Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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 {1253 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

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

$30
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
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 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

$98
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
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 Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

$63
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

$351
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

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

$60
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

$65
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

$27
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket
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Most popular activities in Kyoto Prefecture

Tours & day trips

See all 1048 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 170 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $117 per adult
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 426 activities
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 162 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $98 per adult
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic ExperienceOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 272 activities
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 201 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $93 per adult
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya ShrineOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 86 activities
Osaka: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple Half-Day Tour

Osaka: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple Half-Day Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
Osaka: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple Half-Day TourOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 35 activities
Kyoto: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Geisha

Kyoto: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Geisha

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 97 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
Kyoto: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & GeishaOpens 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!

 

 

Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions

A brightly lit urban street at night with illuminated buildings and a tree-lined sidewalk.

Kawaramachi Street

8.8/5 (5,318 reviews)
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Kawaramachi Street, a favorite shopping spot in Kyoto. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
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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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center. 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 Kawaramachi Street and Sumiya Pleasure House. 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 Kawaramachi Street or ShinPuhKan Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan 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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