I spent 3 days exploring Kyoto with friends in March 2018 as part of our week-long Japan trip. It was my first time visiting Japan, and Kyoto gave me a wonderful introduction to the country. It’s Japan’s cultural heart, full of temples, gardens, and old-world charm. Here are my favorite things to do that made me fall in love with the city.
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Why Visit:
Fushimi Inari is an important shrine that honors Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business. It’s world-famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates (traditional Japanese gates) that form tunnels winding up Mount Inari.
Highlights:
- Torii Gates → walk through the iconic red gates that seem to stretch endlessly up the mountain.
- Fox Statues (Kitsune) → people consider foxes Inari’s messengers, so you’ll see them holding symbolic items like rice keys or scrolls in their mouths.
How to Go:
The shrine is free and open 24/7. We visited early in the morning, and it was quiet and peaceful. However, it started to get crowded by the time we were leaving around 9AM, so I recommend going early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The full hike to the summit takes about 2–3 hours round trip, but even walking partway offers great photo spots.
2. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Why Visit:
Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, shimmering against the surrounding pond and gardens. Originally built as a shogun’s retirement villa, it later became a Zen temple, and today it’s one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks.
Highlights:
- Golden Pavilion Reflection → admire the temple’s golden facade reflected in the pond.
- Japanese Gardens → stroll through beautifully landscaped paths with scenic viewpoints from every angle.
How to Go:
You can only buy tickets on-site. The entrance fee is ¥500 (~$3) and it’s cash only. Since it was already getting crowded when we went around 10AM, go when it opens at 9AM to avoid the crowds.
3. Kiyomizu-dera
Why Visit:
Kiyomizu-dera, meaning “Pure Water Temple,” is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the city.
Highlights:
- Main Hall & Wooden Stage → a massive wooden terrace supported by 139 pillars, built entirely without nails!
- Otowa Waterfall → drink from one of three streams for health, love, or success (but choose only one since taking all three is considered greedy).
- Higashiyama District → the charming streets leading to the temple are lined with shops and snacks. Many shops rent kimonos or yukatas if you want the full experience.
How to Go:
Similar to Kinkaku-ji, you can only buy tickets on-site (¥500 cash only). When we went around noon it was packed, so I recommend going early. The temple opens at 6 AM.
4. Nishiki Market
Why Visit:
Nishiki Market is a lively food street running through central Kyoto, packed with more than 100 stalls and small restaurants selling everything from fresh seafood to local sweets. It’s the best place to sample Kyoto’s traditional foods and snacks in one spot.
Highlights:
- Yakitori → grilled chicken skewers.
- Mochi → soft rice cakes in matcha or kinako (soybean powder) flavor.
- Matcha everything → from tea powder to cookies and lattes, Kyoto is Japan’s matcha capital!
How to Go:
The market stretches about 400 meters between Teramachi Street and Takakura Street. Most shops open around 9:00–10:00 AM and close by 5:00–6:00 PM.
5. Sanjūsangendō
Why Visit:
Sanjūsangendō, meaning “Hall with Thirty-Three Spaces,” is a unique Buddhist temple dating back to 1266. The temple houses 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy
Highlights:
- Kannon Statues → carved from wood and covered in gold leaf, each one has slightly different facial expressions and details.
- Hondō (Main Hall) → Japan’s longest wooden structure (120 meters or 394 feet) and holds the main Kannon statue surrounded by the thousand others.
How to Go:
You can purchase tickets at the entrance. It’s ¥600 (~$4) and cash only.
Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t miss my Top 5 Tips for Japan.
Exploring other cities too? Check out my top things to do for Osaka and Tokyo.