top things to do in kyoto

Introduction : Top Things to Do in Kyoto | An Insider’s Guide

Ever wandered through an ancient Japanese garden and felt like you’d stepped into another world? That’s Kyoto for you – a city where the past and present dance together in the most enchanting way.

Hey there, fellow Japan enthusiasts! I’ve been lucky enough to visit Kyoto multiple times, and each visit leaves me more in love with this cultural wonderland. If you’re planning a trip to Japan’s former imperial capital, you’re in for a treat! Let’s chat about the absolute must-dos in this magical city.

1. Explore the Mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Shrine

Have you ever seen those photos of endless vermillion torii gates winding up a mountain? That’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, and trust me, it’s even more impressive in person. This iconic shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and features thousands of torii gates donated by businesses hoping for prosperity.

Pro tip: Want to avoid the crowds? Get there super early (like 7 AM early) or go in the evening. The shrine is open 24/7, and there’s something magical about walking through those gates when the crowds thin out. I once went at dusk, and the way the setting sun filtered through the gates was absolutely breathtaking!

2. Step into Tranquility at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walking through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest feels like entering another dimension. These towering bamboo stalks create natural walls that seem to stretch up forever, while the sunlight filters through in the most ethereal way.

But here’s the thing – everyone wants that perfect Instagram shot, so this place gets PACKED. My advice? Be there when it opens, or you’ll be sharing your zen moment with hundreds of selfie sticks. 🙂

The surrounding area is gorgeous too – don’t miss Tenryu-ji Temple with its stunning gardens, or a leisurely stroll across the Togetsukyo Bridge.

3. Be Awestruck by Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Is there anything more iconic in Kyoto than the Golden Pavilion? This Zen Buddhist temple is literally covered in gold leaf, and seeing it reflected in the surrounding pond is one of those pinch-me travel moments.

FYI, you can’t go inside the pavilion itself, but the surrounding gardens are lovely for a peaceful walk. The site gets insanely busy, so again, early morning is your friend here!

4. Wander Through the Geisha District of Gion

Ever wanted to step back in time? Gion is your chance. With its preserved machiya houses, traditional tea houses, and if you’re lucky, glimpses of geiko (Kyoto’s geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying to appointments, Gion feels like old Japan come to life.

Hanami-koji Street is particularly atmospheric with its traditional wooden buildings. Just remember – if you do spot a geiko or maiko, be respectful. They’re not tourist attractions but working professionals preserving cultural traditions. Quick photos from a distance are fine, but chasing them down or blocking their path? Not cool, my friends.

5. Experience Japanese Tea Ceremony

When in Kyoto, doing as the locals do means participating in a traditional tea ceremony. This isn’t just about drinking tea – it’s a choreographed ritual that embodies Japanese concepts of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

I took a ceremony at En Tea House near Gion, and it was fascinating! The host explained each movement’s significance while we sat on tatami mats and learned to properly whisk matcha tea. The best part? They were super patient with my clumsy attempts at the formal bow.

6. Visit Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s Kitchen

Foodies, rejoice! Nishiki Market is a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. This is where Kyoto’s residents have been shopping for centuries, and it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.

From pickled vegetables and fresh seafood to Kyoto specialties like yuba (tofu skin) and tsukemono (pickles), you can sample your way through Japanese cuisine here. My personal favorite? The tamago-yaki (sweet rolled omelette) on a stick – simple but delicious!

7. Find Peace at Ryoan-ji Temple’s Rock Garden

Looking for a moment of zen? The rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple is world-famous for its minimalist beauty. Fifteen carefully placed rocks sit in a sea of raked white gravel, designed to inspire meditation.

What I love about this place is how it means something different to everyone. Some see islands in the ocean; others see mountain peaks above clouds. What will you see? That’s the beauty of this centuries-old zen puzzle.

8. Stroll Along the Philosopher’s Path

Named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro who used this route for daily meditation, this stone path follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. While it’s most famous during sakura (cherry blossom) season, it’s beautiful year-round.

The 2-kilometer walkway connects several temples, including Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji. I spent an entire afternoon just ambling along, popping into little cafes and craft shops along the way. No agenda, no rush – just pure Kyoto magic.

9. Experience a Stay in a Traditional Ryokan

Want to really immerse yourself in Japanese culture? Spend at least one night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Sleep on futons laid out on tatami mats, bathe in communal onsen (hot springs), and enjoy kaiseki (multi-course) dinners served in your room.

Sure, it’s pricier than a standard hotel, but IMO, it’s worth every yen for the experience. Just be prepared to follow some specific etiquette – like when to take off your slippers and how to properly use the communal baths!

10. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Perched on the hillside overlooking Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera offers both spiritual significance and spectacular views. The main hall features a large veranda built without a single nail that juts out over the hillside.

An old Japanese saying claims that jumping from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera and surviving would grant you a wish. Thankfully, this practice is now prohibited! Instead, visit the Otowa Waterfall below the main hall, where three streams of water are said to bring success, love, and long life – just don’t drink from all three, or you’ll be considered greedy!

11. Discover Contemporary Kyoto at Nijo Castle

While most of Kyoto’s attractions lean heavily into traditional aesthetics, Nijo Castle offers a fascinating window into Japan’s feudal past and political history. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu (the first shogun of the Edo Period), this UNESCO World Heritage Site features “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon – an ancient security system to detect intruders.

The palace interiors feature stunning gold leaf and painted screens, while the surrounding gardens showcase classical Japanese landscape design. It’s a perfect blend of beauty and function that tells the story of Japan’s samurai era.

12. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Nara

Okay, technically this isn’t in Kyoto, but it’s close enough (less than an hour by train) and absolutely worth your time. Nara’s main attraction? The hundreds of free-roaming deer considered divine messengers in the Shinto religion.

Nara Park is home to these friendly deer as well as several important temples, including Todai-ji, which houses the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Buy some shika-senbei (deer crackers) and prepare to make some four-legged friends – just watch out, they can get pretty pushy when food is involved!

Final Thoughts

Kyoto isn’t a place you visit; it’s a place you experience. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and countless gardens, teahouses, and traditional neighborhoods, you could spend weeks here and still not see everything.

My best advice? Don’t try to do it all. Pick a few highlights, leave plenty of time for wandering, and embrace the unexpected discoveries along the way. Some of my fondest memories of Kyoto aren’t the famous sites but the quiet moments – stumbling upon a tiny neighborhood shrine, watching an impromptu street performance, or enjoying matcha ice cream while people-watching in a park.

So, ready to fall in love with Kyoto? I guarantee it’s a love affair that will last a lifetime.