What to do in Muko

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Therese Foley
Photo by Therese Foley

Places to Visit in Muko

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Muko, Kyoto 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 Muko attractions from NZ$5, 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 Muko tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 641 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 Muko. 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.

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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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Kyoto_NishikiMarket_6258971_08

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.

Recommended things to do in Muko

Number of things to do
641
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: NZ$5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Muko

Discover the most popular places to visit in Muko

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

Kiyomizu Temple

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

Kiyomizu Temple
Nishiki Market featuring street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

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.

Nishiki Market
Fushimi Inari Shrine which includes a temple or place of worship and interior views as well as a small group of people

Fushimi Inari Shrine

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

Fushimi Inari Shrine
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.

Nijō Castle
Kyoto Imperial Palace

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.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple

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

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Tower

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.

Kyoto Tower
Pontocho Alley

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.

Pontocho Alley
Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and a garden

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.

Heian Shrine

 

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 Muko

Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

Is Muko worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of great things to do in Muko. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Muko?
Once you've visited top attractions like Arashiyama Onsen and Keage Incline, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Muko.
What is the top tourist attraction in Muko?
You can't leave without exploring Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Muko.
Is three days enough to stay in Muko?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden with a three-day stay in Muko. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Kyoto.
Is Muko a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Muko. Several key attractions, like Nizaemonnoyu and Komyoji Temple, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Muko's best neighbourhoods, Minami Ward is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Nishikyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Muko with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Muko with kids.

What to do in Muko for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Muko for adults including Teramachi Street and Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Muko?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Muko is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.