The Greatest Issues to Do in Kyoto, Japan

In the event you’ve landed right here trying to find the perfect issues to do in Kyoto, you’re in the precise place.

I’ve simply obtained again from my fourth journey to Japan, having beforehand visited Tokyo and Niseko on two separate events, and it’s secure to say I like this nation greater than ever. The individuals, the meals, the values, the clever design, the landscapes. It’s so beautiful AND feels so secure as a feminine solo traveller.

Nestled within the coronary heart of Japan’s Kansai area, positioned within the South Central a part of the primary island, Kyoto is dwelling to a few of Japan’s most iconic temples, gardens, and traditions. Assume atmospheric streets lined with wood machiya homes, conventional candy stalls, lantern-lit alleys the place geisha nonetheless glide between tea homes, and beautiful shrines tucked between mountains and rivers.

On this latest journey, I spent 2 weeks exploring the south, with Kyoto as my first vacation spot.

I spent 5 unbelievable days in and across the metropolis of Kyoto, and so on this information, I’m going to share with you my favorite finds, journey suggestions and suggestions for Japan’s historic capital (it was the capital of Japan till 1868).

From sipping matcha in centuries-old tea homes to devouring Ramen on the facet streets of town and wandering by way of hidden bamboo forests, Kyoto has a lot to supply for each type of traveller. Whether or not you’re right here to dive into Japan’s Zen traditions (like me), eat your body weight in sushi and ramen, soak in an area onsen, or just have a espresso and soak within the metropolis’s environment, this Kyoto information goes that will help you plan the perfect journey as a result of it’s crammed to the brim with all the perfect issues to do in Kyoto.

Let’s tuck in, lets?

Attending to Kyoto

Kyoto doesn’t have its personal airport, however it’s simply reached through Japan’s unbelievable prepare community. The closest main airport is Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX), about 75 minutes away by direct prepare or 90 minutes through the Limousine bus service.

I flew into Japan through KIX airport and had deliberate to get the prepare (often faster, isn’t it,) however one of many tremendous useful airport employees went out of their strategy to inform me the bus was really easy to catch and the quickest manner into Kyoto. So I took their recommendation, headed to bus cease quantity 2 (reverse arrivals) and made my strategy to Kyoto for 2800 yen. It took 1 hour and 40 and the buses have been punctual (welcome to Japan) and common.

In the event you’re travelling from Tokyo, hop on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’ll whisk you to Kyoto in simply over 2 hours. From Osaka, it’s even faster (round half-hour).

The place to remain in Kyoto

Kyoto has a wide range of lodging kinds relying on what sort of expertise you’re after. There are ryokans (conventional Japanese inns), boutique inns, trendy flats and every thing in between.

If that is your first go to to Kyoto, I’d suggest basing your self within the Gion or Higashiyama space. Each are fairly conveniently positioned close to the details of curiosity within the metropolis, which means which you can stroll and wander out of your lodging. Each areas are filled with historical past, tea homes, and nice meals too.

Whether or not it’s in Kyoto or one other vacation spot in your Japan journey, I’d additionally suggest reserving at the least one evening in a ryokan the place you’ll expertise lodging with tatami flooring, onsen baths, and kaiseki eating. A ryokan expertise is a cultural must-do and is among the finest issues to do in Kyoto and Japan!

For my keep in Kyoto, I truly stayed in a hostel for the primary time in 10 years!! I by no means thought I’d do it once more, however after I noticed Ryokan Hostel Gion and skim the evaluations, I used to be so certain that it could be a nice expertise, I booked it. It was £40 an evening versus a minimal of £150 an evening for my very own place. Often I wouldn’t thoughts, however after I’m exploring a metropolis, I do know I spend little or no time in my room so so long as the hostel was clear, quiet and secure (which it was all three), this could lower your expenses for me to spend on different issues!

I actually would very, very fortunately keep there once more. Japanese hostels are NOT like hostels in Southeast Asia, haha. Recent towels have been on our mattress every night, lights off at 10 pm, ALL the toilet merchandise, and so quiet. There have been even hairdryers, straighteners and curlers within the toilet!

Greatest time to go to Kyoto

Kyoto is gorgeous year-round, however from what I learn and found, the perfect occasions to go to are spring (March–Could) and autumn (October–November).

Spring is when the Sakura timber blossom (cherry blossom season), whereas autumn paints the temples in deep reds and golds (mid-November foliage). Summer time may be extremely popular and humid (apparently extra so in recent times), however it’s additionally pageant season, which is tremendous enjoyable. Winter presents crisp air and fewer crowds — excellent for temple hopping and sizzling tea.

I visited on the finish of October and the climate was surprisingly heat, sitting round 19-26degrees every day! It was beautiful for temple hikes and exploring town. Apparently, it’s often cooler than this, however in recent times it’s staying heat a bit of longer. In my last few days in early November, the temperature did begin to drop and the leaves began to show crimson – I simply missed the beautiful turning of leaves!

Wander the streets of Gion

No journey to Kyoto is full with out exploring Gion, as touristy and crowded as it may be. Gion is town’s well-known geisha district and that is the place you’ll stroll down Hanamikoji Road, the place the wood teahouses, slim alleys, and softly glowing lanterns create an environment straight out of the Edo interval. In the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a geiko or maiko on their strategy to a night efficiency too.

In your wander, you’ll discover there are numerous kimono rental outlets. Dressing in a kimono and wandering the streets and temples is a very talked-about factor to do and an amazing alternative for some pictures so should you fancy enjoying costume up – add this to your record! Don’t fear, dressing in a kimono is taken into account respectful.

I’d dedicate a morning or afternoon to simply wandering the streets, making an attempt native sweets and delicacies, renting a kimono and selecting up some souvenirs.

P.s. In the event you like matcha, head to Gokago for a tremendous matcha latte and doughnut. Be ready to queue.

I’ve truly pinned all of the spots I discovered on my journey to Kyoto onto the Japan Google map legend, so if you wish to unlock entry to ALL my suggestions, click on right here.

Eat your manner across the metropolis

This wants no clarification, does it? Japanese meals is simply INSANELY tasty, and right here in Kyoto you will have a few of the most interesting locations to dine. Assume facet avenue ramen bars, all of the wagyu beef, gyozas galore, a few of the finest sushi on the planet, all you may eat mochi and all of the locals’ avenue stalls with issues like completely baked candy potatoes and octopus balls!

Once more, you’ll discover all my favorite finds and locations individuals beneficial pinned onto my Japan Google Map however beneath are a few of the locations I personally tried and may suggest:

• Moon and Again Ramen Bar – the signature wagyu
• Chao Chao Gyoza – tremendous inexpensive and award-winning gyoza!

Go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

While you’re within the Gion space, you should definitely head up to take a look at this UNESCO-listed temple. Visiting Kiyomizu-dera is among the finest issues to do in Kyoto for many vacationers because it’s perched on a hillside with sweeping views over town. Wander by way of incense-scented halls, drink sacred water from the Otowa waterfall for good luck, and discover the beautiful streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka beneath afterwards.

Get misplaced within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is well one of the photographed locations in Japan, and for good cause. It’s stunning. Strolling by way of this sea of towering inexperienced bamboo feels otherworldly.

Once more for this one, arrive early (dawn if doable) for a quiet, magical expertise earlier than tour teams arrive.

Spend half a day on the model new teamLab Biovotex artwork set up

In the event you’re planning a visit to Kyoto and need one thing completely immersive, as of Oct 7 2025, there’s a new digital-art museum on the town!

TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto is bursting on the seams with probably the most interactive visible and sound installations I’ve ever skilled. I spent a strong 2 hours getting misplaced in right here and melting into full-bodied consciousness as I stepped into artwork reasonably than simply observing it from the sidelines.

Lots of the installations right here discover concepts of life, notion and surroundings in extremely inventive methods. I gained’t spoil it for you. Get your self there! It’s actually among the finest issues to do in Kyoto.

An entrance ticket for an grownup is ¥3,400, and you may e-book on their web site right here.

Location: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 601-8006, Japan.

Participate in a standard tea ceremony

Kyoto is the birthplace of Japan’s tea ceremony, and becoming a member of one is among the most genuine issues to do in Kyoto.

In Gion, you’ll discover tea homes the place hosts wearing kimono carry out this sleek ritual with precision and respect. Some even supply kimono dress-up too. Be cautious, there are various locations the place the expertise might really feel fairly touristy.

I used to be on a mission to discover a tea ceremony expertise that was accessible for vacationers but in addition nonetheless held as a lot authenticity and mindfulness as doable. There weren’t many nonetheless, I imagine I discovered the right match in Oboro Conscious Tea Ceremony.

For the 60-minute expertise, I discovered myself in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse the place I used to be immersed in a standard matcha tea ceremony by candlelight. Distraction and stimulus have been eliminated, our senses heightened, and we drank tea from the close by hills of Uji in a blissful presence. Savouring each sip, savouring each second. 😌

I might have listened to the symbolism, the teachings and the sound of the water pouring into the chawan (matcha bowl) for hours. Exploring these historic traditions was my deepest intention for this journey, and I couldn’t have been extra fulfilled by this tea expertise.

E book your expertise right here.

Stroll by way of Fushimi Inari Taisha’s crimson torii gates

You’ve most likely seen the pictures. Fushimi Inari is not any hidden gem, however it’s among the finest issues to do in Kyoto, and I extremely suggest it!

As soon as once more, get there early. I arrived by prepare from Kyoto metropolis centre (25-minute journey) at about 8 am and it was busy however NOTHING like after I left at round 10 am.

The importance of Fushimi Inari is a fantastic factor to mirror on throughout your time right here. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine devoted to Inari, the kami (god) of rice, symbolising prosperity, success and fertility. The 1000’s of shiny crimson torii gates that wind up Mount Inari have every been donated by native companies as choices to Inari, in hopes of receiving success in return.

Strolling the complete path (about 2 hours spherical journey) presents each cultural depth and peaceable solitude, plus an amazing exercise!

Prime tip: A lot of individuals queue for pictures the second the crimson gates begin. I do know it’s thrilling however actually, the stroll is lengthy and there are SO many different photograph alternatives with the gates that you simply gained’t should queue for!

Expertise Zen on the Ryoan-ji Rock Backyard

For one thing rather less busy however with non secular significance too, go to Ryoan-ji Temple, dwelling to the nation’s most well-known Zen rock backyard. Entrance is 500 or 600yen and also you’ll want money.

The minimalist format of 15 stones set in white gravel is a fantastic window into Zen philosophy. The 15 stones are organized in order that regardless of the place you stand, solely 14 are seen without delay, fantastically symbolising the concept one particular person’s fact is at all times partial and that we are able to by no means understand the complete image until we transend the bounds of the ego and of our distinctive perspective.

After meditating or reflecting on the rock backyard, take time to stroll across the reflective pond and gardens. Visiting Ryoan-ji is really among the finest issues to do in Kyoto should you’re craving a slower morning throughout your Kyoto itinerary.

Eat your manner by way of Nishiki Market

Often known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is the place you need to head to attempt all of the native meals and have an actual sensory expertise. Stretching for 5 full of life blocks (it’s large!), this lined market is full of stalls promoting pickles, seafood skewers, mochi, matcha treats, and avenue snacks you’ve most likely by no means seen earlier than.

Put a night apart and go hungry!

Marvel on the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Lined in gold leaf and mirrored completely in its surrounding pond, Kinkaku-ji is among the most breathtaking temples in Japan. It’s now a UNESCO website and simply among the finest issues to do in Kyoto.

I’ve mentioned it earlier than, and I’ll preserve saying it, haha, arrive early for tender morning gentle and fewer crowds. Afterwards, heat up with a cup of inexperienced tea or matcha on the temple’s small tea backyard or seize some soba noodles in a restaurant close by.

Immerse in an onsen expertise

There are fairly a number of alternatives to expertise onsen in and round Kyoto. All those I discovered and thought of are pinned in my Japan Google Map Legend for you.

I used to be on the lookout for one thing native, one thing genuine and one thing not too removed from town centre however far sufficient out it wasn’t going to be crowded haha. I’m a fussy vacationer however I actually like to dive into the native tradition as a lot as doable.

I used to be so happy with my night at Tenzan no Yu onsen. It was 1,250 yen for entry, together with a towel, and after coming into, you enter your gender’s door and expertise the entire thing similar intercourse solely. No bikinis or swimmers, experiencing an area onsen expertise is all about embracing the bare human physique and actually, it’s extremely liberating.

I used to be in there with round 20 native Japanese girls, and their confidence was so infectious, nobody cared they have been bare. It actually had me reflecting on how empowering it could be to have this expertise in each metropolis.

The onsen itself had so many swimming pools (each indoor and out of doors), a steam room, an enormous sauna and likewise the choice of including on a Korean physique remedy within the hooked up spa.

The altering rooms have all of the merchandise, hairdryers and house you could go away your onsen expertise feeling like a complete new particular person. I used to be so so relaxed and fulfilled with my time right here.

Cycle alongside the Kamo River

Kyoto’s Kamo River is town’s heartbeat, pictured beneath. The river is a relaxed, scenic waterway that flows by way of town’s centre. Whatever the time of day, you’ll discover individuals having fun with time solo and with pals on the riverbanks.

It appears to be each a spot to chill out and socialise for locals and vacationers.

An energetic however peaceable factor to do in Kyoto is to lease a motorbike and cruise alongside the river banks. As you may see within the image beneath, the trail is flat and the surroundings is gorgeous!

Cease by Demachiyanagi for handmade wagashi sweets or proceed south to Fushimi, Kyoto’s sake brewing district, the place you may pattern domestically made nihonshu.

Have you ever been to Kyoto?

What are the perfect issues to do in Kyoto? Something you’d add to this Kyoto bucket record?

Love as at all times and blissful adventuring…