What to do in Kyoto

Activities, attractions and tours

Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Kyoto featuring hiking or walking, landscape views and forest scenes
Otsu showing flowers
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring a small town or village, a house and heritage architecture

Kyoto Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Kyoto! You’re about to set sail in a different direction. Never one to shy away from innovative ways to get your kicks and have an eye-opening adventure, you’re prepared to discover an exciting city like the savvy traveller you are. Book your activities today, and all that’s left to do is count the days until your getaway and prepare to have fun, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book loads of things to do.

  • Book your favourite tours on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have money for a top hotel or luxurious dinner while you’re travelling. The activities in Kyoto are not only perfect for you, but they won’t break the bank. We have 888 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$5.
  • Kyoto is a favourite among travellers like yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to the regionto dive into local history and culture and explore the best things to do. The most popular activities can get the curiosity of even seasoned globetrotters, and one look at our list explains why. Our collection includes an impressive array of historically based tours and excitement. From unequalled ways to discover the best this area has to give like a Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Tour to foodie tours like Scholar-Led Nishiki Market Walking Tour, there is an abundance of things to do to choose from when you browse the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the ideal way to organise your getaway. You'll need a little planning to best get the feel for Kyoto, particularly when you wish to schedule in lots of exciting activities. And we know you're itching to explore every avenue—you're ready to get out and have an adventure. You're excited to sign up for the top activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Book guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.


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Top places to visit

1. Nishiki Market

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.
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2. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors a year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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Kiyomizu Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travellers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

4. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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Nijo Castle showing a park, château or palace and heritage architecture

5. Kyoto Tower

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.
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京都タワー

6. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the temple’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
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7. Heian Shrine

The Heian Shrine is a site of simple beauty and reflection. Built in 1895 on the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto, the sanctuary pays homage to spirits of the country’s emperors. It blends artifice with nature in its museums and traditional gardens. Japan has designated the site as an important cultural property and one of the highest-ranking shrines of its kind.
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Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

What to do in Kyoto


Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto

Explore areas of Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a garden and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(593 area reviews)

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

Central Kyoto
Gion featuring night scenes, cycling and street scenes

Gion

5/5(58 area reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

Gion
Kyoto Tower featuring a city, a high rise building and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Panoramic view of buildings containing Ninomaru reception rooms at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan. Stitched from 2 images using Canon PhotoStitch 3.1.

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Nishiki Market or Kyoto International Manga Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(9 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Ryozen Kannon War Memorial and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Higashiyama Ward
The Gion Matsuri Festival is Japans most famous festival. Musicians sit in huge floats that are pushed/dragged around town in Kyoto while the musicians play their flutes. There are two types of floats in The Gion Matsuri Parade, Yama and Hoko. There are 23 Yama and 10 Hoko. The Hoko floats can be up to 25 meters tall and weigh up to 12 tons.
The main procession of the floats are held on the 17th of July, which is when this photo was taken. #Festival

Karasuma

Experience sensory delights at the Kitchen of Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, take an art class and visit a sacred temple in this central neighborhood.

Karasuma

 

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Day trip destinations from Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

Is Kyoto worth visiting?
Providing a mix of views and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Kyoto. While you're here, visit Arashiyama Onsen, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kyoto?
Arashiyama Onsen and Kurama Hot Spring are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Kyoto while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kyoto?
Don't go home without visiting Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kyoto.
Is three days enough to stay in Kyoto?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art with a three-day stay in Kyoto. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Osaka.
Is Kyoto a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Kyoto. Several top attractions, like Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kyoto's neighbourhoods, Central Kyoto is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Shimogyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kyoto with kids?
Planning what to do in Kyoto with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Kyoto for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kyoto, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Teramachi Street or Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Kyoto?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Kyoto. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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