Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is always listed among the most popular destinations in Japan. It is a wonderful place to visit; all year round and offers an abundance of things to see and do. Like many of the other bigger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, it has been through rapid growth as a center of the economy. Despite this, there are still many things from its rich past that still remain preserved and are iconic to the area and Japan as a whole. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all that Kyoto has to offer, so let us help out and break down all of the best places to visit in this incredible city!
About Kyoto
Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) is one of Japan’s oldest cities and served as the nation’s capital and the emperor’s residence for over 1,000 years, from 794 until 1868. Over the centuries, the city has been destroyed by many wars and fires, however, because of its cultural and historical value Kyoto was largely spared by the WWII bombings. It is for this reason that you can still visit many old cultural landmarks and historical sites. And because of the preserved townscape, you will find many people walking around in a beautiful kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) in Kyoto! If you want to try on a kimono and explore the city, you can easily find some kimono rental shops in Kyoto to complete the look to match the historical sites.
Present day, Kyoto is home to about 2,000 temples and shrines such as the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Some of Kyoto’s other famous tourist destinations include the Imperial Palace and the Gion district.
Kyoto is often combined with day trips to some of Japan’s famous tourist destinations that are located nearby, including Nara, Kobe, and Hiroshima.
1. Kyoto Station
Kyoto station is the city’s main gateway located in the very center of Kyoto. This is where most begin their Kyoto adventure as almost all of the public transportation lines depart and arrive here. The station is also known as a huge shopping complex, where you can try local foods and find perfect souvenirs to take home. Around the station, there are several attractive spots that can be seen from the observation deck of Kyoto Tower, which offers an amazing view of the entire city of Kyoto!
For more things to do around Kyoto Station have a read below!
▶Book your Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission E-ticket here
2. Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen
Special offer going on now!
Before we talk about the imperial palace, we’d like to introduce a limited time, special opportunity that you won’t want to miss, and may want to include!
If you’re a huge fan of Japan’s incredible display of cherry blossoms, known in Japanese as “sakura,” then you’re in luck! A handful of temples in Kyoto are offering a special chance to enter the grounds before operating hours to see the beautiful foliage. This is the perfect opportunity to see the temples in their glory as well as avoid potentially dense crowds as the spots are limited. The luxurious Kyoto Brighton Hotel line offers these immaculate experiences for those staying at the hotel as an add on to the room fee, but can also be reserved as a package initially. The event operates from the 29th of March until the 8th of April!
For all the specifics, be sure to visit their official site and make your reservation while you can!
Other famous destinations are also accessible by bus or subway. Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho), one of the most popular historical spots in Kyoto, can be reached by a comfortable, 10-minute ride on the subway from Kyoto Station. Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of the imperial family for over 1,000 years. The current building was reconstructed in 1855 after it burned down but the architecture kept the ancient style. It is located in the vast park of Kyoto Gyoen, and you can see the other important historical sites and enjoy beautiful gardens.
3. Gion District
Gion district, often recognized as the geisha district, is a famous entertainment district home to many beautiful traditional restaurants and is great for strolling around. For those who want to have a more special experience, you can also visit traditional performances by geisha. It’s not easy to see the geisha’s performance since many of the places don’t allow first-timers. It’s best to book the walking tour including access to meet geisha and maiko who are apprentices of geisha and see their beautiful performance if you are interested in their history, culture, and traditions.
Recommended tour: Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Would you like to talk to a Geisha? On Japan Wonder Travel’s tour, not only you can learn about the culture and history of Gion, but you’ll also have the chance to talk directly with a Geisha and take photos together!
4. Nijo Castle
Another must-visit spot is Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site within walking distance from Kyoto Gyoen. This castle was originally built in 1603 and used as a temporary stay for the shogun when visiting from Tokyo and the lookout for Kyoto Gosho. The big reconstruction had been done with gorgeous paintings on the sliding doors, and it was the event that showed the power of the Edo shogunate throughout Japan. However the prosperity didn’t last forever, the end of the flourishing Edo period, one of the biggest historical events of Japan, happened here in 1867, when the imperial court regained its power once again when the last shogun returned its power to the court. The gorgeous interior and beautiful paintings on the sliding doors can be seen in the main hall, Honmaru Goten. Also, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gardens at the castle site. While you’re at Nijo castle, be sure to check out the 2025 NAKED Sakura Matsuri that is held every day between March 14th to April 13th. Don’t miss out on this special event!
5. Nishiki Market
If you’re feeling hungry, Nishiki Market is the ideal spot to sample delicious Japanese traditional cuisine amid the unique atmosphere of the small stores lining the lively, narrow street. Located in the central part of Kyoto, it’s easily accessible from the city’s popular tourist attractions. Known as the Kitchen of Kyoto, Nishiki Market offers a variety of foods to try. For instance, Takotamago, a small octopus stuffed with a boiled quail egg, and Yuba, a traditional regional specialty made from tofu skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk which has been enjoyed in Kyoto since ancient times. Another Kyoto specialty is Hamo, which is Japanese pike conger eel. Its tempura is especially delicious. With so many shops, it can be hard to decide what to try. But don’t worry, leave it to the local guide and make sure you sample all the best foods that Nishiki Market has to offer!
Additionally, there are many animal cafes around this area! notably an otter cafe named Loutre, and an owl cafe named Fukuro no Mori! be sure to check them out as well as others in our article below:
On this Nishiki Market Food and Drink Tour, you can not only enjoy local food and drink, but also discover where the people of Kyoto shop and eat, learn about the area’s history, and explore both traditional and modern parts of the city.
▼Book our food and drink tour in Nishiki Market!
This locally guided tour takes you on a food adventure at Nishiki Market, and then, you will stroll two Geisha districts. One is Pontocho Alley known as a scenic and quaint grummet spot along the most quaint river, Kamogawa, and the other one is Gion District, the biggest Geisha district of Kyoto. Let’s try several Kyoto local foods, sake, and sweets on the tour!
6. Kinkakuji Temple
The most prestigious site is Kinkakuji Temple, also known as Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple widely known because of its stunning design and appearance covered with gold leaf. You can take a relaxing walk in the Japanese traditional garden around the temple as well. In winter, the magnificent view of the golden temple covered by snow can be seen if you are lucky! If you’re interested in getting the best experience of Kinkakuji, be sure to consider this tour!
Also, you can learn all about the Kinkakuji area below!
7. Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji Temple is another Zen temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a famous rock garden which represents a simple, but important aspect of Japanese culture. This temple was originally a villa belonging to an aristocrat during the Heian period. As popular and famous as it is, the rock garden is still shrouded in mystery- its designer remains yet to be identified (not including speculations) and the intricate layout ensures that, no matter what, one stone will be hidden from the viewer. The property also features a pond and spacious park that is great for strolling!
Explore all of the other zen and rock gardens Kyoto has to offer in the article below.
8. Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine
Further north in the mountains, there are two historical sites, Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine. This area is also known as the best spot to enjoy hiking on the sacred mountain while exploring the spiritual sites in nature. The atmosphere here is different from what you can feel in the city, and the place offers an unforgettable memory! Although it is a bit out of the way, it is definitely worth visiting.
▼Book our Kurama & Kibune Private Trekking Tour!
In this private tour, the guide will pick you up at your hotel and take a local train to the sacred mountain of Kurama. While hiking to the top, you will find many shrines and temples the guide will explain. During summer, you can have lunch at a traditional ‘kawadoko’, a riverside restaurant in the Kibune area!
9. Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is probably the most iconic image that comes to mind when people think of Kyoto. The southern part of Kyoto City has the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto; the Fushimi Inari Shrine. What makes it so special and popular is the long line of thousands of red torii gates known as Senbon Torii. You have probably seen the iconic red torii gate pictures online or in guidebooks before. And to be honest, this is actually a must-visit spot that is also easily accessible by train from Kyoto station.
Discover everything that Fushimi Inari has in store below:
10. Tofukuji Temple
Tofukuji Temple is known as the best place to see the beautiful view of the colorful leaves in autumn. It’s one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto, and the large temple site includes the Zen garden and the oldest gate of the Zen temples in Japan which is designated as the National Treasure.
11. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
It’s a museum about Japanese sake, renovated from the old sake brewery. You can learn the history and process of making sake using a traditional method, but of course, you can taste some sake at the end of the tour! There’s an optional tour to visit the small sake brewery where a fermentation process can be observed through the window.
Sake Spectacular: Museum Tour & Tasting in Fushimi
12. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
When it’s your first time in Kyoto, we recommend visiting the famous temples such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto all year round which is always bustling with visitors. Kiyomizu-dera is located in the middle of the mountain, and its wooden stage of the main hall is so famous that many people visit and see the view over Kyoto City from the stage. On the way up to the temple, you can enjoy some souvenir shopping and have some snacks at the stores lining up on the gentle slope path. Be sure to get the most out of Kiyomizudera with the tour below!
Explore the historic temple to it’s full potential with the article below.
13. Sanjusangendo Temple
It’s nicknamed a forest of Buddha because of the 1,001 Kannon (the goddess of mercy in Buddhism) statues because 1,001 statues are nestled in the long wooden main hall of the temple. Each face of the statue is slightly different, and it is said that you can find a familiar face in them. The view of the overwhelming number of statues all lining up neatly along the hall is quite an impressive sight.
14. Arashiyama Bamboo Groves
The Arashiyama area is a popular attraction which is about an hour away from central Kyoto. Compared to other areas in Kyoto City, the area is relatively isolated and a bit outside of the city. by far, Arashiyama’s most impressive feature is the sprawling bamboo forest. This peaceful green wonderland is always full of people in awe, but still retains a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. If you stop and listen to the sound of the bamboo moving in the wind, you almost forget you are in one of the most popular places in Kyoto! The only way you could enjoy this wonder of nature is by riding through it on a rickshaw!
15. Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge, a 155-meter-long wooden bridge over the Katsura River, creates a breathtaking view along with the Arashiyama Mountain in the background. It is the landmark of the Arashiyama area, and once you cross over the bridge, you can start exploring the main sightseeing street and spots in Arashiyama.
16. Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Arashiyama Monkey Park is home to about 120 wild monkeys. At the observation deck, you can check the view over Mt. Hiei and Kyoto City with the monkeys! There’s a place where you can feed monkeys with some fruits or peanuts through the wire fence, and also there’s a playground for kids.
17. Amanohashidate
If you travel further from Kyoto City, you can discover completely different attractions of Kyoto surrounded by beautiful nature. In Northern Kyoto, there are tranquil villages near the ocean providing stunning scenery. Amanohashidate is a popular spot located in Miyazu Bay, the 3.4 km sandbar covered with 5,000 pine trees across the bay. You can take a pleasant walk across the sandbar or cycling is popular too.
18. Ine
In Ine in Tango peninsula, over 230 boat houses floating in the sea create unique and beautiful scenery. It can only be accessed by sea taxi or ferry. These unique houses were originally built for fishermen, who parked their boats on the first floor and then used the second floor as their residence. Please note that to respect the residents, it’s strongly recommended to take a guided tour if you would like to explore the area.
19. Uji
Uji is a small town located a bit far from central Kyoto City. It is known for its matcha tea and the historical temple. Byodo-in temple is a beautiful temple originally built in the Heian period. Flip the 10 yen coin and you’ll find a picture of it! Uji is also known as their tea field and Uji matcha is one of the highest-quality brands of tea.
You’ll definitely want to enjoy this area to the fullest and understand everything, so be sure to consider joining this tour!
Learn more about the matcha tea capital of Japan below!
▼Book a one-day tour from Kyoto or Osaka to explore Northern Kyoto
Traveling to the countryside of Japan is sometimes a little tricky in terms of the convenience of transportation and lack of English signs. If you are looking for the easiest and most comfortable trip to Northern Kyoto, take a private tour exploring Ine, Amanohashidate, and more beautiful attractions in the area!
Book here
20. Yokai Street
Last but not least, there are many unique and “mysterious” spots in Kyoto. Yokai Street is one of them. Yokai are legendary creatures that appear in folklore. Yokai Street is a shopping street where you can spot some marks of Yokai and is best known for the Yokai parade that is carried out on the second Saturday in October every year. You think it’s similar to the Halloween parade but somehow it’s more beautiful yet scary with hundreds of Yokai walking solemnly on the street. It will get you a chill up and down the spine.
Read more to learn about Yokai street and what to do there!
Kimono Rental in Kyoto
Are you looking to get the full Kyoto experience and dress up in a nice kimono while you’re in the beautiful area? We offer a number of affordable kimono rental plans that are suited for everyone. With shops in both Gion and near Kyoto Tower, and hundreds of different kimono to choose from, you are sure to find something that you like. Check out our plans below and let our staff do the rest!
Book your rental here!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Happy traveling!
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