Summary
If Kyoto is not at the top of your bucket list, it should be. The Japanese city is one of the rare destinations you can count on to constantly exceed the hype built around it. This is not surprising when you consider that walking its streets exposes you to more than a millennium of history, most of which saw Kyoto as Japan’s imperial capital.
As you will discover through the selections below, all of which have earned mentions as the Top 10 things to do in Kyoto, the city is not a mere tourist trap; rather, it is a paradise where you will want to linger far longer than your travel plans allow.
01. Kiyomizu-dera
You might find yourself concerned as you walk the hill up to Kiyomizu-dera, an eighth-century Buddhist temple perched in eastern Kyoto. It is extremely crowded here, rain or shine and at almost all hours.
Once you reach the main viewpoint inside the temple, particularly around sunset, you will understand why this is among Kyoto’s top attractions, making it entirely worth enduring the crowds.
Tip: While Kiyomizu-dera is beautiful year-round, it is especially stunning during spring’s cherry blossoms and autumn’s brilliant colors.
02. Arashiyama
Would you believe that one of Japan’s most picturesque bamboo forests sits within Kyoto’s city limits? You will once you step into Arashiyama, which is less than 30 minutes from Kyoto station by train or bus. Additionally, you enter the forest through the breathtaking Tenryuji Temple, serving as a beautiful gateway to the grove.
03. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Another of Kyoto’s most iconic images is the seemingly endless orange gates that extend up the side of a mountain. This is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose path is actually less than two miles, just in case you’re considering hiking it entirely.
If you’re simply on the hunt for the ultimate Kyoto selfie, you won’t have to walk far from Inari station. After just a few minutes, you will realize why this is one of Kyoto’s top ten attractions!
04. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
While a gold-covered Zen temple has existed at Kinkaku-ji since the mid-15th century, the one you see reflecting on the pond today actually dates back less than 100 years to 1955 when it was rebuilt after arson by a fanatic monk. Like many of Kyoto’s top attractions, the aptly named Golden Pavilion looks stunning no matter when you visit, although the white snows of winter create a beautiful contrast with its shiny exterior.
05. The Philosopher’s Walk
Interestingly, the second-most famous Zen temple in Kyoto is called the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), although it is not visibly silver in color. Though not as stunning as its golden counterpart, the Silver Pavilion sits at the beginning of the Philosopher’s Walk, which may just be Kyoto’s prettiest stroll. If you visit the Silver Pavilion after lunch, you can walk the length of the path before sunset, potentially arriving at Kiyomizu-dera in time to witness the sunset.
06. Gion
Explore Kiyomizu-dera or the nearby district of Gion, which offers several important attractions. Firstly, Gion is your best chance in Kyoto to catch a glimpse of a geisha, although be aware that sightings are quite rare; most you will see are visitors dressed as geishas. Many of these costumes are so convincing that your friends back home might not even notice they’re pretending!
07. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Despite its important name and substantial size, Kyoto Imperial Palace is often overlooked in favor of other attractions. However, it is a worthwhile addition to any Kyoto itinerary, having served as the residence of Japan’s imperial family for over 1,000 years, and is conveniently located near many attractions you are likely to visit.
08. Kyoto Tower
Most of Kyoto’s top attractions are ancient, which isn’t surprising considering the city’s rich history. That said, a visit to the Kyoto Tower is worth considering due to the incredible panoramic views it provides.
Even if you only admire Kyoto Tower from the ground (it looks striking from Kiyomizu-dera!), you can’t miss it as it soars 430 feet into the sky, making it Kyoto’s tallest structure by far.
09. Nijo Castle
Like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle is often overlooked among Kyoto’s attractions. While it may not be as selfie-worthy as Fushimi Inari Shrine or Arashiyama, nor as scenic as the Philosopher’s Walk or Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle is both picturesque and historically significant. Constructed in the early 17th century, it housed the first Shogun of the Edo period, which, ironically, led to the shift of Japan’s capital to Tokyo.
10. Kyoto Station
Similar to Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station is among the newest of Kyoto’s top attractions, with most of the structure having been built after its 1877 opening. Yet, more surprising than its inclusion on this list is the astonishing view from its 15th floor, revealing a building much more futuristic than you would expect from a gateway to such an ancient city as Kyoto.
