Kyoto is an ultimate bucket list destination and an undeniable must-visit place in Japan. With its quiet mysterious temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines and narrow yokocho (back alleys) full of traditional Japanese houses and Zen gardens, it is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. There are so many sites to visit in Kyoto that you could spend months, if not years, exploring every single temple, trying the variety of Japanese cuisine and learning about the history of this city that used to be Japan’s capital for almost 1000 years. Top things to do in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Together with Mt. Fuji and Daibutsu Great Buddha statue in Nara, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is considered to be the greatest sight to see in Japan. The main hall, set in a divine Zen garden, is all covered in gold with its reflection shining in a small pond, which makes it truly spectacular place. Needless to say, because of its stunning beauty, Kinkaku-ji is always busy, at any time and any day of the year.
Even though it is always busy, I would definitely recommend visiting Golden Pavilion. It is truly beautiful and worth to see even with crowds around you. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and the price is 600 yen per adult. To get here, you need to take the bus 205 which leaves from Kyoto Station from the B3 platform. There’s English commentary in the bus so you will know where to get off. If you are visiting the pavilion around lunch or dinner time, I would recommend visiting Itadaki restaurant located nearby. They have delicious food with options for vegetarians and even vegans (that can be hard to find in Japan) and moderate prices.
Gion District and Higashiyama
Gion is very traditional neighborhood in Kyoto famous for its fine restaurants, typical Japanese wooden houses, proximity to temples and many photogenic spots. Gion has developed in Middle Ages as one of the most exclusive geisha districts in Japan and even though there is a very small chance that you would spot a geisha here today, the streetscape is very well preserved with high concentration of typical ochaya (teahouses) and machiya (merchant houses).
Higashiyama is the area that leads towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The two most atmospheric streets that you shouldn’t miss when strolling through Higashiyama are Ninenzaka Street and Ishibe Koji Alley. I bet you have seen Ninenzaka Street many times over social media or travel magazines. It is very attractive sloping lane lined with beautifully restored old-fashioned shops and houses. There’s a strict rule for new business who would want to open their branch here, to look still traditional. That is why you can find here Starbucks in one of the tea houses. You can literally pass by it without noticing any green logo (because there’s none). Inside you will get your typical menu, but you can enjoy it in tatami rooms with your shoes off. If you like Starbucks or not, this is very unique experience!
Ishibe Koji Alley is also only walking street but you would be looking for small business here unsuccessfully. It’s full of private houses therefore it is prohibited to take photos (you wouldn’t want to have hordes of tourists in front of your house every day either). It’s worth walking through though, because you will feel like stepping back in time, finding yourself in 17th-18th century Japan.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Walking into this majestic bamboo grove is like entering a different world… The thick green bamboo trees seem to continue endlessly into every direction and there’s no possible end to it. The light that comes through the green stalks gives the place a mystic atmosphere.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is definitely a must see when in Kyoto. The entrance is free of charge, but be prepared for lots of people! If you would like to take some photos without others, you will need a lot of patience or come very early in the morning. Arashiyama is located under the western mountains and to get to the forest you can take the purple San-In metro line to Saga-Arashiyama Station from Kyoto station. From there it’s about 1 km walk. Once in the area and you have some time to spare, you can also visit Iwatayama Monkey Park, stroll around Kimono Forest that illuminates at night (I really want to come back here), rent a boat on Hozu-Gawa River or check out one of many temples.
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Arashiyama has a lot to offer and it's definitely a full day destination when in Kyoto so check out my detailed article on what to do and the best places to see in Arashiyama.
Read MoreFushimi-Inari Taisha
After Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is another place that looks like from another world, and for me it’s the most impressive and memorable sight in Kyoto. This mountainside Shinto shrine is dating back to 711 AD and its main feature is a path made of thousands of traditional torii gates in vermilion colour. The scene is truly picture-perfect and therefore very popular among international and local visitors. If you wish to get a photo without people, you have to come very early in the morning, or later at night, when shrinelights up with many small lanterns (there are no closing hours, it’s open non-stop) or make sure you walk all the way to the top where is significantly less people.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Shinto god Inari, who is a patron of rice and cereal. There are approximately thousand of Inari shrines across Japan, but this one in Kyoto is the biggest and the most spectacular. Inari shrines have usually multiple Torii gates and fox statues at the entrance. Foxes are believed to be messengers of Inari. Fushimi Inari shrine is truly large, the path finished on top of the hill, from where you can enjoy beautiful view over Kyoto. The hike lasts approximately 2-3 hours return. There are no entrance fees.
Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace, known as Gosho in Japanese, is a massive complex located in the Imperial Palace Park. Although it’s not home to the imperial family anymore, it’s a grand structure worth exploring if you are spending in Kyoto more than just a day. The Palace Park is especially beautiful (and I’d say a must see) during Plum and Cherry blossom season. Plum trees are in bloom in late-February and Cherries in late-March and beginning of April, so if you are visiting Kyoto during this time, give it a go! It’s a perfect place for a picnic, strolling around or exploring by bike.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu Dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and enjoyable temples. It’s situated on the hillside of Mt. Otowa overlooking the city, but it’s still walking distance from Gion District. The main hall was under construction for a while, but now it’s finally open and accessible to the public for a small fee of 300 yen per adult.
The temple was founded in 778 AD, but went under reconstruction in the 17th century and it’s a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main hall has a large wooden veranda that can accommodate large amount of visitors. Underneath, there are many maple and cherry blossom trees so the best time to visit is autumn and spring, however, this unique temple is enjoyable all year round. Best pla
Ponto-cho Alley
If staying in Kyoto over-night, Ponto-cho alley is a great place to spend your evening. There are just few streets in Asia for pedestrians only that would get this amazing atmosphere. There’s not much to look at during the day, but at night the street comes alive with colorful lanterns, traditional wooden exteriors and elegant people of Kyoto disappearing into the doors of countless bars, restaurants and izakayas. The restaurants in this area can be quite pricey but simple walk here and nearby Gion at night can be an experience itself.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, or Nijo-jo, was built in 1603 and it was an official residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It’s surrounded by garden with cherry and plum tree groves that bloom since mid-February until almost mid-April every year, which makes a popular place to hang out in spring. There’s also a Japanese zen garden with a traditional tea house, where you can order fresh matcha.
Besides the gardens, the interior of the castle is simply stunning. You will walk through different rooms with incredible paintings on the walls. Beware though that it is strictly prohibited to take photos inside! In 19th century, Nijo-jo served as imperial palace for some time and after that it was donated to the city and open for public as a tourist attraction.
Nijo-jo has been Unesco World Heritage site since 1994, because it is the best surviving example of Japan’s palace architecture during feudal era. It is open daily from 9 am till 5 pm. The admission is 620 yen for an adult and English audio guides are available.
Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
Yasaka Shrine used to be called Gion shrine in the past, because of its convenient walking distance to the Gion District. It includes several buildings with over 1350 years long history and it’s also home to several religious festivals throughout the year. Behind the shrine, there is an urban garden called Maruyama Park, which is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in early April. During this time it becomes the most popular place in Kyoto, when people come here to organize hanami picnics (cherry blossom viewing outdoor parties).
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Read MoreNishiki Market
Kyoto’s cuisine can be described as refined, but it has its own quirky but wonderful foods that you can try here in Nishiki Market. Located in the center of the town, Nishiki market is called “Kyoto’s pantry” and it is a very lively place where you can not only sample some great dishes, but also buy some unique hand-made souvenirs, wander past 100 stalls and get a glimpse of old shotengai (shopping arcades).
If you don’t feel like eating street food, I can recommend visiting these two restaurants nearby the main market street: Wan Zhu Ji and Kyoto Gogyo, both serving delicious ramen.
Philosopher's Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk, called Tetsugaku No Michi in Japanese, is a scenic stream side path lined with blossoming trees and one of the most attractive and popular sights in Kyoto. It offers a quiet retreat from the city and it will take you to many historic sites that line the way. The name comes from a philosophy professor at Kyoto University, Nishida Kitaro, who used to come here for a walk when he got tired and needed to clear his head.
The Path of Philosophy is particularly beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom, or in fall to see the autumn foliage, but it is enjoyable during the whole year, as there are many interesting places to visit along the way. The stroll lasts approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour and it starts about 100 meters north from Eikan-do Temple, which is also a magnificent temple to visit with famous Buddha statue looking over his shoulder.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Well, I will admit it, this shrine may not be the most important one, but I would recommend visiting it, if you love flowers, particularly plum ume blossoms.
Kitano Tenmangu is the very first shrine in Japan, where an actual person was enshrined as a deity. His name was Sugawara no Michizane, he was a popular scholar and politician and today he is known as the “god of agriculture, honesty, sincerity, performing arts and academics.” During his life, Michizane loved plum trees and therefore you can find a magnificent plum tree grove within the temple grounds. Plums are in full bloom at the end of February and beginning of March and the entrance fee to the plum garden is 800 yen per adult, however, the admission to the temple is free. Plums in bloom have darker pink colour than cherry blossoms and they have also beautiful fresh spring scent.
Extra Tips for Activities in Kyoto
Matcha Tasting
Besides all the temples and cultural heritage, Kyoto is also famous for its matcha. The finest matcha comes from a smaller town called Uji, on the south of Kyoto. If you love this fragrant green powder, this is the best place to learn more about it and join a tour how it’s made, why it is so special and how it became world’s sensation!
Sake Making Tour
Sake is Japanese national drink made of fermented rice, a.k.a. the rice wine. It’s referred to as nihonshu in Japanese.The Fushimi region south of Kyoto is not only famous for the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, but it also has a long sake making history.
Stay in Traditional Ryokan
Ryokan is a typical old-school Japanese with a long history. The oldest ryokan can be found in Hayakawa in Yamanashi Prefecture and it has been run by the same family for over 1300 years (it was founded in 705 AD). Ryokans can be found throughout the country and Kyoto is not an exception.
Kimono Experience
Nowadays in Japan, it’s rare to see a person wearing a kimono daily. They are used for special occasions like weddings or official holidays, however Kyoto is one of the cities where this tradition hasn’t quite disappear and people use kimonos quite frequently. There are many shops and kimono rentals around Kyoto so it’s quite easy to pick one and get the real kimono experience in the streets of Kyoto’s historical old town.
Try Delicious Kaiseki Feast
Kaiseki is traditional Japanese multi-course high dining with a long history. Today’s Kaiseki is a celebration of Japanese tradition, fresh seasonal and local produce and haute cuisine. It’s a real luxury experience that can be quite pricey but it is worth in the end. Kaiseki can be intimidating at first because there’s usually a protocol to follow (for example some restaurants don’t like when their customers are taking photos of the dishes, so it’s better to ask in advance). That’s why I would recommend booking a food tour that takes you to a kaiseki dinner, when a knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through each dish and tells you more about the history.
Explore Kyoto Station
Kyoto station is the major transportation hub in Kyoto and most probably it’ll be your first and last place where you go in this city. This point may seem to be a bit strange, but trust me, there’s a quite a few places worth exploring within the station and around. Kyoto station belongs to one of the biggest buildings in the country that incorporates a shopping mall, cinemas, hotel and many other facilities under one roof. If you have a little bit of extra time to spare before leaving Kyoto, take time to walk around this modern structure. There are plenty of luggage storage so you will be free to explore. Everything you need to know about Kyoto station and where to go here you’ll find this article here.
Interesting Facts about Kyoto
Getting around Kyoto
Kyoto is a compact city with developed transportation network. Metro, trains and city buses are the most convenient way to get around. The city center is walk-able, but if you want to visit attractions like Golden Pavilion, Bamboo Forest, or Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, you will have to use public transport, as taxis are very expensive in Japan (including Uber).
Because I own an Icoca card that I can use for all the public transport in Kansai region, I don’t have to purchase separate tickets each time I travel. If you are visiting Kyoto for one day, I would recommend buying a daily ticket for the city buses that go to all the main attractions in Kyoto. The daily ticket costs 600 yen, otherwise each bus journey (doesn’t matter how long) will cost you 230 yen. The city bus is number 203 and it’s well marked as “city bus” from the outside. It leaves from Kyoto station and there’s an English commentary in the bus so you know when and where to get off. The only inconvenience about the buses is the traffic, otherwise they are quite reliable.
Getting around any city that you are visiting for the first time can get frustrating sometimes and I am definitely not an expert on Kyoto, so here is an article that I personally found very useful during my first trip to this city. It includes all type of transportation and how to best navigate often very confusing Japanese public transport system.
Kyoto has that timeless charm that only comes with traditions. Get lost in the maze of tiny streets in Gion that are full of wooden houses, meet girls in colorful kimonos, admire countless temples and shrines, take a stroll by the river and enjoy some quiet time in Zen gardens and beautiful public parks in the city… Kyoto has a lot to offer but above all, don’t forget to really enjoy your time here.
Is Kyoto on your bucket list? If you’ve been to Kyoto, what did you enjoy the most and which you was your favorite? Please let me know!
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