Japan

Things to do in Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years and still has around 1,600 temples, 17 of its sites listed by UNESCO. The famous spots (Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kiyomizu-dera) are packed by mid-morning, so the trick is timing: start at dawn, then spend the afternoon in quieter temples, Nishiki Market or a tea ceremony.

  • Fushimi Inari torii gates at sunrise
  • Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji
  • Gion and Higashiyama evening walk
  • Tea ceremony in a traditional machiya

Experiences in Kyoto

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Kyoto

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Highlights

  • Fushimi Inari torii gates at sunrise
  • Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji
  • Gion and Higashiyama evening walk
  • Tea ceremony in a traditional machiya
  • Nishiki Market food tour
  • Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion

Best time to visit

Late March to early April and mid to late November are the most beautiful and the most crowded weeks of the year. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but quiet, with lower hotel prices.

Getting around

City buses get very crowded, so use the subway and the JR, Keihan and Hankyu lines where you can, and rent a bike for the flat central grid. From Kansai Airport the JR Haruka express takes about 75 minutes; from Tokyo the shinkansen takes just over two hours.

Local tips

  • Fushimi Inari is open around the clock and free, so arrive before 7am to walk the gates without crowds.
  • Some private lanes in Gion are now closed to tourists, with signs and fines, so follow your guide and do not photograph geiko or maiko without permission.
  • Saiho-ji, the moss temple, can only be visited with an advance reservation.

Day trips from Kyoto

  • Nara
  • Osaka
  • Himeji Castle
  • Uji
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Kyoto?

The most booked experiences in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari torii gates at sunrise, Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji, Gion and Higashiyama evening walk and Tea ceremony in a traditional machiya.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Late March to early April and mid to late November are the most beautiful and the most crowded weeks of the year. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but quiet, with lower hotel prices.

How do I get around Kyoto?

City buses get very crowded, so use the subway and the JR, Keihan and Hankyu lines where you can, and rent a bike for the flat central grid. From Kansai Airport the JR Haruka express takes about 75 minutes; from Tokyo the shinkansen takes just over two hours.

Do I need to book tours in Kyoto in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Kyoto?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Tokyo360 km awayBangkok4246 km awaySingapore4993 km awayDubai7616 km away