What to do in Kyoto

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.
A pathway flanked by tall green bamboo stalks.
A flower shop with various plants and flowers displayed outside.
A row of traditional Japanese houses with tiled roofs and wooden facades.
A traditional Japanese garden with a wooden house, a red umbrella, and a stone lantern.

Places to Visit in Kyoto

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Kyoto attractions from NZ$6, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Kyoto tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1138 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Kyoto. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

NZ$6
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

NZ$51
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

NZ$167
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Full-Day Bus Tour of Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest

NZ$107
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest
Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

NZ$170
per adult
Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$111
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art

NZ$36
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art
Kyoto Kintsugi Making Traditional Workshop

Kyoto Kintsugi Making Traditional Workshop

NZ$32
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Kintsugi Making Traditional Workshop
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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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A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

2. Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple is located in the Otowa Mountain, east of central Kyōto. The city is a hotbed of ancient temples, and this is one of the most enchanting. Millions of people come to see this Buddhist site every year. There's been a temple of some form or other here since 778, when it was affiliated with the Hossō sect. Since 1965, it's been associated with the Kitahossō group.
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A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Founded in 711, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head shrine for up to 32,000 sub-shrines devoted to Inari across Japan. Inari is a Japanese 'kami', a god-like being. Traditionally, worshippers came to pray to Inari for things including a healthy rice harvest, good business and fertility. Of course, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is now enjoyed by non-religious locals and tourists too.
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A red torii gate with stone lion statues on either side, leading to a shrine with a red roof.

4. Nijō Castle

The construction of Nijo Castle was ordered by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1601, and was finally completed 25 years later. Sections of Fushimi Castle were also added as building neared completion. To ensure their security, the Tokugawa Shogunate had two stone fortifications, each with a moat, built around the two palatial complexes.
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A traditional Japanese building with a stone wall and a canal reflecting the structure.

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is a spectacular work of 14th century art that befits its higher purpose. The top floors of the temple are covered in precious gold leaf, and when the sunlight glints off this surface, the temple shines like a jewel. The temple is built at the side of a pond, with its beautiful golden hue and sweeping rooftops reflecting in the water. Whether you see it on a sunny summer's day or under a light dusting of snow in the winter, it is a truly impressive and significant building – so it's little surprise that it was official designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
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A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by a tranquil pond, with reflections of the structure and surrounding trees.

6. 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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A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

Recommended things to do in Kyoto

Number of things to do
1138
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kyoto Grind Your Own Matcha Tea Ceremony in Arashiyama: NZ$6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kyoto

Stay near popular Kyoto attractions

A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

Nishiki Market

8.8/10 (4,133 reviews)
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," this 400-year-old market offers a sensory journey through Japan's culinary heritage. Sample local delicacies while browsing shops filled with handcrafted knives and ceramics.
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Our guide on where to stay in Kyoto

Find the best Kyoto areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kyoto
Learn more about Kyoto
A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and people walking.

Gion

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

Central Kyoto

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center.

A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Kodai-ji Temple 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.

A pathway through a bamboo forest with a wooden fence on one side.

Arashiyama

You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Bamboo Forest Street is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.

A traditional building with a curved roof, ornate decorations, and a tree in the background.

Nishijin

Nishijin is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to explore sights like Nishijin Textile Center.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kyoto

A stone structure with circular depressions in a forested area.

Muko

A pagoda-style tower with a stepped design, surrounded by gravel, trees, and a red bridge.

Uji

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A river winding through a forested valley with a house on the left bank.

Kameoka

A large crowd gathered under numerous colorful kites.

Takatsuki

A calm lake with a dock, surrounded by dense forest and a clear sky.

Kyotanabe

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, green hills, and scattered islands.

Takashima

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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