When you close your eyes and imagine Japan, you’re probably picturing Kyoto: tranquil Zen gardens, colourful Shinto shrines, sprawling palaces, traditional tatami mats, and graceful geishas. Kyoto is one of the most stunning destinations in Japan—a place that every traveller should visit at least once in their life.
It’s the historical heart of the country and the best place to experience traditional Japanese culture: from food to shrines. If you fancy this, then hop on an epic adventure in the city with these 12 wonderful things to do in Kyoto:
- Visit the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan
- Learn Edo history inside the Nijo Castle
- Enjoy green tea at Kinkakuji
- Transform into a maiko
- Sample delicious treats at Nishiki Market
- Hop on the Kyoto Railway Museum
- Meet furry friends at the Iwatayama Monkey Park
- Cool off at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Geek out at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Enjoy coffee: Taisho-style
- Learn how to wield a katana like a true samurai
- See the city from the Kyoto Tower
1. Visit the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan
Begin your journey from the human world to the sacred realm by crossing the tori gates. Image credits: @52286suzuu8c on Instagram
One of the most iconicourist attractions in Japan is Fushimi Inari Shrine! Legend has it that this ancient shrine founded in 711 houses Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, sake (Japanese rice wine), and prosperity. Today, millions of guests gather to pay their respects, pray for success, and chance upon the iconic flame-coloured tori gates called the Senbon Torii.
Klook Tip: Go on a guided walking tour of the Fushimi Inari Shrine to learn all the interesting tales behind Japan’s oldest shrine!
2. Learn Edo history inside the Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle has heaps of botanical gardens for you to take a peaceful stroll. Image credits: @isaontheclouds on Instagram
With the nickname “Eternal City,” you can expect some of Japan’s most jaw-dropping historical castles here in Kyoto, including the Nijo Castle. This postcard-worthy palace was once the home of the shogunate from 1603 to 1867. Inside, you’ll discover the country’s most priceless relics: intricate wood carvings, screen paintings done by famous painters during the Edo period, and massive stone walls. Adding to its beauty are its stunning gardens bursting with century-old plum and cherry trees.
3. Enjoy green tea at Kinkakuji
The temple structure is decorated with a golden leaf, thus earning its title as the Golden Pavilion. Image credits: IBolat on Unsplash
Kinkakuji is another historical gem you need to hit up in Kyoto. A Zen Buddhist temple built in 1398, it offers a tranquil haven adorned with tall pine trees and a reflecting pond. In this quiet place, you can ponder about life, admire Japanese architecture and way of life, and relax with a steaming cup of green tea, which you can get from the Sekkatei Tea House inside.
Klook Tip: The best time to visit Kinkakuji is during autumn (September-November), when falling red and yellow-coloured leaves add to its serene surrounds.
4. Transform into a maiko
Experience being a geisha in training for a day
Embrace your culture vulture status and try one of the top things to do in Kyoto: dress up like a maiko (geisha in training). At Maiko-Henshin Studio Shiki, you’ll go through the fascinating process of becoming one: from putting on makeup to wearing the kimono and donning the wig. Once ready, have a photo-op sesh inside the studio tea house and stroll around the Gion district in full ‘fit!
5. Sample delicious treats at Nishiki Market
Candied baby octopus stuffed with quail egg, anyone? Image credits: @northfoodtales on Instagram
Foodies, rejoice! Time to fill your bellies with drool-worthy Japanese treats at the Nishiki Market—aka “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This lively marketplace abounds with fresh seafood (eels, sea urchins, abalones, and more!), Tsukemono (famous Japanese pickles), hand-pulled soba, matcha, and even traditional cookware and crafts. As the market is entirely covered, food and shopping never stop—rain or shine!
Klook Tip: Taste the best Kyoto cuisines at Nishiki Market, plus see the city’s best landmarks with a Klook Private Full Day Tour of Kyoto. The package covers roundtrip hotel transfers for hassle-free travel!
6. Hop on the Kyoto Railway Museum
Cross off driving a train (simulator) from your “things to do in Kyoto” list.
Travelling with kids? Here’s an exciting thing to do in Kyoto: drive the trains! When you visit the Kyoto Railway Museum, you’ll stumble upon the largest museum dedicated to trains in the country. With over 53 railway vehicles, you’ll have a blast learning about Japan’s impressive train system, plus a rare opportunity to ride a real-life steam locomotive back from the heydays. You can even go as far as dressing up as a train conductor and steering the wheel of the train operating simulator.
Fancy more train adventures? Fret not! Here’s our handy guide to Japan’s joyful trains:
7. Meet furry friends at Iwatayama Monkey Park
Monkey see, monkey do! Image credits: @traveloholix on Instagram
Another terrific highlight to your “things to do in Kyoto” list is befriending the friendliest and cheekiest residents of Arashiyama. The Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 100 wild Japanese macaque monkeys (or snow monkeys). You’ll catch them roaming around, fooling with each other, and welcoming visitors who come to take a peek and feed them nuts.
8. Cool off at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is among the most photographed destinations in Kyoto. Image credits: @yumekyototogetsukyoten on Instagram
Whether you’re a nature lover or just a dreamer, Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is the perfect spot to feel the breeze, relax, and recharge. Thanks to its forest full of towering bamboo trees, it’s cool all year round, even during the hot summer season. Walking through its winding paths will transport you into another world and time back when nature was plenty.
9. Geek out at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
This museum is one big library brimming with interesting reads. Image credits: @__singmetosleep on Instagram
For the destination every weeb (anime watchers) and manga stans have been dreaming of, the Kyoto International Manga Museum contains more than 50,000 Japanese comics on display. The galleries contain mangas that date back as early as 1912 to beloved classics that we know today, such as Sazae-san and Dragon Ball. Take your time browsing through the collections, uncovering how mangas are made, and delving deep into Japanese pop culture.
10. Enjoy coffee: Taisho-style
Coffee and kimono go hand-in-hand. Image credits: @apple1991s on Instagram
You’ve had your cuppa coffee from your local Starbucks branch in Aus, but we bet you haven’t had one that’s served inside a Japanese home dating back to the Taisho period. The Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world’s first traditional Japanese house-turned-Starbucks, where you can enjoy a steaming mug of matcha (or your choice of drink) while seated on tatami mat—just like how the Japanese did it before! Inside, you’ll find narrow passageways, wooden floors, paper screens, and everything you’d expect inside an old home.
Klook Tip: This Starbucks branch is close to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning pagodas, such as the Kiyomizudera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, and the Yasaka Pagoda.
11. Learn how to wield a katana like a true samurai
This museum is the only museum dedicated to the glorious history of the brave samurais. Image credits: @kyoto_samurai_museum on Instagram
This museum is the only museum dedicated to the glorious history of the brave samurais.
Image credits: @kyoto_samurai_museum on Instagram
Perhaps one of the most exciting bits of Japanese history is the tale of ninjas and samurais with their sword-swinging, adrenaline-packed adventures. Immerse yourself in their world as you inspect armours and weapons from the Edo Period (1603-1867) inside the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum. For a unique experience, you can train with a sword master to fight, move, and spin a katana blade just like a real samurai.
12. See the city from the Kyoto Tower
Mount the tallest structure in Kyoto to see some of the city’s best sights. Image credits: @meg_m00m2 on Instagram
Finally, wrap up your Kyoto trip with a visit to its tallest tower at 131 metres high! From the Kyoto Tower, your eyes will feast on the spectacular city skyline and even spy on the neighbouring Osaka from afar.
Can’t wait to try them all? Hop on to Kyoto adventures today, and discover more unique experiences in Japan with our guide:
Written by: Jianne Uy
