Kyoto, known as the cultural heart of Japan, enchants visitors from around the globe with its serene beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
From the perfectly manicured Zen gardens, to the over 4,000 sites of interest among historical temples and shrines, to the ancient streets that ooze history, Kyoto offers a unique immersion in Japan’s glorious past.
If you are planning a visit to Kyoto in 2024 and want to make sure you don’t miss the wonders of this city, here is a list of 25 must-see attractions, divided by area, for your travel itinerary.
Kyoto – North
1. Kinkaku-ji Temple
Undoubtedly one of the most famous temples in all of Japan, Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion”, attracts millions of tourists from around the world. The temple was completed in 1397, rebuilt in 1950 after a fire, and renovated in 1987. The entire pavilion is covered in pure gold leaf.
2. Kifune Shrine
One of the most photographed places in Kyoto due to its beautiful staircase, Kifune Shrine is located in the northern mountains of Kyoto, surrounded by cedar forests, and is dedicated to the deity of water. Legend has it that the goddess arrived here by a yellow boat, and one kilometer away, at the Okunomiya shrine, there is a giant stone that is said to cover the remains of the goddess’ boat.
3.Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji Temple features a magnificent rock garden and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Kyoto – South
4.Fushimi Inari Taisha
Featured in the film “Memoirs of a Geisha”, this is the most famous shrine in all of Japan. Hordes of tourists visit Fushimi Inari Taisha every year to see and walk among its iconic torii gates. It is said there are over 10,000 torii gates, both walkable and smaller ones.
Kyoto – East
5.Gion District
One of the most characteristic districts of Kyoto, the Gion district became famous in the past as an entertainment district, and many tourists visit here hoping to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko. The most famous street is Hanami-koji, full of chic restaurants serving traditional kaiseki ryori cuisine.
6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of the most famous and oldest temples in all of Japan, Kiyomizu-dera was first built in 780 AD and is especially popular in autumn, when the red leaves paint the entire landscape, providing a unique spectacle.
7. The Kawadoko Tradition along the Kamogawa River
Riverside restaurants along the Kamogawa River in Kyoto
Don’t miss a stroll along Kyoto’s most famous river, the Kamogawa River. On summer evenings, the area fills with people heading to the restaurants that extend onto outdoor terraces overlooking the river. The activity of eating outdoors while enjoying the pleasant view of the river, in search of some relief from the hot Japanese summers, is called Kawadoko.
8. Ginkaku-ji Temple
The Ginkakuji Temple, also known as the “Silver Pavilion”, was first completed in 1490 and is inspired by the Kinkaku-ji Temple. Also enjoy a relaxing stroll through its fabulous Japanese-style gardens, designed by the great landscape artist Sōami.
9. Yasaka Pagoda
View of the Yasaka Pagoda in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto
Located in the Higashiyama district, near the Hōkan-ji Temple, the Yasaka Pagoda is one of the most photographed and admired in all of Japan. If you’re coming from Kiyomizu-dera, I recommend starting on the traditional Sannen-zaka street, then continuing along Ninen-zaka.
Kyoto – West (Arashiyama)
10. Togetsukyo Bridge
The Arashiyama area is accessible in 20-30 minutes by train or bus from Kyoto Station. As you exit the station, a few hundred meters away you’ll find Togetsukyo, the famous 155-meter bridge that crosses the Katsura River. While crossing it to head to the center, you can already admire the beautiful scenery on your left.
11. Bamboo Forest
The famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama is also one of the most iconic and photographed symbols of Kyoto. The forest is located near the Tenryuji temple.
12. Okochi Sanso Gardens
Okochi Sanso Villa in Kyoto – Photo by calamity_sal on Flickr.com
Right next to the bamboo forest, you will find the Okochi Sanso Villa with its enchanting garden. Admission costs 1,000 yen, which includes a cup of matcha and a Japanese sweet at the teahouse. You can sit inside and enjoy the bamboo forest or sit under the trees in the garden. A truly magical and relaxing experience.
13. Ine no Funaya
The “Venice of Japan” in Kyoto – Photo by Asturio Cantabrio on Wikipedia.org
You may have heard of Ine no Funaya, a small village located on the Tango Peninsula, northwest of Kyoto, as the “Venice of Japan”. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, Ine features 200 floating houses called Funaya, hence its nickname.
14. Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is the most important in Arashiyama and is particularly famous for its beautiful Japanese garden and the “cloud dragon” artwork on the ceiling of the Zen teaching hall, located at the center of the structure.
Kyoto – Cultural Experiences
15. Staying in a Ryokan
In addition to what to see in Kyoto, you must also ask: where to stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto is also famous for its many traditional inns, known in Japan as ryokans. The main features of ryokans include traditional hot springs (onsen), strictly Japanese cuisine (washoku) served at multi-course meals, rooms in traditional Japanese style, with tatami floors and shoji paper doors.
An experience that cannot be missed on your list of things to do during your trip to Japan, especially in Kyoto.
16. Relaxing at an Onsen
Immersing and relaxing in natural hot springs (onsen) is the quintessential Japanese experience and there’s no better way to unwind after a long day of walking. Kyoto is not particularly famous for its hot springs, but it certainly offers more than valid options. One of the most famous in Kyoto is Kurama Onsen, located near a rural village near the Kurama River.
17. Tea Ceremony
No visit to Kyoto is complete without an authentic tea ceremony. Why in Kyoto? This is where the famous Uji green tea is grown, and it is in Kyoto that the most famous tea ceremony schools were born. There’s nothing better than attending the ceremony, perhaps wearing a traditional yukata, then enjoying a nice cup of tea immersed in the greenery, admiring the art of Japanese gardens and taking a pleasant break between visits to temples.
18. Traditional Festivals
When thinking about what to see in Kyoto, the first things that come to mind are historical sites, temples, and gardens. But this fantastic city also hosts some of the most beautiful traditional festivals (matsuri) in all of Japan, such as the Aoi Matsuri in May, the Gion Matsuri in July, and the Jidai Matsuri in October. If you’re in Kyoto during these times, don’t miss them!
READ ALSO: Nationwide Yearly Japanese Festival Calendar, to ensure you experience a lively festival during your Japan trip.
19. Maiko/Geisha Performance
You may come across a Maiko or Geisha in the streets of Kyoto, especially in Gion. But if you want to witness a real dance and entertainment performance, this is your chance to see this fascinating tradition up close. An experience highly recommended to add to your itinerary when deciding what to see in Kyoto.
ALSO READ: 25 Must-Do and See Things in Osaka
20. Cooking Lessons
If Japanese cuisine is your passion, why not participate in a course where you can learn to prepare your favorite dish? Cooking classes are also an excellent way to discover the true Japanese culture, as you will have the opportunity to engage (usually in English) with local instructors. Itadakimasu!
21. Try Ramen
Like all other major cities in Japan, Kyoto takes ramen very seriously. You will find a huge variety here, regardless of your preferred ramen style, Kyoto will be able to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
22. Try Matcha
When you visit Kyoto, don’t forget to get your fill of Matcha! The city is known for being the best producer in all of Japan and there are countless traditional tea houses and cafes where you can enjoy a delicious cup of matcha, as well as sweets and delicious desserts.
23. Buy unique souvenirs
Traditional Japanese masks from a souvenir shop
Traditional Japanese masks from a souvenir shop – Photo by Iman Mosaad on Flickr.com
Don’t make the mistake of filling your suitcase with souvenirs in the first few days of your trip to Tokyo. In Kyoto you will find an infinity of fantastic products that you will hardly be able to resist. From traditional crafts, to matcha snacks, in Kyoto it’s really worth dedicating at least half a day to shopping.
Kyoto – Seasonal Events
24. Admire the cherry blossom blooming
There are travelers who plan their trip to Japan precisely to see the cherry blossom blooming, and Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy this magical sight. The best time to enjoy the blooming is usually in early April.
25. Admire the autumn red leaves
Just like spring, autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Kyoto, as the maple leaves turn a bright red, offering a stunning view of the main temples, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando Zenrin-ji and Nanzenji, which also organize night illumination events in the evening. The Arashiyama area is also not to be missed. The best time is usually from mid-November.
What to see in Kyoto: questions and answers
What is Kyoto famous for?
Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan, with an incredibly rich history. It hosts Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and even a geisha district.
Additionally, Kyoto’s cuisine still follows ancient traditions and has many delicious and authentic dishes to offer its visitors.
How many days to visit Kyoto?
There are really many things to see in Kyoto. My advice is to take at least three or four days to explore the city well, but the duration depends on how many of the things in this list you really want to see and the type of trip you want to take.
The city has many wonderful places that can take much more time.
What to do in Kyoto in the evening?
The days in Kyoto don’t end with visiting the temples, there’s still a lot to experience in the evening. Kyoto’s nightlife offers bars, restaurants, nightclubs, theaters and much more. So you definitely won’t get bored.
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