Kyoto is full of unique and exciting things to do and see.
Kyoto is chock full of wonderful attractions, including some of Japan’s most beautiful temples, shrines, parks, and traditional shops and museums. It remains a peaceful oasis situated amid the hills and mountains that surround it.
If you’re at all interested in Japan, add this to your stop. The city represents some of Japan's best history and culture, with all its traditions and historical buildings. Don’t worry about missing any popular Kyoto tourist spots because we’re here to help you create an efficient Kyoto itinerary.
1. Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple
Can you believe this Kyoto tourist spot is over 800 years old? Sanjusangendo Temple has a fascinating history, architecture, and an air of calm. The temple’s name translates simply as a “hall with thirty-three spaces between the columns,” and is known for its 1001 statues of Kannon – the goddess of mercy.
Source: Sanjusangendo Temple Website
Sanjusangendo Temple
Address: 657 Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan
Contact: +81 75-561-0467
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5pm (Daily)
Social: Website
2. Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
One of the most notable Kyoto tourist spots has got to be the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Spend a quiet afternoon here with its hundreds of tall bamboo plants and scenic paths. It’s a short 30-minute stroll but feel free to stay a little longer to take pictures at the Bamboo Alley and just enjoy nature. See the bamboo forest on a half-day tour on a special offer with Klook!
Arashiyama Bamboo Fores
Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Contact: +81 75-861-0012
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Social: Website
3. Say a prayer at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
If there’s one shrine you must visit in Kyoto, it’s got to be Fushimi Inari-taisha. The vermilion red-colored shrine is an iconic Kyoto tourist spot and is one of the many temples dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Aside from paying for abundant harvests, devotees also come here to pray for business prosperity and protection for their homes and families. Enjoy moments of peace at the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine here!
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Contact: +81 75-641-7331
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Social: Website
4. Enjoy the panoramic view from Kyoto Tower
It’s hard to miss the Kyoto Tower considering it is 100 meters tall. The towering Kyoto tourist spot dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the city that are especially stunning at night. Climb to the observation deck and use the telescope stands to zoom into landmarks like the Kiyomizu-dera and Hongwangji Temple.
Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Contact: +81 75-361-3215
Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 9 pm (Daily)
5. Sample tasty treats at Nishiki Market
Although markets are not the first things to come to mind when thinking of Kyoto tourist spots, you have certainly got to visit one. Nishiki Market has been operating for over 400 years with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh and dried food to souvenirs. Sample the delicacies like Takoyaki, soymilk donuts, and fugu (puffer fish).
Nishiki Market
Address: 609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan
Contact: +81 75-211-3882
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (Daily)
6. Learn sword skills at the Samurai and Ninja Museum
The Samurai and Ninja Museum is a fantastic Kyoto tourist spot, especially for those traveling with kids. You’ll get to learn about Japanese history, put on a traditional Japanese hakama and attend a ninja class where they teach you how to wield and draw a sword. It’s an interactive experience that will keep the whole family entertained.
Source: Samurai and Ninja Museum Website
Samurai and Ninja Museum
Address: Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Contact: +81 75-585-5410 | samurai@mai-ko.com
Opening Hours: 11 am – 6 pm (Daily)
7. Iwatayama Monkey Park
Instead of going to a zoo, head over to Iwatayama Monkey Park to see some animals in the wild. It’s a 30-minute hike up Mount Arashiyama to get here, but it’s a great way to get active while on vacation. Catch the pretty cherry blossom trees in Spring as you feed the snow monkeys at this Kyoto tourist spot.
Source: Iwatayama Monkey Park Instagram
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Address: 8 Genrokuyamacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0022 Kyoto Prefecture
Contact: +81 75-872-0950
Opening Hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Daily)
8. Wander around Gion’s Geisha District
A Kyoto itinerary isn’t complete if you don’t visit Gion – Japan’s popular Geisha district. Traditional wooden houses were preserved, many of which are now teahouses where you can encounter a geisha. Come at night when the streets come alive with lit-up paper lanterns and bustling restaurants and wear a traditional kimono with Klook!
Gion District
Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Contact: +81 75-531-2288
Written by: Zarah Isibelle Faderon
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
