spent a week in Kyoto as part of a longer trip, and fell in love with the city. It was easily one of my favorite cities that we visited. I love that it's a big city, yet you can find so many peaceful areas and hikes nearby. Authorstavernatravels
DestinationsKyotoItinerary

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, located right in the heart of Kyoto, is one of the most famous places to visit in the city, and one of the best things to do. I recommend visiting for either sunrise or sunset. We went during sunset, and although it was undeniably busy, it was still an absolutely beautiful experience with amazing sunset views over Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in not only Kyoto but all of Japan. The image of these red torii gates has become a symbol for Japan over the years. As one of the most popular attractions in all of Japan, you can expect crowds at any hour of the day. I recommend arriving early (before the tour groups at 9:00 a.m.) for a most pleasant experience. We visited around 7:45 a.m., and while already busy, it was still easy to navigate. We found that a lot of people only walk a short distance through the gates before turning around. For a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, just keep walking up. It is about an hour's climb all the way to the summit. Towards the top, there are a number of lookout points, as well as small shops selling hot tea, coffee, and snacks.

Nanzen-ji

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The temple is just a short walk from the end of the Philosopher’s Path, so the two stops can easily be combined. The temple is known for its amazing and expansive gardens, the Hojo Gardens. If you’re visiting during the fall, it is an incredible place to experience the fall foliage.

Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Shrine is one of the many popular things to do in Kyoto, but the real gem in my opinion is the gardens that sit behind the shrine. If you visit during the Spring, the gardens are a great place to experience the cherry blossoms. We went on a rainy fall day, and the gardens were incredible. P.S. The shrine is free to visit, but the gardens have a small fee!

Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store

I think it’s safe to say that the food in Japan is best. Enjoying the local food is one of the best things to do in Kyoto (and really everywhere in Japan)... One of our favorite spots was this tonkatsu place. Tonkatsu is a crispy breaded pork served with cabbage and a tangy sauce. We loved it so much that we ate here two nights in a row!

Kinkaku-ji

Known as Rokuon-ji or the Golden Temple, it is a famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion is what gives the temple area its name, as it is covered in gold leaf, which can be seen in the water’s reflection on a clear day. Acknowledged as a UNESCO Heritage Site, it is a popular stop for guided tours of Kyoto. We visited in the ice-cold rain, and even then, the temple was absolutely breathtaking. On a beautiful day, it is a great place to sit and relax in the garden area. It can easily be combined with a visit to Ryoan-ji, located in the same area.

Mount Kurama

I’m honestly shocked that more people aren’t talking about this beautiful shrine area. Mt Kurama is a mountain and shrine area located just a short 25-minute train ride north of Kyoto, and yet we only saw a handful of other tourists when we visited. Mount Kurama is considered a sacred mountain with great spiritual significance, especially in Japanese folklore and religious traditions. You can hike along a mountain pass and visit a number of beautiful shrines along the way. It’s the perfect half-day 2 2-hour hike from Kyoto. The majority of the path is well-maintained with stone steps. The main attraction is Kurama-dera Temple, which is located near the top of the mountain, offering incredible views. To shorten the hike, you have the option to take a cable car part of the way up the mountain. P.S. There are also tons of onsens around the temple area.

Sanzen-in Temple

If you’re visiting Kyoto, Japan, you need to take a day trip to Ohara to visit the Sanzen-in temple. Just a short bus ride, on 17 or 19, from Kyoto, and you’ll be at one of Japan’s best hidden gems. I highly recommend enjoying a matcha ceremony here. To reach Sanzen-in Temple from the bus stop, you’ll just need to follow a short uphill forest path. You’ll find tons of shops and food stands along the way.

Tetsugaku No Michi

Philosopher’s Path is a beautiful pedestrian walkway in Northern Higashiyama. The trail is just over a mile, and connects two popular temples in Kyoto, Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji. The path is very easy to visit, and is a great way to experience the city on foot. It is open 24/7, but sunrise and sunset offer the best views.

Eikandō Temple

Eikando, or Zenri-ji temple, is one of my favorites in Kyoto. The temple is located in the Sakyo-ku district of Kyoto. This temple in particular is super famous for its fall foliage in its beautiful garden. For this reason, it is typically busiest in the fall months of October, November, and December. There is actually a nighttime foliage lighting you can attend for a few weeks in late November.

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

Although Kyoto isn’t a massive city, it can still take some time to get between all of the many amazing things to do in the city. One of the best ways to explore Kyoto is by bike. Take this tour to explore the city streets with a local guide who knows hidden gems, proper bike-parking areas, and more!

Kyoto Kimono Rental SAKURA

One of the most popular things to do in Kyoto is to rent a kimono and snap photos around the city!

Gion

Gion is Kyoto’s traditional Geisha District. It is beautiful to stroll through at any time of time, but if you visit in the evenings, you may have the chance to spot a geisha. If you do, please be respectful!

Pontocho Park

If you’re looking for good food in Kyoto, head to the famous Pontocho street. Along this road you’ll find tons of delicious restaurants. I recommend making reservations in advance, especially on the weekends.

Nishiki Market

Feeling hungry? Take a stroll through the famous Nishiki Market. This market is by far one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto, so expect crowds. This covered shopping street is a great place to pick up local ingredients or sample local dishes. I recommend visiting early and avoiding lunchtime to minimize the crowds.

Nishiki Market Lunch Tour

If the market feels a bit too overwhelming, consider joining a guided tour. This is a great way to gain a better understanding of the culture and local cuisine.

BONCHI Kyoto Miniature（ボンチキョウト）

Whether you’re looking to sculpt a mini plate of tonkatsu or a bowl of udon noodles, this class at BONCHI is the class for you. I regetably didn’t have the chance to attend this workshop, and I was super bummed about it. Class sizes are limited to five participants, so I recommend booking well in advance.

Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory)

Easily one of my favorite things to do in Kyoto is to take a day trip to Uji. If you know me, then you know that I love matcha. I’ve drank it almost every morning for over 5 years. So of course, I jumped at the chance to visit a beautiful city only 30 minutes from Kyoto that specializes in matcha. We signed up for a matcha-making class at Fukujuen Uji. This is a great place to learn about and interact with matcha. We booked the “making matcha with a stone mill” experience. The experience takes about 45 minutes and costs 1,650 yen (~$11 USD). To get to Uji from Kyoto you can take either the JR line or the Keihan line directly to Uji. Make sure to try and buy all things matcha in the founding city!

Nara Park

I’m sure this spot is already on your list, but for a good reason! Take a day trip to Nara, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Japan! The deer are super cute, and most importantly you can get literally the best mochi ever along the main road at Nakatanidou. I’m sure this spot is already on your list, but for a good reason! Nara is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Japan! The deer are super cute, and most importantly you can get literally the best mochi ever along the main road at Nakatanidou.