Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
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10 Things to Do in Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Reviewed By BringBackBuck8 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I visited here, arriving around midday. Perhaps that was my mistake, as it was rammed with people. I’m sure the orange shrine gated walkways would be breathtaking, but it’s not when you’re shuffling along like an arthritic centipede and coming to a standstill every 20 seconds for a Japanese lady to take a selfie.
My advice would be to come very early or very late, avoid the crowds.
2. Kinkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.
Reviewed By livineasystill - NYC
This was beyond crowded, I felt like I was walking through Disney World when we were visiting. Granted we went on a Saturday in April so maybe that’s the reason why. I think this would be a great place to go if there was no one around but having to walk through masses of people made the experience average at best.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
Reviewed By Sufen K
In order to reach the temple, from Kyoto station have to take a locate bus and then walk about 20-25 mins uphill. Its nice as along the street has the old town feel, lucky we visited in winter hence not that hot. It is best to wear your most comfortable shoes unless you want to try out the Kimono which along the way a lot of shop would have special offer.The bus to and fro Kyoto can be quite pack in the peak hours, suggest to go earlier to avoid the noon crowd.
4. Ran Theatre Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5 based on 170 reviews
The concept of RAN is to have a fun filled night with traditional music and local sake and beer. Here you can see all the famous traditional musicians under one roof. We invited musicians from all over Japan to come to Kyoto, the centre of Japanese traditional culture to entertain you with this exciting performance. There is a mix of classic songs and songs adapted from pop culture. We invite you to enjoy a few drinks from our selection of local sake and beer while you enjoy the show. We also ask you to join in on the fun by clapping along, waving your arms side to side and maybe even joining the band!
Reviewed By Frau88 - Alamogordo, New Mexico
We enjoyed an evening show here; it was an interactive music concert by Japanese musicians on traditional instruments. Drinks were included which were very refreshing, but we didn’t eat any food here since we ate dinner beforehand. Overall it was a fun experience but I was just a bit surprised that there weren’t more people in the audience (we were about 10 all together).
5. Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Amy B - London, United Kingdom
This temple with Gardens is simply stunning. There are lots of beautiful little statues and view points to look out over. I'd love to go in Autumn, where the colours of the leaves are said to be second to none!
6. Sanjusangendo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Reviewed By Peeter P - Toronto, Canada
This was our last temple in a temple-filled trip to Japan, yet it certainly rated as a must see. Even on a rainy day, this temple has some pluses. First, much of the outside can be viewed under a roof. Second, the inside of the temple is absolutely fascinating with a very large Buddha surrounded on both sides by 1001 cannons. This apparently is the largest wooden structure in the world, which adds to the attraction. The grounds had some very nice sakura in bloom in mid-March, an added bonus. This really is a must see. Well worth the admission of 600 yen per adult.
7. Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Created as an imperial summer retreat, the garden complex is a fine example of Japanese landscape design.
Reviewed By H S G - Macon, Georgia, United States
This Imperial Detached Villa has three separate Gardens separated by cultivated fields of vegetables and grains. The paths are paved or stone walkways with quite a number of steps which would present significant difficulties for visitors with ambulatory limitations. The views of Kyoto below over the extensive pond features are magnificent. All tours have two guides to carefully monitor the visitors and the tours are in Japanese. English audio guides are available and are essential for those who do not understand Japanese.
The number of visitors is limited to about five tours each day. Application for the tickets must be made AT THE BEGINNING DAY OF THE MONTH in which the 90th day before the desired day of visitation by submitting an application online. Letters, faxes, or phone calls will not be accepted to request tickets and the tickets will have to be picked up at the Imperial Household Agency at the Imperial Palace in Kyoto or Tokyo by the person with their passport in hand. If you are not there at the appointed time or just 5 minutes late, do not expect to be admitted. Tickets are especially difficult to obtain in April because it is the time for the cherry blossom viewing.
8. Gion Matsuri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
The Gion Matsuri is Japan's most famous festival, with its origins reaching back all the way to 869. Spanning the whole month of July, it is studded with benchmark events. The most breathtaking of these is the Yamaboko Junko on July 17th, which sees a procession of 80-foot tall wheeled floats paraded throughout the city. The event is repeated on a smaller scale on the 24th. Yoiyama evening celebrations leading up to the parade close off the main streets to automotive traffic and fill them instead with food, drink, and game stalls. Visitors earlier in the month are welcome to watch the massive floats being assembled by hand for the celebration.
Reviewed By Boris7111334
An amazing cultural experience. The crowds are very orderly and you don't have to get there much more than 30min before the start of the parade to get a good spot. Some of these floats weigh 12 tonnes and are being pulled along by ropes. They're just beautiful. On the nights before the big parade there is a real festival atmosphere where you can see floats being prepared and get a lot of tasty street food. Highly recommend going both the nights before and on the day of the parade.
9. Ninna-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Ninna-ji is a national tresure and also designated as a world heritage site. From over a thousand years ago, it has a deep co nection to the imperial family. Then, Ninna-ji is one of most famous temple which known for beautiful cherry blossoms, its wrapping up the end of the season in Kyoto - a town with many famous cherry trees.
Reviewed By Selsy - New Zealand
The trees were starting to show quite a bit of colour when I visited in early November, although still not at their peak. The museum was open too, and definitely worth visiting. There was a combined ticket with the palace building. Although the general grounds are free and there are some beautiful buildings that can be admired free, I really recommend paying the extra for the palace and museum.
10. Sanzen-in Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By Kimitaka S
Sanzenin-in temple is not only a must-visit of Ohara, but also one of highlights in Kyoto. The main attraction is its garden with moss. It takes about one hour to visit. But if you have time, you had better to stay longer.
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