If you’ve landed here searching for the best things to do in Kyoto, you’re in the right place.

I have just got back from my fourth trip to Japan, having previously visited Tokyo and Niseko on two separate occasions, and it’s safe to say I love this country more than ever. The people, the food, the values, the intelligent design, the landscapes. It’s so stunning AND feels so safe as a female solo traveller.

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, located in the South Central part of the main island, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most iconic temples, gardens, and traditions. Think atmospheric streets lined with wooden machiya houses, traditional sweet stalls, lantern-lit alleys where geisha still glide between tea houses, and stunning shrines tucked between mountains and rivers.

On this recent adventure, I spent 2 weeks exploring the south, with Kyoto as my first destination.

I spent 5 incredible days in and around the city of Kyoto, and so in this guide, I’m going to share with you my favourite finds, travel tips and recommendations for Japan’s ancient capital (it was the capital of Japan until 1868).

From sipping matcha in centuries-old tea houses to devouring Ramen on the side streets of the city and wandering through hidden bamboo forests, Kyoto has so much to offer for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re here to dive into Japan’s Zen traditions (like me), eat your bodyweight in sushi and ramen, soak in a local onsen, or simply have a coffee and soak in the city’s atmosphere, this Kyoto guide is going to help you plan the best adventure because it’s filled to the brim with all the best things to do in Kyoto.

Let’s tuck in, shall we?

Getting to Kyoto

Kyoto doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s easily reached via Japan’s incredible train network. The closest major airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), about 75 minutes away by direct train or 90 minutes via the Limousine bus service.

I flew into Japan via KIX airport and had planned to get the train (usually quicker, isn’t it,) but one of the super helpful airport staff went out of their way to tell me the bus was so easy to catch and the quickest way into Kyoto. So I took their advice, headed to bus stop number 2 (opposite arrivals) and made my way to Kyoto for 2800 yen. It took 1 hour and 40 and the buses were punctual (welcome to Japan) and regular.

If you’re travelling from Tokyo, hop on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’ll whisk you to Kyoto in just over 2 hours. From Osaka, it’s even quicker (around 30 minutes).

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto has a variety of accommodation styles depending on what kind of experience you are after. There are ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), boutique hotels, modern apartments and everything in between.

If this is your first visit to Kyoto, I’d recommend basing yourself in the Gion or Higashiyama area. Both are pretty conveniently placed near the main points of interest in the city, meaning that you can walk and wander from your accommodation. Both locations are full of history, tea houses, and great food too.

Whether it’s in Kyoto or another destination on your Japan trip, I’d also recommend booking at least one night in a ryokan where you’ll experience accommodation with tatami floors, onsen baths, and kaiseki dining. A ryokan experience is a cultural must-do and is one of the best things to do in Kyoto and Japan!

For my stay in Kyoto, I actually stayed in a hostel for the first time in 10 years!! I never thought I’d do it again, but when I saw Ryokan Hostel Gion and read the reviews, I was so sure that it would be a pleasant experience, I booked it. It was £40 a night as opposed to a minimum of £150 a night for my own place. Usually I wouldn’t mind, but when I’m exploring a city, I know I spend very little time in my room so as long as the hostel was clean, quiet and safe (which it was all three), this would save money for me to spend on other things!

I honestly would very, very happily stay there again. Japanese hostels are NOT like hostels in Southeast Asia, haha. Fresh towels were on our bed each evening, lights off at 10 pm, ALL the bathroom products, and so quiet. There were even hairdryers, straighteners and curlers in the bathroom!

Best time to visit Kyoto

Kyoto is beautiful year-round, but from what I read and discovered, the best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November).

Spring is when the Sakura trees blossom (cherry blossom season), while autumn paints the temples in deep reds and golds (mid-November foliage). Summer can be very hot and humid (apparently more so in recent years), but it’s also festival season, which is super fun. Winter offers crisp air and fewer crowds — perfect for temple hopping and hot tea.

I visited at the end of October and the weather was surprisingly warm, sitting around 19-26degrees each day! It was stunning for temple hikes and exploring the city. Apparently, it’s usually cooler than this, but in recent years it’s staying warm a little longer. In my final few days in early November, the temperature did start to drop and the leaves started to turn red – I just missed the gorgeous turning of leaves!

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Wander the streets of Gion

No trip to Kyoto is complete without exploring Gion, as touristy and crowded as it can be. Gion is the city’s famous geisha district and this is where you’ll stroll down Hanamikoji Street, where the wooden teahouses, narrow alleys, and softly glowing lanterns create an atmosphere straight out of the Edo period. If you’re lucky, you might spot a geiko or maiko on their way to an evening performance too.

On your wander, you’ll notice there are a lot of kimono rental shops. Dressing in a kimono and wandering the streets and temples is a very popular thing to do and a great opportunity for some photos so if you fancy playing dress up – add this to your list! Don’t worry, dressing in a kimono is considered respectful.

I would dedicate a morning or afternoon to just wandering the streets, trying local sweets and delicacies, renting a kimono and picking up some souvenirs.

P.s. If you like matcha, head to Gokago for an amazing matcha latte and doughnut. Be prepared to queue.

I have actually pinned all the spots I found on my trip to Kyoto onto the Japan Google map legend, so if you want to unlock access to ALL my tips, click here.

Eat your way around the city

This needs no explanation, does it? Japanese food is just INSANELY tasty, and here in Kyoto you have some of the finest places to dine. Think side street ramen bars, all the wagyu beef, gyozas galore, some of the best sushi in the world, all you can eat mochi and all the locals’ street stalls with things like perfectly baked sweet potatoes and octopus balls!

Again, you’ll find all my favourite finds and places people recommended pinned onto my Japan Google Map but below are some of the places I personally tried and can recommend:

• Moon and Back Ramen Bar – the signature wagyu
• Chao Chao Gyoza – super affordable and award-winning gyoza!

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Whilst you’re in the Gion area, be sure to head up to check out this UNESCO-listed temple. Visiting Kiyomizu-dera is one of the best things to do in Kyoto for most tourists as it’s perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the city. Wander through incense-scented halls, drink sacred water from the Otowa waterfall for good luck, and explore the gorgeous streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka below afterwards.

Get lost in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is easily one of the most photographed places in Japan, and for good reason. It’s beautiful. Walking through this sea of towering green bamboo feels otherworldly.

Again for this one, arrive early (sunrise if possible) for a quiet, magical experience before tour groups arrive.

Spend half a day at the brand new teamLab Biovotex art installation

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and want something totally immersive, as of Oct 7 2025, there is a new digital-art museum in town!

TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto is bursting at the seams with the most interactive visual and sound installations I’ve ever experienced. I spent a solid 2 hours getting lost in here and melting into full-bodied awareness as I stepped into art rather than just observing it from the sidelines.

Many of the installations here explore ideas of life, perception and environment in incredibly creative ways. I won’t spoil it for you. Get yourself there! It’s honestly one of the best things to do in Kyoto.

An entrance ticket for an adult is ¥3,400, and you can book on their website here.

Location: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 601-8006, Japan.

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony

Kyoto is the birthplace of Japan’s tea ceremony, and joining one is one of the most authentic things to do in Kyoto.

In Gion, you’ll find tea houses where hosts dressed in kimono perform this graceful ritual with precision and respect. Some even offer kimono dress-up too. Be wary, there are many places where the experience may feel quite touristy.

I was on a mission to find a tea ceremony experience that was accessible for tourists but also still held as much authenticity and mindfulness as possible. There weren’t many however, I believe I found the perfect match in Oboro Mindful Tea Ceremony.

For the 60-minute experience, I found myself in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse where I was immersed in a traditional matcha tea ceremony by candlelight. Distraction and stimulus were removed, our senses heightened, and we drank tea from the nearby hills of Uji in a blissful presence. Savouring every sip, savouring every moment. 😌

I could have listened to the symbolism, the teachings and the sound of the water pouring into the chawan (matcha bowl) for hours. Exploring these ancient traditions was my deepest intention for this trip, and I couldn’t have been more fulfilled by this tea experience.

Book your experience here.

Stroll through Fushimi Inari Taisha’s red torii gates

You’ve probably seen the photos. Fushimi Inari is no hidden gem, but it’s one of the best things to do in Kyoto, and I highly recommend it!

Once again, get there early. I arrived by train from Kyoto city centre (25-minute journey) at about 8 am and it was busy but NOTHING like when I left at around 10 am.

The significance of Fushimi Inari is a beautiful thing to reflect on during your time here. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the kami (god) of rice, symbolising prosperity, good fortune and fertility. The thousands of bright red torii gates that wind up Mount Inari have each been donated by local businesses as offerings to Inari, in hopes of receiving good fortune in return.

Walking the full trail (about 2 hours round trip) offers both cultural depth and peaceful solitude, plus a great workout!

Top tip: Lots of people queue for photos the moment the red gates start. I know it’s exciting but honestly, the walk is long and there are SO many other photo opportunities with the gates that you won’t have to queue for!

Experience Zen at the Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

For something a little less busy but with spiritual significance too, visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to the country’s most famous Zen rock garden. Entrance is 500 or 600yen and you’ll need cash.

The minimalist layout of 15 stones set in white gravel is a beautiful window into Zen philosophy. The 15 stones are arranged so that no matter where you stand, only 14 are visible at once, beautifully symbolising the idea that one person’s truth is always partial and that we can never perceive the full picture unless we transend the limits of the ego and of our unique perspective.

After meditating or reflecting at the rock garden, take time to walk around the reflective pond and gardens. Visiting Ryoan-ji is truly one of the best things to do in Kyoto if you’re craving a slower morning during your Kyoto itinerary.

Eat your way through Nishiki Market

Also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is where you want to head to try all the local foods and have a real sensory experience. Stretching for five lively blocks (it’s huge!), this covered market is filled with stalls selling pickles, seafood skewers, mochi, matcha treats, and street snacks you’ve probably never seen before.

Put an evening aside and go hungry!

Marvel at the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Covered in gold leaf and reflected perfectly in its surrounding pond, Kinkaku-ji is one of the most breathtaking temples in Japan. It is now a UNESCO site and easily one of the best things to do in Kyoto.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it, haha, arrive early for soft morning light and fewer crowds. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of green tea or matcha at the temple’s small tea garden or grab some soba noodles in a restaurant nearby.

Immerse in an onsen experience

There are quite a few opportunities to experience onsen in and around Kyoto. All the ones I found and considered are pinned in my Japan Google Map Legend for you.

I was looking for something local, something authentic and something not too far from the city centre but far enough out it wasn’t going to be crowded haha. I’m a fussy tourist but I really love to dive into the local culture as much as possible.

I was so satisfied with my evening at Tenzan no Yu onsen. It was 1,250 yen for entry, including a towel, and after entering, you enter your gender’s door and experience the whole thing same sex only. No bikinis or swimmers, experiencing a local onsen experience is all about embracing the naked human body and honestly, it’s incredibly liberating.

I was in there with around 20 local Japanese ladies, and their confidence was so infectious, no one cared they were naked. It really had me reflecting on how empowering it would be to have this experience in every city.

The onsen itself had so many pools (both indoor and outdoor), a steam room, a huge sauna and also the option of adding on a Korean body treatment in the attached spa.

The changing rooms have all the products, hairdryers and space you need to leave your onsen experience feeling like a whole new person. I was so so relaxed and fulfilled with my time here.

Cycle along the Kamo River

Kyoto’s Kamo River is the city’s heartbeat, pictured below. The river is a calm, scenic waterway that flows through the city’s centre. Regardless of the time of day, you’ll find people enjoying time solo and with friends on the riverbanks.

It seems to be both a place to relax and socialise for locals and tourists.

An active but peaceful thing to do in Kyoto is to rent a bike and cruise along the river banks. As you can see in the picture below, the path is flat and the scenery is beautiful!

Stop by Demachiyanagi for handmade wagashi sweets or continue south to Fushimi, Kyoto’s sake brewing district, where you can sample locally made nihonshu.

Have you been to Kyoto?

What are the best things to do in Kyoto? Anything you’d add to this Kyoto bucket list?

Love as always and happy adventuring… 

Mollie Bylett