27 Best Things to do in Kyoto (Highlights and Hidden Gems)

Kyoto was the Capital city of Japan for over 1000 years and to this day it still boasts a huge influence in terms of Japanese culture.

While the city has an impressively modern side to it, there are also over 2000 historic shrines, temples, and other structures to see and learn about its traditions and history.

With literally thousands of incredible attractions in the city, it can be overwhelming where to begin so this article will give you a great starting point as you plan for your trip to Kyoto!

1) Stroll Through Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a vibrant, sheltered street lined with over 130 shops that’s been around for centuries. 

This bustling market has an endless variety of foods to try, from fresh seafood and grilled skewers to matcha-flavored sweets and mochi. 

As you walk through the narrow historic path, you’ll find everything from traditional Japanese snacks to specialty items like high-quality knives and artisan cookware.

We loved being able to try different types of foods—both savory and sweet—and even picked up some unique souvenirs to bring home. You can easily spend an hour here exploring, tasting, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for food lovers!

Quick Tip: Nishiki Market is located about a 10-minute walk from Shijo train station making it easy to access and a perfect spot to get some food before you take the bullet train.

2) Watch The Sunset At Kiyomizo-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is a must-see in Kyoto, perched on the hillside of Mount Otowa. This stunning Buddhist temple, originally built in 780, offers sweeping views of the city from its famous wooden stage. We visited just before sunset and loved watching the sun dip below the skyline while surrounded by maple trees.

Here we saw the Otawa Waterfall which gave us an interesting insight into Japanese culture, where we drank from one of three streams that are said to bring good fortune in love, health, or academics. 

For something unique, try the “Enter into Darkness” activity inside the temple—it’s a short walk through complete darkness that ends with a glowing stone signifying ‘rebirth’.

Arriving mid-afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy everything the temple has to offer before catching sunset views.

3) Capture Photos at Yasaka Pagoda

Yasaka Pagoda, or Hokan-ji Temple, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic photo spots and was one of our favorite places to take pictures during our trip. 

This five-story pagoda is surrounded by traditional wooden buildings and cobblestone streets, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

We visited just after sunset when the streets were quieter, and the soft glow from the lanterns added to the atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for that perfect shot, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. It’s a spot we’ll always remember for capturing the essence of Kyoto.

4) Walk Through Fashimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, known for its thousands of red torii gates that trail up Mount Inari. 

Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses, creating a stunning visual and spiritual experience.

We visited in the late afternoon when the crowds were lighter, and staying until after sunset made the atmosphere even more magical. 

The full hike to the top of the mountain takes about two hours, but even a partial walk through the gates is definitely worth it.

We took public transport to Fashimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, but if you want to visit this famous spot, plus many other iconic Kyoto must-see sites as well as hidden gems, check out this organized tour with a local guide which has over 7,000 5-star reviews on Viator.

5) Find Zen at the Ryoan-Ji Temple

Ryoan-Ji Temple is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens.

This minimalist Zen garden features stones arranged in a bed of raked white gravel, inviting visitors to sit, reflect, or even meditate.

The peaceful temple grounds include a scenic pond surrounded by lush greenery. We spent about an hour and a half here, soaking in the serenity. If you’re hungry, there’s a nearby restaurant known for its Kyoto-style tofu.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for a peaceful escape during your visit to Kyoto!

6) Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participating in a tea ceremony is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Dressed in a kimono, we learned about the intricate rituals of preparing and serving matcha green tea. The ceremony also included traditional sweets that perfectly complemented the tea.

This calming experience gave us a deeper appreciation for Kyoto’s traditions, and it’s something we’d highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.

7) Marvel at the Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-Ji, is a Zen temple covered in shimmering gold leaf. Its reflection in the surrounding pond is breathtaking, especially in the softer morning light.

We arrived early to avoid crowds and enjoyed strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens. The souvenir shop near the exit offers charms and other keepsakes which are not tacky and a great memory to save from your visit.

8) Try Kyoto’s Most Popular Coffee Spot

If you’re a coffee lover, a visit to % Arabica is a must while in Kyoto. This popular coffee shop is based in Kyoto but is known worldwide for its high-quality coffee and minimalist design.

One of their most iconic branches is in the Arashiyama district, where you can sip on a perfectly brewed latte while taking in breathtaking views of the nearby river and bamboo forest.

We visited their Higashiyama location near the Yasaka Pagoda and ordered their signature Kyoto latte—it did not disappoint! The rich shot of espresso was mixed with steamed milk and a splash of condensed milk making it smooth and creamy. 

Arrive early to avoid long lines, as this spot is no secret to tourists or locals!

9) Meet Monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park

Arashiyama Monkey Park offers a short but rewarding hike with incredible views of Kyoto’s skyline and also the chance to see wild monkeys up close. The 20-minute uphill walk was steep in parts, but the panoramic views and playful monkeys at the top made it worth every step.

We even fed the monkeys under the supervision of park staff, which was a memorable experience. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for this adventure.

10) Stroll Through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

One of the most photographed areas in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and for good reason. It was so tranquil strolling along the path as the sun shone through the tall bamboo trees, lighting up their green and brown colors.

The end of the path within the forest features the majestic Tenryu-Ji temple which you should definitely take the chance to explore while you’re here.

Arashiyama bamboo forest is easily accessible by both train or bus and you would regret not seeing it during your stay in the city.

11) Spot Geishas On A Walking Tour of the Gion District

The Gion district is famous for its traditional wooden tea houses and cobblestone streets. We joined an evening walking tour where our guide shared fascinating stories about the history of Geishas and their unique traditions.

We were lucky enough to spot a few Geishas and Maikos (apprentice Geishas) during the tour. If you see them, be respectful and avoid taking intrusive photos.

12) Grab Drinks from In The Moon Rooftop Bar

In The Moon rooftop bar is a perfect spot to check out when exploring Kyoto’s nightlife. Offering excellent views and good-value drink prices, this is a great bar to stop by for groups of friends and couples alike.

Although the sunset is nice from here, we arrived later in the evening and were glad we did as it was great seeing the city lit up as we enjoyed a drink to start our night out.

Another thing to note about In The Moon is that there were both tourists and locals here and they do some delicious appetizers here too!

13) Spot Unique Statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple

Tucked away in the hills of Arashiyama, Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple is a hidden gem featuring over 1,000 stone statues. 

Each statue has its own unique expression, from playful grins to meditative poses, making it fun to wander and discover your favorites.

This quiet temple felt like a peaceful retreat from the busier attractions in Kyoto. We spent about an hour here enjoying the creative and quirky atmosphere.

14) Stay In A Traditional Ryokan

A Ryokan is essentially a Japanese Inn and staying at one is an exemplary experience with many good ones on offer in Kyoto.

During our stay in one, we were treated to a mixture of modern luxuries and authentic Japanese charm. It was so cool being fitted with Kimonos and Japanese sandals upon arrival and we were served a traditional 8-course Japanese dinner in our own room. We even slept on the Japanese beds laid out on the floor which were so cozy and more comfortable than it sounds!

A popular feature of Ryokans are the Onsens which are conventional Japanese hot springs that were very relaxing to submerge in after dinner. Typically, Ryokans also feature a lush garden and Koi pond which is great for a morning stroll.

15) Purchase Engraved Chopsticks

For a meaningful souvenir, visit Hashi Gallery Mon, where you can buy beautifully crafted chopsticks which can also be engraved with your name in either Japanese or English. 

The shop’s friendly staff will help you choose the perfect pair. Just be aware that the engraving process takes about 30-45 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly.

While waiting, take the time to explore nearby shops or relax with a cup of tea.

16) Buy Some High Quality Matcha

Horaido Tea Stall is a must-visit for anyone looking to buy authentic, high-quality matcha. 

This historic tea shop offers a variety of ceremonial matcha powders and accessories like bamboo whisks. The prices are very reasonable, and the knowledgeable staff can help you select the best tea for your taste.

We brought home several tins of matcha to share with family and friends—a perfect way to remember Kyoto.

17) View the Dragon Mural at Kennin-Ji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded in 1202, and it’s a must-see for its astounding history and architecture. 

The temple was so nice to walk through with its wooden corridors alongside plenty of sunlight and fresh air. The serene temple grounds include meticulously maintained Zen gardens and beautiful sliding screen paintings

But the highlight was the “Twin Dragons” mural painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall, which is breathtaking to see in person. The quiet atmosphere here made it a perfect place to take a break from the busier parts of Kyoto.

18) Grab a Matcha Latte and Matcha Tiramisu From Maccha House

For matcha lovers, as well as those who are new to the matcha world, this quaint cafe is an absolute must-visit.

Although seating can be limited, we recommend waiting to be seated as there is a nice ambiance here with plenty of natural light coming in from the windows upstairs.

We would have loved to have stayed and tried everything on the menu at Maccha House which included things like matcha ice cream and parfaits. During our visit, however, we ordered refreshing matcha lattes each and split a tiramisu between us which was as creamy and delicious as it looks in the photos.

19) Explore Okazaki Shrine (The Rabbit’s Shrine)

Located in the east of Kyoto, the Okazaki Shrine is definitely worth a trip with its infamously large number of rabbit statues (no real rabbits here) which are quirky but definitely cool to see.

The Rabbit is a spirit animal representing childbirth and upon visiting this shrine you can buy traditional good luck charms for a healthy pregnancy. The shrine is charming to walk around and learn about its traditions and history.

This shrine is a little out of the way for tour groups, so it is often quieter than most shrines in the city. The paint jobs on the structures are not as bright and eccentric as some other shrines but there is a subtlety to it that was refreshing in a way.

20) Walk Philosophers Path

Philosophers Path is a gorgeous walk along a canal which is lined with cherry blossom trees. This is about a 2km stretch and will take about 30-45 mins to complete with some nice spots to get some tea and a snack along the way.

A stroll here is incredibly picturesque and serene and offers nice respite from the busier city streets. It is easy to see why local philosophers routinely walked along here during their day.

21) Get Coffee at the Worlds only Starbucks with Tatami Mats

Located on Ninenzaka Street is a Starbucks cafe like no other in terms of its aesthetic and it was such a cool experience to get a coffee there. This Starbucks does well to blend in with other buildings on this historic street with its traditional wooden architecture and design.

Inside you will find tatami mats and even some segmented tatami mat rooms on the second floor.

The prices and menu selection are the same as the US but the ambiance is what you really appreciate here.

22) Taste Delicious Udon

Udon consists of thick chewy noodles made from wheat flour and is served with a sauce and cooked with vegetables and a protein of your choice. This delicious meal is a staple in Japan as a comfort food and Kyoto certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to finding good udon.

Often served in atmospheric, old wooden shops, we truly felt immersed in Japanese food culture when trying some during our visit. Often you can see the noodles being freshly prepared behind the counter when you’re placing your order so you know the ingredients are fresh and delicious.

23) Stroll Around Ponchoto Alley

Often cited as one of Kyoto’s most beautiful streets, Ponchoto Alley is full of charm and has plentiful restaurants and shops occupying the traditional wooden buildings.

The street lies parallel to the Kamo River and is lit up with beautiful glowing lanterns and has a unique aesthetic carefully preserved by forbidding cars or out-of-place modern signage.

We highly recommend coming here in the evening time when the stores open up and the atmosphere kicks in, a truly outstanding area for a wander if nothing else.

24) Visit the Arashiyama Miffy Cafe

Japan is big on themed cafes and the Miffy Cafe (based on the books and tv series) in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto epitomizes their attraction. Consisting of not only a cafe, but also a restaurant and gift shop, the Miffy cafe features unique and expertly crafted Miffy shaped cakes, buns, and breads.

With the time it takes to makes theses items, it is worth considering arriving earlier in the day so as they’re not short on supply and keep in mind that there is a limit on how much you can buy per customer.

25) Take A Day Trip To Nara To See Bowing Deers

A fun, fascinating, and bizarre excursion when in Kyoto is to head toward the town Nara where you will see wild Deer in the park mingling people and each other. Nara took less than an hour by train to get to from Kyoto and the journey was worth it to see the deer alone.

Street vendors are here selling treats that you can feed the deer with and as you approach them, take a bow and watch them reciprocate it, it was an amazing thing to bear witness to!

The park itself is exceptionally well-maintained and is a refreshing escape from the busy city atmosphere. The Todai-Ji temple next to the deer park is worth a mention to check out when in the area too.

26) Eat Michelin Star Worthy Pizza From Monk

Just off Philiosophers Path is the cozy Monk restaurant where you can sample some of their incredible pizza. With only 14 seats in the restaurant, it is vital you make a reservation but it’s worthwhile for the intimate vibe alone and the tight knit environment makes you feel more engaged with the servers and chefs as you dine.

Although the menu has plenty of variety, we highly recommend going with the pizzas which excel in terms of their texture and flavor and IPA they have on draft here pairs really well with the pizzas.

27) Shop Around Higashiyama Ward

To get a feel for what Kyoto looked like in past centuries, visiting Higashiyama Ward will do that and some. With some of the city’s most well preserved neighborhoods and historically significant buildings, wandering around here is mesmerizing.

There are streets lined with restaurants, tea houses and shops so we recommend taking your time as you move through here checking out the local businesses.

We’d Like To Hear From You!

We hope this guide to 27 of the best things to do in Kyoto gave you some insightful ideas for your trip! Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a returning traveler, Kyoto has so much to offer, from historic temples and hidden gems to incredible food experiences.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Kyoto before? If so, what were your favorite spots? Are there any must-visit places you think should have made the list?

Drop a comment below and let us know—we’re always excited to discover new experiences and recommendations from fellow travelers!