Kyoto Travel Guide - The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

@Allan Su

Allan Suyoutubethe post

Explore Kyoto's essential attractions, dining spots, and travel tips, from the historic Gion district to the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, ensuring a memorable trip to Japan's cultural heart.

20 places · 6 experiences

Experience · 4 places
Exploring Kyoto's Historic Gion District
daytimehalf day
Begin your Kyoto journey in Gion, the city's old entertainment district. Wander through historic streets like Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, filled with traditional wooden buildings and specialty shops. Don't miss Hanamikoji Street, known for its preserved tea houses and potential geisha sightings, but remember the photography ban. Conclude with the iconic view of Yasaka Pagoda.
1
Gion
Kyoto
Creator's voice
Kyoto's historic old quarter and main entertainment district, blending modern cityscapes with cultural and historic value. Its streets are lined with historic buildings, specialty shops, bars, and eateries.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
2
Nishiki Market
Market · Kyoto
4.3 (53,488)Open now
Creator's voice
A narrow and long shopping street with hundreds of shops and restaurants, offering a great opportunity to sample Kyoto's diverse flavors.
Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
3
Kimura Fresh Fish
Fish store · Kyoto
4.8 (1,037)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
A small seafood shop within Nishiki Market where you can order fresh seafood and enjoy it quickly inside the bustling shop.
Kimura Fresh Fish, 483 Nakauoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8125, Japan
4
Kagizen Yoshifusa
Japanese confectionery shop · Kyoto
4.4Closed · opens Tuesday 9:30 AM
Creator's voice
A traditional Japanese sweets shop famous for its kuzu-kiri noodles, which are dipped in a sweet sauce. A must-visit for those seeking authentic Japanese desserts.
Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Branch, 264 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Experience · 4 places
Kyoto's Iconic Temples and Shrines
daytimehalf day
Dedicate time to Kyoto's many temples and shrines. Visit Nanzen-ji Temple for its aqueduct and rock garden, and Eikan-do Temple for stunning autumn foliage. Explore Yasaka Shrine, the main shrine in Gion, and the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage and panoramic city views.
5
Nanzenji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (12,588)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:40 AM
Creator's voice
Famous for its impressive aqueduct and serene rock garden, offering a peaceful escape.
Nanzen-ji, 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan
6
Eikando Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (9,676)Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Known for its beautiful garden, making it one of the best places to witness the vibrant autumn foliage in Kyoto.
Eikan-dō Temple, 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan
7
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
Creator's voice
The main Shinto shrine in Gion, where the famous Gion Matsuri festival is held during the summer.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
8
Kiyomizudera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
Best known for its iconic wooden stage near the main hall, offering scenic views of the city and surrounding cherry and maple trees from its hillside perch.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Experience · 4 places
Evening Dining in Pontocho Alley
evening2 hours
After a day of exploration, unwind and enjoy a meal in Pontocho Alley. This area is bustling with various restaurants and bars, offering everything from seafood to soba and yakiniku. For a taste of Kobe beef in a casual setting, try Steak Wine Hachi, or for quality and affordable yakiniku, visit Yakiniku Hiro. If you're craving noodles, Ramen Sen No Kaze Kyoto is highly recommended for its excellent tonkotsu ramen.
9
Pontocho Alley
Historical landmark · Kyoto
4.5 (1,371)
Creator's voice
A vibrant area filled with many types of restaurants and bars, offering diverse culinary options from seafood to soba and yakiniku.
Pontocho Alley, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
10
Steak Wine Hachi
Kaiseki restaurant
4.5Closed · opens Friday 11:30 AM
Creator's voice
Recommended for a casual taste of authentic Kobe beef, even though Kyoto isn't the prime destination for it.
Hachibei, 577-17 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
11
Yakiniku Hiro
Yakiniku restaurant · Kyoto
4.1 (1,558)Closed · opens 5 PM
Creator's voice
Offers a great selection of quality meat at a relatively affordable price, making it a good alternative if you're not looking to splurge on Kobe beef.
Yakiniku Hiro (Kyoto Station), 510-1 Shiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8212, Japan
12
Ramen Sen No Kaze Kyoto
Ramen restaurant
4.2Closed
Creator's voice
One of the best places for excellent ramen, particularly known for its tonkotsu ramen, though shiro shoyu and miso versions are also available. Expect a queue as it can get quite busy.
Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto, 580 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
Experience · 5 places
Arashiyama's Natural Beauty and Temples
morninghalf day
Head to Arashiyama for a change of scenery, with its mountains, rivers, and greenery. Explore the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, arriving early to avoid crowds. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a main Zen temple known for its beautiful Japanese garden, located right next to the bamboo forest. For a short hike, ascend to Senko-ji Temple for secluded views and a chance to meet its Shiba Inu temple dog.
13
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
Creator's voice
Home to hundreds of bamboo trees that can grow upwards of 30 meters, offering a special and immersive experience.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Tip: Get here early if you want to avoid the crowds.
14
Tenryu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (17,007)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
One of the main Zen temples in Kyoto, famous for its beautiful Japanese garden, located right next to the bamboo forest.
Tenryu-ji, ６８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
15
Senkoji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.5 (641)Closed · opens 9 AM
Creator's voice
A secluded temple reached by a short hike through a dense forest, offering scenic views and known for its resident Shiba Inu temple dog.
Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple, 62 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
16
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Wildlife park
4.5 (952)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Houses over a hundred snow monkeys. It requires a 20-minute walk up, but visitors can feed the monkeys with snacks provided by staff.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, ６１-61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
17
Sagano Romantic Train
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.1 (459)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
A scenic railway ride along the Hozugawa River, especially popular during autumn. You can take the train back or opt for a two-hour boat tour.
Sagano Scenic Railway trolley train, Sagamizuohatogasu, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 610-0000, Japan
Tip: The boat tour back is highly recommended for a different perspective.
Experience · 2 places
Northern Kyoto's Golden Pavilion and Hike
daytimehalf day
Journey to northwestern Kyoto to visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple, originally a shogun's retirement home, is covered in gold leaves and attracts thousands of visitors. If time permits, consider the Kurama-Kibune hike, a lovely 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto, leading through shrines and temples amidst splendid nature.
18
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (70,689)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
One of Japan's most popular buildings, known as the Golden Pavilion. Its upper floor is covered in gold leaves, and it was originally a shogun's retirement home before becoming a Zen Buddhist temple.
Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
19
Kurama-Kibune Hike
Mountain peak
4.7
Creator's voice
A lovely hike that takes you through shrines and temples while surrounded by splendid nature. It's a 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto and well worth the trip.
Mount Kurama, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1111, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Southern Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine
morning3 hours
Conclude your Kyoto exploration in southern Kyoto at the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, arguably the most visited place in the city. This important shrine, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a network of trails up Mount Inari. Explore the shrine grounds, noting the fox statues believed to be Inari's messengers. After your visit, enjoy street food and local snacks at the food market next to the shrine.
20
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.6 (90,859)Closed
Creator's voice
The most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that follow a network of trails up Mount Inari. Fox statues are spread across the grounds as Inari's messengers.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Tip: Visit during the morning or evening hours to avoid crowds, or keep going up the trail as crowds tend to thin out.

Tips from the creator4

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Autumn, when the leaves change to orange and red, is the most magical time. Spring is a good alternative, and summer offers festivals despite the heat. Book accommodations months in advance for autumn.
Logistics1:27
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
The creator suggests staying between three to five days to have ample time to visit the city's most important places.
Logistics1:54
How to get around Kyoto?
The best way to get around is via trains and buses using an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, etc.). The Kansai Thru Pass is also an option if you plan to visit other cities in the region like Osaka and Nara.
Transit2:12
Is photography allowed in Gion's Hanamikoji Street?
No, the city has imposed a photography ban in Hanamikoji and other areas in Gion due to issues with tourists. It's important to follow these local rules.
Etiquette4:48