What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. 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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A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

2. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travelers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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A red torii gate with stone lion statues on either side, leading to a shrine with a red roof.

4. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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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.
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A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

6. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove might be one of Kyoto’s most photographed destinations, but few photographers can truly capture the magic of this leafy oasis. Explore a network of walking trails that cut through the serene forest and escape the outside world as the pale-green bamboo stalks seem to extend endlessly on either side of your path. Weave through the towering trees and spend some time listening to the gentle sway of the stalks and the wind in the leaves.
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A pathway flanked by tall bamboo trees, leading into a forested area.

7. Heian Shrine

The Heian Shrine is a site of simple beauty and reflection. Built in 1895 on the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto, the sanctuary pays homage to spirits of the country’s emperors. It blends artifice with nature in its museums and traditional gardens. Japan has designated the site as an important cultural property and one of the highest-ranking shrines of its kind.
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A traditional multi-tiered roof with green and red colors, surrounded by trees.

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture


Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

Where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture

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

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

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.

Shimogyo Ward

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Sumiya Pleasure House. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kawaramachi Street or ShinPuhKan Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

 

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Day trip destinations from Kyoto Prefecture