There are lots of things to do in Kyoto, like enjoying looking at cultural properties and experiencing Japanese culture. The following are some examples.
- You can enjoy looking at many historical buildings
- Have fun hanging out with a Maiko in the Zashiki room
- Experience Zen meditation at a temple
- Buy Japanese goods at souvenir shops
- Hiking while watching cultural assets
The recommended spots in Kyoto and details about these places will be explained in the lower section of the article, so please read on.
Temples, Shrines and Buddhist Temples you should definitely See if you Come to Kyoto
Kyoto is abundant with shrines and temples. Among them, Kyoto city has the most. The shrines and temples that are dotted around the city are all famous spots like World Heritage Sites and National Treasures.
| Place name | Features |
| Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) | The symbol of the temple is its Relics Hall (Shariden) that shines gold |
| Kyoto Imperial Palace | The residence of the emperor for over 500 years |
| Nijo Castle, Tokyo | The highlights of the National Treasure - Ninomaru-goten Palace |
| Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine | The Kyoto red Torii gates are lined up. |
| Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Famous for its fantastic scenery overlooking the city of Kyoto |
| Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto | The shrine where Gion Festival is held |
| Sanjusangendo | There are 1001 Senju Kannon statues lined up in a hall that measures 120 metres |
| Ginkaku-ji Temple | The quaint Kannon Hall with its multiple layers is a symbolic Kyoto |
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji is a world heritage temple situated in Kitayama. The official name of the temple is Rokuon-ji, but it is called Kinkaku-ji because of its beautiful gilded shrine. The appearance of the shrine reflected in the pond is also beautiful and one of the highlights
Spot information
- Spot name: Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺/ Rokuon-ji鹿苑寺)
- Street Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8361
- Access: Kyoto Station bus stop → [Kyoto City Bus Express 101 system] about 40 minutes → Kinkakuji-michi bus stop ... about 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Unavailable
- Language: English, Chinese(simplified), Korean, Français, Español
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the centre of Kyoto city. It was once used as residence of the Emperor from 1331 to 1869. It is a spot where architectural styles from various eras have been recreated and you can learn about the changes of each era.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
- Street address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, 602-0881
- Access: Kyoto Municipal Subway Kyoto Station → [Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line] about 10 minutes → Kyoto Municipal Subway Imadegawa Station ... About 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English, Chinese
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a castle situated in the centre of Kyoto city and it has been registered as a World Heritage Site. The Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, is a must-see. However, caution is necessary because photographing the interior of the Ninomaru-goten Palace is prohibited. In addition, if you have a subway 1-day ticket or bus and subway 1-day ticket, you can get a discount on the entrance fee.
Spot information
- Spot name: Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle (元離宮二条城)
- Street address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City 604-8301
- Access:
- Kyoto Station → [Municipal Subway Karasuma Line] about 6 minutes → Karasuma Oike Station → [Municipal Subway Tozai Line] about 2 minutes → Nijo-mae Station ... Immediately walk
- Kyoto Station Bus Stop → [Kyoto City Bus 101] about 16 minutes → Nijojo-mae Bus Stop ... Right by the bus stop
- Wi-Fi: Available (KYOTO Wi-Fi)
- Language: English, Chinese（traditional/simplified）, Korean, Français, Español, German
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is situated in the Fushimi Ward locates on the south side of Kyoto City. It is an old shrine with a history of about 1,300 years, there are over 10 important cultural properties within the large precinct including the main shrine. One of the most famous is the red “Senbon Torii gates” (1,000 torii gates).
Spot information
- Spot name: Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
- Street address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City 612-0882
- Access: JR Kyoto Station → [JR Nara Line] about 5 minutes → JR Inari Station… Right by the station
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English, Chinese（simplified／traditional）, Korean
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is a temple situated on the east side of Kyoto city. It is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto and is registered as a World Heritage Site. You are sure to be fascinated by the view from the 13 metres high stage in the main hall.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
- Street address: 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City 605-0862
- Access: Kyoto station bus stop → [Kyoto City Bus 206 system] about 15 minutes → Gojozaka bus stop ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available (KYOTO Wi-Fi)
- Language: English
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is situated in Gion on the east side of the city. It is well-known for the Gion Festival which is one of the 3 major festivals that are held in Kyoto. The main shrine was built in the 17th century and it has been designated as an Important Cultural Properties.
Spot information
- Spot name: Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)
- Street address: 625 Gion machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0073
- Access: Kyoto station bus stop → [Kyoto City Bus 206 system] about 20 minutes → Gion bus stop ... right by the bus stop
- Wi-Fi: unavailable
- Language: English
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Sanjusangendo
Sanjusangendo is the main temple of Rengeo-in, a temple located on the east side of Kyoto Station. It has a measure around 120 metres north to south, and the 1001 Senju Kannon statues are lined up inside. It has been designated as a National Treasure.
Spot information
- Spot name: Rengeo-in Sanjusangendo (蓮華王院 三十三間堂)
- Street address: 657 Sanjusangomadomachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0941
- Access: Kyoto Station Bus Stop → [Kyoto City Bus 206 System] about 10 minutes → Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop… Right by the bus stop
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji is a temple located in Higashiyama. Ginkaku, registered as a World Heritage Site, was built in the 15th century. We would like you to visit Kannon Hall, which is simple but easy to look around. Moreover, Togudo has been designated as a national treasure.
Spot information
- Spot name: Ginkakuji Temple銀閣寺 (Jisho-ji Temple慈照寺)
- Street address: 2 Ginakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8402
- Access: Kyoto Station bus stop → [Kyoto City Bus 5 system] about 30 minutes → Ginkakuji Road bus stop ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English, Chinese(simplified), Korean, Français, Español
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Must-see Sightseeing Spots if you go to Kyoto
The highlights of Kyoto are not only the temples and shrines. Here, we will introduce some sightseeing spots that ought to be seen in Kyoto.
| Place name | Features |
| Kyoto Tower | Kyoto’s landmark standing in front of the station |
| Kyoto National Museum | The building is also an important cultural property |
| Kyoto Gardens | Famous for its shrines and private gardens. There is also Kyoto Botanical Garden |
| Nishiki Market, Kyoto | A shopping district called Kyoto’s Kitchen |
| Kyoto Aquarium | The highlight is the dolphin performance |
| Kyoto Railway Museum | Ride a steam locomotive |
| Kyoto City Zoo | See the research environment of chimpanzee |
There are also spots such as art museums, museums and natural scenery spots in Kyoto.
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is a building in front of JR Kyoto Station Karasuma Central Exit. The height is 131 metres and the view of Kyoto can be seen from the observation deck. Baggage can be stored at the Kansai Tourist Information Centre Kyoto on the 3rd floor.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto Tower (京都タワー)
- Street address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City 600-8216
- Access: About 2 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
- Wi-Fi: Available（KYOTO Wi-Fi）
- Language: English, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB
Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum is located in Higashiyama and stores cultural properties like antiques and archeological objects. Not only the exhibits, but also highlights like the “symbol of the Kyoto National Museum - Meiji Kotokan Hall built of brick” and “the main gate,” which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto National Museum (京都国立博物館)
- Street address: 527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City 605-0931
- Access: Kyoto Station Bus Stop → [Kyoto City Bus 206] about 10 minutes →Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae Bus Stop… Right by the bus stop
- Wi-Fi: Available (KYOTO Wi-Fi)
- Language: English, Chinese, Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance,
- Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay
Japanese Gardens in Kyoto
Kyoto has beautiful Japanese gardens. Most of them are temple gardens, but some are owned by individuals. The “Okochi-Sanso Garden” garden that was built by movie actors, is a famous garden.
Spot information
- Spot name: Okochi Sanso Garden (大河内山荘庭園)
- Street address: 8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, 616-8394
- Access: Kyoto Station bus stop → [Kyoto City Bus 28] about 45 minutes → Nonomiya bus stop ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a shopping street in Kawaramachi located in the eastern part of the city, it measures approximately 390 metres. It is known as Kyoto kitchen and sells local specialties such as pickles, tea, and confectionary. In addition, cookware and household goods can be purchased.
Spot information
- Spot name: Nishiki Market (錦市場)
- Street address：〒604-8054 京都市中京区錦小路通
- Street address: Nishikikodori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City 604-8054
- Access: Kyoto Station → [Municipal Subway Karasuma Line] about 4 minutes → Shijo Station ... about 3 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Japanese only
- Credit cards：Available (Depending on the shop)
Kyoto Aquarium
Kyoto Aquarium is situated in Umekoji Park, located west of Kyoto Station. There is an exhibition that recreates the environment of the rivers and country hills in Kyoto is held, and rare creatures such as giant salamanders can be seen.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto Aquarium (京都水族館)
- Street address: 35-1, Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto City 600-8835
- Access:
- 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
- JR Kyoto Station → [JR San-in Main Line] about 2 minutes → Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station… 7 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available
- Language: English, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance, In convenience stores, others
- Credit cards: Available
Kyoto Railway Museum
The Kyoto Railway Museum is a comprehensive railway museum located on the west side of Kyoto Station. There are exhibits of carriages actually used as well as driving simulators. It is also possible to experience riding a steam locomotive.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto Railway Museum (京都鉄道博物館)
- Street address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City 600-8835
- Access: JR Kyoto Station → [JR San-in Main Line] about 2 minutes → Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station ... about 2 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available (museum [SL~TEC])
- Language: English, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance, In convenience stores, others
- Credit cards: Available
Kyoto City Zoo
Kyoto Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Japan located in the Sakyo Ward. Around 580 animals of 130 kinds are bred here. Chimpanzee research is thriving and it is possible to see the research environment.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kyoto City Zoo (京都市動物園)
- Street address: Okazaki Koen, Okazakihoshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto city 606-8333
- Access: Kyoto Station → [Kyoto City Bus 5, 32, 100, 110] About 30 minutes → Okazaki Koen / Dobutsuen-mae (Zoo)… 2 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available
- Language: English, Chinese, Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: Available（depending on the shop）
Recommended Shopping Spots in Kyoto -Fashion-
Kyoto city is the place to go for fashion shopping in Kyoto prefecture. There are spots where you can look at lots of clothes at once, such as Kyoto department stores and fashion buildings.
| Shop name | Features |
| Kyoto Takashimaya | Abundant with foreign and high-brand stores |
| Daimaru Kyoto | There are lots of clothes costing around tens of thousands of yen per item |
| Kyoto Porta | A fashion building aimed at people in their 20s-30s |
| LAQUE Shijo Karasuma | Clothing for people in their 30s-40s |
| Kyoto UNIQLO | Fast fashion store with 21 branches in Kyoto |
If you are searching for clothing for adults, try going to Kyoto Takashimaya, Daimaru Kyoto, and LAQUE Shijo Karasuma. Particularly, Kyoto Takashimaya and Daimaru Kyoto have plenty of services for foreigners, like telephone interpretation and Chinese interpretation.
In addition, for teens and younger generations, Kyoto Station Underground Shopping Centre Porta and Kyoto UNIQLO is good. Particularly, the Kyoto Kawaramachi Branch "Kyoto Uniqlo (京都ゆにくろ)” has not only reasonably priced clothes but also a floor where you can make your own custom T-shirt.
Recommended Shopping Spots in Kyoto -miscellaneous goods-
In Kyoto, you will find Japanese-style goods and fashionable Western goods. It is also possible to craft goods yourself. There is also an abundance of manga and anime goods.
| Shop name | Features |
| Kyoto Handicraft Centre | You can experience handmade Kyoto traditional crafts |
| LOFT Kyoto | A shop where you can find stationery and character goods |
| Animate Kyoto | Store specializing in anime, comics and games |
| Kyoto International Manga Museum | Lots of original museum goods |
| Pokemon Centre KyotoA shop with official Pokemon goods | |
| ASTY KYOTO | Station building where souvenirs can be purchased |
If you wish to buy all kinds of Japanese anime goods, Animate Kyoto is recommended, and if you are looking for crafts and famous confectionary in Kyoto, ASTY Kyoto is recommended.
In addition, for a valuable experience making crafts, head for the Kyoto Handicraft Centre. Reservation is required to join the experience.
Experience various areas of Japanese culture in Kyoto
In Kyoto Prefecture, it is possible to actually experience various areas of Japanese culture. Here, we will introduce what you can experience in Kyoto.
| Experience | Features |
| Kyoto Kimono Experience | Put in a kimono, take photos and walk around town |
| Hang out with Kyoto Geisha | Play games with Geiko and Maiko |
| Kyoto cooking classes | Learn how to make Japanese food in English |
| Events and festivals in Kyoto | See the Yamahoko parade around town |
| Yoga in Kyoto | Experience zen meditation and yoga at the same time |
| Kyoto Beer Lab | Try beer after looking around the facility |
| Karaoke in Kyoto | There are many karaoke branches in the area |
| Zen meditation at the Zen temples in Kyoto | Experience zen medication in English |
Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto
There are shops in Kyoto where kimono can be rented. They have everything you need, so you can just go and get dressed up.
| Shop name | Features |
| Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo | A lot of kimonos and cheap prices |
| Rental kimono Okamoto | You can dress in the Japanese style of Kyomachiya |
| STUDIO KOKORO | Become a Maiko (舞妓) or Oiran (花魁) |
| TERAMACHI Bijin | Rental time is long and can be returned the next day |
Kyoto kimono rental wargo is recommended for trying on a kimono for a reasonable price, and STUDIO Kokoro is recommended if you wish for a professional photographer to take photos of you in your kimono.
Hang Out with Geisha in Kyoto
If you come to Kyoto, you should definitely hang out with Geisha (Geiko 芸子 or Maiko舞妓). For example, you can spend time with Maiko in English at Ozashiki Experience - UTAGE(お座敷体験「宴- UTAGE-」).
They also offer vegetarian and halal dishes. It should be noted that it is recommended to make a reservation one or two weeks before going.
Spot information
- Spot name: Ozashiki Taiken UTAGE (お座敷体験「宴- UTAGE-」)
- Street address: 594 Komatsucho Yasakadori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City 605-0811
- Access: JR Kyoto Station → [JR Nara Line] about 2 minutes → Tofukuji Station → [Keihan Main Line] about 5 minutes → Keihan Gion Shijo Station ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: Available
Classes in Kyoto where Kyoto and Japanese Cooking Can Be Learnt
There are classes in Kyoto city where you can learn how to make Japanese cuisine in English. Every class needs to be reserved about 1-2 weeks in advance.
| Recommended class | Features |
| AOGAMI KYOTO | Make home cooking with local ingredients |
| COOKING SUN | Learn cooking in the townhouse's Japanese room |
| HARU Cooking Class -Kyoto- | A cozy classroom held at a private home |
| Uzuki Cooking Classes in Kyoto | Learn vegan / vegetarian food |
The lesson fee costs around 7,000 to 8,500 yen per adult for 3 - 4 hours. (Information accurate as of January 2020)
Festivals in Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture has festivals with long histories. In particular, the group of festivals called Kyoto's 3 major festivals are large and spectacular.
| Famous festival | Period Held | Features |
| Aoi Festival | May | One of the three major festivals in Kyoto. Around 500 people walk for 1 km |
| Gion Festival | July | One of the three major festivals in Kyoto. Many festivities are held during the month of July |
| Jidai Festival | October | One of the three major festivals in Kyoto. The costumes and festival items from the eight eras of Japan are the highlights |
| Gozan no Okuribi / Daimonji | August | Bonfire writing on mountain slope |
| Fusami Inari Taisha Hitaki-sai Festival | November | he Mikagura (singing and dancing performance for the deity) in the evening is a must-see |
There are also other festivals every season, so check out the Kyoto homepage before visiting.
Nightlife in Kyoto
Nightlife in Kyoto is not limited to hanging out with geisha. There are also plenty of large-scale clubs and bars. Among these, in the summer, there is a bar on a terrace on the Kamo River, which is called Kawadoko, where you can drink alcohol while cooling off.
Is Kyoto Safe at Night?
Crime in Kyoto has been decreasing each year. Particularly, cases of bag snatching and pickpocketing, which are often experienced by foreigners, have dropped to almost one-third of what they were 10 years ago. In addition, police and citizens cooperate with crime prevention measures, so it can be said that nighttime in Kyoto is safe.
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