Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Kyoto, Kinki
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. Ran Theatre Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 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 G3995HVsaral - Melbourne, Australia
Ran Theatre Kyoto's Friday night show is the highlight of my Kyoto trip thus far! Where else can you enjoy an intimate evening immersed in traditional Japanese music with 6 very talented musicians... who are so engaging and harmonised that it just took my breath away! The energy is dynamite from the start- the show is well balanced with upbeat songs, interspersed with slower, moving melodies, and also modern fusions that gave the music a rock edge at times. I loved how animated and engaging the musicians were, the way that they synchronised was just entrancing! Audience participation was a lot of fun and put a smile on everyone's faces- I loved learning how to play the Japanese drums- it is a memory i will cherish! The venue is intimate and you can enjoy a drink or two- we were right up front so had a fantastic view. It is so unique to have this opportunity to enjoy live music in the heart of Kyoto. I've seen a lot of performances/ theatre in the past and this show was just phenomenal. We booked tickets online for a discounted rate and enjoyed 80 minutes of incredible entertainment. We even had the chance to take photos with all the musicians which was another highlight:)!! We are a couple on our honeymoon and this show was just a brilliant way to absorb some precious culture, relax after several busy days of sightseeing and to enjoy some serious music talent:). We also learned about the musical instruments and learned about traditional folk songs. Excellent value and a top experience- please do yourself a favor and go to Ran Theatre Kyoto!
2. Kinkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,029 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 elizabethpV8634SC
It’s not called the “Golden Temple” for nothing. This beautiful temple, covered in gold leaf is my favorite temple in Kyoto. We caught it at the right time (1 pm) on a calm sunny day, to get perfect iconic photos with reflections of the temple in the water & excellent lighting (not shooting into the sun). It also turned out to be a good time to avoid peak crowds and it was easy to get a front row spot to take pictures across the lake. You cannot go inside temple, so just admire it across the water and tour the lush, landscaped grounds. If you are interested in an itinerary for a nice day out, here's a suggestion. Visit Nijo castle first in the morning. The Castle is easy to reach by subway – Tozai line. Consider the tour in English at 10AM. Afterwards, it is easy to reach Kinkaku-ji from Nijo castle by bus. The best option is bus #12 from right outside the Castle (direction Ritsumeikan) - 17 stops to the Kinkakuji-mae bus stop, which takes 24 mins. Note that this stop is the one AFTER Kinkakuji-michi The #12 bus stops right outside the entrance to the temple complex. After visiting Kinkaku-ji it makes sense to go to the Ryoan-ji temple as well, since it’s just an easy 15 minute walk away. Upon exiting the temple, walk to the street where you entered the temple and turn right. Follow this road until you reach the entrance to Ryoan-ji on your right hand side. You can also take bus #59 (three stops) between the two temples, but unless it’s really cold or rainy, it’s just as easy to walk This itinerary will put you at Ryoan-ji later in the afternoon so it will be less crowded & more enjoyable.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,531 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 674pavelk - Redmond, United States
It is beyond impressive to have such a massive structure made entirely from wood centuries ago and without a single nail as far as I know. You feel humbled while inside. And the view of the city from the hill next to the water fountain (which you definitely should wait in line for to drink the water from it) is stunning if you get a nice weather going on for you.
4. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,494 reviews
This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a must do for visitors to Kyoto to walk upward ever upward via the winding path through hundreds of Tori gates is an amazing experience, stopping along the way to take in the prayer stations some with dozens if not hundreds of small tori placed as votive offerings. We arrived late in the afternoon and had to almost sprint up the hill as the evening darkness closed in on us, but then the lights come on giving the pathway a surreal air as the light casts its shadows through the Tori Gates. It is an arduous walk so make sure you are fit and have good walking shoes but well worth the effort
5. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By DellaG_12 - Coquitlam, Canada
Once again a magnificent garden surrounds the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately we did not check in advance to see the procedure required to take a tour of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and we were not able to view the palace grounds. Fortunately, the surrounding gardens were opened to the general public. As always, the imperial garden is an expansive garden space with attractive walkways, special shrines located away from main traffic areas and offers a quiet respite for prayers or private contemplation. It is beautiful in late autumn and the deciduous trees are at its best displaying their fall colors. Beautiful walks by the lake and small bridges to cross over. Such a wonderful reprieve from the major city area, just a lazy afternoon observing nature, couples and young children at play.
6. Arashiyama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,621 reviews
Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.
Reviewed By JungleKing2014 - Montreal, Canada
A great day trip from Yokohama.... great setting - lush mountain backdrops - from bamboo forest, to great little food stalls and really nice cherry blossom and bamboo soft ice cream on a warm day.
7. Monkey Park Iwatayama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,631 reviews
Reviewed By Mauifolks - Pukalani, United States
Outstanding experience to hike in a beautiful setting and see monkeys in their natural habitat. Even the opportunity to feed them which was a lot of fun. Food provided was super cheap and staff very friendly.
8. Tenryuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,958 reviews
Reviewed By PXJin - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Spent some quality time here. Great atmosphere and excellent Autumn foliage. When you mix all of the good things, it always come with crowds. However, the crowds are somehow discipline and have minimum noise, probably cause of the zen in this garden. Great place to visit if you're around Arashiyama region.
9. Sagano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Reviewed By badmintontim - Hastings, United Kingdom
We were very lucky here as we made sure that we arrived there early and on doing so we missed the crowds of people that descended upon us as we were leaving each spot It is a nice walk to go from attraction to attraction and I liked the bamboo forest a lot as it was quiet and peaceful - just relaxing
10. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,234 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
After visiting the famous temple uphill, it was highly suggested to take an hour's walk along Sannenzaka Ninenzaka. It was a slanting pathway of stone-steps with traditional Japanese houses on both sides and being converted as souvenir and snack shops. It was normally crowded with visitors and difficult to move along easily. For photo-lovers, the place was good for snapshooting with so many backdrops for your choice. Have a nice day there.
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