Klook Kyoto Guide: Top Attractions, Experiences, & More

Kyoto is full of wonderful attractions, including some of Japan’s most beautiful temples, shrines, parks, and traditional shops and museums. It remains a peaceful oasis situated amid the hills and mountains that surround it. 

If you’re at all interested in Japan, add this to your stop. The city represents some of Japan's best history and culture, with all its traditions and historical buildings. Don’t worry about missing any popular Kyoto tourist spots because this Klook Kyoto guide is  here to help you create an efficient itinerary.

Can you believe this Kyoto tourist spot is over 800 years old? Sanjusangendo Temple has a fascinating history, architecture, and an air of calm. The temple’s name translates simply as a “hall with thirty three spaces between the columns,” and is known for its 1001 statues of Kannon — the goddess of mercy.

Address: 657 Sanjusangendo Mawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan

Contact: +81 75-561-0467

Opening Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm (Daily)

Social: Website

One of the most notable Kyoto tourist spots has got to be the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Spend a quiet afternoon here with its hundreds of tall bamboo plants and scenic paths. It’s a short 30-minute stroll but feel free to stay a little longer to take pictures at the Bamboo Alley and just enjoy nature.

Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

Contact: +81 75-343-0548

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Social: Website

If there’s one shrine you must visit in Kyoto, it’s got to be Fushimi Inari Taisha. The vermilion red-colored shrine is an iconic Kyoto tourist spot and is one of the many temples dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Aside from paying for abundant harvests, devotees also come here to pray for business prosperity and protection for their homes and families. This Klook Kyoto guide will not be complete without this historical and iconic shrine!

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

Contact: +81 75-641-7331

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Social: Website

It’s hard to miss the Kyoto Tower considering it is 100 meters tall. The towering Kyoto tourist spot dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the city that are especially stunning at night. Climb to the observation deck and use the telescope stands to zoom into landmarks like the Kiyomizu-dera and Honganji Temple.

Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Contact: +81 75-361-3215

Opening Hours: 10:00am-9:00pm (Daily)

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Although markets are not the first things to come to mind when thinking of Kyoto tourist spots, you have certainly got to visit one. Nishiki Market has been operating for over 400 years with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh and dried food to souvenirs. Sample the delicacies like takoyaki, soymilk donuts, and fugu (puffer fish).

Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan

Contact: +81 75-211-3882

Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm (Daily), but it also varies per store

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The Samurai and Ninja Museum is a fantastic Kyoto tourist spot, especially for those traveling with kids. You’ll get to learn about Japanese history, put on a traditional Japanese hakama, and attend a ninja class where they teach you how to wield and draw a sword. It’s an interactive experience that will keep the whole family entertained. 

Address: Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 

Contact: +81 75-585-5410 | samurai@mai-ko.com

Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:00pm (Daily)

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Instead of going to a zoo, head over to Iwatayama Monkey Park to see some animals in the wild. It’s a 30-minute hike up Mount Arashiyama, but it’s a great way to get active while on vacation. Catch the pretty cherry blossom trees in spring as you feed the snow monkeys. Remember to be gentle at all times when interacting with the monkeys!

Address: Japan, 〒616-0004 Kyoto, Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama Nakaoshitachō, ６１

Contact:  +81 75-872-0950

Opening Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm (Daily)

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This Klook Kyoto guide will not be complete without a visit to Gion — Japan’s popular Geisha district. Traditional wooden houses were preserved, many of which are now teahouses where you can encounter a geisha. Come at night when the streets come alive with lit-up paper lanterns and bustling restaurants, and enjoy the opportunity to wear a traditional kimono!

Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Contact: +81 75-531-2422

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If you’re looking to experience more and spend less, then this Kyoto Cultural Pass is the one for you! With this one pass, you can visit up to five attractions in Kyoto. Some experiences include a Hozugawa River boat ride, Golden Pavilion Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha day tour, tea ceremony, and more. There’s also a “premium experience” option for those who want to add more attractions to their pass. Valid for 30 days, this pass also allows you to explore Kyoto at your own pace as you will pick the date of your visit per selected attraction.