Kyoto: 20 Main Attractions and Non-Touristy Things to Do

What Is Kyoto Famous For

Kyoto served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, when political power shifted from the shogunate's military government back to the imperial family.

The city is renowned for historical landmarks like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Toji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Nijo Castle, which significantly shaped Japanese culture. Districts like Gion, famous for its machiya townhouses and geiko culture, and the scenic Arashiyama have become iconic symbols of Kyoto and Japan.

Kyoto remains a vital center for preserving traditional culture and fostering new artistic trends, solidifying its reputation as Japan's cultural capital.

How to Avoid Crowds in Kyoto and Other Tips

Kyoto's popularity with both international and domestic tourists often leads to overcrowding at popular sites, disrupting both visitor enjoyment and the residents' daily lives. Here are a few tips on how to avoid crowds in Kyoto:

1. Start Early: Many temples and shrines open at 8:00 or 8:30 AM. Visiting these sites in the morning offers a serene experience, free from crowds.

2. Strategic Accommodation: For sites you particularly want to visit, consider staying nearby. This allows you to walk and enjoy them at your own pace.

3. Extended Stay: To fully appreciate Kyoto's diverse offerings, plan for at least three or four days. Kyoto is a large city with distinct cultural districts. Dedicate a day to each main area, or spread your visits to key attractions across multiple days, to truly absorb the city's atmosphere.

4. Explore the Outskirts: Consider visiting Kyoto's surroundings, including cities like Uji (renowned for tea and Byodoin Phoenix Hall), Nagaokakyo (a former capital with Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine), or the seaside regions of Amanohashidate and Ine.

Additional Tip: Avoid Kyoto's Summer Heat

The least ideal time to visit Kyoto is during July and August. The city's basin location, surrounded by mountains, traps heat, leading to dangerously high summer temperatures.

If you must visit during these months, protect yourself from the sun with hats and parasols, stay well-hydrated, and prioritize indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day. Save outdoor exploration for early mornings or evenings.

10 Must-See Kyoto Attractions

If it's your first time in Kyoto, start with these major attractions for an essential experience of the city.

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha

Photo by Pixta

While Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its photogenic, seemingly endless corridor of red torii gates, its significance extends far beyond visuals. It's the head shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of crops, childbirth, and prosperity, historically revered by people of all social standings.

The shrine grounds cover an entire mountain, so consider your physical stamina before attempting the one-hour hike to the summit. The path is lined with ten thousand torii gates and small shrines dedicated to various deities, guarded by statues of Inari's fox messengers.

Amidst the forested landscape, Fushimi Inari Taisha embodies the deep connection between nature and Japanese culture. The mountain's atmosphere varies with the season and time of day, offering tranquil spots like the mid-mountain pond and vibrant areas filled with flora and fauna near the exit.

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Location: Map
Hours: open 24 hours a day
Admission: free

2. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Photo by Pixta

Kinkakuji, officially Rokuonji, is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, built on the former estate of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun. Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), a renowned patron of the arts, fostered the development of Noh theater and artistic appreciation.

Kinkakuji's architecture, featuring a gold-leaf finish, reflects his opulent tastes, blending traditional court and samurai styles. This Golden Pavilion exemplifies early Muromachi period architecture, showcasing the prosperity preceding the Onin War (1467-1477) and other devastating internal conflicts that followed.

The temple grounds include other temple buildings, gates, a historic bell, a garden, and a tea ceremony house, all worth exploring at your leisure.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
Location: Map
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Access: Kinkakuji-michi Stop (city bus no.12, 59, 205, M1, 101, 102, 111, MN205)
Official website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/guide/

3. Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple, a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Buddhist temple founded approximately 1,200 years ago on Mount Otowa. The temple grounds, located near the bustling Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, include the Otowa Waterfall, from which the temple derives its name ("pure water").

Kiyomizudera is famous for its wooden stage, built without nails, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Standing at the height of a four-story building, this stage has been used for rituals and performances for over a thousand years.

Kiyomizudera Temple
Location: Map
Hours: 6:00 - 18:00
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 200 yen
Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

4. Yasaka Shrine in Gion

Yasaka Shrine, a prominent Kyoto landmark, is located in Gion at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, a major street.

Founded in the 7th century, long before Kyoto became the capital, the shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, a married couple, making it a popular destination for blessings related to relationships and marriage.

The famous month-long Gion Festival in July is one of the most important events at Yasaka Shrine, with a history of over a millennium. At its origins, this festival started as a ritual to prevent epidemics.

The shrine's buildings are beautifully illuminated at night, making it a worthwhile evening visit in Gion.

Yasaka Shrine
Location: Map
Hours: open 24 hours a day
Admission: free
Official website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/

5. Toji Temple

Photo by Pixta

Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's oldest temples, was founded by the revered Buddhist monk Kukai (774-835), the founder of the Shingon sect, who significantly popularized Buddhism in Japan.

While famous for its iconic five-storied pagoda, Toji also features other historical structures, including a museum showcasing historical artifacts and items that belonged to Kukai, offering insights into early Japanese Buddhism.

Special events and illuminations during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons enhance the temple's beauty.

Toji Temple
Location: Map
Hours:
- 8:30 - 16:30 (March 20 - April 17)
- 8:30 - 17:00 (April 18 - September 19)
- 8:30 - 16:00 (September 20 - March 19)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, High school students 400 yen, Junior high and elementary school students 300 yen
*Please note that some of the buildings require a separate entry fee. Also, the admission fees vary depending on the season.
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
Official website: https://toji.or.jp/en/about/index.html

6. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is renowned for its stunning, photogenic greenery and ethereal atmosphere. Open 24 hours, its paths offer a sense of entering another world. In December, evening illuminations enhance the grove's mystical charm.

Please be aware that the paths become very crowded at midday, especially during spring and autumn.

For a more relaxed bamboo experience, explore the Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Park, an expansive facility that showcases many bamboo varieties, providing insights into the uses of this plant in Japanese daily life.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Location: Map
Hours: open 24 hours a day
Admission: free

7. Tenryuji Temple

Photo by Pixta

Tenryuji, one of Japan's most significant Zen Buddhist temples, was established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358) in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339). As the first shogun of the Ashikaga clan, Takauji played a crucial role in shifting the center of shogunal power from Kamakura to Kyoto.

Within its grounds lies the Sogenchi Pond Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese garden design crafted by the Zen monk Muso Soseki.

Inside the Hatto (Dharma Hall), the compelling Cloud Dragon Painting on the ceiling creates an optical illusion, seemingly "glaring in all directions." From any vantage point, the dragon appears to meet your gaze.

Tenryuji Temple
Location: Map
Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 *The Hatto (Dharma) Hall is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only.
Admission:
- Tenryuji Garden and Buildings: Adults 800 yen, Children 600 yen
- Garden only: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen, Preschool children: free
- Hatto (Dharma) Hall: 500 yen
Official website: https://www.tenryuji.com/en/about/

8. Ryoanji Temple and Zen Garden

Photo by Pixta

Ryoanji Temple was built in 1450 as a Rinzai sect Zen temple. The Zen rock garden of Ryoanji is particularly famous and was created as a spiritual training ground for the monks. It consists of an arrangement of stones and sand, expressing flowing water and waves.

While there are 15 rocks laid out in the garden, they are arranged so only 14 rocks are visible—regardless of what angle they are seen from. In Asia, the number 15 is considered to be the perfect number. Moreover, deterioration is believed to begin from the moment an object reaches its complete state. This is why the garden was designed so that only 14 rocks can be visible at all times.

Ryoanji Temple
Location: Map
Hours: March - November 8:00 - 17:00, December - February 8:30 - 16:30
Admission: Adults 600 yen, High school students 500 yen, Junior high and elementary school students 300 yen
Official website: http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/

9. Nijo Castle

Built in 1603 by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), Nijo Castle served as a crucial Kyoto base. Though the shogunate was centered in Edo (Tokyo), the castle protected the imperial family and accommodated the shogun during visits.

Notably, it was also where the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837-1913), declared the Restoration of Imperial Rule in 1867, marking the end of the shogunate. Nijo Castle later became an imperial villa and was gifted to Kyoto City in 1939.

Nijo Castle is home to several historically significant buildings and two gardens. Inside, the rooms display exquisite artwork and designs that reflect the castle's rich history. Moreover, Nijo Castle often hosts seasonal events and even special performances.

Nijo Castle
Location: Map
Hours: March - November 8:00 - 17:00, December - February 8:30 - 16:30
Admission: Adults 800 yen, High school and junior high students 400 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen *There are various other types of tickets that include other areas than the castle itself.
Official website: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

10. Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's kitchen," is a vibrant arcade shopping street with a 400-year history, centrally located parallel to Shijo Street. Historically, it served as the primary source of ingredients for Kyoto's restaurants, and today, it provides visitors with an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Exploring the market, you'll find a diverse selection of Kyoto snacks, sweet treats, side dishes, pickles, and other unique souvenirs. Several shops have eat-in spaces, allowing you to sample their specialties.

Nishiki Market
Location: Map
Hours: vary by shop, but most shops are open from 10:00 to 18:00
Official website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/

Non-Touristy Things to Do in Kyoto

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Kyoto is home to many hidden gems. Here are a few lesser-known spots worth exploring.

11. Rokkakudo Temple: Ikebana Origins and Kyoto's Navel

Photo by Pixta

Surrounded by the high-rise buildings of central Kyoto, Rokkakudo Temple may not immediately stand out, but it's one of the city's oldest temples, with a history dating back to the 6th century.

Rokkakudo Temple is significant not only as the birthplace of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, but also as the current headquarters of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. The adjacent Ikenobo Kaikan Hall often hosts ikebana exhibitions and contains a museum featuring documents and artifacts related to the art.

Within the temple grounds, you can find a stone known as Kyoto no hesoishi, or Kyoto's Navel, which is believed to mark the very center of Kyoto City.

Rokkakudo Temple
Location: Map
Hours: 6:00 to 17:00
Admission: free
Official website: https://www.ikenobo.jp/english/about/rokkakudo.html

12. Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple near Arashiyama

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its over 1,200 unique stone statues of Buddhist arhats, carved by the head priest—originally a sculptor—and his disciples.

Although its history dates back to the 8th century, the temple has been relocated several times due to natural disasters. It is now situated in the mountains of Arashiyama, accessible by taxi from Saga-Arashiyama Station. We recommend starting your exploration of Arashiyama here and enjoying the 30-minute downhill walk to Togetsukyo Bridge, surrounded by tranquil forests and bamboo groves.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Location: Map
Hours: 9:00 to 16:15
Admission: 500 yen; free for visitors under 15 years of age
Official website: https://www.otagiji.com/story-en

13. Kahitsukan: Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

Kahitsukan - Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art is my recommendation to everyone interested in Kyoto's art scene.

The museum's collection primarily features works by Japanese-style painter Kagaku Murakami (1888-1939), oil painter Kaoru Yamaguchi (1907-1968), and Rosanjin Kitaoji (1883-1959), a calligraphy, painting, and pottery artist. Their art embodies a connection between traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary expressions.

The fifth floor is home to a tea ceremony room and the Sun Garden, a green space with direct sunlight and a maple tree growing out through the roof, allowing visitors to feel the connection between art and nature.

Kahitsukan - Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 *closed on Mondays
Admission: General 1,000 yen, Students 800 yen
Website: http://www.kahitsukan.or.jp/frame_e.html

14. Fukuda Art Museum in Arashiyama

The Fukuda Art Museum, located in Arashiyama, features a collection of around 2,000 works by Japanese painters spanning from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the modern era, offering insights into the evolution of Japanese painting.

Visitors can admire works by renowned artists, including Ito Jakuchu and Yokoyama Taikan. The museum also boasts one of the largest collections of works by Takehisa Yumeji, famed for his bijinga, or portraits of beautiful women.

Fukuda Art Museum
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Admission:
- General / University students 1,500 yen
- High school students 900 yen
- Elementary / Junior high school students 500 yen
- Disabled person and up to one helper 900 yen
Official website: https://fukuda-art-museum.jp/en/

15. The Museum of Furuta Oribe

Furuta Oribe (1543-1615) was a key disciple of tea master Sen no Rikyu and served as the tea ceremony teacher to notable lords, including shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The Museum of Furuta Oribe showcases Oribe-style tea utensils, essential to the contemporary tea ceremony. The museum is situated near the Kyoto Botanical Gardens.

The Museum of Furuta Oribe
Location: Map
Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (*closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Students (high school to university) 400 yen, Junior high school and under 300 yen, Pre-school: Free
Official website: http://www.furutaoribe-museum.com/about-e.html

Things to Do in Kyoto with Family

16. Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum is situated just one station west of Kyoto Station. This facility is dedicated to trains and showcases exhibits that highlight the history of Japanese railways.

Visitors can explore some of the displayed trains from the inside. Additionally, there is an interactive area featuring a train driving simulator, which requires separate tickets that can only be purchased online in advance.

Kyoto Railway Museum
Location: Map
Nearest station: Umekoji Kyotonishi Station
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: General 1,500 yen, University and high school students 1,300 yen, Junior high school and elementary school students 500 yen, Pre-school children 200 yen, Infants under 3 years of age: free
Official website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/en/

17. Eat Ramen at Kyoto Ramenkoji (Kyoto Station)

A highlight of my family's Kyoto trip was dining at Kyoto Ramen Koji, a cluster of nine ramen restaurants located on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station Building, which we highly recommend.

Each shop specializes in a different type of ramen; besides local flavors, you can even taste ramen from Sapporo, Hakata (Fukuoka), or Tokushima.

Before entering, buy a ticket from the vending machine at each restaurant's entrance. The machines feature photos, English descriptions, and prices for each ramen option. While chopsticks might be tricky, especially for children, the staff readily provides spoons and forks.

Kyoto Ramen Koji
Location: 10th floor of Kyoto Station Building Map
Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Official website: https://www.kyoto-ramen-koji.com/english/index.html

18. Kyoto Confectionery Museum

The Kyoto Confectionery Museum, a free attraction operated by Tawaraya Yoshitomi, a renowned Kyoto confectioner, showcases the history of Kyoto sweets.

Exhibits detail their development alongside tea ceremony culture, where seasonal confections are vital. You'll also find intricate sugar sculptures of flowers, animals, and birds, demonstrating the artisans' skill.

For a small fee, enjoy matcha tea with a seasonal confection. Don't forget to visit the Tawaraya Yoshitomi shop for exquisite sweets that make great souvenirs from Kyoto.

Kyoto Confectionery Museum
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Official website: https://kyogashi.co.jp/shiryoukan/ (Japanese)

19. Kyoto International Manga Museum

At the heart of Japan's anime culture lies manga, the Japanese comic art form, and the best place to explore its history and evolution is the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum boasts a diverse collection of 300,000 manga materials. Its exhibits feature treasures such as ukiyo-e prints from the Edo Period (1603-1868) and magazines from the 20th century. The collection also includes post-World War II rental books, popular contemporary manga series, and comic books from around the world.

Kyoto International Manga Museum
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen, High and Junior high school students 400 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen
Website: https://kyotomm.jp/en/

20. Nintendo Museum in Uji

Although located in Uji, south of Kyoto, the Nintendo Museum is a must-visit for any gaming enthusiast.

The museum showcases the history and evolution of Nintendo games, divided into three main themes: Knowledge, Experience, and Creation and Fun. Upon entering, each visitor receives 10 game coins to use at the various gaming machines.

Please note that entry to the Nintendo Museum is by lottery, and visitors must enter the draw three months prior to their desired visit date. To participate, register as a member on the official website and enter the lottery.

The Nintendo Museum
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 *closed on Tuesday
Admission: Adults 3,300 yen, High school students 2,200 yen, Elementary school students 1,100 yen, Pre-school: Free
Access: 8-minute walk from the North exit of the JR Nara Line JR Ogura Station; 22-minute walk from the North exit of the JR Nara Line Uji Station.
Website: https://museum.nintendo.com/en/index.html

What to Do in Kyoto in One Day

If you have only one day in Kyoto, we recommend focusing on a single area: Gion, Arashiyama, Fushimi, or the vicinity of Kyoto Station. Each offers a mix of must-see landmarks and hidden gems.

Attempting to visit multiple sites can be time-consuming and exhausting. Given the popularity of these attractions, you may have to wait in line to enter. Be sure to plan ahead, taking travel times and crowd conditions into account.

A Day in Gion, Kyoto

Photo by Pixta

Gion is the cultural heart of Kyoto, blending traditional and contemporary influences. Visit key attractions like Yasaka Shrine, renowned for the Gion Festival, and Kiyomizudera Temple, a famous Kyoto landmark.

As the center of Kyoto's geiko culture, Gion features the Gion Kagai Art Museum, where visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances by maiko and geiko, and even take photos with them.

The bustling Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets are lined with souvenir shops and cafes offering matcha green tea delights and other treats. The Philosopher's Path, famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, can also be accessed from here.

A Day in Arashiyama

Arashiyama, located on the western side of Kyoto, is rich in natural beauty. Explore the area around Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy local street food.

Key attractions include Tenryuji Temple, known for its stunning Zen garden, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. For a unique experience, visit the Fukuda Art Museum, which features beautiful architecture and an inspiring collection of paintings. The museum café is also a perfect spot to relax.

A Day Near Kyoto Station

The area around Kyoto Station offers a vibrant glimpse of modern-day Kyoto, a metropolis with unique charm. Visit the observatory of Kyoto Tower for panoramic city views.

Enjoy shopping and dining near the station, in the Isetan department store, or at the underground Porta Kyoto. Additionally, the 7th floor of the Kyoto Station Building is home to Museum EKI Kyoto, a facility with exhibitions of Kyoto arts and crafts.

Toji Temple is about a 14-minute walk from Kyoto Station, while Umekoji Park—and the Kyoto Railway Museum—can be reached by a short train ride or a 20-minute walk west.

A Day in Fushimi, Kyoto

Fushimi, located south of Kyoto Station, is renowned for Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. We recommend setting aside half a day to explore this expansive shrine, which covers an entire mountain. Near its exit, you'll find a street with vendors and shops offering street food and local souvenirs.

Nearby, Tofukuji Temple features a beautiful garden and adds to the area's charm. While Fushimi Inari Taisha can be quite crowded, Fushimi offers a more laid-back glimpse of everyday life in Kyoto.

Kyoto Indoor Attractions

On rainy days or when it's too hot to be outdoors, we recommend visiting indoor attractions in Kyoto, such as museums or Kyoto Tower. Check out the articles linked below for our recommendations.

Additionally, consider participating in cultural experiences like a tea ceremony or making Japanese sweets, as there are many options available in Kyoto.

Kyoto Outdoor Activities

For those seeking outdoor activities in Kyoto, we recommend hiking to Kuramadera Temple in the Kifune area, known for its lush greenery and beautiful hiking trails that lead to Kifune Shrine. Kuramadera is famous as a temple for ascetic training and features impressive statues of tengu, legendary creatures that protect ascetics.

The mountains of Arashiyama also offer various hiking trails. For a scenic experience, try the 40-minute hike from Togetsukyo Bridge to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. For other hiking destinations in Arashiyama, check this official website: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/arashiyama/

Must-See Kyoto Attractions by Season

Kyoto Attractions in Spring

Spring in Kyoto starts with plum blossoms in February, for which the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is particularly famous.

Late March is typically when the cherry blossoms fill the city with their beautiful pink hues. Many temples and shrines offer nighttime illuminations and extend their operating hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms both during the day and at night.

Kyoto Attractions in Summer

The main highlight of summer in Kyoto is the Gion Festival, which takes place throughout July. This festival brings together local residents and features an impressive parade of historic festival floats.

During the parade, regular traffic in central Kyoto is disrupted, creating a unique atmosphere as the whole city comes together to celebrate the event.

Kyoto Attractions in Autumn

One of the highlights of visiting Kyoto in October and November is sampling treats made with seasonal ingredients like chestnuts and sweet potatoes. From November to mid-December, the foliage begins to change color, offering a stunning display of hues in nature-rich areas like Arashiyama.

For the best views of fall foliage, we recommend visiting the temple gardens at Toji, Kodaiji, Eikando, Tenryuji, and other temples throughout the city.

Kyoto Attractions in Winter

Like many other places in Japan, Kyoto hosts winter illuminations and events related to Christmas and New Year in December. The Kyoto Station Building and the area around Heian Jingu Shrine are beautifully lit up in the evenings.

If you spend New Year’s in Kyoto, be sure to enjoy local osechi cuisine, a festive array of dishes that carry auspicious meanings and wishes for the year ahead. Visiting a temple on New Year’s Eve is also a great opportunity to witness local customs and traditions.

Enjoy Exploring Kyoto

We hope our suggestions inspire your trip to Kyoto. This city has many layers to explore and is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You may even discover a hidden gem of your own!