Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

@Asia Odyssey Travel

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Discover the best of Kyoto, from iconic temples and shrines to scenic train rides and traditional cultural experiences, plus nearby Uji and Nara.

2 plans · 17 places · 13 experiences

Plan · 2 places · Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Adventure

“For an adventure in Arashiyama, wander through the bamboo grove, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and ride the scenic Hozu River train.”

Experience · 1 place
Wander Through Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove
Wander through the towering bamboo stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It's like stepping into a Japanese ink painting, offering a serene and immersive natural experience.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
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A famous natural grove of towering bamboo stalks in the Arashiyama district, offering a serene and iconic walking path. It's one of Kyoto's most photographed sights.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Ride the Scenic Hozu River Train
Ride the scenic Hozu River train, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train. It's like stepping into a Japanese ink painting, with valleys, rivers, and seasonal landscapes unfolding before your eyes.
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Sagano Romantic Train
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.1 (459)Open · until 5 PM
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A scenic train line that runs along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka, offering picturesque views of the valley and seasonal foliage.
Sagano Scenic Railway trolley train, Sagamizuohatogasu, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 610-0000, Japan

Plan · 3 places · Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Night Out

“At night, stroll along the Kamo River, admire views from Kyoto Tower, or dine in atmospheric Pontocho Alley.”

Experience · 1 place
Night Stroll along Kamo River
At night, stroll along the Kamo River, enjoying the illuminated cityscape and the lively atmosphere. It's a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
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Kamo River
River · Kyoto
4.6
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A central river flowing through Kyoto, with scenic banks popular for strolling, cycling, and enjoying the city views, especially beautiful at night when illuminated.
Kamo River, Kyoto, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Admire Views from Kyoto Tower
Admire panoramic night views of Kyoto from the observation deck of Kyoto Tower. See the city lights spread out below you, offering a different perspective of the ancient capital.
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Kyoto Tower
Observation deck · Kyoto
4.2 (213)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
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Kyoto's tallest structure, offering a 360-degree observation deck with panoramic views of the city. It's particularly striking at night.
Nidec Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Dine in Atmospheric Pontocho Alley
Dine in atmospheric Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane filled with traditional restaurants and bars. Enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine in a charming, historic setting.
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Pontocho Alley
Historical landmark · Kyoto
4.5 (1,371)
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A narrow, atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamo River, famous for its traditional restaurants, bars, and tea houses. It's a popular spot for evening dining and entertainment.
Pontocho Alley, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl) — Enjoy a delicious Unagi Don, a bowl of steamed rice topped with grilled eel glazed in a sweet soy-based sauce, a classic Japanese dish often found in traditional dining alleys.
Sushi Hand Roll — Savor a fresh sushi hand roll, featuring delicate slices of fish, roe, and vegetables wrapped in nori seaweed. A perfect bite in a lively dining spot.

Also in this video

Experience · 1 place
Panoramic Views from Kiyomizu-Dera
Climb up to the iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple for panoramic views of the city. Kyoto unfolds in all its grandeur, especially beautiful at sunset with fiery skies.
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Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
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An iconic Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. It's particularly beautiful during autumn with the surrounding crimson leaves.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Walk Through Fushimi Inari's Endless Torii Gates
Walk through thousands of bright red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, creating a magical, seemingly endless tunnel. It's an immersive experience that feels like stepping into another world.
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Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.6 (90,859)Closed
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A major Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that straddle a network of trails up Mount Inari. It's dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Step Back into Samurai Era at Nijo Castle
Step across the 'nightingale floors' at Nijo Castle that sing with each step, carrying you back to the age of samurai and shoguns. It's a unique way to experience the castle's history and defensive architecture.
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Nijo Castle
Castle · Kyoto
4.4 (2,895)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:45 AM
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and 'nightingale floors' designed to alert residents of intruders. It served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.
Nijō Castle, 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
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Kinkaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (70,689)Open · until 5 PM
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The Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto, completely covered in gold leaf. It's set against a beautiful pond and garden, reflecting its golden splendor.
Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
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Ginkaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (17,705)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
The Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple in eastern Kyoto, known for its elegant and understated beauty, contrasting with Kinkaku-ji. It features a unique dry sand garden and moss garden.
Ginkaku-ji, 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Vibrant Festivals at Yasaka Shrine
Experience the vibrant festivals at Yasaka Shrine, where Kyoto's spirit is revealed through traditional performances and lively atmosphere.
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Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
Creator's voice
A prominent Shinto shrine in the Gion district of Kyoto, known for its vibrant festivals, especially the Gion Matsuri. It's beautifully lit up at night.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Crimson Autumn in Kyoto
In late autumn, the city blazes with crimson leaves, with temples like Kiyomizu-Dera and Yasaka Shrine glowing against a backdrop of fiery colors. It's a spectacular time to visit and witness nature's artistry.
- Crimson Autumn Leaves — Kyoto in late autumn is ablaze with crimson leaves, creating a stunning backdrop for temples and gardens. The vibrant reds and oranges are a must-see seasonal spectacle.
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Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
An iconic Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. It's particularly beautiful during autumn with the surrounding crimson leaves.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
11
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
Creator's voice
A prominent Shinto shrine in the Gion district of Kyoto, known for its vibrant festivals, especially the Gion Matsuri. It's beautifully lit up at night.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
12
Togetsukyo Bridge
Bridge · Kyoto
4.5 (5,464)Closed
Creator's voice
A historic bridge in Arashiyama, offering picturesque views of the Hozugawa River and the surrounding mountains, especially beautiful during autumn and spring.
Togetsukyō Bridge, 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Stroll Kyoto in a Kimono
Slip into a kimono and stroll the cobblestone streets of Gion. Every step feels like traveling back in time, immersing you in the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto's historic district.
- Kimono — Wearing a traditional kimono allows you to immerse yourself in Kyoto's culture and feel like you've traveled back in time while exploring the historic streets.
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Gion District
Kyoto
Creator's voice
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and exclusive restaurants. It's a place where you might spot geisha and maiko in the evenings.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Experience · 1 place
The Art of Tea & Flowers in Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the refined arts of tea and flowers, where elegance and ritual meet daily life. Experience a traditional tea ceremony or learn ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement.
- Tea Ceremony — Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a refined art form where elegance and ritual are central. It's a peaceful and culturally rich experience.
- Flower Arrangement (Ikebana) — Learn the art of Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, which emphasizes harmony, balance, and minimalism. It's a beautiful way to connect with Japanese aesthetics.
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Gion District
Kyoto
Creator's voice
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and exclusive restaurants. It's a place where you might spot geisha and maiko in the evenings.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Geisha Evenings in Gion
As lanterns glow in Gion, geisha and maiko appear on quiet streets, offering an enchanting glimpse into a thousand years of tradition. It's a magical experience to witness these traditional entertainers.
- Geisha and Maiko — Spotting geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) on the quiet, lantern-lit streets of Gion in the evening offers a rare and enchanting glimpse into traditional Japanese culture.
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Gion District
Kyoto
Creator's voice
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and exclusive restaurants. It's a place where you might spot geisha and maiko in the evenings.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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Uji City
Uji
Creator's voice
A city south of Kyoto, renowned for its high-quality matcha green tea and historic temples. It's a popular day trip destination for tea lovers and history enthusiasts.
Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- World-Famous Matcha — Uji is famous for its world-class matcha, offering a variety of delicious matcha-based treats and drinks. Don't miss trying some of the finest green tea here.
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Byodo-in Temple
Tourist attraction · Uji
4.5 (306)
Creator's voice
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji, famous for its Phoenix Hall, which is depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin. It's a stunning example of Heian period Buddhist architecture.
Byodo-in Omotesando, Renge Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
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Nara Park
Park · Nara
4.6 (31,844)Closed
Creator's voice
A large public park in Nara, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, which are considered messengers of the gods. Visitors can feed the deer with special crackers.
Nara Park, Nara, Japan
- Friendly Deer — Nara Park is famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer. You can interact with them and feed them special deer crackers, making for a memorable encounter.
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Todai-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Nara
4.7 (31,842)Closed · opens tomorrow 7:30 AM
Creator's voice
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, housing a massive bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). It's one of Japan's most significant and impressive temples.
Tōdai-ji, 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
- Great Buddha (Daibutsu) — The Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple is a colossal bronze statue, one of the largest in the world, and a powerful symbol of Japanese Buddhism.

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