Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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 {750 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.

Most popular activities in Kyoto Prefecture

Tours & day trips

See all 596 activities
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 132 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $129 per adult
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 251 activities
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $490 per traveler*
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 133 activities
Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto

Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $109 per adult
Kendo and samurai experience in KyotoOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 48 activities
Cycling in Kyoto

Cycling in Kyoto

Activity duration is 4 hours
Price is $10 per adult
Cycling in KyotoOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 15 activities
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $122 per adult
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural AssetOpens in new tab

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

On my way to Minoo Koen, saw this Buddist ceremony. 'Twas an offertory religious chanting. Quite impressive to see as they make a huge makeshift of bonfire.

Rurikei Onsen

Rurikei Onsen is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Nantan. Discover the area's hot springs and mountain views.

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

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.

Kiyomizu Temple
Nishiki Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

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.

Nishiki Market
Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring interior views and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto Tower

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 Tower
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.

Nijō Castle
Kinkaku-ji Temple

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace

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.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Springtime in Kyoto's Gion district. #asia #japan #kyoto #gion #sakura #streetphotography #travel

Shijo Street

During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Shijo Street

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kyoto Prefecture

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond

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. 

Central Kyoto
Gion which includes cycling, street scenes and night scenes

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.

Gion
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.

Shimogyo Ward
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 Museum of Kyoto and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
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.

Higashiyama Ward
Central Kyoto

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. 

Karasuma

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kyoto Prefecture

Izushi Shrine which includes heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Toyooka

Photo by Breathing Means More

Ibaraki

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Kyoto

Photo by Cathy Fuentes

Shimamoto

Photo by Therese Foley

Muko

Lake Biwa Canal featuring a river or creek

Otsu

Uji

Uji

Photo "Yawata" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Yawata

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture on a sunny day?
What to do in Kyoto Prefecture on a rainy day?
What is Kyoto Prefecture famous for?
Decisions, decisions — there are plenty to make in Kyoto Prefecture, such as which of these iconic attractions to see first:

  • Kiyomizu Temple
  • Nijō Castle
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace

What should I not miss in Kyoto Prefecture?
If you're eager to explore the best of this place, find time for these attractions in your itinerary:

  • Kyoto Tower
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Heian Shrine
  • Sanjusangendo Temple

Are there cheap things to do in Kyoto Prefecture?
If you're on a shoestring budget, consider adding the following affordable tours and activities to your itinerary:


What can you do in Kyoto Prefecture for free?
You'll hardly have time to grab your wallet out of your bag with so many incredible free things to do:

  • Nishiki Market
  • Shijo Omiya
  • Pontocho
  • Yuhigaura Hot Springs