Things to Visit in Kyoto: Temples, Gardens, and Geisha Districts
Experience the best of Kyoto from its 2,000 temples and shrines to the geisha districts and bamboo groves. Covers historic landmarks, cultural experiences, seasonal highlights, and where to eat.
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Iconic Temples and Shrines
Visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion
This gold-leaf covered temple reflecting in its mirror pond is the most photographed site in Kyoto. Arrive right at 9 AM opening to beat the crowds. Entry costs 500 yen and includes a calligraphy blessing ticket.
Walk through the thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari
The full loop up Mt. Inari takes about 2-3 hours and passes through thousands of vermillion torii gates. Start early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light. The trailhead is free and open 24 hours.
Explore Kiyomizu-dera and its wooden stage
This hillside temple offers sweeping views of the city from its famous wooden terrace, built without a single nail. The approach streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are lined with traditional shops and tea houses. Entry is 400 yen.
Experience the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji
This minimalist garden of 15 stones on raked white gravel is designed so you can only see 14 from any angle. Sit on the veranda and spend at least 15 minutes absorbing the calm. Entry is 500 yen.
See the silver pavilion at Ginkaku-ji
Despite its name, Ginkaku-ji was never actually covered in silver. The moss garden and sand cone garden are the real draws. It sits at the start of the Philosopher's Path, a pleasant 2-km canal-side walk lined with cherry trees.
Traditional Districts and Streets
Spot geiko and maiko in the Gion district at dusk
Hanamikoji Street in Gion is the best place to see traditional entertainers heading to evening appointments. The window between 5:30-6:30 PM offers the best chances. Be respectful and do not block their path for photos.
Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The towering bamboo stalks create an ethereal tunnel that is most magical in early morning before 8 AM. The grove is free and connects to Tenryu-ji temple and the Togetsukyo Bridge area. Allow 2-3 hours for the whole Arashiyama district.
Stroll Pontocho Alley for evening dining
This narrow lantern-lit alley runs parallel to the Kamogawa River and is packed with restaurants, from affordable yakitori joints to high-end kaiseki. Many restaurants offer riverside terrace seating from May through September.
Browse Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen
This 400-year-old covered market stretches five blocks and sells everything from pickles and tofu to fresh seafood and Japanese knives. Go before noon on a weekday for the best experience. Most vendors offer tastings.
Gardens and Nature
Wander the moss garden at Saiho-ji
This UNESCO-listed moss temple requires advance reservation by postcard sent at least two weeks ahead. The garden contains over 120 varieties of moss and is one of the most serene spots in Kyoto. Entry is 3,000 yen and includes a sutra-copying session.
Visit the Philosopher's Path during cherry blossom season
This 2-km stone path follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Peak bloom typically hits late March to mid-April. Even outside cherry season, the path is a peaceful walk connecting Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji temple.
Explore the monkey park at Iwatayama
A 15-minute uphill hike in Arashiyama leads to an open park where 120 macaque monkeys roam freely. You can feed them from inside a fenced shelter. The hilltop also provides panoramic views over Kyoto. Entry is 550 yen.
See the autumn colors at Tofuku-ji
This temple has a bridge over a valley that turns into a sea of red and orange maple leaves in mid-November. It is the single best autumn foliage spot in Kyoto. Arrive at opening time to avoid peak crowds.
Cultural Experiences
Attend a traditional tea ceremony
Many tea houses near Gion and Higashiyama offer 45-60 minute ceremonies with English-speaking hosts. Prices range from 2,000-5,000 yen. The matcha and wagashi sweet pairing is part of the ritual, not just refreshment.
Rent a kimono and walk through Higashiyama
Rental shops near Kiyomizu-dera offer full kimono dressing for 3,000-5,000 yen per day. Staff help with dressing and hair styling. Walking the historic streets in traditional dress makes for memorable photos and is welcomed by locals.
Watch a maiko dance performance
Gion Corner theater offers nightly sampler performances of traditional arts including maiko dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and puppet theater. Shows last about an hour and cost 3,150 yen. Book through the theater directly.
Stay one night in a ryokan with kaiseki dinner
Traditional Japanese inns include tatami rooms, futon bedding, onsen baths, and multi-course kaiseki dinners. Budget ryokan start at 15,000-20,000 yen per person. The dinner alone is worth the splurge, typically featuring 8-12 seasonal courses.
Food and Drink
Try yudofu, Kyoto's signature tofu dish
Soft tofu simmered in kelp broth is Kyoto's specialty, especially near Nanzen-ji temple where tofu restaurants have operated for centuries. Expect to pay 2,000-3,500 yen for a full tofu course.
Eat matcha everything in Uji
The town of Uji, 20 minutes south by train, is the birthplace of Japanese matcha culture. Byodo-in temple is the main sight, but the real draw is matcha ice cream, parfaits, soba noodles, and sweets from shops lining the river.
Sample street food on Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades
These covered arcades in central Kyoto offer taiyaki fish-shaped cakes, takoyaki octopus balls, and freshly grilled mochi. They connect to Nishiki Market and make for an easy afternoon of grazing and souvenir shopping.
Drink sake at a Fushimi brewery
Fushimi is one of Japan's top sake-producing regions, thanks to its pure underground water. Gekkeikan and other breweries offer tastings and tours, some free. The sake museum near Fushimi Inari is open daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
Four to six days covers the highlights thoroughly. Spend two days on the eastern temples and Gion district, one day in Arashiyama, one day on northern temples like Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and extra days for Nara day trips, tea ceremonies, or cooking classes. If you only have two days, focus on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Arashiyama.
What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Cherry blossom season in late March to mid-April and autumn foliage in mid-November are the most stunning but also the most crowded and expensive periods. May through June offers warm weather and green landscapes before the July-August heat and humidity. Winter from December through February is cold but uncrowded, and temples dusted with snow are magical.
How do you get around Kyoto?
Buses are the main public transport, and a one-day bus pass costs 700 yen for unlimited rides. The subway has two lines that cover the north-south corridor. Renting a bicycle is the most efficient way to explore flat central Kyoto, with rentals available for 1,000-1,500 yen per day. Taxis are plentiful and metered, starting at 500 yen.
Is Kyoto expensive to visit?
Kyoto can be visited on a range of budgets. Budget travelers can find hostels for 3,000-4,000 yen per night, eat at conveyor belt sushi for 1,000 yen, and enjoy free attractions like Fushimi Inari. Mid-range visitors should budget 15,000-20,000 yen per day including hotels, restaurants, and temple entries. A ryokan splurge with kaiseki dinner can run 30,000-50,000 yen per person.