Kyoto Listing of Activities & Attractions

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Things to do in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form scenic trails up the sacred Mount Inari, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, entry is free.

Nishiki Market
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, local produce, and unique kitchenware, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, entry is free.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Known for its towering bamboo stalks that create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for tranquil walks and stunning photography, entry is free.

Gion District
Known for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden machiya houses, atmospheric narrow streets, and as a historic geisha district where visitors may catch glimpses of geiko and maiko heading to their appointments, entry is free.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Known for its stunning gold-leaf-covered exterior that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond, exemplifying traditional Japanese architecture and serene Zen garden design, entry is ¥500 per adult to enter Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), with reduced prices for children and students; prices may be subject to change depending on season or exhibition.

Kiyomizu-dera
Known for its stunning wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of the cherry and maple trees below, especially breathtaking during spring and autumn, as well as its historic significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century, entry is it costs ¥400 for adults to enter (with discounts for children and students), and special exhibitions may have separate fees.

Togetsukyo Bridge
Known for its picturesque setting spanning the Katsura River, especially stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking traditional Japanese scenery, entry is free.

Philosopher’s Path
Known for its scenic walkway lined with hundreds of cherry trees, tranquil canals, and historic temples, making it a favorite spot for contemplative strolls during the spring sakura season, entry is free.

Sanjusangendo Hall
Known for its remarkable display of 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, arranged in a breathtaking wooden hall that stretches over 120 meters, making it one of the longest wooden structures in Japan, entry is about ¥600 (Japanese yen) for adults; discounts are available for children, and entry is free for preschoolers.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Known for its beautifully preserved traditional Japanese architecture, expansive gardens, and rich history as the former residence of the Imperial family before the capital moved to Tokyo, entry is free.

Nijo Castle
Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, stunning gardens, and the famous "nightingale floors" that chirp to alert against intruders, entry is ¥800 ($5.50), and an additional ¥500 to enter the Ninomaru Palace. Also, the Honmaru Palace requires advanced booking and costs an additional ¥1000.

Ryoan-ji Temple
Known for its iconic rock garden, which features a minimalist arrangement of fifteen carefully placed stones amidst raked white gravel, designed to inspire meditation and contemplation, entry is ¥500 for adults to enter the temple and its famous Zen garden, with a reduced fee for children and students.

Heian Shrine
Known for its striking torii gate, expansive gardens, and vibrant traditional festivals, including the annual Jidai Matsuri, which celebrates Kyoto's rich imperial history, entry is ¥600 to enter the Heian Shrine's beautiful gardens, while access to the main shrine grounds is free; children and group discounts may apply.

Monkey Park Iwatayama
Known for its population of over 120 wild Japanese macaques freely roaming the area, offering visitors close-up encounters amidst scenic mountain views and a chance to enjoy panoramic sights of Kyoto city from the observation deck, entry is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children (ages 4–15), while children under 4 are free; prices are for entry only and do not include extra food for feeding monkeys.

To-ji Temple
Known for its iconic five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, as well as its monthly flea markets and historic association as a Shingon Buddhist temple founded in the early Heian period, entry is ¥500.

Activities & Things To Do in Kyoto