For those who’ve landed right here trying to find the very best issues to do in Kyoto, you’re in the fitting place.
I’ve simply acquired again from my fourth journey to Japan, having beforehand visited Tokyo and Niseko on two separate events, and it’s secure to say I like this nation greater than ever. The folks, the meals, the values, the clever design, the landscapes. It’s so gorgeous AND feels so secure as a feminine solo traveller.
Nestled within the coronary heart of Japan’s Kansai area, positioned within the South Central a part of the primary island, Kyoto is residence to a few of Japan’s most iconic temples, gardens, and traditions. Suppose atmospheric streets lined with picket machiya homes, conventional candy stalls, lantern-lit alleys the place geisha nonetheless glide between tea homes, and gorgeous shrines tucked between mountains and rivers.
On this latest journey, I spent 2 weeks exploring the south, with Kyoto as my first vacation spot.
I spent 5 unbelievable days in and across the metropolis of Kyoto, and so on this information, I’m going to share with you my favorite finds, journey suggestions and proposals for Japan’s historic capital (it was the capital of Japan till 1868).
From sipping matcha in centuries-old tea homes to devouring Ramen on the facet streets of the town and wandering by hidden bamboo forests, Kyoto has a lot to supply for each type of traveller. Whether or not you’re right here to dive into Japan’s Zen traditions (like me), eat your body weight in sushi and ramen, soak in a neighborhood onsen, or just have a espresso and soak within the metropolis’s environment, this Kyoto information goes that will help you plan the very best journey as a result of it’s crammed to the brim with all the very best issues to do in Kyoto.
Let’s tuck in, we could?
Attending to Kyoto
Kyoto doesn’t have its personal airport, however it’s simply reached through Japan’s unbelievable practice community. The closest main airport is Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX), about 75 minutes away by direct practice or 90 minutes through the Limousine bus service.
I flew into Japan through KIX airport and had deliberate to get the practice (normally faster, isn’t it,) however one of many tremendous useful airport employees went out of their method to inform me the bus was really easy to catch and the quickest approach into Kyoto. So I took their recommendation, headed to bus cease quantity 2 (reverse arrivals) and made my method to Kyoto for 2800 yen. It took 1 hour and 40 and the buses have been punctual (welcome to Japan) and common.
Journey tip: HAVE SOME CASH
To get on the Limousine bus, and all buses (until you get the IC card), you have to money. Ideally, cash or 1,000 yen notes. So if you happen to plan to take this mode of transport from the airport carry some yen with you prepared. There’s a foreign money alternate on the airport, however the charge shouldn’t be good, as you may think about.
For those who’re travelling from Tokyo, hop on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’ll whisk you to Kyoto in simply over 2 hours. From Osaka, it’s even faster (round half-hour).
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your system and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.
The place to remain in Kyoto
Kyoto has quite a lot of lodging kinds relying on what sort of expertise you might be after. There are ryokans (conventional Japanese inns), boutique resorts, fashionable flats and all the pieces in between.
If that is your first go to to Kyoto, I’d suggest basing your self within the Gion or Higashiyama space. Each are fairly conveniently positioned close to the details of curiosity within the metropolis, which means you could stroll and wander out of your lodging. Each places are stuffed with historical past, tea homes, and nice meals too.
Whether or not it’s in Kyoto or one other vacation spot in your Japan journey, I’d additionally suggest reserving a minimum of one night time in a ryokan the place you’ll expertise lodging with tatami flooring, onsen baths, and kaiseki eating. A ryokan expertise is a cultural must-do and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kyoto and Japan!
For my keep in Kyoto, I truly stayed in a hostel for the primary time in 10 years!! I by no means thought I’d do it once more, however once I noticed Ryokan Hostel Gion and browse the evaluations, I used to be so certain that it will be a pleasing expertise, I booked it. It was £40 an evening versus a minimal of £150 an evening for my very own place. Often I wouldn’t thoughts, however once I’m exploring a metropolis, I do know I spend little or no time in my room so so long as the hostel was clear, quiet and secure (which it was all three), this could get monetary savings for me to spend on different issues!
I actually would very, very fortunately keep there once more. Japanese hostels are NOT like hostels in Southeast Asia, haha. Recent towels have been on our mattress every night, lights off at 10 pm, ALL the toilet merchandise, and so quiet. There have been even hairdryers, straighteners and curlers within the rest room!
Finest time to go to Kyoto
Kyoto is gorgeous year-round, however from what I learn and found, the very best instances to go to are spring (March–Might) and autumn (October–November).
Spring is when the Sakura timber blossom (cherry blossom season), whereas autumn paints the temples in deep reds and golds (mid-November foliage). Summer time might be extremely popular and humid (apparently extra so lately), however it’s additionally pageant season, which is tremendous enjoyable. Winter provides crisp air and fewer crowds — excellent for temple hopping and scorching tea.
I visited on the finish of October and the climate was surprisingly heat, sitting round 19-26degrees every day! It was gorgeous for temple hikes and exploring the town. Apparently, it’s normally cooler than this, however lately it’s staying heat a little bit longer. In my last few days in early November, the temperature did begin to drop and the leaves began to show pink – I simply missed the attractive turning of leaves!
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your system and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.
Wander the streets of Gion
No journey to Kyoto is full with out exploring Gion, as touristy and crowded as it may be. Gion is the town’s well-known geisha district and that is the place you’ll stroll down Hanamikoji Avenue, the place the picket teahouses, slender alleys, and softly glowing lanterns create an environment straight out of the Edo interval. For those who’re fortunate, you may spot a geiko or maiko on their method to a night efficiency too.
In your wander, you’ll discover there are numerous kimono rental outlets. Dressing in a kimono and wandering the streets and temples is a highly regarded factor to do and an ideal alternative for some images so if you happen to fancy taking part in gown up – add this to your listing! Don’t fear, dressing in a kimono is taken into account respectful.
I’d dedicate a morning or afternoon to only wandering the streets, making an attempt native sweets and delicacies, renting a kimono and choosing up some souvenirs.
P.s. For those who like matcha, head to Gokago for an incredible matcha latte and doughnut. Be ready to queue.
I’ve truly pinned all of the spots I discovered on my journey to Kyoto onto the Japan Google map legend, so if you wish to unlock entry to ALL my suggestions, click on right here.
Eat your approach across the metropolis
This wants no clarification, does it? Japanese meals is simply INSANELY tasty, and right here in Kyoto you’ve gotten among the most interesting locations to dine. Suppose facet road ramen bars, all of the wagyu beef, gyozas galore, among the finest sushi on this planet, all you may eat mochi and all of the locals’ road stalls with issues like completely baked candy potatoes and octopus balls!
Once more, you’ll discover all my favorite finds and locations folks advisable pinned onto my Japan Google Map however beneath are among the locations I personally tried and may suggest:
- Moon and Again Ramen Bar – the signature wagyu
- Chao Chao Gyoza – tremendous inexpensive and award-winning gyoza!
Go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
While you’re within the Gion space, make sure you head up to take a look at this UNESCO-listed temple. Visiting Kiyomizu-dera is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kyoto for many vacationers because it’s perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the town. Wander by incense-scented halls, drink sacred water from the Otowa waterfall for good luck, and discover the attractive streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka beneath afterwards.
Journey tip for visiting temples and shrines in Japan:
For those who’re planning to go to any temples or shrines in Japan, notably the favored ones like this one, take some time to reach early within the morning to benefit from the temple earlier than the crowds. You’ll be glad you arrived earlier than the excursions and crowds descend, that’s, if you happen to’re in search of a non secular, serene expertise.
Get misplaced within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is well one of the photographed locations in Japan, and for good motive. It’s stunning. Strolling by this sea of towering inexperienced bamboo feels otherworldly.
Once more for this one, arrive early (dawn if attainable) for a quiet, magical expertise earlier than tour teams arrive.
Spend half a day on the model new teamLab Biovotex artwork set up
For those who’re planning a visit to Kyoto and need one thing completely immersive, as of Oct 7 2025, there’s a new digital-art museum on the town!
TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto is bursting on the seams with probably the most interactive visible and sound installations I’ve ever skilled. I spent a strong 2 hours getting misplaced in right here and melting into full-bodied consciousness as I stepped into artwork somewhat than simply observing it from the sidelines.
Lots of the installations right here discover concepts of life, notion and surroundings in extremely artistic methods. I received’t spoil it for you. Get your self there! It’s actually top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto.
An entrance ticket for an grownup is ¥3,400, and you’ll ebook on their web site right here.
Location: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 601-8006, Japan.
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your system and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.
Participate in a conventional tea ceremony
Kyoto is the birthplace of Japan’s tea ceremony, and becoming a member of one is likely one of the most genuine issues to do in Kyoto.
In Gion, you’ll discover tea homes the place hosts wearing kimono carry out this swish ritual with precision and respect. Some even provide kimono dress-up too. Be cautious, there are a lot of locations the place the expertise might really feel fairly touristy.
I used to be on a mission to discover a tea ceremony expertise that was accessible for vacationers but additionally nonetheless held as a lot authenticity and mindfulness as attainable. There weren’t many nonetheless, I imagine I discovered the proper match in Oboro Aware Tea Ceremony.
For the 60-minute expertise, I discovered myself in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse the place I used to be immersed in a conventional matcha tea ceremony by candlelight. Distraction and stimulus have been eliminated, our senses heightened, and we drank tea from the close by hills of Uji in a blissful presence. Savouring each sip, savouring each second. 😌
I may have listened to the symbolism, the teachings and the sound of the water pouring into the chawan (matcha bowl) for hours. Exploring these historic traditions was my deepest intention for this journey, and I couldn’t have been extra fulfilled by this tea expertise.
E book your expertise right here.
Stroll by Fushimi Inari Taisha’s pink torii gates
You’ve in all probability seen the images. Fushimi Inari is not any hidden gem, however it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto, and I extremely suggest it!
As soon as once more, get there early. I arrived by practice from Kyoto metropolis centre (25-minute journey) at about 8 am and it was busy however NOTHING like once I left at round 10 am.
The importance of Fushimi Inari is a phenomenal factor to mirror on throughout your time right here. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine devoted to Inari, the kami (god) of rice, symbolising prosperity, luck and fertility. The 1000’s of vivid pink torii gates that wind up Mount Inari have every been donated by native companies as choices to Inari, in hopes of receiving luck in return.
Strolling the total path (about 2 hours spherical journey) provides each cultural depth and peaceable solitude, plus an ideal exercise!
Prime tip: A lot of folks queue for images the second the pink gates begin. I do know it’s thrilling however actually, the stroll is lengthy and there are SO many different photograph alternatives with the gates that you just received’t should queue for!
Expertise Zen on the Ryoan-ji Rock Backyard
For one thing rather less busy however with non secular significance too, go to Ryoan-ji Temple, residence to the nation’s most well-known Zen rock backyard. Entrance is 500 or 600yen and also you’ll want money.
The minimalist format of 15 stones set in white gravel is a phenomenal window into Zen philosophy. The 15 stones are organized in order that irrespective of the place you stand, solely 14 are seen without delay, fantastically symbolising the concept that one particular person’s fact is all the time partial and that we will by no means understand the total image until we transend the boundaries of the ego and of our distinctive perspective.
After meditating or reflecting on the rock backyard, take time to stroll across the reflective pond and gardens. Visiting Ryoan-ji is really top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto if you happen to’re craving a slower morning throughout your Kyoto itinerary.
Eat your approach by Nishiki Market
Also referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is the place you need to head to strive all of the native meals and have an actual sensory expertise. Stretching for 5 vigorous blocks (it’s big!), this lined market is crammed with stalls promoting pickles, seafood skewers, mochi, matcha treats, and road snacks you’ve in all probability by no means seen earlier than.
Put a night apart and go hungry!
Marvel on the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
Coated in gold leaf and mirrored completely in its surrounding pond, Kinkaku-ji is likely one of the most breathtaking temples in Japan. It’s now a UNESCO website and simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto.
I’ve stated it earlier than, and I’ll maintain saying it, haha, arrive early for comfortable morning mild and fewer crowds. Afterwards, heat up with a cup of inexperienced tea or matcha on the temple’s small tea backyard or seize some soba noodles in a restaurant close by.
Immerse in an onsen expertise
There are fairly a number of alternatives to expertise onsen in and round Kyoto. All those I discovered and thought of are pinned in my Japan Google Map Legend for you.
I used to be in search of one thing native, one thing genuine and one thing not too removed from the town centre however far sufficient out it wasn’t going to be crowded haha. I’m a fussy vacationer however I actually like to dive into the native tradition as a lot as attainable.
I used to be so happy with my night at Tenzan no Yu onsen. It was 1,250 yen for entry, together with a towel, and after coming into, you enter your gender’s door and expertise the entire thing similar intercourse solely. No bikinis or swimmers, experiencing a neighborhood onsen expertise is all about embracing the bare human physique and actually, it’s extremely liberating.
I used to be in there with round 20 native Japanese girls, and their confidence was so infectious, nobody cared they have been bare. It actually had me reflecting on how empowering it will be to have this expertise in each metropolis.
The onsen itself had so many swimming pools (each indoor and outside), a steam room, an enormous sauna and likewise the choice of including on a Korean physique therapy within the connected spa.
The altering rooms have all of the merchandise, hairdryers and area it’s essential depart your onsen expertise feeling like a complete new particular person. I used to be so so relaxed and fulfilled with my time right here.
Cycle alongside the Kamo River
Kyoto’s Kamo River is the town’s heartbeat, pictured beneath. The river is a peaceful, scenic waterway that flows by the town’s centre. Whatever the time of day, you’ll discover folks having fun with time solo and with buddies on the riverbanks.
It appears to be each a spot to calm down and socialise for locals and vacationers.
An lively however peaceable factor to do in Kyoto is to lease a motorcycle and cruise alongside the river banks. As you may see within the image beneath, the trail is flat and the surroundings is gorgeous!
Cease by Demachiyanagi for handmade wagashi sweets or proceed south to Fushimi, Kyoto’s sake brewing district, the place you may pattern regionally made nihonshu.
Have you ever been to Kyoto?
What are the very best issues to do in Kyoto? Something you’d add to this Kyoto bucket listing?
Love as all the time and comfortable adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your system and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.