Best Things to Do in Kyoto: 7 Must-Visit Attractions

Written By Jamie Larson

7 Amazing Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan (That Are Actually Worth Your Time)

Kyoto is one of those cities that completely lives up to the hype. With over 1,600 temples, beautiful bamboo forests, traditional tea houses, bustling food markets, and centuries of history, it's easy to see why it's one of the most visited destinations in Japan.

If it's your first time visiting Japan, Kyoto deserves at least 3-4 days on your itinerary. While Tokyo is known for its bright lights and modern city life, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture.

After visiting Kyoto multiple times, these are the experiences I'd recommend to every traveler.

Quick Guide

📍 Best for: First-time visitors
⏰ Time needed: 3–4 days
🌸 Best time to visit: March–April (Cherry Blossoms) & November (Fall Foliage)
💰 Budget: $$ (Moderate)
🚶 Walking required: Moderate to High
🚅 Easy day trip from Osaka? Yes! Just 30–45 minutes by train.

1. Wander Through Higashiyama District & Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

If you only have one day in Kyoto, spend it exploring Higashiyama.

This is the Kyoto you've probably seen all over Instagram, traditional wooden buildings, narrow stone streets, historic tea houses, local shops, and stunning temples around every corner.

The highlight is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Japan's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The massive wooden stage overlooking Kyoto is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn when the leaves change color.

Don't rush through the area. One of the best parts of Higashiyama is simply wandering the side streets and discovering hidden cafés, shrines, and souvenir shops.

Don't miss:

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  • Sannen-zaka Street

  • Ninen-zaka Street

  • Yasaka Pagoda

  • Traditional matcha cafés

Google Maps

2. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Arashiyama is another must-visit area in Kyoto, and while the famous Bamboo Forest gets most of the attention, there's so much more to explore.

Arrive early, ideally before 8:00 AM—to experience the bamboo grove before the crowds arrive, or arrive later in the day, after 5:00pm.

Afterward, head a little farther north to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's hidden gems. Unlike the larger temples in the city, this peaceful temple is home to more than 1,200 unique stone statues, each carved with its own facial expression.

It's quiet, incredibly photogenic, and one of my favorite places in Kyoto.

Nearby attractions:

  • Bamboo Forest

  • Togetsukyo Bridge

  • Katsura River

  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Google Maps

3. Experience a Traditional Sumo Wrestling Dinner

Most travelers automatically book a sumo experience in Tokyo—but I'd actually recommend doing it in Kyoto instead.

The experience is often less crowded, feels more intimate, and it's usually easier to get reservations compared to Tokyo.

During the experience, you'll learn about the history and traditions of sumo wrestling before watching live demonstrations from former professional sumo wrestlers. Many experiences also include a traditional Japanese meal, and some even allow guests to step into the ring afterward for photos or a friendly challenge against the wrestlers.

If you're only going to book one cultural experience in Japan, this is one I'd highly recommend.

➡️ I'll link my favorite Kyoto Sumo Experience HERE

4. Eat Your Way Through Nishiki Market

Nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is one of the best places to sample local Japanese food.

Stretching for nearly 400 meters, the market is packed with family-owned stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and wagyu beef skewers to mochi, matcha desserts, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelets), and traditional Kyoto specialties.

Come hungry—you'll want to try a little bit of everything.

Some of my favorites include:

  • Wagyu skewers

  • Matcha desserts

  • Fresh strawberries

  • Japanese omelets

  • Mochi

  • Seafood skewers

Google Maps

5. Explore Historic Gion

No trip to Kyoto is complete without spending an afternoon wandering through Gion.

Known as Kyoto's famous geisha district, Gion is filled with beautifully preserved wooden buildings, lantern-lined streets, traditional restaurants, and tea houses.

If you're lucky, you may even spot a geiko (Kyoto's term for a geisha) or maiko (an apprentice geisha) walking between appointments. Remember to admire them respectfully—avoid following or photographing them up close without permission.

For a deeper look into Kyoto's performing arts, visit Gion Corner, where you can watch traditional performances including maiko dance, tea ceremony demonstrations, traditional music, flower arranging, and more.

Tickets are typically around ¥5,500 per adult (prices may change), and it's one of the easiest ways to experience several traditional Japanese arts in a single evening.

You can purchase tickets through the official Gion Corner website or at the venue.

Google Maps

6. Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

A traditional tea ceremony is one of the most peaceful and authentic cultural experiences you can have in Japan.

Far more than simply drinking matcha, the ceremony teaches the philosophy behind Japanese hospitality, mindfulness, and centuries-old traditions that have been passed down through generations.

You'll learn how matcha is prepared, the significance of each movement, proper etiquette, and the history behind the ceremony—all while enjoying freshly prepared tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

It's a relaxing break from sightseeing and a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture on a deeper level.

➡️ I'll add my favorite Tea Ceremony experience HERE!

7. Shop, Explore Arcades & Make Your Own Chopsticks

One of my favorite parts of Kyoto is simply wandering the shopping streets around Nishiki Market.

You'll find everything from handmade ceramics and Japanese kitchen knives to vintage clothing, anime stores, Japanese snacks, and beautiful souvenirs.

One of the most unique souvenirs you can take home is a pair of personalized chopsticks engraved with your name.

There are also several indoor shopping arcades nearby where you can spend hours exploring local boutiques and cafés.

Google Maps

Other Popular Things to Do in Kyoto

Then mention:

  • Fushimi Inari

  • Golden Pavilion

  • Monkey Park

What I'd Skip in Kyoto

One thing I wouldn't recommend is visiting the animal cafés.

On my very first trip to Japan, I unfortunately visited both a dog café and a pig café because they were heavily promoted online. Looking back, I wish I hadn't.

Many of these cafés have received criticism for poor animal welfare standards, and in my own experience, the animals didn't appear to be living in environments that prioritized their wellbeing. I also noticed some businesses strongly encouraging customers to leave positive reviews, which made it difficult to know which ratings were genuine.

Thankfully, Japan has so many incredible cultural experiences that don't involve animals. Instead, I'd recommend spending your time exploring temples, participating in a tea ceremony, visiting Nishiki Market, or watching a traditional sumo performance—experiences that showcase the country's rich history and culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Planning Japan Feeling Overwhelming?

Japan can be incredible, but planning the hotels, trains, activities, and daily logistics can feel like a lot.

Join one of my Wander With Jamie Japan Group Trips and let us handle the planning for you.

👉 View upcoming Japan group trips HERE!

Jamie Larson
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