Kyoto

Kyoto is old Japan writ large: atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional teahouses and geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.

Start planning your trip

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Start planning your trip

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Nishiki Market
Downtown Kyoto
The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama & Sagano
The thick green bamboo stalks seem to continue endlessly in every direction and there’s a strange quality to the light at this famous bamboo grove, which…
Enryaku-ji
Kyoto
Located atop 848m-high Hiei-zan (the mountain that dominates the skyline in the northeast of the city), the Enryaku-ji complex is an entire world of…
Kiyomizu-dera
Southern Higashiyama
A buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the basin of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most popular and most enjoyable temples. It…
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
With seemingly endless arcades of vermilion torii (shrine gates) spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this vast shrine complex is a world unto its own…
Chion-in
Southern Higashiyama
A collection of soaring buildings, spacious courtyards and gardens, Chion-in serves as the headquarters of the Jōdo sect, the largest school of Buddhism…
Gion
Southern Higashiyama
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary…
Daitoku-ji
Imperial Palace & Around
For anyone with the slightest fondness for Japanese gardens, don't miss this network of lanes dotted with atmospheric Zen temples. Daitoku-ji, the main…

View more attractions

Planning Toolkit

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know
From planning your trip to local etiquette, here are the most important things to know before going to Kyoto.
Read article
Best Neighborhoods
If you’re looking to explore Kyoto, check out these five diverse neighborhoods in Japan’s most historic major city.
Read article
Day Trips
Explore Japan's Kansai region and beyond with these amazing day trips by train from Kyoto.
Read article
Money and Costs
From cheap travel to affordable food and accommodations, discover our top tips for exploring Kyoto on a budget.
Read article
Transportation
From buses, trains and the subway to discovering the city on foot or by bicycle, here’s our essential guide on how to get around in Kyoto.
Read article
Free Things to Do
It's easy to visit Kyoto on a budget. From stunning temples to incredible landscapes, here are the best free things to do in Kyoto.
Read article