All destinations
From Gion and Higashiyama to Arashiyama's bamboo grove and the northern temples — plus day trips to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Uji and Lake Biwa
Must-visit destinations
Arashiyama
Iconic photo stops (bamboo, Togetsukyo Bridge), A UNESCO Zen garden without a long trip out of the city
Downtown Kyoto
Food markets and street snacks, Shopping (department stores and covered arcades)
Fushimi
First-time visitors, Early risers and night owls
Gion
Historic streetscapes, Evening walks
Higashiyama
First-time visitors to Kyoto, Temple architecture and history
Kinkaku-ji and Kitayama
First-time visitors wanting Kyoto's single most iconic building, Zen garden design (Ryoan-ji's rock garden)
Nara, day trip from Kyoto
First-time visitors, History and temples
Osaka, day trip from Kyoto
Food lovers, Nightlife and neon
More to explore
Himeji
castle architecture fans, UNESCO World Heritage collectors
Hiroshima
History and peace education, Food travelers
Kobe
food lovers, sake enthusiasts
Kyoto Station
Transit connections, A free architectural detour (The Great Stairs)
Miyajima
First-time Japan visitors, Photographers (tide-dependent views)
Philosopher's Path
Quiet walking over checklist sightseeing, Cherry blossoms in late March-early April
Uji
Tea lovers, Tale of Genji readers
Off the beaten path
Kurama and Kibune
Hikers, Onsen fans
Lake Biwa and Otsu
Travelers who've "done" central Kyoto, Nature and water lovers
Ohara
Temple garden lovers, Travelers wanting rural, slower-paced Kyoto
Sagano
Escaping Arashiyama's crowds without leaving the area, Slow walking or cycling through rural temple grounds
Most-booked experiences in Kyoto
Whichever destination you choose, these are the activities travellers book most.
Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Gion Geisha District
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Mountain Walking Tour
Kyoto: Private Tea Ceremony with a Garden View
Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - Stories of Geisha
Nara: Todai-ji's Great Buddha & all its treasures in 2 hours
T3 Kyoto: Traditional Higashiyama and Gion Walking Tour
Taste of Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide
