What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Kyoto Prefecture

Types of activities

Where to stay

Kyoto Prefecture travel guide

Kyoto featuring hiking or walking, landscape views and forest scenes

Yasaka Shrine showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Kyoto featuring a city and interior views as well as a large group of people

Tofukuji Temple which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

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Top places to visit

1. 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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Kiyomizu Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

2. 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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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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Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

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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Nijo Castle showing a park, château or palace and heritage architecture

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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Stairs up to mountain and maple tree in Japan. Stairs in Park at Kinkaku-ji Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

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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What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizu Temple

This World Heritage temple is ingeniously built, without nails, and takes its name from the nearby waterfall.

Nishiki Market

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

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

Nijo Castle showing a pond, heritage architecture and a castle

Nijō Castle

This 17th-century castle complex was once a seat of unfathomable power and wealth.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

This stunning temple, glittering with gold leaf, is a renowned Buddhist site, first built in the 1300s as a shogun.

Kyoto Tower

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Pontocho Alley

During your visit to Kyoto, you can enjoy retail therapy at Pontocho Alley. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Heian Shrine

An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.

Explore areas of Kyoto Prefecture

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.

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.

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.

Kyoto showing mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

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

Kyoto featuring landscape views, a park and forest scenes

Arashiyama

5/5(6 area reviews)

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

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.

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