Kyoto is a must visit location in Japan. This travel guide will give you everything you know about the best things to do in Kyoto in 2026.

Ask most people about visiting Japan and they’ll probably mention Tokyo, but compared with Kyoto, Tokyo’s a Johnny Come Lately. Kyoto dominated Japan as its capital when Tokyo was a tiny fishing village.

This appears in Kyoto’s atmosphere and feel today. Where Tokyo is bright lights and modernity, Kyoto is a little slower and considers itself the guardian of Japan’s heritage. Kyoto avoided destruction during World War II, which means it offers a glimpse into ancient Japan that no other place in the country does.

This guide will introduce first-time visitors, culture lovers, and foodies to this lesser-known gem of Japan. Read on for a list of the best things to do in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital city. Let me take you on a stroll through Kyoto’s narrow streets, its vibrant food scene and ancient temples.

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Walk Through the Fushimi Inari Torii Gates

Fushimi Inari Torii is an important shrine to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. It’s extremely old, dating back to the 8th century. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which lead worshippers along trails to the summit of the sacred Mount Inari.

Each gate has been built thanks to donations from individuals and companies, and the donor’s name appears on each gate.

The temple grounds also feature many fox statues, signifying the belief that foxes are Inari’s messengers.

Traditionally, pilgrims complete a hike of about 3-4 hours to the 233m high summit of Mount Inari. Fortunately, tourist-friendly paths allow visitors to follow shorter circuits.

Fushimi Inari Torii can get very busy during peak tourist seasons and religious festivals, so consider visiting early in the morning. The temple grounds are open 24/7.

The temple is in southern Kyoto and is easily reached by train.

Trains on the JR Naral Line leave Kyoto Station and reach Fushimi Inari Station in 5 minutes.

Alternatively, take an organised tour which takes in several temples recommended in this post. I recommend the one below.

Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Kyoto is the custodian of Japanese culture, and nothing says ancient Japan more than the tea ceremony. While in Kyoto, take advantage of the opportunity to dress in a traditional Japanese kimono and take part in an authentic tea ceremony.

Upon arrival, you will select your preferred kimono and accessories, and someone will assist you in putting them on. Ladies will have their hair styled traditionally.

After some photos, you will enter a washito room complete with tatami flooring. Watch as the Teishu prepares tea with exquisite precision, every move slow and graceful.

Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to make matcha in the traditional style yourself and drink it along with seasonally inspired sweets. I did this with the tour shown below. It was very good, and I thoroughly recommend it.

Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

The temple of Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple, recognised as a UNESCO Heritage site. The temple is famous for its golden pavilion, built to house sacred relics of the Buddha.

What makes the temple unique is the covering of the top two stories of the three-storey structure in pure gold leaf and its position over a kyoki-chi mirror pond. This increases its serenity and changes with the seasons. The temple is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

It was originally the retirement villa of Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, but became a shrine after his death in 1408. Despite its long history, this incarnation of the building only dates from 1955 when it was rebuilt after being torched by a fanatical monk!

Although the public can’t enter the pavilion, the views across the lake and the gardens make a visit to Kinkaku-ji essential for any visitor to Kyoto.

Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. Walking through the towering bamboo is an experience not to be missed.

If you look at pictures of the grove online with empty paths, you might think you’ll get the place to yourself. This is absolutely not the case. There are ways to maximise your experience, however. First, time your visit. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time. The grove gets very busy when the tour buses arrive. Also, even though the paths are short, many visitors don’t do the whole trail. Keep going to the end and you’ll find the crowds have thinned out.

Don’t forget, this is a delicate habitat. Enjoy, but don’t touch. Although the bamboo may look robust, it is easily damaged.

While at the grove, don’t forget to visit the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, which is very close. The bridge’s name translates as Moon Crossing. According to legend, during a night boating party, Emperor Kameyama thought the full moon looked as though it was crossing the bridge.

They constructed this version of the bridge in 1934, but the first bridge to cross the Katsura River existed in 836 AD.

If you visit on a summer night, check to see if traditional cormorant fishing is being practiced on the river.

Discover Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha District

The chalk-faced geisha is an abiding (and much misunderstood) symbol of Japan. Many think that geisha is synonymous with prostitute, which couldn’t be less accurate. The geisha is a highly skilled entertainer who trains for years in a variety of traditional skills.

As apprentices (maiko) prospective geisha learn traditional arts such as the shamisen (a 3-stringed musical instrument), ikebana (flower arrangement), singing and dancing, and of course the tea ceremony.

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district and also one of the city’s most historic. The area is filled with Ochayo (tea houses) and the narrow-fronted machiya buildings.

It is actually very rare to see a geisha ‘in the wild’ these days. There are barely 200 in Japan, and they are very secretive and protective about their identities. If you are lucky enough to see a geisha or maiko, don’t photograph their faces.

Geisha performances are extremely expensive and traditionally require an introduction from an existing client. However, a cultural show is performed each night at Gaion Corner with affordable tickets.

Alternatively take a walking tour through the area and learn its secrets from an expert. The one listed below is very good.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The Kiyomizu-dera temple in East Kyoto is over 1200 years old. Recognised by UNESCO, the temple stands halfway up Mount Otowa and is famous for its large wooden platform which gives stunning views over the cherry forest below and the city of Kyoto in the distance.

The complex has a fun legend. Behind the main hall, lies another shrine, this one dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. If you can find your way, blindfolded, between two stones set about 20m apart, you will be lucky in love.

Another feature of the temple complex is the Otowa Waterfall. Split into three, visitors drink from its waters using cups with long handles. Legend claims that the drinker will receive longevity, luck in love, or academic success, depending on which of the streams they drink from.

The temple is easily reached by bus from Kyoto station. Take the number 206 bus for the 15 minute journey, then stroll the 10 minutes up the hill to the temple complex.

Hire a kimono and stroll around Kyoto’s historic streets

The first thing visitors notice when arriving in Kyoto is that every other shop seems to be a kimono rental outlet.

Purchasing a quality kimono is an expensive business, with a top-quality kimono costing up to £10,000. Even a mid-range kimono would set the buyer back £1000-£3000. Renting one, however, is a much more affordable option. It’s become increasingly popular for young Japanese to come to Kyoto, rent traditional dress and wander the historic areas of the town.

Visitors can select a kimono from a dazzling array of colours and patterns and select accessories. As in the tea ceremony experience above, an assistant will help you dress, and ladies will have their hair styled.

Often, if it’s a special occasion like a date, or even an engagement, the couple can hire a photographer to accompany them. As well as having professional equipment, the photographer will know the most scenic locations around the city. So, if you’d like some professional images to commemorate your visit to Kyoto, you might consider this.

Explore Nijo Castle

Nijo castle is a stunning example of early Edo era architecture. Built in the early 16th century by the first Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed by his son, it’s one of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO sites.

The castle is formed from two rings of defence, making it a formidable fortress. Breach these twin walls and you’ll be rewarded with entry to the Ninomaru Palace. But don’t let your guard down, you’ve not breached the castle yet!

Famously, Nijo includes nightingale floors, a unique security device. When walkers would cause flooring nails to rub against a rasp, creating a chirping sound which alerted guards.

The castle is a lot more peaceful place today than it was in Shogun era Japan, and you’re unlikely to face Samurai warriors or Ninja assassins.

The only weapon you’ll need to navigate your way into the castle is an English language audioguide, and to have paid the entry fee. As in ancient times, entrance to the palace was reserved for higher ranking visitors (so you’ll need to pay a secondary fee here).

The castle is very accessible by public transport. Direct buses (numbers 9 or 50) leave Kyoto station and it takes about 20 minutes.

Take a Day Trip to Nara from Kyoto

Kyoto is the perfect base from which to visit the deer at Nara, one of Japan’s great wildlife experiences.

Nara’s 600-hectare park is famous for its free-roaming deer, which have lived here for over a thousand years, and also its world-class temples.

Visitors can purchase deer-friendly crackers and feed the deer, which will often ‘bow’ to ask for food. It’s worth noting that these are wild deer and can, especially during rutting season, become a little more aggressive when ‘asking’ for food.

The park also holds seven prestigious temples, the most revered of which, Todaiji Temple, holds a 15-foot statue of Buddha.

Other attractions at Nara include a beautiful traditional garden. It’s located away from the crowds, which enhances its peace and tranquillity. There are several teahouses in the garden, which offer refreshments.

Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto. Regular trains from Kyoto Station take 30 minutes. If you aren’t comfortable using Japan’s train services, many tour operators offer day trips at reasonable prices.

Sample Kyoto’s Famous Food Scene

Whether you go for a high-end Kaiseki dining experience, or a street food taste explosion, Kyoto is the place for you.

The first stop for any foodie in Kyoto is Nishiki market. Often known as the ‘kitchen of Kyoto’, it’s been selling food to the city for over 400 years. It features over 100 different stalls selling everything from fish to sake to sweets. Unlike many food markets, you don’t need to get up in the early hours to see it in operation. It opens at 9 am, but try to make it before 11am as it gets very crowded.

Kaiseki is one of the most refined dining experiences on the planet. A kaiseki meal goes beyond taste, with every sense engaged. Of course, the ingredients are the finest available, but the presentation of the food needs to be exquisite too. This covers both the meal’s visual aesthetic and even the dishes the food is served on.

Even the meal’s location is important. Often, a glass window will allow diners to view a traditional Japanese garden.

Kyoto is well served with Kaiseki restaurants, and while not cheap, they offer a dining experience never to be forgotten.

Ramen, is a far earthier experience than Kaiseki, and while it is best described as filling comfort food, it sits close to the heart of Japanese diners. Every year, they hold a competition to proclaim the best ramen in Japan. Youkou, a Kyoto restaurant with a tiny number of counter seats, made the top 100. Try the A5 Wagyu ramen, it’s spectacular.

Conclusion

I hope this travel guide showing you the best things to do in Kyoto helps you enjoy this unique location as much as I did. It really is a magical place.

The fact that it didn’t suffer as badly as the rest of Japan did during World War II means it’s the only place where you can experience Edo era Japan as it was.

Kyoto offers a variety of experiences, from visiting old temples and spotting geishas to enjoying a tea ceremony in a kimono.

So, jump on the shinkansen from Tokyo and experience real Japan, but don’t forget to be respectful of the ancient customs, the locals will thank you for it.

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