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The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

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Top attractions in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple ©
Historic Site
Kiyomizu-dera Temple , Kyoto
4.4
Have your wishes granted at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an independent Buddhist temple and World Heritage Site dating back to 1633. Constructed dur
Tours from $25
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine ©
Historic Site
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine , Kyoto
4.6
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine serves as the starting point for the hiking trails, covered by densely packed vivid orange gates, that snake up t
Nijo Castle ©
World heritage site · Castle
Nijo Castle , Kyoto
4.3
Originally built in 1603 and holding World Heritage Site status, Nijo Castle presents an exemplary look at Japanese feudal architecture. The
Tours from $10
Arashiyama ©
Neighborhood
Arashiyama , Kyoto
4.3
For centuries a source of respite and escape, Arashiyama offers a glimpse of natural beauty outside of Kyoto. The district has a variety of o
Tours from $84
Kinkaku-ji ©
Religious Site
Kinkaku-ji , Kyoto
4.4
With its top two stories completely coated in pure gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji gleams in the sunlight and reflects off the pond at its edge. This Z
Tours from $25

Recommended Kyoto tours

FROM $151 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto Highlights 1 Day Trip - Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple from Kyoto
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Trip Planner :  Asia  /  Japan  /  Kansai  /  Kyoto Prefecture  /  Kyoto  /  Things to do in Kyoto

Kyoto

4.3
World heritage site · Historic Sites · Sacred & Religious Sites
From browsing the city's old-fashioned shopping districts to exploring its vast historical and religious heritage, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Kyoto. At Kiyomizu-dera, you'll discover a World Heritage-listed Buddhist temple with astonishing views of Kyoto. At Nijo-jo Castle, you can admire yet another World Heritage Site, built in the Japanese feudal manner. The charming paths and water features of Okochi Sanso Garden invite you to find a moment of serenity away from the busy streets of the crowded metropolis. Shoppers can practice their favorite activity on Teramachi Street, flanked by various stores.

Historic Sites in Kyoto

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Kinkaku-ji ©
Religious Site
Kinkaku-ji
4.4
Duration: 1 hour
Sanjusangendo Temple ©
Historic Site
Sanjusangendo Temple
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
Ryoanji Temple ©
Religious Site
Ryoanji Temple
4.1
Duration: 1h 30 min
Ginkakuji Temple ©
Religious Site
Ginkakuji Temple
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Kyoto

Universal Studios Japan ©
Theme Park
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
4.1
Duration: 6 hours
Osaka Castle ©
Castle
Osaka Castle
Chuo
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan ©
Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Nara Park ©
Wildlife Area
Nara Park
Nara
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Kyoto

Kyoto Insider Sake Experience ©
Wine Tour / Tasting
Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Katsura Imperial Villa
Historic Walking Area
Katsura Imperial Villa
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Heian Shrine
Historic Site
Heian Shrine
4.2
Duration: 1 hour
Shugakuin Imperial Villa ©
Garden
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min

Shopping in Kyoto

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Nishiki Market Shopping District ©
Flea Market
Nishiki Market Shopping District
4.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kyoto Station Building ©
Shopping Mall
Kyoto Station Building
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura ©
Antique Store
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kimono Atelier Akane ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Kimono Atelier Akane
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min

Parks in Kyoto

Nanzen-ji Temple ©
Garden
Nanzen-ji Temple
4.4
Duration: 1 hour
Keishuin Garden
Garden
Keishuin Garden
5.0
Duration: 1 hour
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien ©
Garden
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
4.8
Duration: 1 hour
Okochi Sanso Garden ©
Garden
Okochi Sanso Garden
4.4
Duration: 1 hour

Featured attractions

Haru Cooking Class ©
Cooking Class
Haru Cooking Class
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei ©
Outdoor Activity
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
3.8
Duration: 30 minutes
KSK-Tour ©
Nightlife
KSK-Tour
5.0
Duration: 6 hours
Gion ©
Neighborhood
Gion
4.4
Duration: 3 hours

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Places to visit with Kyoto

OsakaTrip planner BEST FOR: Landmark, Theme Park, Park NaraTrip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Religious Site, Wildlife Area HimejiTrip planner BEST FOR: Castle, Landmark, Garden Koya-choTrip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Cemetery, Religious Site KobeTrip planner BEST FOR: Landmark, Religious Site, Park

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Where to stay in Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji ©
Kyoto spoils visitors for choice when it comes to good accommodations, offering everything from traditional ryokans to luxury Western-style hotels. In a city used to receiving foreign travelers, you'll find that most establishments know exactly what to offer tourists and how to help newcomers to the area. To avoid paying premium prices during the cherry blossom season, consider staying in Osaka, located just a 30-minute train ride away. If you must stay in Kyoto itself, keep in mind that centrally located hotels charge more than those in the outer neighborhoods.
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