TOP 10 Things to do in KYOTO, Japan

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Explore Kyoto's ancient capital with this guide to its top 10 attractions, from traditional tea houses and historic palaces to bamboo groves and monkey parks.

3 plans · 28 places · 5 experiences

Plan · 6 places · Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto's Historic Gion District Exploration

“Explore the charming Gion district, from its traditional architecture and geisha culture to its historic streets and temples, then unwind by the Kamo River.”

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Gion
Kyoto
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Gion is a charming district in Higashiyama Ward, renowned for its preserved traditional architecture and geisha culture. It's home to many ochaya, traditional Japanese tea houses where geishas (also known as geiko in Kyoto) entertain guests. You can also find beautiful old-fashioned stone-paved shopping streets like Sannenzaka here.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Experience here
Experience a traditional tea ceremony
We suggest booking a tea ceremony, also known as the Way of Tea. This traditional ritual involves preparing and serving matcha-powdered green tea, accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets and snacks like wagashi. It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
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Sannenzaka
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (73)Closed
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Sannenzaka is one of Kyoto's beautiful old-fashioned stone-paved shopping streets, perfect for soaking up the traditional atmosphere. It leads up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Sannenzaka, 2 Chome-211 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
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Set at the top of a hill, Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple was founded in the 8th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and stone paths, offering a spectacular view of the city.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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Shirakawa Lane
Scenic spot · Kyoto
4.7 (5,692)Closed
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Shirakawa Lane is a picturesque area situated by a canal, surrounded by beautiful traditional Japanese accommodations called ryokans, fine dining establishments, and entertainment venues. It's a great spot to explore if you're in the Gion area.
Shirakawa Canal, 白川筋, Motoyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, Japan
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Hanamikoji-dori
Kyoto
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Hanamikoji-dori is a nearby street featuring many Japanese pubs (izakayas) and casual dining establishments, offering a vibrant atmosphere for food and drinks.
Hanamikoji-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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Kamo River Banks
River · Kyoto
4.6
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The Kamo River Banks are especially popular in the summer, offering a pleasant spot for a stroll or relaxation.
Kamo River, Kyoto, Japan

Plan · 6 places · Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Nature and Wildlife Adventure

“Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Arashiyama, from the iconic bamboo grove and historic temples to scenic river views and an encounter with snow monkeys.”

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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
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The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a natural scenic area known for its tall, lush bamboo trees, creating a peaceful and serene environment. It's a popular tourist spot that can get very crowded, but it's especially stunning in the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight filters through the bamboo.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Experience here
Leisurely walk through the serene bamboo grove
Take a leisurely walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, admiring the tall bamboo stalks and listening to the soothing rustling of the leaves. To experience its true serenity, I recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
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Okochi Sanso Garden
Garden · Kyoto
4.7 (121)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
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Okochi Sanso Garden is part of the larger Arashiyama area, known for its scenic beauty, traditional temples, shrines, parks, and gardens.
Okochi Sanso Garden, 8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
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Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Bridge · Kyoto
4.5 (5,464)Closed
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The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is a popular spot in Arashiyama for admiring cherry blossoms, offering scenic views of the area.
Togetsukyō Bridge, 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
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Tenryu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (17,007)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
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Founded in the 14th century, Tenryu-ji Temple is renowned for its beautiful gardens, including the celebrated Sogen Pond Garden. The temple is culturally and historically significant, having played a role in forming the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.
Tenryu-ji, ６８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
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Katsura River
River
4.3 (23)
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The Katsura River, especially enchanting in the fall and spring, offers a beautiful setting where you can relax, go on a boat ride, or try delicious street foods.
Katsura River, Japan
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Wildlife park
4.5 (952)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
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Situated on Mount Arashiyama, this park is home to a large group of Japanese macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys. It allows visitors to observe the monkeys up close in a semi-natural environment while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, ６１-61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
Experience here
Hike to feed snow monkeys with panoramic views
You'll need to hike about 20-30 minutes to reach the observation area where the monkeys can be seen. Once there, you'll have a chance to enjoy amazing scenic views of the region. The park features a designated feeding area where you can purchase specially provided food to feed the monkeys, making for a unique interaction.

Plan · 6 places · Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Shopping Spree

“Discover Kyoto's diverse shopping scene, from traditional arcades to modern malls and bustling streets.”

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Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade
Kyoto
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Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade is another vibrant covered arcade in Kyoto, featuring both traditional and modern shops.
Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping St, Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto Station Building
Business park · Kyoto
4.1Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
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The Kyoto Station Building is a beautiful shopping mall and a major transport hub, offering a wide range of retail options.
Kyoto Station Building, 901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
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AEON Mall Kyoto
Shopping mall · Kyoto
4.0 (19,989)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
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AEON Mall Kyoto is one of the city's shopping malls, providing various retail and dining options.
AEON MALL KYOTO, 1 Nishikujo Toriiguchicho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8417, Japan
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Takashimaya Kyoto Store
Department store · Kyoto
4.0 (15,189)Open · until 8 PM
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Takashimaya Kyoto Store is a prominent department store in Kyoto, offering a high-end shopping experience.
Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center, 52 Shincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8001, Japan
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Shijo-dori
Notable street · Kyoto
4.4 (216)
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Shijo-dori is one of Kyoto's most popular shopping streets, known for its mix of traditional and modern shops.
Shijo-dori, Kyoto, Japan
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Kawaramachi-dori
Notable street · Kyoto
4.3 (185)
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Kawaramachi-dori is another popular shopping destination in Kyoto, featuring a blend of traditional and modern shops.
Kawaramachi-dori St, Kyoto, Japan

Also in this video

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Kyoto Imperial Palace
Historical landmark · Kyoto
4.5 (10,351)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
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The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the primary residence of the Japanese Imperial Family from 1331 until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. It has undergone several renovations and is now used for ceremonial events and as a tourist attraction. The complex includes numerous buildings, gates, and walls, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It's a great place to experience Japan's history and culture.
Kyoto Imperial Palace, 内 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0811, Japan
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Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
National park · Kyoto
4.5 (1,769)Closed
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Also known as the Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden, Kyoto Gyoen is a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese and Western-style gardens. It features a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, a large pond, several bridges, and a traditional tea house. It offers a peaceful and scenic stroll and is popular for cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
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Kyoto Tower
Observation deck · Kyoto
4.2 (213)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
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Built in 1964, Kyoto Tower is a 430-foot (131-meter) tall observation tower and the city's tallest structure, offering panoramic views of Kyoto and the surrounding area. Located near Kyoto Station, it's easily accessible. You can take an elevator to the top for 360-degree views. A revolving restaurant on the top floor provides a fantastic dining experience, especially enchanting in the evening. It's also famous for marriage proposals, New Year's Eve countdowns, and summer festival fireworks.
Nidec Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Taste-test local delicacies at Kyoto's Kitchen
At Nishiki Market, you can enjoy a food-centric experience, taste-testing various local delicacies and soaking in the market's lively atmosphere. Don't miss the fresh seafood, seasonal produce, traditional sweets, and Kyoto-style tofu.
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Nishiki Market
Market · Kyoto
4.3 (53,488)Open now
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Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen, is a historic shopping street and one of Japan's oldest and most famous food markets, operating for over 400 years. It's lined with over 100 shops and stalls selling fresh seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables, traditional Japanese sweets, pickled foods, and Kyoto-style foods like tofu. In addition to food, you can find traditional Japanese crafts, knives, and cooking utensils.
Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
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Pontocho Alley
Historical landmark · Kyoto
4.5 (1,371)
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Pontocho is a historic narrow alley dating back to the 16th century, known for traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi, tempura, and Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori. It started as an entertainment district for nobility and merchants and is now a hub for tourists and locals seeking Japanese culture, cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, featuring bars serving delicious sake.
Pontocho Alley, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
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Teramachi Shopping Arcade
Kyoto
Compasso Teramachi, Kyoto, Japan
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Nijo Castle
Castle · Kyoto
4.4 (2,904)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:45 AM
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Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 17th century by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Period. It served as a residence for the shogun and a symbol of the shogunate's power. The castle is notable for its beautiful gardens and the famous 'Nightingale Floors,' designed to squeak like nightingales when walked on, as a security measure. Don't miss the several beautiful gardens within the complex or Ninomaru Goten, the shogun's residence for entertaining important guests and conducting official business, known for its intricate architecture and gold leaf.
Nijō Castle, 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Interactive samurai and ninja experience
At the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, you can watch and learn about the techniques used by samurai and ninjas and see how they might have been used in battle. The museum also lets you try on traditional samurai or ninja clothing and take pictures in front of a traditional Japanese background, offering a truly interactive experience.
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Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum
Amusement center · Kyoto
4.8Closed · opens tomorrow 9:30 AM
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The Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of samurai and ninjas in Japan. It provides visitors with an interactive experience of their lives and training during Japan's medieval and early modern periods. The museum houses a collection of real samurai and ninja weapons and armor, as well as replicas of famous weapons.
SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto, 109 Horinouecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8117, Japan
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.6 (90,859)Closed
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Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine founded in 711 by the Hata family, dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It's known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that line its hiking trails, donated by individuals and companies to symbolize business prosperity. The trails lead through the beautiful forest of the sacred Mount Inari. It's one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots, attracting millions of visitors each year, and can get extremely crowded.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
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Kinkaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (70,689)Open · until 5 PM
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Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple and one of Kyoto's many famous temples and shrines.
Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

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