Things to do in Muko

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Therese Foley
Photo by Therese Foley
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Top places to visit

1. 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, drawing millions of visitors a 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 featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

2. 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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Kyoto_NishikiMarket_6258971_08

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 travellers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine featuring religious elements 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 river or creek, a small town or village and a garden

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the temple’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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Stairs up to mountain and maple tree in Japan. Stairs in Park at Kinkaku-ji Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

What to do in Muko

Popular places to visit

Kiyomizu Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
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.

Nijō Castle
Kinkaku-ji Temple

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace

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 Imperial Palace
Kyoto Tower

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.

Kyoto Tower
Pontocho Alley

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.

Pontocho Alley
Shijo Street

Shijo Street

4/5(1 review)

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

Shijo Street

 

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

Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

Is Muko worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of great things to do in Muko. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Muko?
Once you've visited top attractions like Arashiyama Onsen and Keage Incline, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Muko.
What is the top tourist attraction in Muko?
You can't leave without exploring Arashiyama Onsen, ranked the top tourist attraction in Muko.
Is three days enough to stay in Muko?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden with a three-day stay in Muko. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Kyoto.
Is Muko a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Muko. Several key attractions, like Nizaemonnoyu and Komyoji Temple, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Muko's best neighbourhoods, Minami Ward is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Nishikyo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Muko with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Muko with kids.

What to do in Muko for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Muko for adults including Teramachi Street and Three-Year Slope.
Are there free things to do in Muko?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Muko is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.