Should you’ve landed right here trying to find the most effective issues to do in Kyoto, you’re in the best place.
I’ve simply obtained again from my fourth journey to Japan, having beforehand visited Tokyo and Niseko on two separate events, and it’s secure to say I really 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, situated within the South Central a part of the principle island, Kyoto is house 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 ideas and proposals for Japan’s historical capital (it was the capital of Japan till 1868).
From sipping matcha in centuries-old tea homes to devouring Ramen on the aspect streets of the town and wandering by way of 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, eat your body weight in sushi and ramen, soak in an area onsen, or just have a espresso and soak within the metropolis’s timeless buzz, this information goes that will help you plan the most effective journey full of all the most effective issues to do in Kyoto.
Let’s tuck in, lets?
Attending to Kyoto
Kyoto doesn’t have its personal airport, however it’s simply reached by way of Japan’s unbelievable practice community. The closest main airport is Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX), about 75 minutes away by direct practice or 90 minutes by way of the Limousine bus service.
I flew into Japan by way of KIX airport and had deliberate to get the practice (often faster, isn’t it,) however one of many tremendous useful airport employees went out of their technique 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 technique 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 (except you get the IC card), you’ll need money. Ideally, cash or 1,000 yen notes. So in the event you plan to take this mode of transport from the airport deliver some yen with you prepared. There’s a forex change on the airport, however the price isn’t good, as you’ll be able to think about.
Should you’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 infinite hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.
The place to remain in Kyoto
Kyoto has a wide range of lodging kinds relying on what sort of expertise you might be after. There are ryokans (conventional Japanese inns), boutique lodges, fashionable residences and every thing 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, that means that you may 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 at the least 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Kyoto and Japan!
For my keep in Kyoto, I really stayed in a hostel for the primary time in 10 years!! I by no means thought I’d do it once more, however after I noticed Ryokan Hostel Gion and browse the evaluations, I used to be so positive that it might 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 after 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 might lower your expenses 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. Contemporary towels have been on our mattress every night, lights off at 10 pm, ALL the lavatory merchandise, and so quiet. There have been even hairdryers, straighteners and curlers within the rest room!
Greatest time to go to Kyoto
Kyoto is gorgeous year-round, however from what I learn and found, the most effective instances to go to are spring (March–Could) and autumn (October–November).
Spring is when the Sakura bushes blossom (cherry blossom season), whereas autumn paints the temples in deep reds and golds (mid-November foliage). Summer time may be highly regarded and humid (apparently extra so lately), however it’s additionally pageant season, which is tremendous enjoyable. Winter gives crisp air and fewer crowds — good 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 often cooler than this, however lately it’s staying heat somewhat longer. In my last few days in early November, the temperature did begin to drop and the leaves began to show purple – I simply missed the attractive turning of leaves!
Get lifetime entry to my infinite hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your gadget 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 Road, the place the picket teahouses, slim alleys, and softly glowing lanterns create an environment straight out of the Edo interval. Should you’re fortunate, you may spot a geiko or maiko on their technique to a night efficiency too.
In your wander, you’ll discover there are plenty of kimono rental outlets. Dressing in a kimono and wandering the streets and temples is a very talked-about factor to do and an excellent alternative for some photographs so in the event you fancy taking part in costume 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, attempting native sweets and delicacies, renting a kimono and choosing up some souvenirs.
P.s. Should you like matcha, head to Gokago for a tremendous matcha latte and doughnut. Be ready to queue.
I’ve really 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 ideas, click on right here.
Eat your approach across the metropolis
This wants no rationalization, does it? Japanese meals is simply INSANELY tasty, and right here in Kyoto you’ve got a few of the most interesting locations to dine. Suppose aspect road ramen bars, all of the wagyu beef, gyozas galore, a few of the greatest sushi on this planet, all you’ll be able to 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 beneficial pinned onto my Japan Google Map however under are a few of the locations I personally tried and might suggest:
- Moon and Again Ramen Bar – the signature wagyu
- Chao Chao Gyoza – tremendous reasonably priced 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Kyoto for many vacationers because it’s perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the town. Wander by way of incense-scented halls, drink sacred water from the Otowa waterfall for good luck, and discover the attractive streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka under afterwards.
Journey tip for visiting temples and shrines in Japan:
Should you’re planning to go to any temples or shrines in Japan, notably the favored ones like this one, make an effort 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, in the event you’re in search of a non secular, serene expertise.
Get misplaced within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is definitely some of the photographed locations in Japan, and for good cause. It’s lovely. Strolling by way of this sea of towering inexperienced bamboo feels otherworldly.
Once more for this one, arrive early (dawn if potential) for a quiet, magical expertise earlier than tour teams arrive.
Spend half a day on the model new teamLab Biovotex artwork set up
Should you’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 essentially the most interactive visible and sound installations I’ve ever skilled. I spent a stable 2 hours getting misplaced in right here and melting into full-bodied consciousness as I stepped into artwork reasonably than simply observing it from the sidelines.
Lots of the installations right here discover concepts of life, notion and atmosphere in extremely artistic methods. I gained’t spoil it for you. Get your self there! It’s actually probably the greatest issues to do in Kyoto.
An entrance ticket for an grownup is ¥3,400, and you’ll guide 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 infinite hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your gadget 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 without doubt 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 sleek 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 in addition nonetheless held as a lot authenticity and mindfulness as potential. There weren’t many nevertheless, I imagine I discovered the right match in Oboro Conscious 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 might have listened to the symbolism, the teachings and the sound of the water pouring into the chawan (matcha bowl) for hours. Exploring these historical traditions was my deepest intention for this journey, and I couldn’t have been extra fulfilled by this tea expertise.
Ebook your expertise right here.
Stroll by way of Fushimi Inari Taisha’s purple torii gates
You’ve most likely seen the photographs. Fushimi Inari isn’t any hidden gem, however it’s probably the greatest 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 after I left at round 10 am.
The importance of Fushimi Inari is a ravishing 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 hundreds of vivid purple 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 complete path (about 2 hours spherical journey) gives each cultural depth and peaceable solitude, plus an excellent exercise!
Prime tip: Plenty of folks queue for photographs the second the purple 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 gained’t need to 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, house to the nation’s most well-known Zen rock backyard. Entrance is 500 or 600yen and also you’ll want money.
The minimalist structure of 15 stones set in white gravel is a ravishing window into Zen philosophy. The 15 stones are organized in order that regardless of the place you stand, solely 14 are seen without delay, superbly symbolising the concept one particular person’s reality is all the time partial and that we are able to by no means understand the complete image except we transend the bounds 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Kyoto in the event you’re craving a slower morning throughout your Kyoto itinerary.
Eat your approach by way of Nishiki Market
Also called Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is the place you wish to head to attempt all of the native meals and have an actual sensory expertise. Stretching for 5 energetic blocks (it’s large!), this coated market is full of stalls promoting pickles, seafood skewers, mochi, matcha treats, and road snacks you’ve most likely by no means seen earlier than.
Put a night apart and go hungry!
Marvel on the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
Lined in gold leaf and mirrored completely in its surrounding pond, Kinkaku-ji is without doubt one of the most breathtaking temples in Japan. It’s now a UNESCO website and simply probably the greatest issues to do in Kyoto.
I’ve stated it earlier than, and I’ll maintain saying it, haha, arrive early for delicate 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 couple 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 potential.
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 identical intercourse solely. No bikinis or swimmers, experiencing an area 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 women, and their confidence was so infectious, nobody cared they have been bare. It actually had me reflecting on how empowering it might be to have this expertise in each metropolis.
The onsen itself had so many swimming pools (each indoor and out of doors), a steam room, an enormous sauna and likewise the choice of including on a Korean physique remedy within the connected spa.
The altering rooms have all of the merchandise, hairdryers and house you could depart your onsen expertise feeling like an entire 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 under. The river is a peaceful, scenic waterway that flows by way of 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 hire a motorcycle and cruise alongside the river banks. As you’ll be able to see within the image under, 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’ll be able to pattern domestically made nihonshu.
Have you ever been to Kyoto?
What are the most effective issues to do in Kyoto? Something you’d add to this Kyoto bucket listing?
Love as all the time and pleased adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my infinite hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Japan. Merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my suggestions are on the contact of your fingertips.
