No matter how much of an unconventional traveler you are, some places are just too iconic to miss. Kyoto is one of those places. During our visit, we were overwhelmed by tourists but equally amazed by the incredible things to do and eat in Kyoto.
Kyoto, with its traditional wooden homes, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, manicured gardens, and authentic Geishas, is a city rich in history and worth exploring.
Wondering what to do in Kyoto? We’ve got you covered with our top recommendations based on a five-day stay in the city.
Kyoto has countless ancient Buddhist shrines and temples. It’s hard to visit them all, so choose the ones that appeal to you the most. Here are our top picks:
1. Nishiki Market: This 400+ year old market is a must-see. With over 130 shops, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. You’ll find everything from cookware to fresh fish. Our favorite foods were yuba (tofu skin), soy doughnuts, hamo (daggertooth fish), fried fish cakes, and smoked duck. We joined the Kyoto FooDrink tour and learned a lot about Japanese cuisine and culture. Make sure to visit!
2. Nijo Castle: Built in 1603 as the residence of shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has beautiful stone walls, two circles of defense, and pristine gardens. The wooden Ninomaru Palace is stunning. Admission is 600 yen.
3. Goddess of Mercy Statue: This 24-meter high war memorial, built in 1955, commemorates those who died during the Pacific War. The site includes small shrines and about 10 Buddhas inside the statue. Entrance costs 300 yen, including incense sticks for prayers.
4. Gion District: Known as the Geisha district, Gion is a place you’ll likely visit. You might spot an authentic Geiko or Maiko. The area is full of temples, shrines, cafes, restaurants, teahouses, and shops.
5. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): One of Kyoto’s most popular sites, this zen temple dates back to 1397. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf, and the ashes of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, are said to be stored inside. Admission is 400 yen.
6. Kamogawa River: Escape the hustle and enjoy a walk along the riverbanks. The paths are great for jogging, biking, or walking, and there are many nearby restaurants offering scenic views.
7. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Though we weren’t overly impressed, it’s a popular attraction. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and you might capture some serene moments. Nearby, you’ll find the historical Togetsukyo Bridge and % Arabica Coffee shop.
8. Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates marking the entrance to a shrine, this site offers a hike with spectacular views. The round trip hike takes about three hours. Entrance is free.
Kyoto offers endless attractions, so five days won’t cover them all. Other notable sites include Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Arashiyama neighborhood. Renting a bicycle is an inexpensive and fun way to explore the city.
Getting around Kyoto is easy, whether by foot, bike, train, or bus. The downtown area is a central place to stay, providing easy access to bars, restaurants, and popular sightseeing spots.
Kyoto is particularly popular during Cherry Blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (October to December, peaking mid-November). Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit during these periods. We stayed at Piece Hostel Kyoto, conveniently located near the main train station, and highly recommend it for its cleanliness, amenities, and helpful staff.
Kyoto boasts over 13,000 restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Kyo Chabana: Known for Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with ingredients of your choice.
2. Honke Owariya: Serving authentic soba (buckwheat noodles).
3. Menya Iroha: Located on Ramen Street in Kyoto Train Station, this award-winning spot is great for spicy ramen.
4. Sushisei Sushi: Affordable, no-frills conveyor belt sushi.
5. % Arabica Coffee: Near Fushimi Inari, this cafe offers tasty and affordable coffee.
6. Gyoza No Ohsho: A fusion of Chinese and Japanese food with delicious and affordable dumplings.
Transportation in Kyoto is efficient and varied. Options include bicycles, buses, subways, taxis, and trains. Several transportation passes are available, such as the ICOCA IC Card, Kansai One Pass, Kyoto Sightseeing Card, Kyoto Subway One Day Card, and Kyoto One Day Bus Card.
We found walking and biking the most convenient for our stay. Public transport and the JR Rail Pass were useful for reaching farther destinations like Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari.
Kyoto surprised us with its beauty and vibrant culture. Spending at least four nights in the city is recommended to truly experience its wonders. The residents were friendly and welcoming, making our trip even more enjoyable. We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Kyoto. Happy travels!