10 TOP Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture (2026 Activity Guide)

Kyōto featuring hiking or walking, a park and landscape views

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, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes markets

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Most popular experiences in Kyoto Prefecture

Tours & day trips

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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Free cancellation available

Nara Early Bird Tour (Kyoto Departure Option Available)

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Lunch

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Kyoto: Casual Tea Ceremony in 100-Year-Old Machiya House

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Shows & concerts

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Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Free cancellation available

What to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Popular places to visit

Kiyomizu Temple

4.5/5(157 reviews)

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.

Nishiki Market

4.5/5(50 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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

4.5/5(249 reviews)

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, château or palace and a pond

Nijō Castle

4.5/5(81 reviews)

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

Kinkaku-ji Temple

3.5/5(2 reviews)

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 Imperial Palace

4.5/5(115 reviews)

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 Tower

4/5(117 reviews)

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

Pontocho Alley

During your visit to Kyoto, you can enjoy retail therapy at Pontocho Alley. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Yasaka Shrine

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.

Areas of Kyoto Prefecture

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 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(46 area reviews)

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

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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.

Kyōto showing mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Teramachi Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Kyōto featuring forest scenes, landscape views and a garden

Arashiyama

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.

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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