This blog contains affiliate links at no cost to you. Read my Disclosure Policy.

15 Main Things to Do in Kyoto If You’re Short On Time

ByRoseanne Ducut

I recently spent two full days in Kyoto. Here’s everything I did in the two days plus tips for visiting Kyoto for the first time, including how to get around, top places to visit, day trips like Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji, plus views at night.

There’s so many things to do in Kyoto and I went during cherry blossom season, so I prioritized the top Kyoto attractions for this trip.

In the end, I included places to visit for my next Kyoto visits.

You can also do a Combo Day Tour: Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto & Nara.

Tours to Explore Kyoto:

Shirakawa Dori (Shirakawa Street), Kyoto, Japan: A quiet street lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom and traditional lanterns, with a backdrop of historic buildings in Kyoto.

If you want to make it easier, join a day tour that provides transportation to and from the sites. It would lessen some travel burnout and allow you to enjoy the sites more.

If I didn’t go during cherry blossom seasons, I would have done a tour instead.

🎫 8-hour Kyoto 1-Day Group Tour: stops at Kyoto’s most popular temples, shrines, and attractions.

🎫 Private Kyoto Tour with a Local: Highlights & hidden gems + you can personalize it.

🎫 Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour: Most-famous sights + lesser-known sites, likely to sell out.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto Subway Station Stairs, Japan: A man walks down brightly colored stairs in a Kyoto subway station, with each step marked in yellow, orange, and blue, guiding directions with arrows for up and down, flanked by green handrails on both sides. Other commuters can be seen further down the stairs.

Bus: I mainly took the bus to get around Kyoto. The bus system is extensive and shortens walking time versus only taking the train.

Within Kyoto, the bus fare is a flat rate of 230 yen ($1.60 USD). You enter the bus from the back and exit through the front. Stops are announced on a screen.

You can also do the Kyoto open-air hop-on hop-off bus.

Subway: Kyoto’s subway system has two main lines Karasuma and Tozai.

Sometimes when a transfer is needed, you have to tap out of the station and tap into a different line.

Day Trips: Kyoto is well-connected by JR and private railways for day trips to nearby cities like Nara and Osaka.

Purchase a Kansai Area Pass to save time and money if you’re planning multiple day trips.

Walking: Kyoto is a pretty walkable city, and many temples, shrines, and scenic spots are clustered together. Make sure to pack some good walking shoes!

Book before your Japan trip:

▢ Local sim card or Japan eSIM card

▢ Ride to/from the airport: prebook a ride

▢ Book discounted hotels in Kyoto (what I use)

▢ Hire a private driver for a day for a custom tour

▢ Book the most popular Kyoto tours

Top Things to Do in Kyoto

Kamo River

Kamo River (Kamogawa), Kyoto, Japan: A view of the Kamo River's riverside path on a cloudy day, with a few people walking along the path lined with cherry blossoms and greenery.

The Kamo River is a central waterway in Kyoto and stretches over 23 kilometers from the mountains to the south of the city.

Things to do at Kamo River:

  • Stroll along the riverside pathways, especially during cherry blossom season.
  • Watch local musicians and performers who sometimes gather along the banks.

Kyoto Botanical Garden

Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Kyoto, Japan: A vibrant flowerbed of colorful tulips surrounded by cherry blossom trees in bloom, with a cloudy sky overhead.

The Kyoto Botanical Garden is Japan’s oldest public botanical garden with over 12,000 species of plants. I went during cherry blossom and it was a popular spot to see sakura, but they had a lot of other beautiful exhibitions too. Tickets are 200 yen, or $1.39 USD.

Things to do at Kyoto Botanical Garden:

  • Explore the various themed gardens, including a rose garden, bamboo grove, and bonsai collection.
  • Visit the large conservatory, home to tropical plants and a beautiful orchid display.

Keage Incline

Keage Incline Cherry Blossom, Kyoto, Japan: Visitors walk along the historic Keage Incline, surrounded by cherry blossom trees in full bloom, with old railway tracks visible beneath them.

Keage Incline is a historic railway track that was used to transport boats between canals during the Meiji era, now a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Things to do at Keage Incline:

  • Walk along the old railway tracks, which are lined with cherry trees during sakura season. It was surreal.
  • There’s many temples, museums, and galleries within walking distance.

Gion District

Hanamikoji Street, Gion District, Kyoto, Japan: A rainy day on Hanamikoji Street in the Gion District, with traditional wooden buildings on either side and a few people walking under umbrellas.

Gion is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and rich cultural heritage. As you might have read, parts have understandably been closed off to tourists.

Things to do at Gion:

Surrounding areas in the Gion district:

Shirakawa Dori (Shirakawa Street), Kyoto, Japan: A quiet street lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom and traditional lanterns, with a backdrop of historic buildings in Kyoto.
Shirakawa Canal in the Gion District, Kyoto, Japan: A serene view of the Shirakawa Canal in the Gion District, surrounded by lush green willows and cherry blossom trees in full bloom, with petals cascading into the water.

Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley is a narrow street along the Kamo River, famous for its traditional establishments dating back to the Edo period.

Things to do at Pontocho Alley:

  • Experience Kyoto’s nightlife by visiting one of the izakayas or bars tucked into the alley.
  • Walk the alley in the evening when it is illuminated by lanterns.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan: A close-up shot of the vibrant red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, each adorned with black kanji inscriptions, leading down a forested path. Top of main things to do in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and important Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.

I went during sakura season PLUS a peak afternoon time. It does get crowded in the beginning of the route, but if you keep walking, it becomes pretty empty!

Solo Photo at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan: A person stands under the famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, with the tunnel of gates creating a dramatic perspective around them.

Things to do at Fushimi Inari Taisha:

Top Kyoto tours to join:

🎫 8-hour Kyoto 1-Day Group Tour

🎫 Combo Day Tour: Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto & Nara

🎫 Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

Kyoto Imperial Palace + National Garden

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Japanese Imperial Family until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The palace is in the same area as the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

Things to do at Kyoto Imperial Palace:

Ninenzaka

Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Kyoto, Japan: A vibrant flowerbed of colorful tulips surrounded by cherry blossom trees in bloom, with a cloudy sky overhead.

Ninenzaka is a charming, sloping street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and wooden buildings. The area is part of the historic route leading to Kiyomizu-dera.

Things to do at Ninenzaka:

  • Explore the shops selling traditional crafts, sweets, and souvenirs along the gently sloping street.
  • Visit one of the historic teahouses for a taste of Kyoto’s famous matcha tea.
  • At night: Experience the street in the evening when it’s less crowded.

Sannenzaka

Sannenzaka Path Night, Kyoto, Japan: A nighttime view of Sannenzaka Path, with dimly lit traditional wooden buildings on both sides and a few people walking along the narrow street under the soft glow of lanterns.

Sannenzaka is another picturesque, sloping street near Ninenzaka, famous for its traditional architecture.

Sannenzaka Path Stairs Night, Kyoto, Japan: A steep staircase on Sannenzaka Path at night, illuminated by street lamps, with visitors ascending the stairs lined by traditional shops.

Things to do at Sannenzaka:

  • Walk the cobblestone path and explore the traditional shops selling local pottery, sweets, and souvenirs.
  • Visit Yasaka Pagoda, a five-story pagoda visible from Sannenzaka, especially at night.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Gate at Night, Kyoto, Japan: The illuminated gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple at night, glowing warmly under a dark blue sky with the temple buildings visible in the background.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, founded in 778 and famous for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo above is view of the gate at night.

Things to do at Kiyomizu-dera:

  • Stand on the famous wooden stage that juts out from the main hall for beautiful views of Kyoto.
  • Explore the surrounding temple grounds, including the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking.

Yasaka Pagoda

Yasaka Pagoda (Hōkan-ji Temple) at Night, Kyoto, Japan: The Yasaka Pagoda, beautifully illuminated at night, rises above the surrounding traditional wooden buildings, creating a striking contrast against the cloudy sky.

Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hokan-ji Temple, is a five-story pagoda and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.

Yasaka Pagoda Temple, Kyoto, Japan: A close-up of the five-story To-ji Pagoda at night, illuminated against the dark sky, with intricate architectural details visible.

Things to do at Yasaka Pagoda:

  • Take photos of the iconic pagoda, especially from the nearby Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets.
  • Visit the small temple within the pagoda grounds and learn about its historical significance.

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan: The golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple reflecting on the pond in front of it, framed by lush green foliage under an overcast sky.

Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s beautiful, but is smaller in person than shown online!

Things to do at Kinkaku-ji:

  • Take a walk around the Golden Pavilion, particularly its shimmering reflection in the Mirror Pond.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens, designed in the traditional Japanese style with paths, ponds, and pine trees.
  • Join a guided tour of Kinkaku-ji to make the most of the visit.

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine Shirakawa, Kyoto, Japan: A wide shot of the Heian Shrine's main building with its iconic green-tiled roof and red columns, with people holding umbrellas walking in front of it.

Heian Shrine is a grand Shinto shrine in Kyoto, constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.

Heian Shrine Torii Gates, Kyoto, Japan: A large, iconic orange torii gate dominates the street leading to Heian Shrine in Kyoto. People walk along the sidewalk, and a bus is visible on the road, with a partly cloudy sky providing a serene backdrop.

Things to do at Heian Shrine:

  • Walk through the massive torii gate, one of the largest in Japan, and is the entrance to the shrine.
  • Explore the shrine grounds, including the main hall and Heian Shrine Garden.

Right outside of the shrine is the Okazaki Canal:

Okazaki Canal Cherry Blossom, Kyoto, Japan: A scenic view of the Okazaki Canal lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, their reflection visible on the still water under a partly cloudy sky.

Maruyama Park

Gion Weeping Cherry Tree, Maruyama Park, Kyoto, Japan: A large weeping cherry tree in full bloom, beautifully illuminated at night in Maruyama Park. The tree's cascading blossoms create a soft, ethereal glow against the dark sky, with a crowd of people gathered below, taking photos and enjoying the sight.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s oldest public park, located near Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama district. The park is especially famous for its weeping cherry tree during sakura season.

Things to do at Maruyama Park:

  • Visit the iconic weeping cherry tree, known as Gion no Yozakura, which is illuminated at night during the cherry blossom season.
  • Stroll through the park’s pathways with ponds, traditional bridges, and seasonal flowers.

Downtown Kyoto

Teramachi Street, Downtown Kyoto, Japan: A bustling shopping arcade on Teramachi Street in downtown Kyoto, with people walking under a high arched roof adorned with hanging lanterns and signs. Shops line both sides of the arcade, offering a variety of goods in a lively atmosphere.

Downtown Kyoto has mix of modern shopping, dining, and entertainment alongside traditional markets and historic sites.

Things to do in Downtown Kyoto:

  • Shop at the diverse range of stores, from luxury brands to local boutiques, particularly along Shijo Street and in the nearby Nishiki Market.
  • Visit Teramachi-dori, a covered shopping street with local shops and cafes.

Kyoto Attractions for Next Time

There’s so many places, especially temples, and things to do in Kyoto that I realistically couldn’t get to for a short visit. These are the places I have bookmarked for my next visits to Kyoto.

Temples:

  • Tō-ji Temple
  • Kōdaiji Temple
  • Chion-in Temple
  • Ryōan-ji
  • Tōfuku-ji Temple
  • Nanzen-ji Temple
  • Higashiyama Jisho-ji (also known as Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavilion)
  • Shōrenin Temple
  • Ninna-ji Temple

Shrines:

  • Hirano Shrine
  • Kamigamo Shrine

Other:

  • Philosopher’s Path
  • Nijō Castle
  • Maple Tree Tunnel
  • Kyoto Tower
  • Sagano Bamboo Forest (western day trip)

Best Things to Do in Kyoto?

Cherry Blossom Park Scene, Kyoto, Japan: A park in Kyoto during cherry blossom season, with people gathered under the blooming trees. Two women wearing traditional kimonos walk past as others sit and enjoy the serene setting beneath the pink blossoms. A red-roofed shelter and traditional Japanese buildings can be seen in the background.

I fit all of these sites within a short visit, which I don’t recommend! Pick and choose main sites to visit and take your time, or take a tour to make it easier.

If you’re visiting for the first time, it makes sense to visit the most well-known areas, just make sure to pace yourself as you’ll do a lot of walking.

That said, the most popular things to do in Kyoto or places to visit would be:

  • Inari Shrine
  • Kinkaku-ji
  • Gion area at night
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace

My personal favorites: Fushimi Inari Taisha (the whole hike up) and Gion area + surrounding old streets at night.

I hope this was helpful! Have fun in Kyoto!

Top Kyoto tours to book:

🎫 8-hour Kyoto 1-Day Group Tour

🎫 Combo Day Tour: Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto & Nara

🎫 Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

More Japan Posts

Top 21 Things to Do in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors

Best 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Nara Day Trip: Top Things to Do + Hour Breakdown

33 Fun Things to Do in Kobe, Japan (by area)

The Best Fukuoka Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)

12 Realistic Day Trips From Fukuoka, Japan

Essential Vegan in Japan Travel Guide (2024)

ALL JAPAN GUIDES
Best 2-Day Kyoto Itinerary + Top Things to Do for First-Timers ✈️ Solo Japan Vlog Tips
Top 21 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan for First-Timers ⛩️ Solo Travel Vlog #1

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.