You’re bound to find great activities and experiences on any trip to Kyoto, Japan. There’s no other place to explore the full extent of Japanese culture than Kyoto city. That being said, it can be easy to get overwhelmed between Buddhist temples, heritage sites and delicious food to try.
Kyoto is one of the must-see cities in Japan. That assertion takes nothing away from other great hubs such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido and Kanazawa. The city is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its illustrious history gives you insight into Japan’s ancestral past.
The moment you arrive at Kyoto station on the Shinkansen train from the Narita or Kansai Airport, you're in for an adventure.
Superprof invites you to discover the most interesting sights to see, shopping and cultural activities in the ancient capital of Japan. Whether you're looking to drink like the locals or want to take in a show at the kabuki theatre, check out all there is to do in Kyoto with this Japan travel guide.
Things to Do in Kyoto: Visit Gion
Many travellers think of the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine or the Imperial Palace when thinking of classic Japanese architectural features. If that's you, a visit to Kyoto's Gion District is a must. Gion is one of the best-preserved historical districts in Japan, making it one of the most visited areas of the prefecture.
Gion has been important since the Heian period. Today, its significance derives from being the home of the geisha. These traditional 'performers' are trained from a young age to embody the Japanese style, makeup and mannerisms of the past.
They are well versed in the conversational arts as well as playing traditional musical instruments. Geishas perform the tea ceremony and entertain at restaurants, a role they've played for centuries.
Even if you’re just looking to fill time during your layover at Kansai International, Gion has lots to tempt you with. You can feast on the traditional temples and buildings or, if you have some extra yen in your pocket or want to wander the streets, head to Pontocho. This is the most famous street in Gion where you’ll find many great restaurants.
For a more leisurely experience, direct yourself to Hanami-koji. Its tea houses and restaurants invite you to sprawl and dine in their relaxed atmosphere. If you're a nature lover, try Shirakawa, a path that runs along the canal to give you access to river-side restaurants. Far from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku, Gion is not only culturally stimulating but also one of the best places to stay in Kyoto.
What to Do in Kyoto: the Noh Theatre
A pleasant walk from Nijo Castle, Noh Theatre is the perfect place to experience the best of traditional Japanese theatre. Typified by beautiful dances and chants, the dramas are generally taken from Shinto religious episodes. They may also depict battle scenes between the Samurai and the Shogunate.
Throughout Japan, you can enjoy spectacles depicting these ancestral arts. These shows are classified as UNESCO Intangible World Heritage events. At the Kanza Kaikan or Noh theatre, you’ll discover why this type of drama was integral to Japanese society throughout the centuries.
Kyoto Things to Do: Discover Traditional Temples
Whether you’re a first-time traveller to Japan, on a business trip or live there, it’s impossible not to run across Kyoto’s more than 1600 temples. Thus, you've no need to wonder how to get to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple; you probably won’t have to look further than your immediate area. These are some of the most famous temples of Kyoto:
- Kinkakuji, also known as Kinkaku or the Golden Pavilion
- Ryoan-ji and its rock garden
- Tenryu-ji and its bamboo forest
- Tofuku-ji and its maple forest
- Kiyomizodera or Kiyomizu temple
- Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavilion
- Kurama-dera, accessible by hike
- Jingo-ji, the best for nature-lovers
Some of these temples are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites but not all of them. Still, they are all worth a visit; a qualified tour guide will take you to the best of them. Should you prefer to tour on your own, Kyoto's Arashiyama District is a great place to find these gems.
Things to Do in Kyoto: Nishiki Market
Hungry from riding Japan Rail's bullet trains all day? Treat yourself to a stroll through Nishiki Market. Want to buy a kimono and some slippers, and snack on fried octopus? Nishiki Market vendors have exactly what you're looking for.
This market specialises in seafood, Japanese spices and ingredients such as Tsukemono (pickles) and tofu. You needn't settle in for a full meal, though. In between bites, you can buy souvenirs not sold at Kyoto's Zen temples or World Heritage sites.
Nashiki Market is conveniently located so it's easy to take in this iconic destination's sights, sounds and smells after a busy day of sightseeing. Your citywide ramblings will make you keen to sample this market's sushi, sashimi and sake restaurants. Beware the dangers of getting waylaid at novelty vendors' stalls, though.
If you’re not into visiting Heian Period architecture, exploring Kyoto cuisine is one of the best ways to spend time in the city. Should you not feel up to a hike to the Fushimi Inari shrine, take a slow-paced stroll through this market, instead. Every Kyoto travel guide rates Nishiki Market as a must-see Kyoto attraction.
Kyoto Things to Do: Shinto Shrines
Your Kyoto itinerary should include sleeping on a tatami, riding the city bus and taking a day trip to Mount Fuji. Along your travels, you can visit the Shinto shrines peppered throughout the city. Kyoto is home to 400 such shrines. Among the most renowned is Fushimi Inari Taisha, dedicated to the god Inari.
Other well-visited shrines include Kitano Tenmangu, Shmogamo-jinja and Kamigamo-jinja. Yoshida-jinja and Heian-jinja round out our top five list. You might consider a guided tour around Kyoto's shrines, Buddhist temples and pagodas to learn about differences and unique purposes.
Things to Do in Kyoto: Japanese Gardens and the Philosopher’s Path
To get away from the bustle of the city, you might tour one of Kyoto’s many gardens. If you arrive during Hanami season, you could admire the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. You should plan your trip to Kyoto for springtime to enjoy the gardens and imperial villa grounds.
Katsura and Shugakuin are outstanding examples of such. Another great place to unwind is in the Higashi or Eastern District. Once there, start at the Philosopher's Path and wind your way through centuries-old architecture.
What to Do in Kyoto
Each one of Kyoto's districts tempts travellers with enticing sights and experiences. The best part about exploring Kyoto is discovering these treasures on your own. As American author Stephen King once wrote: "The journey is the destination.". Thus, to encourage your journey, we don't give away these attractions' locations.
The International Manga Museum
UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Edo Period architecture might not stir up any excitement in you. But maybe taking a tour of the International Manga Museum will. People come from Himeji, Hakone, Miyajima and other Japanese cities to visit Kyoto's manga museum. It makes sense that international visitors would line up to pay for their tickets, too.
You can ride the Kintetsu, Hankyu or Shinkansen - all names of Japan's fabled train system, to get to the Manga Museum. Not only do you get to experience the history of the art form, but also get a chance to meet others who are passionate about manga.
See Kyoto from the Kyoto Tower
You won't spot Lake Biwa or Nagoya from Kyoto Tower but you may be able to spot landmarks like Kyoto University, the Imperial Palace and more. Take a break from learning about the Meiji Period and visit one of Kyoto's most recognizable, contemporary monuments. The ticket price ranges from 700 to 750 yen.
Attend One of Kyoto’s Many Festivals
When you hop off the plane at Osaka Itami, use your JR pass or drive to Kyoto in time for the festival season. The cherry blossom season in the spring is called Matsuri. It's Kyoto's biggest festival.
Not just in Kyoto, either. Across Japan, Matsuri ranks among the country's most important festivals. Plan to travel to Japan in July to enjoy summer block parties with the locals and partake in other cultural events.
However, you're not limited to summer travel to see the best Kyoto has to offer. You can plan your trip around the best seasons to visit Kyoto for the utmost in entertainment, leisure and adventure.
Meet the Monkeys at Iwatayama Park
Easily accessible by train whether you have a Japan rail pass or not, Iwatayama Park is a great destination all year round. If you're coming for the cherry blossom season, visit after the Matsuri festivities to get a look at all the spring activities Japanese macaques get up to. In the winter, you'll be able to get a much closer view of the macaque social structure because resources are fewer so the macaques congregate closer to town.
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