We’ve found some of the best hotels and things to do in Kyoto. From traditional sites to fun activities, bookmark this guide to start adding to your Kyoto bucket list!
Travelling to Japan? Before we delve right into the best things to do in Kyoto, along with the best Kyoto hotels to stay at, here’s what Kyoto’s really about: Kyoto is known as the cultural heart of Japan, where tradition meets modernity in a seamless blend. It’s located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu and was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years.
The rich history has left the city with a whole wealth of cultural heritage, being home to over 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – with temples and palaces that were once home to shoguns (Japanese military rulers) and traditional streets lined with well-preserved shophouses and stores.
If you’re looking to dive into the cultural essence of Japan, with a unique modern twist, then Kyoto is the city to visit!
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Best Kyoto Hotels:
Searching for accommodations? To make your trip planning even more seamless, we’ve found some of the best hotels in Kyoto to meet all your travelling needs.
For the traditional Ryokan experience: Hiiragiya Ryokan
Image credits: Conde Nast Traveller
There are plenty of ryokans to choose from while in Kyoto, but the Hiiragiya Ryokan is one of Kyoto’s most prestigious ryokans that offer an authentic experience with tatami mat rooms, futons and exquisite kaiseki cuisine. Stays can be pretty pricey, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for the full ryokan experience.
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Address: Nakahakusancho, Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8094, Japan
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Hiiragiya Ryokan here.
For the grad trip that’s finally happening: Sakura Terrace The Gallery
Image credits: Sakura Terrace The Gallery
A stylish yet affordable option, Sakura Terrace The Gallery is a great choice for friend groups travelling on a budget. There are rooming options for guests looking for something simple and affordable, and for those that want a bit more space and luxury. The hotel is located right by Kyoto Station and you can have a luxurious breakfast buffet spread at ¥2300 (~S$20.80) per pax
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Address: 39 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto 601-8015, Japan
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Sakura Terrace The Gallery here.
For a romantic getaway: Hoshinoya Kyoto
Image credits: Conde Nast Traveller
Parked along the beautiful Oi River, Hoshinoya Kyoto is the perfect retreat for couples looking to take things slow and enjoy the serenity of nature. There are different activities you can opt for like traditional boat rides, flower arrangement, morning meditation or even a digital detox stay – perfect for lovebirds looking for a beautiful getaway
Best Deal: Get 7% off with Agoda on YouTrip Perks
Address: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0007, Japan
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Hoshinoya Kyoto here.
For the solo-travellers: Nine Hours Kyoto
Image credits: Nine Hours Kyoto
If you’re travelling on your own, check out the futuristic Nine Hours Kyoto Hotel that’ll help you save costs on accommodations while staying right in the heart of Gion. Each room can sleep up to two and is separated by gender. There aren’t many amenities but you will have all you need for a great nine hours of rest.
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Address: 588 Teianmaenocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8036, Japan
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about Nine Hours Kyoto here.
For families with young children: The Thousand Kyoto
Image credits: Kyoto Insider
The Thousand Kyoto is a family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and modern amenities and is located right by Kyoto Station. Its great location is the draw for families so that you can explore the city while having easy access to the hotel as and when you feel like heading back. There are also different dining options and a garden within the hotel’s premises to make things easy and chill.
Best Deal: Get up to 15% cashback with Booking.com on YouTrip Perks
Address: 570 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8216, Japan
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Find out more about The Thousand Kyoto here.
Overview: The Best Things To Do In Kyoto
Here’s an overview of what to do in Kyoto for easy reference:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kinkaku-Ji
- Nijo Castle
- Kyoto Tower
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Kyoto Railway Museum
- ShinPuhKan Mall
- Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
- Nishiki Market
- Hanami Koji
- Arashiyama Itsukichaya
- Honke Owariya Soba
Read on for more details 👇
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Known for the scenic hike lined with thousands of red torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine that’s located on the top of Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and is known to have been around since 794 AD.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
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2. Kinkaku-Ji
Image credits: Maikoya
The stunning Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its top two floors which are covered in gold leaves and an icon of Kyoto. The Kinkaku-Ji temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens that date back to when the temple was first built before 1408. The place was initially the home of a shogun until he passed away and the grounds were rebuilt as a Zen temple of the Rinzai Sect, a great place for history buffs and those interested in the history of shoguns.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Admission Fee: ¥400 (~S$3.60)
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3. Nijo Castle
Image credits: Japan Today
The Nijo Castle was built back in 1603 as the home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. It was kept within the family but was later used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1994. One of the features of the castle is its nightingale floors, a precautionary measure against intruders to protect the shogun.
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301
Opening Hours: 8:45 AM – 5 PM
Admission Fee: ¥1030 (~S$9.30)
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4. Kyoto Tower
Image credits: Klook
Offering panoramic views of the city, the Kyoto Tower is one of the greatest icons in the whole of Kyoto. Learn more about the city’s geography and get a bird’s eye view of the city from 131m up in the air. While the observation deck is the highlight of the tower, there are also shops and dining options within the compounds.
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Admission Price: ¥900 (~S$8.10)
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5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Image credits: snow monkey resorts
Another one of Kyoto’s icons is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a forest lined with bamboo trees that gives you the surreal feeling of being transported into a different dimension. It may not sound like much, but the tranquillity of the forest is something you must experience for yourself while in Japan.
Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007
Opening Hours: 24 hours
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6. Kyoto Railway Museum
Image credits: joprimsa.com
Japan is well-known for its modern and extensive railway systems. At the Kyoto Railway Museum, you’ll get to discover the history of Japan’s train systems and see all 53 railway vehicles that have been adapted through the years. You’ll even get to see a life-sized Thomas the Train car that has been parked within the museum’s premises.
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission Price: ¥1200 (~S$10.80)
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7. ShinPuhKan Mall
Image credits: gltjp.com
ShinPuhKan is a new re-imagined shopping mall housed within a restored historical building that was built back in 1926. The layout of the mall includes portions of the original building restored and a newer annexe so the whole complex looks historical yet modern at the same time, making it one of the must-see places in Kyoto. There are boutiques, a cinema and countless dining options, as well as a hotel all located within the complex.
Address: 586-2 Kakimotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0915, Japan
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
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8. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Image credits: Japan Web Magazine
Step back into the olden days of Kyoto and take a stroll along old cobblestone streets that lead down from the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. The streets are lined with restored traditional shophouses with shops selling sweets, traditional crafts, food and souvenirs that will give you a taste of Japan back in 808 AD.
Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan
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9. Nishiki Market
Image credits: No Destinations
Nishiki Market, affectionately known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ is a five-block long shopping street that is home to more than a hundred shops and restaurants. There are plenty of things to appreciate and try, from fresh seafood, to local produce, kitchenware and knives. Some shops serve free samples for you to try, and there are also a few restaurants and food stands for you to try local dishes.
The sheer number of stores can get pretty overwhelming, so you might want to consider going on a food tour, where a local guide will introduce you to some of the best food stores within the market. Remember to use your YouTrip card while booking your tour to get up to 5% cashback on Klook!
Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM(Varies by store)
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10. Hanami Koji
Image credits: Getty Images
Hanami Koji is the main hanamachi street within the Gion district that is distinctly known for its wooden Machiya houses and glimpse into the traditional streets of Kyoto. Many of the Machiya houses are home to Ochaya (tea houses) and high-end traditional restaurants. At night, the street is lit with lanterns and a bustle of activity as locals and tourists flock to the area to try and spot geishas and maikos getting from one place to another clad in traditional dress.
Address: JHanamikoji Street, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
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11. Arashiyama Itsukichaya
Image credits: Table Check
For an authentic dining experience, check out Arashiyama Itsukichaya, a charming teahouse that offers Japanese dishes like crispy tempura, sea cream shabu and wagyu rice bowls, carefully plated with attention to the finest details. It’s a whole new experience having a meal so carefully prepared and plated against the beautiful backdrop of the Katsura River.
Make sure to have a reservation as the restaurant is often fully booked.
Address: 1-1 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0006, Japan
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Make reservations at Itsuki Chaya Arashiyama Honten here.
12. Honke Owariya Soba
Image credits: Honke Owariya
Honke-Owariya is Kyoto’s oldest soba restaurant that was first founded as a confectionary shop back in 1465 in the middle of the Edo Period. The business then expanded into a soba noodle shop, serving orders from the Imperial Family and Zen Temples back in the day. Be sure to try their classic Ho-Rai Soba and to end your meal with their signature Sobamochi.
Address: 322 Niomontsukinukecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0841, Japan
Opening Hours: 11 AM -3 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto 2024: Make reservations at Honke Owariya here.
Experience the cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto!
There’s so much to see and do while in Japan! We’ve found the best time to visit Japan and all you can do each month. And if you’re looking to make more than one stop, here’s the ultimate 14-day itinerary that’s all planned out for you so you don’t have to.
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