Kyoto is one of the most visited cities in Japan, and honestly, it is not hard to see why. The city is gorgeous. Ancient temples, bamboo groves, wooden teahouses. I have been twice now, spending a cumulative two weeks there across both trips. I would go back without hesitation.
Some of the things to do in Kyoto on this list are well-known and popular for good reason. Others are a little quieter. What I want to do with this article is help you actually enjoy the city, because in 2026, tourism in Kyoto has surged to the point where crowds can genuinely get in the way of the experience. I will share the best ways to explore each spot without being part of the problem.
This guide covers 10 of my favourite things to do across Kyoto’s main areas – Higashiyama, Arashiyama, central Kyoto, and a few spots that do not fit neatly into any of them. I have organised it loosely by neighbourhood rather than ranking, because how you spend your time in Kyoto really depends on where you are staying and how many days you have. If you are short on time, I have also flagged the ones I would prioritise. But before we get into the list, let’s talk about timing.
The Best Time to Visit Kyoto
The best time to visit Kyoto depends on what you are chasing. Spring (late March to early April) is cherry blossom season, and it is genuinely magical – and could be very packed. If you decide to go during sakura season, then go prepared.
Stay the night, arrive at every spot early, before the tour groups do and opt for lesser known attractions that are off the beaten path. Autumn (mid-November) is the other peak, when the maple leaves paint the city in gorgeous hues of red, yellow and orange. I have been in both seasons and I would not trade either experience. If crowds are your dealbreaker, late May to June and October are the sweet spots – the weather is pleasant, and the city is still beautiful. Now, can we skip to the good part?
Things to Do in Kyoto for First-Time Visitors
1. Explore Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district and probably the most atmospheric neighbourhood in the city. It is my favourite part of Kyoto and the two times I’ve visited, I’ve chosen to base myself here over other districts.
Walking it is something you should do at least twice: once during the day when the wooden machiya townhouses are lit by natural light, and once in the early evening when the ochaya (teahouses) come alive and you have a real chance of spotting a geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geiko) moving between appointments.
The etiquette here matters. Don’t follow geiko or maiko, don’t photograph them without permission, and don’t touch their kimono or hair. These are working professionals, not a spectacle. Gion has had to put up signs and issue guidelines around tourist behaviour in recent years, so please be thoughtful.
Beyond geisha spotting, which is beautiful but often overly fixated on, Gion is an incredible area to explore for its own charm. Rather than focusing only on catching a glimpse of a geisha, take time to wander through its quiet streets and hidden corners.
Take a walk along the Kamogawa River, duck into narrow alleys like Pontocho Alley, a lantern-lit corridor lined with restaurants that runs alongside the river, and soak up the atmosphere in one of Japan’s most charming cities.
2. Stay in a Ryokan or Machiya for At Least One Night
If budget allows, this is worth doing. A ryokan or machiya offers a traditional Japanese stay, with tatami mat floors, futon bedding, yukatas to wear around the property, and often an onsen (hot spring bath). The experience is quite different from a Western hotel, quieter, and more formal in certain rituals.
For my second visit to Kyoto, I travelled with my husband and brother-in-law and stayed in a machiya within walking distance of Gion’s famous streets. We had to tiptoe and speak in whispers at certain times, but oh, how I loved this stay! My favourite part was being able to gather in the living room, share tea, and slow down together. It felt intimate and intentional, and in many ways, this stay truly embodied the spirit of Japan.
3. Take a Traditional Tea Ceremony
And speaking of sharing tea, while you’re in Kyoto, consider attending a traditional tea ceremony. It is one of those experiences you might hesitate about at first, wondering if it is too touristy or worth the price (if you opt for a paid one). Then you sit down, and it just clicks.
The tea ceremony, or chadō, is not really just about the tea. It is about presence and tradition. The host prepares your bowl of matcha through a sequence of gestures that have been refined over centuries. You drink it in two or three sips, and there is a quiet in the room that feels almost grounding.
There are many places to experience this in Kyoto. I went with Maikoya in Gion, but it is worth exploring other options depending on your budget. Some places offer complimentary or lower-cost tea experiences, so it helps to look around in advance.
If you have the option to try on a kimono at the same time, I would recommend it. It adds another layer to the experience and makes the moment feel even more immersive.
4. Visit Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines
Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. You’re not going to see them all, and you shouldn’t try. But spending a day moving between three or four of the right ones is one of the most satisfying ways to spend a day in this city.
I recommend mixing well-known temples and shrines with lesser-known, quieter ones. Many open around 9am and close by 5pm, while a few stay open all day. Time your visits intentionally. Avoid the peak midday crowds at popular spots. Instead, use that time to explore lesser-known temples, then aim to visit the more famous sites early in the morning or just before closing for a calmer experience.
5. Explore Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a narrow five-block covered shopping street in central Kyoto, sometimes called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” It’s been here since the 17th century and remains one of the best places to eat your way through the city without any formal plans.
You’ll find fresh tofu, pickled vegetables, skewered street food, matcha confections, fresh fish, and more. Most stalls are open from around 9am to 6pm. The market can get quite busy, especially around lunchtime, but it is one of those places where the atmosphere just feels right, regardless of the crowds. Maybe don’t take my word for it though. I visited at around 4pm on a cold autumn day and didn’t find it overwhelming. I’d love to hear about your visit when you go.
6. Hike the Fushimi Inari Trail
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, and it is completely free to enter. The trail winds through thousands of vermilion torii gates, each donated by individuals and businesses, leading all the way to the summit of Mount Inari at 233 meters.
The full hike takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip, but you do not have to complete it all, however, the higher you go, the fewer people you’ll see. The lower sections near the entrance are very busy, especially mid-morning. But about a third of the way up, the crowd thins significantly and the atmosphere changes. Go at sunrise if you can manage it. The early morning light through the gates is a whole different mood. Comfortable shoes, some water, and a small snack are all you need.
7. Take a Day Trip to Nara
Taking a day trip to Nara is one of the best things to do in Kyoto. It’s just one stop away from Fushimi Inari Taisha, which makes it perfect to visit before or after. During my first visit to Japan, I went to Nara early in the morning, spent a few hours there, then stopped at Fushimi Inari on the way back. If you have more time, you can split these up and visit each first thing in the morning. Otherwise, combining them is very doable.
The main draw is Nara Park, where over 1,200 sika deer roam freely and are considered national treasures. They bow for shika senbei (deer crackers), which you can buy from vendors for around ¥100 – ¥200. It is exactly as chaotic and joyful as it sounds. Beyond the deer, Nara has temples and shrines that make the trip worth it, including Todai-ji, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and houses a 15 meter tall bronze Buddha.
8. Visit Arashiyama
When you think of Arashiyama, the image that probably comes to mind is the lush bamboo grove. But if you’re here looking for things to do in Kyoto while planning your trip, you’ve likely seen that the Sagano Bamboo Forest can get super packed.
To avoid the worst of the crowds, I recommend visiting early in the morning or skipping it altogether. Instead, check out lesser-visited spots like Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple and pair it with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple for a quieter, more rewarding experience.
Beyond the bamboo forest, Arashiyama has more than enough to fill a full day. Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO-listed Zen temple with gardens that are genuinely worth the entrance fee. You can also walk across Togetsukyo Bridge and take in the river framed by a beautiful mountainous backdrop. It is especially stunning in autumn. For a different perspective, take the Sagano Scenic Railway to see the Hozu River Gorge from another angle.
Even without a set plan, simply spending the day walking or cycling around the area is worth it.
9. Explore Japan’s Match Capital -Uji
Uji is the place to go if you love matcha or want a slower, more relaxed day trip. It is known as Japan’s matcha capital, with a long history of tea cultivation and some of the highest quality green tea in the country.
Start with a visit to Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that you might recognize from the Japanese 10 yen coin. The temple sits beside a reflective pond and feels especially peaceful compared to Kyoto’s busier attractions.
From there, stroll along the river and into Omotesando Street, where you’ll find tea houses and shops serving everything matcha. Uji is an easy half-day trip, but if you have the time, slow down, walk along the Uji River, and really take it in. This is one of those places where doing less actually feels like more.
10. Experience Kyoto at Night
Kyoto has a completely different feel after dark. Wander through softly lit streets in Gion, walk along the Kamogawa River, or explore areas like Pontocho when the lanterns are glowing and the crowds have thinned out. It is quieter, more atmospheric, and feels a lot more intimate than during the day.
As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, especially as a first-time visitor. If you are only there for a short time, try not to overwhelm yourself. For many people, one trip to Japan is never enough, so it is perfectly fine to leave a few things for next time. If this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then I would recommend spending at least three full days in Kyoto to really take it in.
As I mentioned earlier, I have visited twice and I am already planning a third trip, this time to explore beyond the areas I have already seen. The top place on my list is Ine, often called “Kyoto on water,” and it looks incredibly atmospheric. Until then, this city will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope it will in yours too.
To wrap this post up, I will leave you with some practical tips
A Few Practical Notes Before You Go
- Getting an IC card like Suica or ICOCA will make navigating public transport much easier. If possible, opt for trains over buses and leave buses for residents when you can.
- The city is very walkable. Staying close to the attractions you are most interested in can make your experience smoother, especially if you enjoy exploring on foot.
- Most attractions require cash for entry, so it is worth carrying some yen. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post are generally the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Kyoto is deeply rewarding when you slow down. Give yourself at least three full days, more if you can, to fully experience both the big highlights and the quieter, in-between moments that make the city so special.
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If you found this helpful for your first trip to Kyoto, come back and tell me all about it, okay? I would love to hear how your experience was. And if you have already been to Kyoto, what was it like for you? Share your experience with me in the comments below.
