Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
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What to do and see in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Encounter the beauty and technique of Kyoto traditional crafts We feature the history, processes etc.of each of the 74 kinds of traditional crafts, which have conveyed the history and culture of Kyoto with products and videos. Kyoto, the old capital, was established in 794 as Heian-kyo, and developed as the center of politics, culture and industry. Throughout history, Kyoto has kept taking in new ideas, while at the same time keeping the old ones, and has created various kinds of crafts by utilizing the advantage of a sophisticated design sense coupled with an advanced local economy. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design is the place where many people discover the industry and culture of Kyoto as well as being introduced to the beauty and technique that have been inherited here.
3. Sanjusangendo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,935 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 SanneTravel - Groningen, The Netherlands
A 'must see' is probably one of those things you hear a lot when you browse the reviews of people visiting Kyoto. In this case, they are absolutely not wrong. It is amazing how a hall of 120 meters long is filled to the brim with 1000 gorgeous, a bit intimidating golden statues and a few wooden statues of the different gods. We were so happy that we decided to walk here after visiting kiyomizudera.
4. Nishi Honganji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By DDCahyadi_ID
It was very nice to enjoy the scenery that the old-huge Gingko tree in the middle of the temple area. In early December, we can see the tree in its full golden/yellowish leaves. Omoshirokatta desu!
5. Chishaku-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Global715255 - Tokyo, Japan
I went to this temple because I was interested in visiting the head temple of the Shinzan ha, Shingon Sect popular in Kanto Region. The Screen Door Paintings by Tohaku Hasegawa and his son and disciples are awesome. No wonder they are National Treasures. Looking at the Japanese garden I enjoy relaxing time for a while.
6. Koryu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Founded in 622, the temple houses impressive Buddhist statues, possibly from the 6th or 7th century.
7. Kamigamo Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
Reviewed By kyliem319 - Melbourne, Australia
lovely buildings and gardens to walk around, history of these places is amazing. Very tranquil and so clean.
8. Shisendo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By Eric_Greeney
The garden of Shisen-do is simply out of this world. I would rank it without hesitation to the top 5 of Kyoto gardens: not only has it an impeccable composition, it is also fundamentally different from the mainstream of karesansui gardens. This is not a rock garden you view from a wooden platform (well, you can do that, too), but a stroll garden you are welcome to walk around in (wearing blue slippers provided for this purpose). The garden design has a Chinese influence to it. The initial view from the temple resembles other zen gardens, but the field next to it is not raked gravel, but brushed sand. The stroll into the garden provides you a view after another, opening ever new perspectives to many parts of the garden, all harmonious and beautiful. In addition to the usual carps, this garden had magnificent butterflies and birds singing making it feel like a part of the surrounding nature. I visited in mid-October, when the Japanese maples had just got a hint of the first autumn color. One hour before the closing time I had the garden all to myself. I took my time, sat under the pergola, breathed in the peace floating all over the place and forgot about the world waiting outside - and took a ton of photos before I left. Shisen-do is a bit away from many more popular attractions, but absolutely worth the effort of getting there. You can take the Eizan electric railway and walk from Ichijoji station. The entrance is small and modest, easy to miss if you are looking for a big fancy gate. If you are in Kyoto for its gardens, this one is truly a must, rivalled only by Murin-an and Obai-in of Daitokuji. I can recommend my late visiting hour for extra serenity, but I have read the temple can also be busy when the season is right.
9. Enkoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By ccfchew_23 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nestled near ichijioji, this is one of the most amazing spots for autumn colours with less crowd. The fall colours in the garden and the small hill ( amazing view of Kyoto) is second to none. It is definitely a trek to get here but it doesn't disappoint. One can sit at the garden whole day and be transfixed to a different world! I strongly recommend coming here via eizan railway and avoid the bus. Once done, you can pick your fix of ramen in ichijioji!
10. Murinan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Murin-an is a Japanese villa, a Western building and a garden built between 1894 to 1896 by Aritomo Yamagata, an Elder Statesman (advisor to the emperor) from the Meiji and Taisho Period. Jihei Ogawa VII (7th) created this garden under Yamagata’s instructions and to this day it is a favorite one of both Japanese and visitors from abroad. Its central point being Higashiyama Mountains with a spacious and bright open lawn area creates a naturalistic scenery, unique for its time. Also,the water of the flowing stream is taken in from the Lake Biwa Canal, a pioneer in such water construction in the villa cluster of the Okazaki neighbourhood. Today, we offer a variety of workshops to enjoy Japanese culture in the beautiful environment of a Japanese garden, ranging from Japanese tea to Noh theatre. Also, the gardeners invite to learn about the garden and its artistry as well as are avaialable for guidance (Reservation required). Murin-an is the spot to enjoy and learn about Japanese gardens. Why not enjoy your holiday afternoon with a cup of matcha tea at Murin-an?
Reviewed By E881EMlisac
The Murinan tea house and garden were the place I enjoyed the most in Kyoto for the relaxing atmosphere and the traditional architecture and landscapes. I went early enough to be the only visitor for a while. You can enjoy a cup of tea on a tatami overlooking the breathtaking view of the garden, which is much nicer than any touristic tea ceremony to my opinion...
