Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

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A pathway flanked by tall green bamboo stalks.
A traditional Japanese temple with red and white structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of visitors.
A busy indoor public space with multiple levels, escalators, and glass railings.
A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, wooden beams, and a small balcony.
Wooden containers with numbered labels, filled with various items like chopsticks, keys, and small decorative objects.

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 {1413 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.

Things to do

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

$75
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental with Optional Photo Session

Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental

$28
per adult
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

$94
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

$51
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour
Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

$22
per adult
Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera
Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto

Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto

$24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

$120
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories
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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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A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

2. 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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A red torii gate with stone lion statues on either side, leading to a shrine with a red roof.

3. 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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A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

4. 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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A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

5. 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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A traditional Japanese building with a stone wall and a canal reflecting the structure.

6. 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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A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by a tranquil pond, with reflections of the structure and surrounding trees.

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

Nishiki Market

8.8/10 (4,133 reviews)
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.
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Where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture

Find the best Kyoto Prefecture areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kyoto Prefecture
Learn more about Kyoto Prefecture
A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and people walking.

Gion

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

Shimogyo Ward

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs.

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.

A traditional Chinese dragon dance with performers in blue patterned costumes on a decorated platform.
Photo by Alexander Hagseth
Open Photo by Alexander Hagseth

Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

 

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

A traditional Japanese temple with wooden structures and a serene garden.

Toyooka

A serene park with a pond, neatly trimmed bushes, and trees.

Ibaraki

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.

Kyoto

A distillery with large barrels labeled "Whisky Distillery" and "Pot Still Whisky" on display.

Shimamoto

A stone structure with circular depressions in a forested area.

Muko

A lock system with water gates, a bridge, and a modern building with orange and white colors.

Otsu

A pagoda-style tower with a stepped design, surrounded by gravel, trees, and a red bridge.

Uji

A traditional Japanese gate with red and gold accents, surrounded by autumn foliage.

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

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