Kyoto gives you a glimpse of old Japan with its peaceful gardens, traditional shrines & temples, and graceful geishas. Kyoto is a must-visit for travelers looking for a laidback trip that guarantees an experience full of history and culture. Make sure to make the most out of the city with our list of the best Kyoto tourist attractions to visit!
Renowned for its simple yet elegant structure, the Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion is a hotspot for tourists visiting the city. The allure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the magnificent gold-leaf coated facade with a golden reflection on the pond surrounding it, which makes for a picture-perfect view. Near the pavilion, there is a Japanese tea house where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea and sweets.
Visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake. Take a peaceful walk beneath the thousands of rows of vibrant orange torii gates of Senbon Torii that seem to go on endlessly. Aside from this iconic landmark, it also features mountain trails to other smaller shrines, which take around 2 hours to hike, and dozens of fox statues that are said to be messengers of Inari.
Arashiyama is an underrated district in western Kyoto that features a quaint countryside and beautiful traditional temples. Pass by the Togetsukyo Bridge, a central landmark in the area that looks stunning against the mountain of trees in autumn. Just a short walk from the bridge is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a forest of bamboo reaching the sky, and Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest temple in the area. When making a one-day Kyoto itinerary, Arashiyama is a destination you shouldn’t take for granted!
Attesting to the power and prestige of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto, the Nijō Castle stands strong even 400 years after it was first built. Walk past the two concentric rings of stone walls and moats fortifying the castle and come across the Ninomaru Palace. Though different from other European palaces, this boasts of an imposing yet elegant structure that showcases Japanese culture and architecture from the period. See the uniquely painted ceilings and screens and the blooming cherry and plum trees, and hear the chirping sound of the famous nightingale floors as you walk upon them.
Walking along the quaint alleys of Gion is a unique experience of its own. Feel the lingering nostalgia in the air as you take in the sight of the streets lined with warm lamp posts, structures built with ancient Japanese architecture, and charming bakeries and teahouses. Immerse in the culture by watching kabuki performances, wearing traditional costumes, and paying your respect at the shrines. Most tourists come in hopes of seeing geishas or geikos taking a stroll in their colorful kimonos or performing at one of the theaters. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Kyoto, then spend an enchanting day in Gion!
Have a moment of peace when you visit Higashiyama Jisho-Ji, a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. Delve deeper into the temple complex where you can see the wooden facade of the Silver Pavilion, which shows its beauty through its simplicity. Surrounding this national treasure is a reflecting lake and a gorgeous Japanese garden that contains two extraordinary formations: Kogetsudai, a sand mound representing Mount Fuji, and Ginshadan, wavy patterns raked on the sand representing an ocean. As a whole, this is a center of tranquility and Japanese tradition.
Known to locals and tourists as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ Nishiki Market is the ultimate destination for those in search of souvenirs and authentic Japanese dishes. Explore a variety of flavors with the freshest produce, exotic ingredients and spices, and freshly cooked street food. Don't forget to try the grilled octopus stuffed with a quail egg, tsukemono or pickled vegetables, and skewers of meat and fish! Walking along and shopping on this busy and lively 400-meter shopping street is one of the non-touristy things to do in Kyoto that will still prove to be memorable.
Heian Shrine is a symbol of Kyoto that radiates a brilliant vermilion and teal color to the city. Built during 1895 in memory of the first and last rulers of Kyoto, Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei, the shrine is recognized as the most important for its cultural and historical significance. As you enter, you are greeted by a towering 24-meter torii gate that leads you into the open court grounds. The most alluring part of this location is the peaceful lake surrounded by a 33,000 square meter garden, which is filled with the overwhelming scenery of flowers that change with the seasons.
Feel the warm radiance of the sun as you take a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a 2-kilometer stone path that runs from Nanzenji Temple to the Silver Pavilion. Hidden among rows of cherry blossoms and maples, it is a quiet retreat from the bustling city where most locals go for a beautiful morning stroll or a walk with their dogs. For a remarkable view, it is best to visit during the sakura season to see the flowers in full bloom or during autumn where you can spot fireflies in the evening.
Witness the Kyoto Imperial Palace in its preserved glory as it showcases the architecture and culture of Japan’s imperial dynasties. Get a small glimpse of the lives of the royal family as you explore the former ruling palace and residence of the emperor before the capital was moved to Tokyo. Like many of Kyoto’s other palaces and shrines, you can also take a walk around the beautiful lush garden and see the blooming sakura or fall foliage when they are in season. If you are interested in Japanese history, visiting the palace is a must-do in Kyoto!
Despite its history of war and occurrence of fires in the past, the city of Kyoto has remained resilient, its unique beauty unrivaled. You will find that this city embodies "wabi-sabi", a part of Japanese philosophy which appreciates beauty in imperfection.
As the place of origin of the Japanese geishas, get the chance to take a peek into their enigmatic and ancient art form. Spend a morning amongst the towering bamboo groves of Arashiyama, learn formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, or get acquainted with the Kinkaku-ji's serene environment. Best of all, walk through the long stretch of torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha as it leads to the forest of Mount Inari.
Kyoto is a city preserved in time that allows you to take part in its cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its traditional temples and shrines, lush gardens with iconic cherry blossoms, and exquisite imperial palaces.
Kyoto is a hotspot for tourists from March to May, where the famous sakura trees are in full bloom, or from October to November for crisp weather and the beautiful fall foliage. Nevertheless, you can travel at any time of the year because it has a temperate climate all year round.
There is a wide selection of hotels to stay in the city that is a walking distance from popular attractions and restaurants such as those in Downtown Kyoto, Kyoto Station Area, Central Kyoto, and Southern Higashiyama. If you want to stay closer to nature and escape from city life, you can also find lodging in Northern Higashiyama, Arashiyama, or Gion.