Things to Do in Kyoto

While visiting temples may not be a fun thing to do on many bucket lists, it occupies the top position in the 'things to do in Kyoto City' bucket list by default. Fushimi Inari Taisha and its mesmerising red torii gates are one of the wonderful places in Kyoto to wander around, or one could simply admire the stunning gold-studded Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a pleasure to the eyes and spirit. Displaying spirituality with a side of sight is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, presenting a breathtaking panoramic view of Kyoto. Other temples of significant importance include Ryoan-ji, renowned for its Zen rock garden, which is one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens, and To-ji Temple, which accommodates Japan's tallest five-storey pagoda

Known as Japan’s cultural capital for a reason, Kyoto is the perfect place to experience the true essence of Japan, from Japanese tea ceremonies to geisha performances. Booking a ryokan (traditional inn) with tatami flooring, futon bedding, and kaiseki (multi-course) meals is an interactive and holistic experience, giving you an idea of their culture. Renting and trying on a kimono or yukata while strolling through Kyoto’s dated streets is a well-known pastime. For the meditation devotees, Kennin-ji provides Zazen meditation sessions to experience Buddhist mindfulness.

Kyoto blooms with colourful seasons all year long. The scenery in Kyoto is as colourful and captivating as the vibrant cultural heritage that defines the city. Dotted with baby pink cherry blossoms in spring and a picture-perfect canal along the way is The Philosopher's Path, ideal for a romantic walk. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a place straight out of a fairytale with grand trees soaring majestically to create an otherworldly environment. The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are home to a diverse array of seasonal flowers year-round, while Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama offers the opportunity to observe monkeys in their natural habitat.

Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen", is one of the best spots to try Japanese street food. It is the best place to experiment with Kyoto’s specialities from yuba (tofu skin) and tsukemono (pickled vegetables) to matcha-flavoured sweets. Additionally, for a feast draped with elegance, kaiseki,  a seasonal multi-course meal served in high-end restaurants like Kikunoi, is suggested. The ideal place to slurp a precious and original cup of green tea is Uji, the birthplace of matcha. Sushi is never out of trend, especially in this city with Kyoto-style Sushi prepared with different ingredients, giving it a unique flavour.

If you’re a comic lover, the Kyoto International Manga Museum is a prime destination to add to your anime and Manga Tours in Japan. Additionally, the Samurai and Ninja Experience museum lets guests try on samurai armour and practise sword fighting. The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts brings out the city's renowned artistry by featuring permanent exhibitions of 200 traditional crafts from 74 categories, in textiles, pottery, and lacquerware. Jumping into modernity, The Kyoto Art Center and contemporary galleries like KCUA offer an insight into the city’s modern creative scene, blending tradition with innovation, promoting alumni art, and understanding the evolution of artistic expression.

Activities in Kyoto are mundane yet special. Riding a bicycle while exploring the Kamogawa River Paths or cruising through the quiet streets of Northern Higashiyama gives you peace of mind. Parading through the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge on a rickshaw or Kayaking on Lake Biwa is a unique way to see the surroundings. For people chasing the adrenaline rush, Kyoto’s Kurama and Kibune hiking trail is a stunning forest trek with hidden shrines, mountain hot springs, and small waterfalls. Night owls can take a walking tour in Gion revealing hidden alleys and secret geisha teahouses.

Expensive shopping here in Kyoto is defined by several traditional crafts and unique souvenirs. The Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades feature everything from vintage kimonos to cool street fashion. For locally made charms, Higashiyama District is the place for you, selling Kyoto-style candles and other goods. To-ji temples host an extensive flea market on the 21st of each month displaying antiques, old samurai swords, and rare kimono fabrics.

Amongst all the things to do in Tokyo, Japan, hands-on experiences are the most interactive ones where people can get creative by joining Kyoto’s many craft workshops, which are often included in Kyoto tour packages. Kyo-yaki pottery is where you can paint and glaze your ceramics or learn to make traditional Japanese sweets. The artists can make their way to a Zen Temple to learn Japanese calligraphy and master the brush techniques. Moreover, gold leaf decoration workshops let you add shimmering details to chopsticks or accessories.