Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital and is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. And after you’ve spent some time there, you’ll understand just how it got that title.
There are endless amazing and historic places to visit in Kyoto, amazing food, and an incredible culture to explore. So, no matter how long you’re spending in the city, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
But there’s a downside to all of this beauty. Kyoto can feel like a very foreign city sometimes, and this can make it a little intimidating to visitors. It’s so old that it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Japanese because it grew in a time long before people traveled for fun.
If you’re concerned about traveling in Kyoto, you shouldn’t be. With our easy guide, you’ll be able to find all the places you’re most interested in and go home with priceless memories and lots of great photos to put on social media!
Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Kyoto:
Southern Higashiyama
Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t been to Southern Higashiyama, you haven’t been to Kyoto!
- Visit glorious well-known temples like Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu dera temple, Kennin-ji, and Chion-in.
- Try and spot geishas in Hanami-koji .
- Be wowed by the cherry blossom at Shimbashi (in season).
These are the BEST Places to Visit in Kyoto!
I know you can’t wait to get started so get yourself a matcha green tea latte while you peruse where to stay in Kyoto and learn all about the BEST neighbourhoods in Kyoto and the accommodation options they offer.
Book yourself an Airbnb next to your favourite attractions in Kyoto! Now, onto the bamboo forests…
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#1 – Kinkaku ji Temple & the Golden Pavilion
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- One of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in Kyoto.
- You’ll be able to take some amazing pictures of this golden pavilion as you clamber around the lush gardens.
- This site gets really busy in tourist season, so try going in the off-season for a really amazing experience.
Why it’s so awesome: This temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and it’s easy to see why. It’s a golden pavilion surrounded by gardens that are perfectly designed to invoke serenity and peace. The site was once built as a retirement home for a famous shogun and was made a temple after his death. Get this one on your Kyoto itinerary.
What to do there: This site is amazing at any time of day or year, but if you want to see the sun gleaming off the gold leaf that wraps around this building then go in the early morning. This will also allow you to get there ahead of the crowds because this Kyoto must see gets incredibly busy. The area is also incredibly beautiful in autumn, when you can see the building backlit by fire red trees.
#2 – The Fushimi Inari taisha Shrine – A must visit place to visit in Kyoto on the weekend!
- Made famous in the book and movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
- A stunningly beautiful and haunting set of trails that weave through the mountain.
- You’ll need to be physically fit to make it up the walkway, but the views and the ornate shrines are worth the effort.
Why it’s so awesome: If you’ve ever seen Memoirs of a Geisha and marvelled at the scenes where the characters walked along pathways lined with bright red pillars, then the Fushimi Inari shrine is where those images were shot. This Kyoto must-visit attraction is the city’s most iconic location and includes thousands of the red torii gates set along trails that wind their way up the mountain.
While it is an epic spot for Instagram photos, it is in fact a working shrine, dedicated to the shinto god of rice, Inari. You will see many fox statues around the site because foxes are said to be his messengers.
What to do there: You’ll need most of an afternoon to explore this site. The trails are surrounded by a network of shrines and you’ll get amazing views at key spots up the mountain. Make sure you spend some time at the Yotsutsuji Intersection, where you’ll be able to take some amazing pictures of Kyoto.
You should note that this is an incredibly popular spot for photos and if you want to get a nice shot without anyone in the background, that’s not gonna happen. Be expecting large crowds throughout the entire day and to be waiting a long time for people to move out the way for you to get a nice photo. Personally, I thought the busy atmosphere of this place takes away the magic.
I’ve come up with an EPIC Fushimi Inari travel guide to help you make the most out of your Japanese journey. Don’t miss it!
#3 – Kiyomizu dera Temple – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Kyoto
- While you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure you stop by this site for some peace and quiet.
- This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be respectful!
Why it’s so awesome: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is set at the top of a hill and is surrounded by cherry trees, which is why it’s widely considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the city. It’s also known as a magical temple, where you can find true love or drink from streams symbolizing love, success, or a long life.
What to do there: This is a beautiful, serene spot to spend some time in. When you arrive at the Jishu Shrine, try to walk between two stones with your eyes closed in front of it. This apparently will allow you to find your true love.
You should also spend some time at the Otowa Waterfall, which is divided into three streams representing love, success, and longevity. Drink from whichever stream symbolizes your greatest wish and really become a part of the mysticism that surrounds this beautiful site.
#4 – Kyoto Tower
- You’ll get panoramic views from the top of Kyoto Tower and be able to see the whole city and all the way to Osaka.
- Go at sunset for the best views.
Why it’s so awesome: You may think by now that Kyoto is all temples and shrines, but it’s also a functioning modern city. The Kyoto Tower is the tallest in the city and offers incredible views that extend all the way to the next city!
What to do there: Go up the tower at sunset if you want to see the city against the coloured sky and make sure you spend some time exploring the telescopes and touchscreen at the top of the building. They highlight the best places in Kyoto for tourists, and you may get some new ideas for your trip from them!
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#5 – Pontocho – A must-see for foodies!
- You’ll find the best places to eat in Kyoto in this area!
- Don’t just follow your guidebook, the best restaurants are usually small and don’t have English menus.
Why it’s so awesome: Pontocho is a lively alley that’s lined with restaurants that offer a range of Japanese foods from fine dining experiences to snack foods that should be on everyone’s backpacking in Japan itinerary. This range and the quality of the food makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Kyoto for locals and tourists alike.
What to do there: The best restaurants in this area probably won’t have English advertisements, so ignore your guidebook and just explore. Look for a restaurant that smells and good and has lots of locals in it, because that’s where the best food will be. If it’s a hot night, try to choose a restaurant that overlooks the river, as you’ll be able to eat your meal in slightly cooler air.
#6 – Kyoto Imperial Palace
Why it’s so awesome: As one of the most important sites in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Imperial Palace leaves everyone who visits it in awe. As the once former residence of the Emporers of Japan before they moved to Tokyo, you can be sure to see ornate detailing and gorgeous interiors throughout this centuries-old landmark.
What to do there: By taking a walking tour of the Imperial Palace, you can learn all about the history, marvel at the intricacies of the design and learn about the importance of the residence of the shogun.
For culture vultures and lovers of Japanese history, you cannot miss this attraction.
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Grab an eSIM!#7 – Yokai Street – Quite the quirky place in Kyoto!
- This street reveals the more unusual side of Japanese culture.
- Make sure you take your camera to capture images of the imaginative little statues outside the businesses!
Why it’s so awesome: Japanese culture is incredibly detailed and unusual, and this small street reveals just how unique it really is. It’s a commercial street that celebrates local folklore, which includes the yokai, strange beings from Japanese legends. Some yokai are good, others bad, and some are inanimate objects that come to life. These ideas are explored by the business owners in this street, who all have small statues outside of their shops celebrating these stories.
What to do there: This street isn’t a tourist area and the clientele is mostly locals. The statues are just there to acknowledge Japan’s culture and past and to introduce it to curious passers-by. It’s located near the shrine on Imadegawa Dori and each display is different in a nod to the incredible variety in the yokai stories.
#8 – Sagano Bamboo Forest
- Make sure you take your camera to capture images of the imaginative little statues outside the businesses!
- If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for little nature, then this is a great place to visit.
Why it’s so awesome: This site is located about 30 minutes from Kyoto’s city center and it’s a surprise to see so much nature so close to the city. The wooden paths weaving through huge bamboo stalks are a Kyoto must do and are the perfect place to wander and take in one of nature’s miracles.
What to do there: This site is very popular at the moment, so it often gets crowded with tourists. Fortunately, there are numerous paths through the bamboo, which means that you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to just stand and listen. Or, if you’re legs are feeling tired, one of my favourite things to do here is to take a rickshaw ride through the bamboo forest, which is a really zen activity.
The sound of the bamboo, the creaking and rustling, and twisting of wood, is one of Japan’s most important soundscapes, and you’ll never forget those sounds once you’ve heard them. It’s a strangely meditative sound, which is why this is one of the most unusual things to do in Kyoto.
#9 – Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple – One of the most underrated places to see in Kyoto
- A peaceful Zen Buddhist Temple that’s a little off the beaten track.
- A great choice if you’re looking for Kyoto vacation ideas where you can get away from the crowds at the more popular attractions in Kyoto.
Why it’s so awesome: This remote Buddhist zen temple is located on the top of a hill and surrounded by more than 1,000 stone sculptures. It’s an oasis of calm that encourages meditation and deep thought that might not have been there if it weren’t for the work of one man.
The temple was destroyed in the 1950s by a typhoon and painstakingly rebuilt by one of its priests with the help of the locals. They also created the carvings that surround the site.
What to do there: Pay close attention to the stone sculptures that surround the zen temple. They depict Buddha’s disciples and line the path like moss-covered guardians. They were created by the priest and the locals, so the small faces are unique and incredibly expressive.
#10 – Nishiki Market – A great place in Kyoto if you love to shop!
Photo: Luca Mascaro (Flickr)
- A great place if you love to shop and even if you don’t!
- Make sure you sample all the food on offer, as Japan has one of the greatest snack cultures in the world.
Why it’s so awesome: The Nishiki market has enough shops, stalls, and food options to fill an entire day of your time! That’s why it’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto for tourists and locals alike. It’s also a good place to good on hot or rainy days as the entire area is shaded to keep you safe from the elements.
What to do there: Browse the stalls for souvenirs and just take in the action. This is the perfect location for some people watching as you’ll see everything from local families to crowds of tourists. Make sure you bring your appetite with you too, as the stalls offer a range of tasty snacks from fresh seafood to dumplings and yakitori.
#11 – The Philosopher’s Path, the Best Place to Visit for Cherry Blossoms
- One of the most meditative walks you’ll ever take.
- This path is a Kyoto must do and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Why it’s so awesome: The Philosopher’s path winds its way from the Silver Pavilion to the neighborhood of Nanzenji. It’s a long walk if you go the whole way and designed to encourage meditation and peace. You don’t have to walk the whole way but treading in the footsteps of all those who have come before you is a strangely connective experience that shouldn’t be missed.
If you’re visiting during April and you’re lucky enough to be in Kyoto during the time. of the cherry blossom blooms, then this is the place to see them! The Philosopher’s Path is lined with cherry trees that flower a gorgeous pink for one week only. Cherry blossoms are short-lived, so you would be really lucky to witness them.
What to do there: Start wherever you choose and just walk. This is a beautiful part of Kyoto, so there’s plenty to see along the path. It’s also lined with cafes and restaurants, so when you get hungry or thirsty then stop off for something tasty before resuming your walk.
#12 – Maruyuma Park – A perfect place to visit in Kyoto if you are on a budget!
Photo: Wei-Te Wong (Flickr)
- The perfect place to visit in Kyoto if you need a break from the city.
- This park is a stunning example of Japanese design and form.
Why it’s so awesome: This is one of the most popular parks in the city and it’s a fairly young one as well. Until 1886 it was little more than a weed garden until it was redesigned by Jihai Ogawa, a renowned landscape gardener. The garden is done in a traditional Japanese style with ponds, decorative bridges and statues.
What to do there: If you’re in Kyoto during Japan’s cherry blossom season, then this is the perfect place to see them. It does get fairly crowded at this time of the year as well as noisy, but it’s the perfect place to see this beautiful spectacle. The rest of the year you can relax and have a picnic or explore this beautiful green space. And during festivals, the park is alive with portable food carts that will offer you some of the tastiest snacks you’ve ever tried.
#13 – Higashiyama District – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Kyoto
- When you walk through this district, you’ll feel like you’re walking through Japan’s ancient past.
- A great place to put on your Kyoto itinerary if you want to do some shopping.
Why it’s so awesome: This district of Kyoto holds all the age and the majesty that you would expect from such an old city. The streets are narrow and lined with wooden buildings and traditional stores that sell all manner of foods and goods. It’s a popular area for tourists and locals alike, but don’t let that stop you from spending an afternoon in this picturesque district.
What to do there: Put aside an afternoon just to wander. The narrow streets are a maze of dark wood buildings that smell of aged wood and incense, and the vibe and the history behind them will excite your imagination. Make sure you stop by the shops, restaurants and cafes that interest you. You’ll find everything from pottery to sweets and traditional crafts, so it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir to take home with you.
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Get Yours Here Read Our Review#14 – Gion, the Geisha District of Kyoto City
- Home of the famous geishas!
- This area has a variety of great places to eat, shop, and have a meal.
- If you enjoy people watching, this is the area to do it in.
What to do there: When you’re trying to decide what to do in Kyoto City, this is the place to go for inspiration. Gion is home to the famous Geisha bars, close to some of the best zen temples in the city and contains lots of restaurants and traditional tea houses, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. There’s always something going on in this area, and you could spend an entire day exploring it and eating amazing foods.
What to do there: Arrive during the day to take full advantage of everything this district has to offer. Have a meal and then rent a kimono and wander the streets in traditional fashion, looking at the traditional crafts and shops. You’ll be able to pick up some great souvenirs in this area and once it gets dark, you might be able to see some geishas hurrying towards their workplaces in traditional garb with cell phones in hand!
One of my all-time favourite things to do in Gion is to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. In traditional japanese culture, the drinking of tea is not just to quench your thirst but a meditative process. A tea ceremony is one of the most unique things to do in Kyoto and there is no better place to enjoy it than in Gion, the heart of ancient Kyoto.
#15 – Shorenin Temple – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Kyoto!
Photo: bethom33 (Flickr)
- One of the quieter and most beautiful temples in Kyoto with a great atmosphere.
- The gardens at this temple make it one of the best places to visit in Kyoto for quiet contemplation.
Why it’s so awesome: If you want to explore somewhere that’s traditional but not crowded, then this temple is a great choice. Despite being close to the Higashiyama District, this is one of the quietest temples in the city. It’s also a monzeki temple, which means that its head priest was traditionally chosen from Japan’s imperial family.
What to do there: This is a place of peace and tranquillity, and it’s a great place to go when you need to relax and get your energy back. There are also four gardens attached to the temple which are absolutely stunning and well worth exploring.
#16 – Nijo Castle
- A castle that dates back to the Edo-era and brings up thoughts of samurais and Shoguns.
- If you’re interested in Kyoto’s history, this is the perfect place to explore it.
Why it’s so awesome: You might not think of Japan in connection with castles, but there are a lot of these old structures all over the country. Nijo Castle is one of the best places to visit in Kyoto City if you want to explore this past, with its samurai, Shoguns, and flashing swords. The castle has two large moats and there are actually 2 palaces inside the castle itself. The first was owned by the Shoguns and the other by the emperor.
What to do there: The Shogun’s palace is open to the public, so take the time to explore it. The palace has what’s known as nightingale floors, which are deliberately created so that they squeak when you walk on them. This feature was an early alarm system for the Shogun, who was always at risk of attack!
This area is also buzzing with some of Kyoto’s best hostels. Book yourself in and visit the castle without paying for transportation!
#17 – Kyoto National Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Kyoto
Photo: Corpse Reviver (WikiCommons)
- If you want to learn more about traditional Japanese art, then this museum will give you a good knowledge base.
- It’s one of four national museums across Japan and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Why it’s so awesome: There are four national museums across Japan and the Kyoto National Museum focuses on traditional Japanese art. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the precise and very unusual artforms that were popular in Japan’s history, then this museum will give you a thorough education. The museum’s special exhibitions are shown in a building from the Meiji period, which adds some historical drama to the collections, while the permanent exhibition is in a modern building built in 2014.
What to do there: The collection in this museum changes constantly as special exhibitions are put on display. So, when you travel to Kyoto, make sure that you look up online to see what’s showing and don’t miss any special displays that pique your interest.
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#18 – Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Photo: 663highland (WikiCommons)
- The perfect place to have a drink and learn more about this traditional alcohol.
- There’s a free sake tasting after a visit to this museum, so make sure you have some food in your stomach before you go there.
Why it’s so awesome: Sake is absolutely iconic in Japan, and you can’t visit Kyoto without tasting some of this traditional alcohol. And the best way to appreciate it is with a visit to this museum, where you’ll be able to see the traditional tools and methods that are used to make some of the many varieties of sake.
What to do there: The museum is open during business hours throughout the year except over the Christmas and New Year’s period. You need to pay a small admission fee to get in, and then you’ll be able to explore the history of this fascinating and historically important beverage. Afterwards, don’t miss out on the free sake tasting, and don’t be surprised if it’s a little stronger than you expected!
#19 – Kyoto International Manga Museum
Photo: Peat Bakke (Flickr)
- The Kyoto International Manga Museum will allow you to explore this extremely popular Japanese artform.
- Manga are Japanese comic books, but they’re definitely not just for kids.
Why it’s so awesome: This museum serves as a facility for manga research and it also has a massive exhibition space where you can explore an incredibly wide range of different genres. They also hold regular special exhibitions on international manga themes, so make sure you check them out if you’re in Kyoto at the right time.
What to do there: This museum is open every day except Wednesday and there’s an entrance fee. The fee is well worth paying if you’re interested in Manga though because they have an incredibly wide range of these popular books as well as exhibitions on international manga. So, if you read manga, or if you’re interested in seeing what all the hype’s about, then put aside a couple of hours to explore this museum.
#20 – JR Kyoto Station – A great place to see in Kyoto if you love architecture
- A great place to start or end your trip to Japan.
- You don’t need to be traveling to visit this station – it has restaurants, shops, and food options that will keep you occupied for hours.
Why it’s so awesome: It might sound funny to hear that you need to see a train station, but Japan always seems to be the exception to the idea that functional places have to be boring and ugly. Kyoto station is amazing. It’s an architectural wonder that’s won several international awards and it’s also one of the biggest buildings in Japan.
What to do there: This station feels like a small world all packed into one area. It has a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater and department store all packed into one area and yet it always manages to feel comfortable and beautiful rather than crowded. Make sure you take the time to explore it while you’re in the area.
Have a meal, see a movie, or just wander around and take photos of the striking building. Japan is relatively safe, but don’t fall onto the tracks while looking up at the brilliant architecture around you, that one’s on you. It’s a fitting entry point into Japan and a great place to spend some time while you’re traveling around the country.
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FAQ on the Best Places to Visit in Kyoto
Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Kyoto
Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Kyoto
Kyoto is probably one of the most foreign feeling cities you’ll ever visit. It has a vibe and a sensibility that’s incredibly different to what you’ll find in western countries and a beauty that’s both ancient and restrained.
When you’re looking for the best places to visit in Kyoto, you’ll be confronted with a seemingly endless list of historic and stunningly beautiful sites. And that will be your hardest task when you’re in this city, sorting through all the options and deciding which ones you want to see.
That’s why I’ve created this list so you can spend all your time basking in the atmosphere rather than trying to make up your mind what you most want to see.
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