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Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Kyoto [2025]
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Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train
4.4
/5
1190 reviews
8.5
From £4.48
Based on 940 reviews
Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao | 8 km from downtown
Address: Saga Tenryuji Kurumamichicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8373 Kyoto Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
25-minute drive for stunning views
Cherry blossom (spring) & foliage (fall)
Saved by 3099 users865 positive reviews
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Before the Qingming holiday this year, I took a day trip to Kansai, Japan, in late March and early April. I chose to take the subway from the city to Madiku Station. I walked for a few minutes to Kagooka Station. I booked a one-way ticket for the small train in Trip.com in advance. I specially set this semi-open carriage. From Guigang Station, pass Baojin Gorge, and finally get off at Lushan Station. This season, the cherry blossoms 🌸 are opening, and you can experience the pleasant scenery along the way. I imagine how dreamy the cherry blossoms are when they are in full bloom.
it was touching!) a very beautiful route, totally worth the money spent on the ticket) at the final station we bought souvenirs, walked around the town of Kameoka)
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4.7
/5
3338 reviews
8.0
Based on 11,779 reviews
Gion/Kiyomizu Temple | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-551-1234
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Spring Outings
Highlights:
Kyoto's cherry blossoms & foliage
World Cultural Heritage
Saved by 2794 users1065 positive reviews
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Get off the bus nearby and walk uphill to the temple. It is quite large, the outer side is free, and the inner side is charged. The ticket price is not expensive. You can beat the chimes, but you need to queue up. You can overlook the panoramic view of Kyoto City when you walk to the top of the mountain. There are some other views when you walk down. Then you will reach Nisakame and Sansakame.
Conan camera position at Kiyomizu Temple. Every time there are quite a lot of people coming to Kiyomizu Temple, it can be said to be the most popular attraction in Kyoto. The scenery is still very good. Several of the same scenes in Detective Conan must be checked in. If the weather is good, it is still very photogenic.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha
4.7
/5
2230 reviews
7.6
Based on 25,039 reviews
5 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-641-7331
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.4 of Night Attractions in Kyoto
Highlights:
Fox statues & unique charms
View Kyoto cityscape
Saved by 2672 users842 positive reviews
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🌟 June Kyoto Fushimi Inari-Daesha Travel Review 🌸-🏛️ Historical and cultural heritage: Fushimi Inari-Daesha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, serving the Inari-Daesha, symbolizing the prosperity of agriculture and commerce. The history of the shrine dates back to 711 and is the center of Japan's Inari faith. -🎨 Unique architectural style: The architectural style of the shrine is simple and elegant, and the building gate is donated by Toyoson Sugiyoshi. It is the oldest and largest building in Kyoto. -🌿 Beautiful natural landscape: Qianben Bird House is an iconic attraction of Fushimi Inari Dashe. The scarlet Bird House arranged along the mountain road has more than 10,000 seats, forming a mysterious passage, suitable for taking pictures and punching in. -🎭 Rich cultural experience: You can buy souvenirs such as Yushou, fox masks and other souvenirs to experience the traditional Japanese culture. You can also rent kimonos at Omotesando to experience the traditional Japanese style. -🎫 Tickets are free: no tickets are required, but the business hours of Yushou sales office are 08:30-16:30. -🍖 Rich food around: There are many restaurants and food stalls nearby, you can taste specialties such as Inari Sushi, Fox Udon Noodles, Soybean Powder Ice Cream. -🚗 Convenient transportation: Located in the center of Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line to "Inari Station" or Keihan Main Line to "Fushimi Inari Station", within walking distance. 🎉 Summary: Fushimi Inari Daisha is an iconic attraction in Kyoto, famous for its spectacular Thousand Birds. June is a pleasant time to travel.
One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, the main deity is Inari, who is in charge of harvest, business prosperity, and family safety. Behind the shrine, there are thousands of vermilion torii gates stretching to the top of the mountain, which is a representative landscape of Kyoto.
When I came at around 1pm, there were a lot of tourists. There were many shops at the door where you could change into kimonos. There were a lot of young men and women wearing kimonos. There were not many cherry blossoms in mid-April. Thousand Torii Gates⛩️In fact, it is easier to take pictures when you walk inside with fewer people.
If you just want to take a quick walk, there is still a mountain to climb behind, and you still have some time. You can overlook the panoramic view of Kyoto from the mountain.
No.
4
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Arashiyama
4.7
/5
2600 reviews
7.5
Based on 6,825 reviews
Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao | 9.2 km from downtown
Phone +81-75-2224130
Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 6-8 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Rafting through picturesque canyons
Cherry blossom (spring) & maple (fall)
Saved by 2507 users1630 positive reviews
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Located in the northwest of Kyoto City, on the eastern edge of the Tanba Plateau, it is known as the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Kyoto".
There are: Sagano Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Park (consisting of Kameyama, Nakanoshima, and Rinchuan Temple, with red pines, cherry trees, maple trees, etc., as well as facilities such as squares, rest areas, and observatories.), Tenryuji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine and other shrines. There is also Iwatayama Monkey Park.
It was a resort for aristocrats in the Heian period, became a center for temples and shrines in the Edo period, and gradually became a tourist destination after the Meiji Restoration.
◦ You can take the Sagano sightseeing train: it runs along the Hozugawa Valley, a total of 7.3 kilometers, about 25 minutes one way, and you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons.
◦ Hozugawa rafting cruise: you can experience it in Kameoka, crossing the Aoyama Gorge to reach the Togetsukyo Bridge, the ticket price is 4,100 yen for adults.
I actually felt that it was okay after a tour, especially compared with the famous rivers and mountains in my country, the scenery is more delicate, and there is nothing special about it.
Arashiyama has mountains, water and history. It has always been a place for leisure in Kyoto. It goes without saying that there are many temples and shrines with their own characteristics. My favorite is the water lanterns and the lighting of large characters during the Obon Festival, which is like a dream back to the Sui and Tang dynasties. The small pavilion beside the Togetsukyo Bridge is also my favorite. After riding a 10-kilometer bicycle path in Kyoto Nara, I can drink water and look at the scenery to relieve my fatigue.
No.
5
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Gion
4.8
/5
7793 reviews
7.5
Gion | 1.2 km from downtown
Phone +81-75-5312288
Address: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-2 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Geishas in kimonos at night
Traditional Kyoto performing arts
Saved by 2425 users7238 positive reviews
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Gion: Geisha Phantom and Capital Meat Mill, Kyoto's most dangerous Ukashi painting Worth going? If it is a dark fairy tale for anatomizing Japanese aesthetics, it is worth it! But under the slabs of every flower see the path, there is a tourist IQ tax this is the Disneyland of Geisha culture, and you are a humanoid cash machine. Hardcore truth: blood on the strings of three flavors and gold chemical warfare on the neck of prostitutes: white powder is not the legendary "swan neck", but the scar of fire cotton rubber burning - traditional geisha needs glue to stretch the straight neck. The flower season girl kneels before sitting in the mirror at 3 am, scraping the skin texture with a brush bone knife, just for the first glimpse of0.5 seconds in your lens at dusk. The atonement coupon system of Yili Tea House: ￥300,000/night private banquet behind the curtain, not drinking wine but class sacrifice. But when the tatami black grid was opened, the contract signed by the Meiji female traveler slept with the credit card bill this morning. The 100-year exploitation never evolved, only changed the payment method. The physical scam of the Yaota Shadow: The net red photographer will not say: the best seat is on the top of the distribution box in Chenxu Daming Shenhou Lane. Even darker is the tower lighting sponsored by Sharp, the LED color temperature is adjusted with the new mobile phone products in the season - faith was colored by capital early. Shichuandi's Saibo torture device: stone steps installed pressure sensors, when the crowd is overloaded trigger hidden spray device (officially called "humidification system"). Your kimono is wet by water mist "poetry", which is really a sewer strategy for big data to disperse the flow of people. Anti-harvest survival guide (more important than booking Kaiseki) Morning attack ghost theater: 5:00 squat to guard the Kion Garden A-bu song and dance practice venue **back door, watch makeup remover dance prostitute eye bruise riding a shared bicycle home 6:30 Suddenly into the ** Jianren Temple ** abbot garden, the sand sound of the monks sweeping the fallen leaves is the real "Kyoto sound" Midnight secret path unlocked: - 22:00 to touch the black into the **New Bridge Shirakawa **No-entry area (Google Maps 33.995 °N, 135.768 °E), 100 years of chimney reflection in the water like a giant harp - Every Friday garbage day, Inoue wine is made in the back alley to throw away the wine cellar, and dig out the yeast brewed with Geisha lipid with bare hands fatal peaking technique: - Rainstorm night holding a transparent umbrella to stand at the Yasaka Shrine, watching Zhu Lantern dizzy in the rain curtain blood mist - geisha heraldic day on the 10th of each month, tracking the delivery of kimono trucks to the Xizhen weaving workshop, picking up gold thread debris under the tailor's knife Magic reality storm When you pick up matcha ice in the tea dumpling road, Outside the window, "geisha" suddenly took off the wig set - that is a disguised part-time job for Ukrainian students with an hourly salary. What's even more absurd is the flower-seeing trail vending machine: you can get a "geisha breathing air tank" when you put it in ￥5000, and scan the code to show the composition table
Kyoto feels that the place is not big. From Kiyomizu Temple to the three-year-old two-year-old, and then to the Huajian Road, passing by the Gion Yasaka Shrine, it is okay to stroll around. The lanterns and buildings are quite distinctive. I also photographed the door of the same seat in Conan.
No.
6
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Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
4.7
/5
686 reviews
7.3
Based on 7 reviews
Gion | 2 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-222-3397
Address: 2-chome, Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0826, Kyoto Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Kiyomizu Temple's panoramic city view
Ghibli souvenir shop "Donguri no Mori"
Saved by 1755 users266 positive reviews
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Go here if you want to explore street food in Kyoto. These two alleys have food stalls and restaurants to fill your cravings for dango, daigaku, kobe beef, wagyu burger, matcha ice cream, etc.It's a good sidetrip when you're going to Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Koshindo Temple.
Conan's camera location is Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka. It is very close to Kiyomizu Temple and there are always a lot of people there. The place is not big and you can walk around it quickly. There are many interesting small shops, restaurants and snacks. There is a soba noodle shop that I ate at that was quite good.
No.
7
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Nijō Castle
4.7
/5
1941 reviews
7.0
Based on 7,135 reviews
Nijo Castle | 1.8 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-841-0096
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Spring Outings
Highlights:
Cherry blossoms & maple leaves
World Cultural Heritage
Saved by 1041 users1035 positive reviews
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Riding a small bicycle from the four Hilton, I saw the rainbow, there was a delicious izakaya on the side, drinking to the micro-choke, waiting for the dark, night tour of the castle of the general of the Shofu, the light and shadow feast is worth the fare
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan, showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Here's a detailed description:*Architecture*1. *Main Keep (Donjon)*: Five-story, 32.9-meter-tall structure with a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.2. *Ninomaru Palace*: Intricately decorated with traditional Japanese art, featuring "nightingale floors" that squeak when walked upon.3. *Kuroshoin*: A beautifully designed study and reception room.4. *Seiryuen Garden*: A tranquil garden with walking paths and scenic views.5. *Togetsukyo Bridge*: A scenic bridge over the castle moat.6. *Stone walls and moats*: Well-preserved feudal-era defenses.*Gardens*1. *Karesansui Garden*: A beautiful Zen garden with raked gravel and stones.2. *Seiryuen Garden*: A tranquil garden with walking paths and scenic views.3. *Ninomaru Garden*: A traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and teahouses.*Interior*1. *Intricate woodwork*: Elaborate carvings and ornate details adorn the ceilings, walls, and floors.2. *Traditional Japanese art*: Beautiful frescoes, paintings, and decorative screens.3. *Nightengale Floors*: Squeaky flooring designed to alert guards of intruders.*Historical Significance*1. Built in 1603 for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.2. Served as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.3. Played a key role in Japan's Edo period (1603-1867).*Visitor Information*1. *Address*: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto2. *Opening Hours*: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)3. *Admission*: ¥600 (adults), ¥350 (high school students), ¥200 (elementary/junior high students)4. *Access*: Kyoto Station (JR), then bus #50 or subway (Tozai Line)*Tips*1. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.2. Audio guides available in multiple languages.3. Photography allowed, but flash and tripods restricted.4. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies held periodically.
No.
8
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Kinkaku-ji
4.7
/5
2678 reviews
7.0
Based on 17,435 reviews
Ohara/Kibune/Kurama | 4.7 km from downtown
Phone +81 75 4610013
Address: 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Fall Viewing Attractions
Highlights:
Japanese architectural masterpiece
Maple (fall) & snow (winter)
Saved by 1559 users817 positive reviews
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-🏛️ Historical and cultural heritage: Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most famous attractions in Kyoto, officially known as "Luyuan Temple", and is a Zen monastery. Its history dates back to 1397 and was built by the third generation of the Mushi Shogun General Akihito, and is one of the representative buildings of the Japanese Mitsubishi era. -🎨 Unique architectural style: The exterior of the Kinkaku Temple is decorated with gold foil, shining in the sun, complementing the surrounding mirror lake pool and natural landscape, and is a model for the harmonious integration of traditional Japanese architecture and nature. -🌿 Beautiful natural landscape: the mirror lake pool is crystal clear, and the Jinge Temple reflects it, forming a beautiful picture. The garden is shaded by trees and the scenery is different in the four seasons. It is June, and it is early summer and it is full of greenery. -🎭 Rich cultural experience: There are not only the Kinkaku Temple itself, but also the Sheli Temple, Longmen Waterfall, Anminze and other attractions in the temple, you can learn more about Japanese Zen culture. -🎫 Ticket prices are reasonable: tickets are 400 yen, student tickets are 300 yen, cost-effective. -🍖 Rich food around: There are many restaurants and food stalls nearby, you can taste specialties such as matcha ice cream and Kyoto cuisine. -🚗 Convenient transportation: Located in the center of Kyoto, take Kyoto City Bus No. 101 or 205 to the "Kinkakujiji Road" station, within walking distance. 🎉 Summary: Kinkakuji is an iconic attraction in Kyoto, both in architecture and gardens. It is a good time to travel in June, with a pleasant climate.
Kinkaku Temple, in Kyoto City, Honshu, Japan, built on a small lake in Beishan. Because the exterior of the building is known as Jinyu, it is also known as Kagoya Temple. It is a famous Buddhist holy place in Japan. It is worth visiting.
No.
9
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Kyoto Railway Museum
4.8
/5
233 reviews
6.8
From £7.64
Based on 743 reviews
Kyoto City Centre | 3.6 km from downtown
Phone +81-570-080462
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Kyoto
Highlights:
Experience train work simulator fun
Train driven by a steam locomotive
Saved by 450 users206 positive reviews
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The Kyoto Railway Museum is simply amazing! As soon as I entered, the retro and modern blended design took me down. Super rich exhibits, from ancient steam locomotives to Shinkansen models, have everything. The interactive experience area is full of fun, and the children have a super fun. The staff is warm and professional, although I don’t understand, but I feel that science is in place, super suitable for children to increase knowledge
The railway museum is really interesting. Compared with the domestic ones, there are many places to operate. Everyone will consciously queue up and the experience will be better. Driving the Shinkansen requires an appointment one day in advance, and the children like it very much.
No.
10
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Rurikō-in Temple
4.4
/5
155 reviews
6.7
Based on 261 reviews
Ohara/Kibune/Kurama | 6.9 km from downtown
Phone +81-75-7814001
Address: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0067, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Fall Viewing Attractions
Highlights:
50-meter wooden pagoda inside
Open during green & red maple seasons
Saved by 704 users42% positive reviews
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Rurikoin is a place in Kyoto that leaves a deep and lasting impression with its serene beauty. When I first stepped through its gate, the tranquility of the garden took my breath away. This is not just a temple—it feels like a space where time itself has stopped. With each step, the gentle rustling of fallen leaves and the distant sound of birds seemed to cleanse my soul.
Kyoto Glass Courtyard is a Zen secret place with beautiful seasons. Spring enjoys new green windows, summer listens to the rain and hits the moss, autumn watches the glass courtyard reflect the red leaves, and winter has snow and air. In the century-old academy, the glass の bed is like a mirror, and the garden view is illusioned as an ink painting, and the light and shadow flow between Zen. Sitting and copying scriptures, enjoying tea and watching the scenery, the hustle and bustle are scattered. It is recommended to visit in late autumn. When the maple forest is soaked, the courtyard is a poem one step at a time. You need to make an appointment in advance to avoid the crowds to immerse yourself in the beauty of silence. A must-visit place in Kyoto, a double pilgrimage between the lens and the soul.
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