Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

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Kyoto Prefecture Travel Guide

Kyōto featuring landscape views, a garden and forest scenes

Yasaka Shrine featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Kyōto showing interior views and a city as well as a large group of people

Tofukuji Temple showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes markets

Kyoto Prefecture Attractions

With so many amazing things to do in Kyoto Prefecture, you may need to consider staying an extra day or two. From excellent excursions to unforgettable tourist attractions, you'll feel like you've hit the sightseeing jackpot. Come up with a must-do list and embrace new adventures!

Explore the best sights in Kyoto Prefecture with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {1067 fun activities in Kyoto Prefecture fun activities in Kyoto Prefecture}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

Kyoto Prefecture must see attractions

1. Nishiki Market

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.

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2. Kiyomizu Temple

Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.

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Kiyomizu Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travelers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.

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Fushimi Inari Shrine showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

4. Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.

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Nijo Castle which includes a small town or village, a castle and heritage architecture

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, this one is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.

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The first time I heard about Kinkaku-ji Temple was in 2012 when I was reading The Temple of the Golden Pavilionby Yukio Mishima. This great novel depicts the incident where a young Buddhist acolyte burned the Golden Pavilion back in 1950. Since then I fell in love with it and put it on my bucket list (I recommend reading the book though).
#Japan #discovery #architecture #kyoto #trover #gold #missions #lifeatexpedia

6. Kyoto Tower

The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.

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What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Free Things to Do in Kyoto

Vacationing in Kyoto on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Zohiko Urushi Art Museum - Find out if there are any special exhibitions or tours on at this museum.

Kyoto Art Center - This is a must-visit for culture vultures looking to add an artistic flourish to their trip.

Mirei Shigemori Residence - If you're curious about times gone by, this is one attraction you really should visit.

Okazaki Park - This bustling place is much loved by visitors and locals alike.

Takaragaike Park - Find a place to sit and enjoy the feeling of calm that comes with being around water.

Shiori-an - Chat to a local resident and learn why many sightseers stop to visit this place.

Goo Shrine - Take some time for a bit of prayer or meditation at this tranquil spiritual site.

Keage Incline - Kick back and let nature's rugged beauty here quieten your mind.

Funaokayama Park - If you enjoy working in your garden, this attraction will captivate your green thumb.

Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture with Kids

There are lots of memorable experiences in Kyoto Prefecture that the entire gang will enjoy. These are some of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kyoto Prefecture? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kyoto Prefecture

Nishiki Market

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

Kiyomizu Temple

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

Nijo Castle featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a pond

Nijō Castle

Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Kyoto Tower

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.

Pontocho Alley

During your visit to Kyoto, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pontocho Alley. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a stroll or a bicycle ride through this sublime forest to experience the otherworldly tranquility created by filtered sunlight and rustling bamboo leaves.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto Prefecture

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(1,806 area reviews)

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

Gion

5/5(208 area reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

Kyoto Tower featuring a city, a high rise building and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

Discover bustling Shijō Street's shopping district and explore attractions like Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Railway Museum. Easily navigate the area from Kyoto Station, a major transport hub.

Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or GEAR - Art Complex 1928 and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Traditional-style buildings and protected status define this part of Kyoto, with entertainment in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Must-see attractions include Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.

Karasuma

Experience sensory delights at the Kitchen of Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, take an art class and visit a sacred temple in this central neighborhood.

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