10 TOP Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture August 2026

A pathway flanked by tall green bamboo stalks.

A traditional Japanese temple with red and white structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of visitors.

A busy indoor public space with multiple levels, escalators, and glass railings.

A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, wooden beams, and a small balcony.

Wooden containers with numbered labels, filled with various items like chopsticks, keys, and small decorative objects.

Activities

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$101

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$88

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

NZ$126

per adult

Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour

NZ$2

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Osaka Kyoto Kinkaku-ji Kiyomizu-dera Temple Sannenzaka and Uji

Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji

NZ$86

per adult

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

NZ$208

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

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

NZ$74

per adult

82% of travellers recommend

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

NZ$6

per traveller

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Nakagyo

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto

NZ$26

per adult

See all activities in Kyoto Prefecture

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.

Learn more

A red torii gate with stone lion statues on either side, leading to a shrine with a red roof.

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.

Learn more

A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

3. 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.

Learn more

A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

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.

Learn more

A traditional Japanese building with a stone wall and a canal reflecting the structure.

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.

Learn more

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

6. 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.

Learn more

A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by a tranquil pond, with reflections of the structure and surrounding trees.

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

Fushimi Inari Shrine

9.2/10 (8,924 reviews)

This mountain shrine is dedicated to the goddess of rice. Time your descent to coincide with the lighting of the lanterns.

See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture

Find the best Kyoto Prefecture areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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 Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

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.

See properties

Shimogyo Ward

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.

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs.

Downtown Kyoto

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

A traditional Chinese dragon dance with performers in blue patterned costumes on a decorated platform.

Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

See properties

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.