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10 Exciting Things to do in Kyoto

Apr 26, 2023by Krystina Quintana

Kyoto remains one of the best places to visit in Japan—a city where ancient traditions meet modern sustainability. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning gardens to food halls and geisha culture, Kyoto offers travelers countless ways to connect with authentic Japanese heritage.

Whether you’re planning a cherry blossom trip, a food adventure, or a cultural escape, here are the top Kyoto attractions to add to your itinerary.

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1. Spend the Day at Nishiki Market

Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market has been feeding locals since the 14th century. Today, it’s a must-visit for food lovers exploring Japanese street food.

Sample pickled vegetables, yuba (tofu skin), wagashi sweets, and flavored rice crackers while strolling past colorful stalls. For a smoother visit, arrive around 10 am before the crowds pour in.

2. View the Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

Springtime brings beautiful cherry blossom blooms (also known as Sakura). If you visit in March or April, you can usually catch the Sakura trees blooming. There are cherry blossom festivals that occur during these months throughout Kyoto City. Expect these events and cherry blossom viewings to be crowded but well worth it.

Some of the best places to view the flowers in Kyoto Prefecture are Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Botanical Garden.

3. Try Your Hand at Kyoto Ceramics

Kyoto is famous for kyo-yaki pottery, a craft developed during its time as Japan’s capital. Book a pottery class in Kyototo learn traditional ceramic-making techniques and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

This immersive activity connects you directly with Kyoto’s artistic heritage—perfect for mindful travelers.

4. Visit the Gion District

If you find geisha and maiko (geisha in training) fascinating, take time to explore the Gion District. This district near the Kamogawa River (aka Kamo River) is one of the only places where geisha still work. You're more likely to see geisha in the evening when they have tea ceremony appointments to attend.

As a reminder, please be respectful of the geisha when you see them by not asking for pictures or swarming around them.

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5. Check Out a Zen Temple

Kyoto is home to iconic Zen Buddhist temples, each offering unique architecture and peaceful gardens. Some top choices for 2025 include:

Tenryu-ji Temple (Arashiyama)
Ryoan-ji Temple (famous rock garden)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (panoramic views)
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

Visiting a temple is a chance to slow down and reflect amid Kyoto’s spiritual history.

6. Don’t Skip the Shrines

400 Shinto god shrines are spread throughout Kyoto. You'll recognize them by their vibrant red torii gates at the entrance. If you're on a tight budget, shrines are a great option, as they're usually free to visit. Here are a few top options:

Yasaka Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine (also known as Fushimi Inari Taisha)

7. Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

One of Kyoto’s most Instagram-famous attractions, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove transports you into a surreal green corridor of towering stalks. Visit early morning for fewer crowds.

Nearby, check out the Kimono Forest art installation for colorful textile displays.

8. Visit the Famous Monkey Park

You’ll find Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama, near the Bamboo Forest. This park is packed with semi-wild Japanese macaques. You’ll need to hike for about 20 minutes to reach a small hut where you can feed the monkeys through a mesh wire.

This park has been around since the 1950s when a Kyoto University scientist began feeding the monkeys for research.

9. Try Local Kyoto Cuisine

You can't visit Kyoto without trying some of the local food. This city is famous for a few items, sake, soba, and tofu. So, make sure you try popular snacks from Kyoto during your visit. If you want to try multiple local restaurants in a short time, head to a food hall. You can find them throughout the city, like at the Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden.

10. See the Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, aka Kyoto Gosho, was home to the royal family until the late 1800s.

This central Kyoto palace in Kyoto Imperial Park includes gardens, halls, and more to explore. You can take a guided tour or stroll the palace grounds on your own.

Bonus Kyoto Attractions

If you have extra time in Kyoto, consider:

Maruyama Park (cherry blossoms)
Kyoto National Museum (art & history)
Kyoto International Manga Museum (pop culture)
Kyoto Tower (city views)

Kyoto Travel Tips: Avoiding Crowds

Kyoto continues to attract millions of visitors yearly. To enjoy a smoother trip:

Visit early (5–8 am) or in the evening.
Plan weekday visits for top attractions.
Explore less popular temples like Daitoku-ji.
Walk or take trains—Kyoto buses are often overcrowded.

Mindful travel is key —help preserve Kyoto’s beauty by being respectful and avoiding overtourism hotspots at peak times.

Experience Kyoto at Home with Bokksu

Prepare your tastebuds for Japanese snacks by ordering a Japanese snack box subscription from Bokksu. Each box has a delicious array of sweet and salty treats shipped directly from Japan. Each box has a monthly theme that explores areas in the country. For example, the March theme box of 2023 was based on the Sakura season in Kyoto. Check out the Bokksu website for more details.