KYOTO, JAPAN (2026) | 10 Best Things To Do In & Around Kyoto (+ Travel Tips)

To truly enjoy the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you need to arrive early to beat the dense crowds that gather by mid-morning. It's easily accessible from Kyoto station by a direct 20-minute train ride to Saga Arashiyama, followed by a short walk. The forest path is nicely maintained and free to visit. Just 5 minutes past the end of the grove, you'll find a breathtaking view of the river gorge below, which we were surprised to find nearly empty compared to the main bamboo section.

Hiking up Wakakusayama Hill was a highlight for us, offering a stunning view of the entire valley. You can even find groups of deer grazing at the summit. It's an awesome city to explore on foot beyond the deer park.

Kiyomizu-dera is most famous for its stunning sunset view, but it's arguably the busiest temple in the city. The historic approach through the narrow streets is often packed shoulder-to-shoulder. To experience these streets in peace, a sunrise visit would be essential. While the crowds make browsing local shops difficult, the temple itself was still worth the chaos for us. The attention to detail in the architecture and craftsmanship gave us a true sense of awe, and the golden hour glow lived up to the hype. From the historic wooden veranda, you're treated to a jaw-dropping panorama of the city, including the distant Kyoto Tower.

Pontocho Alley is one of Kyoto's most iconic dining destinations. This lantern-lit passage is lined with an incredible variety of eateries, from high-end kaiseki houses to lively izakayas and international bistros. We enjoyed a delicious teppanyaki dinner with premium Wagyu beef here, which was easily one of our best dining experiences in Japan. We found all of Pontocho to have a great food scene with many excellent restaurants tucked away in the surrounding side streets.

Kyoto is a very bikable city thanks to its compact and flat layout, especially compared to Tokyo or Osaka. A unique way to explore is by joining a bike tour. We joined a 4-hour tour that took us through back streets, along the river, and to some quieter parts of the city. We made lots of stops, including the historic Gion District, various serene temples and shrines, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The highlight for us was the incredible knowledge shared by our local guide.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is famous for its endless tunnel of thousands of vermilion gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. If you trek all the way to the summit and back down in a loop, the total trail length is about 4.5 km (2.8 miles) with a moderate elevation gain. The summit itself doesn't have panoramic views, but rather many interesting stone altars. The best city views are found at an intersection about 45 minutes up the hill. The shrine and walking trails are open 24 hours a day and are free. We visited around sunset, so it was busy, but coming early in the morning offers a more peaceful forest experience. If you want the least amount of crowds, keep climbing up the hill; it really thins out the higher you go.