Things to do in Kyoto
From Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji to the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Gion's geisha quarter — plus temples, gardens and day trips to Nara and Osaka — experiences for every traveller
Top experiences in Kyoto
The most-loved activities by Kyoto Spirit readers — instant booking, free cancellation on most tours.
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
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Guided Tour with Entry Ticket
Browse by category
Kyoto highlights
Fushimi Inari's thousand torii, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and the Arashiyama bamboo grove — the must-sees every first-timer plans around, with crowd-timing tips
0 guides Temples & shrines
Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha and hundreds more — which temples and shrines are worth the entry fee and which to skip
12 guides
Gardens & nature
The moss gardens, the Philosopher's Path, the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Kyoto's sakura and koyo (autumn colour) spots — the green side of the old capital
3 guides
Geisha & Gion
Gion's lantern-lit lanes, geiko and maiko sightings, ochaya tea houses and the etiquette every visitor should know before wandering Hanamikoji
4 guides
Zen gardens
Ryoan-ji's rock garden, Daitoku-ji's sub-temples and the meditation gardens of the Zen sect — how to actually sit with them instead of rushing through
1 guide
Museums & arts
The Kyoto National Museum, the International Manga Museum, the Museum of Kyoto and the craft workshops — Kyoto's art and history explained
0 guides
Food & drink
Kaiseki, shojin ryori (temple vegetarian cooking), Nishiki Market, matcha and the sake breweries of Fushimi — what to order and where
7 guides
Neighborhoods
Gion, Higashiyama, Pontocho and Arashiyama — where to wander, eat and base yourself
3 guides
Nightlife
Pontocho's alley bars, the izakaya scene, riverside terraces in summer and Kyoto's quieter, earlier-closing after-dark spots
0 guides
River & cruises
The Hozugawa river boat ride through the Arashiyama gorge, Katsura river trips and seasonal illumination cruises — which one is worth it
0 guides
Tours & sightseeing
Walking tours, guided temple visits and the best small-group sightseeing — how to see the city without wasting a day
3 guides
Day trips
Nara's deer park and Todai-ji, Osaka's Dotonbori, Himeji Castle, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Uji and Lake Biwa — honestly compared
5 guides
Family
Kyoto with kids — the best family-friendly temples, the Kyoto Railway Museum, the Aquarium and what to skip with young ones
1 guide
Adventure
Arashiyama monkey park hikes, cycling the riverside paths, Kibune's forest trails and Kyoto's best outdoor escapes
3 guides
Culture & heritage
Tea ceremony, kimono rental, traditional crafts, the Imperial Palace grounds and the living heritage of Kyoto's old quarters
3 guides
Shopping
Nishiki Market, the Shijo-dori department stores, the craft shops of Teramachi and the flea markets — where to shop and where to skip
0 guides
Getting around
Buses, JR, Keihan and Hankyu lines, the ICOCA IC card, taxis and getting in from Kansai Airport explained
6 guides
Trip planning
How many days in Kyoto, where to stay, budgets in yen, with kids, solo travel and the best photo spots
10 guides
Best time & seasons
Kyoto by season — sakura in spring, koyo in autumn, the tsuyu rainy season and the best months to visit
9 guides
Comparisons
Kinkaku-ji vs. Ginkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari vs. the other shrines, attraction passes vs. individual tickets and what actually pays off
2 guides
Photography
The best photo spots in Kyoto — the Fushimi Inari torii tunnel, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the Gion lanes and the temples at golden hour
2 guides
Evening tours
Illuminated temple visits, the Gion night walk, river cruises and the best things to do after dark
2 guides
Honest planner
Common tourist traps, attraction bundles you don't need, what's overrated and honest advice for visiting Kyoto
1 guide
Attraction passes
The Kyoto City Bus/Subway pass, the Kansai Thru Pass and combo tickets — break-even maths and which one actually pays off
2 guides
Shows & entertainment
Gion Corner's traditional arts show, kabuki at Minamiza, tea ceremony demonstrations and Kyoto's best cultural entertainment
0 guides