Kyoto Bucket List: 16 Unmissable Things to Do

16 Best Things to Do in Kyoto

1. Check Out Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

Just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Central Station, you will find Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. It is best known for its massive 76-meter-long wooden structure, which ranks among the largest wooden buildings in the world. It is a great place to start your exploration as we work our way outward around Kyoto.

The temple complex consisted of a vast temple ground surrounded by several wooden structures like Goei-do Hall (Founder's Hall), where you can go inside and pay respect to the Buddha image and Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Shin Buddhism.

The temple doesn't get as many tourists, which is awesome and not easy to come by nowadays, with all the tourists flocking to Kyoto every day. You can spend around 30 minutes walking around the temple grounds and checking out the interior of the Founder's Hall before we continue our journey around Kyoto.

The temple is open from 6:20 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee. If you want to get the feel of how old Kyoto really is, be sure to drop by and check out Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.

Where to Stay in Kyoto?

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2. Eat Your Way Through Nishiki Market 🥘 Best Place to Eat

Next up, we are going to go on an eating spree at Nishiki Market, one of the oldest and most famous food markets in Kyoto and a great place to explore the culinary delight that is Japanese cuisine.

The market is located inside an arcade, with a narrow street lined with over 100 shops and stalls selling a wide variety of food, including fresh produce, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy products, prepared foods, and souvenirs.

From all the delicious and fresh seafood you can eat here to the aroma of grilled Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, it's going to be hard to restrain yourself from eating while you are here.

If you want to dive even deeper into the rich Japanese Cuisine, you can also go on a food tour, which will provide you with insights about the local Japanese food as well as the opportunity to sample hidden gems that you might have missed if you were to explore on your own.

The opening hours in Nishiki Market vary by store but typically, you can expect the market to be quite lively from 10 AM all the way to 6 PM every day, so be sure to check it out while you are here.

3. Visit Nijō Castle

If you want to know how the Shogun used to live in Japan way back in the day, you are going to love exploring Nijō Castle, one of the remaining seventeen historic monuments of ancient Kyoto.

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. It is one of the best-preserved examples of castle architecture in Japan and is a must-visit if you want to learn more about Japan's history.

The castle consists of several palaces, much of which is preserved as museums, and you can go around and witness the Shogun's living quarters and offices, often decorated in the traditional Japanese style with wooden elements, sliding doors, and intricate wall murals of tigers and dragons.

The castle is also surrounded by moats, castle walls, and vast gardens where you can take a leisurely stroll. You can even climb to the top of the castle walls and admire the panoramic view of Nijo Castle and its verdant surroundings from above, which I found quite breathtaking.

You can expect to spend around an hour or two just walking around the castle and visiting the museums inside. The castle is open from 8:45 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 1,300 JPY per person. You can book the ticket in advance here or from the ticket kiosk at the entrance of the castle.

4. Admire the Beauty of Heian Jingu Shrine

One of the most impressive temples you can see in Kyoto is Heian Jingu, a Shinto Shrine built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto and Emperor Kanmu, who moved the capital of Japan to Kyoto from Nara during the Heian period.

The shrine is known for its beautiful red-white architecture, featuring green-colored multi-tiered roofs, which replicate the style of the Imperial Palace of the Heian period.

From the moment you step through the imposing gates, you will be blown away by the sheer grandeur of Heian Jingu Shrine. As you enter, you will find yourself in an expansive temple ground with the main hall, Ōkiden, located right at the center, flanked by two beautiful Chinese-style white-vermilion shrines with gorgeous green tiled roofs.

Surrounding the temple complex, you'll find a beautiful and expansive garden divided into three distinct sections, each with its own unique features and flora to discover.

The temple is quite extensive, so you can expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring it before we continue our journey. The temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM daily, and there is no admission fee for the temple grounds. However, if you wish to enter the garden, there will be a charge of approximately 500 JPY.

5. Visit the Silver Pavilion (Higashiyama Jisho-ji)

You may have heard about the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, but have you heard about the Silver Pavilion, or Higashiyama Jisho-ji? Exactly, and that is why I highly recommend you check it out.

This 15th-century Zen temple is located not too far from Heian Jingu Shrine. In it, you will find the iconic Silver Pavilion surrounded by some of the most picturesque Zen gardens you will see here.

With the trickling sounds of rivers, chirping birds, and all the beautiful sand mounds and trees, I find this place to be way more interesting than the Golden Pavilion. The best part is, it is way less crowded, and you can actually enjoy strolling around its garden without having to wade through hundreds of people, like you had to do at the Golden Pavilion.

There is also a nice walking path that will take you through the garden and up to a great vantage point, where you can truly appreciate the garden as well as the temple's surroundings from above.

The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 500 JPY per person. If you are looking for an alternative temple to visit, which is a bit away from the usual tourist track and offers more things to do, be sure to check out the Silver Pavilion.

6. Walk the Philosopher's Path 💎 Hidden Gem

From the Silver Pavilion, you can walk south along the canal and you will be right on the Philosopher's Path, a stunning walkway that winds alongside a beautiful canal extending from Ginkakuji Bridge all the way to here.

The walkway is covered in trees, making it even more beautiful during the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn. The walkway will lead you along the backstreets of a quiet neighborhood in Kyoto, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the city and experience life as it is for the local people, away from the tourist crowds.

Interesting fact: The Philosopher's Path got its name from Nishida Kitaro, a renowned Japanese philosopher who frequented this path during his daily commute to Kyoto University, finding solace and inspiration along the way.

Along the way, you will pass by many small temples and shrines that you can also check out, like Hōnen-in Temple and Reikan-ji Temple. Furthermore, there are more temples and shrines that should keep you occupied for a few hours. Additionally, you will find a few cafes and restaurants where you can indulge yourself as you make your way along the canal.

The area doesn't attract many tourists, which is great if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds. It's an excellent place to take it slow in Kyoto. So, if you're visiting the Silver Pavilion and plan to go to Eikandō Temple next, be sure to opt for a stroll along Philosopher's Path instead of taking the bus. You won't regret it.

7. Check Out Eikandō Temple

Right at the end of the Philosopher's Path, you will find Eikandō Temple, another beautiful temple with stunning gardens, ponds, and a historic structure you can stroll around in.

Eikandō Temple is particularly famous for its autumn foliage, with its massive garden full of trees and beautiful ponds dotted with shrines, stone bridges, and statues that you can check out.

There is also a beautiful curved wooden staircase that will take you around the temple's main hall, which I found to be surprisingly photogenic. It is a great place to relax at after you are done with the Philosopher's Path.

The temple is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 600 JPY per person. Expect to spend around half an hour to an hour at the temple before we continue on our exploration.

8. Relax at Yasaka Shrine

Next up, we are going to visit Yasaka Shrine, a prominent Shinto shrine located in the Gion district where the famous Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals, is held each year.

The shrine was built in the 7th Century in a mix of traditional Japanese architectural styles, including vermilion-colored buildings, sacred halls, and torii gates. Located right at the center is the main hall, where you will find many locals paying their respects by ringing the bell.

The shrine is connected via an expansive Maruyama Park, which is a lively place to hang out after you are done at the shrine, especially in the evening when locals come out in droves to socialize with one another.

The shrine is open 24/7, and it is free to enter. The shrine is quite a sight to behold at night when the temple is illuminated by the lantern lights, so be sure to check it out after sundown.

9. Explore Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

After visiting Yasaka Shrine, you can make your way south and you will arrive in the old town area of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two connected charming pedestrian areas. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning and well-preserved traditional wooden houses, lined up on both sides of the streets.

Around this area, you will find all sorts of stalls housing lovely cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops where you can indulge. The area does attract quite a few tourists, especially in the evening just before sunset, so be sure to brace yourself for it.

To avoid crowds, you can also opt for a visit during the day or late at night when you will be able to truly appreciate some of these well-preserved buildings at your own leisure.

As you make your way from Ninenzaka to Sannenzaka, the road will start ascending. Follow this road, and you will arrive at the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where we will be visiting next.

10. Watch the Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto that dates back to 798 when the temple was established. Later on, the main wooden stage building was added in the 17th century, which became the most distinctive feature of the temple.

One of the most remarkable features of the main stage is that it is entirely constructed from wood without the use of nails, which is mind-boggling. The fact that such a large and intricate wooden structure can stand on its own without relying on nails is truly awe-inspiring.

After you realize that fact and as you observe the stage up close, you will definitely gain a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in its construction.

Also, thanks to its location on the side of a mountain, the temple offers a great vantage point over Kyoto's skyline, which makes it a great place to watch the sunset. Be warned, though, that it can be extremely crowded during that time, so brace yourself for it.

Personally, I think the view was worth all the trouble of wading through crowds to get to the wooden stage in time for sunset. It didn't take long for people to cycle in and out of the main stage, so you should have no trouble securing a spot during sunset.

The temple is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 400 JPY per person. The sunset is truly astounding from up there, and you have to experience it once in your life, so be sure to align your visit carefully.

11. Take Photos of Yasaka Pagoda from the popular photo spot

After sunset, you can make your way back down to Sannenzaka and visit the Yasaka Pagoda photo spot, where you will be able to capture that iconic photo of Kyoto's winding streets set against the background of the iconic 5-story Yasaka Pagoda.

The exact location is between Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, which might be a little confusing to find without prior knowledge. Not to worry, I have the exact location right here, which will allow you to navigate through the crowds and reach the photo spot with ease.

12. Check out the Tori Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha at night ❤️ Must Visit

Even if the sun is down, there are still cool things to do in Kyoto. One of my favorite things to do at night here is to walk around Fushimi Inari Taisha temple, where the iconic lines of Tori gates are located.

Inside the temple, you will find Senbon Torii, a pathway lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates, which is the most famous feature of the temple. The gates will lead you through the wooded forest all the way up to the summit of Mount Inari, where you can enjoy the view of Kyoto from above and pay your respects to the many shrines up there.

You do not have to hike all the way to the summit, and I wouldn't recommend doing so after sundown, as it can get quite dark. That said, you can still explore the temple grounds, which remain illuminated by street lights throughout the night.

There is something uniquely cool and eerie about walking under these crimson red Torii gates at night. It's as if Japanese spirits could pop out around the corner at any moment. Not gonna lie, it is quite exhilarating to explore such a sacred place in the midst of darkness.

The temple is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee. So, if you want to see lines and lines of thousands of the iconic Torii gates in Kyoto, be sure to check out Fushimi Inari Taisha.

13. Stroll around Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

A little further away from the rest of Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a mesmerizing bamboo forest where you can capture that iconic shot of yourself amidst the beautiful greenery... along with thousands of other tourists.

If you have never seen a bamboo forest before, it is a great place to check out for sure. However, due to the distance and the crazy tourist crowds you often see here, I would leave this to the end of your trip. You can check it out if you have spare time.

That said, Arashiyama, the area where the bamboo forest is located, was a delight to explore. The area is surrounded by rivers and forests with an incredible amount of cool things to do, from kayaking around the river to hiking to one of the many viewpoints in the area.

If you have a day to spare in Kyoto, make sure to visit Arashiyama. Just don't expect the bamboo forest to be the peaceful and zen tourist attraction that it is often portrayed as in the media. You can easily reach Arashiyama by buses or trains, directly from Kyoto City Center.

14. Walk Around the Golden Pavilion

Of course, you have to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) when you are in Kyoto. Even though I prefer the Silver Pavilion over this one, the place is still worth a visit as there is no denying just how photogenic the pavilion is with its brightly colored exterior and the picturesque garden.

As you can come to expect from a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, brace yourself for the absurd amount of tourists here. Thankfully, the line to buy the ticket is rather efficient, and you should be able to get inside with very little waiting time.

Inside, you will find the iconic temple standing right in front of Kyoko-chi, or the Mirror Pond, surrounded by a traditional Japanese rock garden, known for complementing well with the bright yellow exterior of the pavilion.

The pavilion is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 500 JPY per person. You can expect to spend around 30 minutes walking around the Golden Pavilion before we move on to our next destination.

15. Visit Kyoto During Gion Matsuri

One of the biggest and most famous festivals in Japan, Gion Matsuri, is an annual celebration that transforms the entire Gion District into a street-wide party fueled by street food stalls, awesome performances, and a grand parade featuring elaborately decorated floats known as yamaboko.

Gion Matsuri has a history dating back over a thousand years. It originated in 869, when the city experienced a series of plagues, and the festival was initiated to appease the gods and seek their protection. After many years, the tradition continued, but instead of appeasing the gods, it now appeases visitors from all over the world with its vibrant pandemonium.

The festival spans the entire month of July, but the main events, including the grand procession (Yamaboko Junko), typically take place on July 17th. So, if you want to experience one of the best festivals in Japan, be sure to align your visit around this time.

During the day, you can witness the grand parade featuring floats adorned with traditional tapestries, historical artifacts, and intricate carvings. In the evening, the Gion district comes alive with Yoiyama, a series of lively events that you can see on stages set up all over Gion.

The streets are also lined with food stalls, traditional performances, and illuminated lanterns creating an awesome atmosphere that will make your trip even more memorable.

I accidentally visited Kyoto during Gion Matsuri, and boy, did I have a hell of a time! From all the street food to the fun and interesting dance and music performances, right from the street, I ended up attending the festival every single night I was there. It was that great!

If you can align your visit with July, you are going to have a hell of a time here. You can check the upcoming schedule for Gion Matsuri, Kyoto's biggest festival, here.

16. A Day Trip to Osaka ☀️ Great Day Trip

Last but not least, if you have a day to spare in Kyoto, you can take a day trip and visit Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the food capital of the country.

Osaka is located only a 30-minute train ride away, which makes it a perfect place for a day trip. With a day trip, you can easily spend the first half of the day exploring the beautiful park surrounding Osaka Castle. The park is huge, and you can expect to spend around 2 hours just visiting the castle alone.

In the evening, you can explore the Dotonbori district, the famous area where neon signs, particularly the iconic Glico running man sign, are located. The place is especially beautiful at night with all the neon signs turned on, so be sure to visit Dotonbori after sundown.

You will also find yourself surrounded by crisscrossing streets, full of colorful signs featuring gigantic sculptures of all kinds of food, from a huge red octopus to a massive takoyaki ball, trying to entice you to eat. I mean, who could say no to a food stall with a massive takoyaki ball hovering over your head?

There are so many cool restaurants you can check out around this area, so be sure to spend some time and explore Dotonbori. If you like all-you-can-eat grill meat restaurant (Yakiniku), I highly recommend you check out Yakiniku Rikimaru Nanba. Just be sure to get your queue card before, as you might have to wait a while to get a table.

You can easily travel between Osaka and Kyoto via either the local train or JR train, which runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to get there. If you love food and want to experience proper Japanese cuisine, be sure to visit Osaka as a day trip from Kyoto.

How to Get to Kyoto?

With a JR Pass, which is a train pass I recommend if you plan to travel all over Japan, you can easily travel between big cities like Tokyo to Kyoto with the Shinkansen bullet train in less than 2.5 hours. The train leaves from Tokyo and Shinagawa JR Stations, which are both easily accessible via the city's metros.

If you do not have the JR Pass, it would cost you between 4500 and 8500 JPY to ride on the Shinkansen between the two cities. The price of the train will depend on the train you take. For example, Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains are cheaper than Nozomi trains. They are both bullet trains, but Nozomi goes a bit faster and stops at fewer stations.

Personally, I found the speed of Hikari/Kodama/Sakura trains plenty enough to get around Japan easily, and I didn't find the need to upgrade to faster trains.

The Shinkansen trains rarely get booked out unless it's during the public holidays or New Year's, so unless you are traveling during that time, you do not have to worry about reserving your seat in advance.

For convenience, you can get the JR Pass especially if you plan to travel for at least 7 days around Japan. You can use the pass and just show up, and you can get on any Hikari/Kodama/Sakura trains as many times as you like within the activation period (7, 14, 21 days, etc.). No need to fiddle with the ticket machine every time you want to get on one.

You might save money if you buy the Shinkansen tickets separately and limit your trip to only 3-4 long-distance trips, but if you plan to travel more and value time and convenience over a price hike, getting the JR Pass is still a pretty good option for you. You can get the JR Pass here.

Tips: Get the Klook Value Pass instead of JR Pass to travel across Japan and save up to 130 USD!

How to Get Around Kyoto?

The most convenient way to get around Kyoto is to use its train and bus systems, which will allow you to visit every single tourist attraction I listed here and more.

You can buy the subway & bus 1-day pass from any subway station or at your accommodation, and you will have unlimited access to the subway and the bus for only 1,100 JPY. It's an awesome deal if you plan to move around a lot in one day.

You can also buy a prepaid IC card, which can be bought from any JR Station (Suica card) or Non-JR Station (Pasmo Card) in most major cities around Japan. You can use it on trains, buses, and even buy stuff in convenience stores like 7-11 or Family Mart across Japan's major cities, including Kyoto. All you have to do is fill up the card with money and tap on the machine when you enter and exit the platform.

The IC Card doesn't save you any money per trip, but it does save you time, not having to fiddle with the ticket machine every time you want to travel.

Tips: If you are a train pass holder like JR Pass and want to only see train routes that you can use with a JR Pass, try NAVITIME app. You can filter train routes based on the train pass you hold. Highly recommended.

What to Pack for Kyoto?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kyoto, Japan:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with 12Go when traveling in Kyoto, Japan while for trains, JR Pass is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Japan

Looking for more information for your trip to Japan? Here are a collection of articles about Japan that you might find useful:

• For a complete Japan itinerary, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Japan Itinerary.
• Visiting Japan for the first time? Here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting Japan: 13 Important Things To Know Before Visiting Japan.
• Looking for a complete list of things you shouldn't miss when you are traveling in Japan? Check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Japan.
• Want to climb Mount Fuji? Here is a complete guide on how to and not to climb Mount Fuji for a real-life experience.
• What is it like to climb Mount Fuji during a super typhoon? Here's A Backpacking Travel Guide to Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko.
• Looking for a complete travel guide to Tokyo? Check out: 14 Best Things to Do in Tokyo.
• For a complete itinerary of Tokyo, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Tokyo Itinerary.
• Another awesome place to visit in Japan for a great view of Mt. Fuji is Hakone. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Hakone.
• A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is possible, but you need to be smart with your time. Here is a complete One Day Hakone Itinerary From Tokyo.
• Planning to visit Nikko soon? From hiking to best temples to visit, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Nikko.
• Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind city that you should not miss. Here are 8 awesome things to do in Kyoto.
• Want to go off the beaten path in Japan? What about exploring Kyushu island? Here is a 3-day road trip itinerary for Kumamoto and Aso.
• Not convinced by my words about Japan? Watch these videos: Just Japan and Japan Day & Night travel videos.
• Wondering where to go after Japan? How about hopping over to China or visiting the islands of Taiwan or Hong Kong?
• For all articles about Japan, visit the Japan Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.