For over a thousand years, Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan. Miraculously spared from widespread bombing during World War II, Kyoto remains the cultural soul of the nation—home to over 2,000 Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, pristine Zen rock gardens, and traditional wooden machiya teahouses where geiko and maiko still glide through lantern-lit alleys.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Kyoto, with practical tips to escape the heavy midday tourist crowds and experience true Japanese serenity.
Top 10 Experiences in Kyoto
- Hike the Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha: Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and agriculture, over 10,000 bright vermilion torii gates snake up the forested slopes of Mount Inari. Pro-Tip: Most tourists turn back at the first crossroads. Continue hiking to the Yotsutsuji viewpoint for peaceful trails and Kyoto skyline views.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at Sunrise: Walk beneath towering emerald bamboo stalks as the morning breeze creates the famous rustling sound recognized by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.”
- Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Stand across the tranquil pond to marvel at this Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in pure gold leaf, glowing brilliantly against the dark pines.
- Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama Streets: Visit the wooden temple built without a single nail cantilevered out over the hillside. Walk down the preserved historic flagstone alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
- Nishiki Market (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”): A narrow, 400-year-old five-block shopping street lined with over 130 food stalls serving fresh sashimi skewers, dashi-rolled omelets, matcha mochi, and pickled vegetables.
- Gion Evening Lantern Walk & Geisha Etiquette: Stroll the lantern-lit wooden teahouses of Hanami-koji street at twilight. Respect local laws: never touch, chase, or photograph geiko or maiko without permission.
- Zen Meditation at Ryoan-ji Rock Garden: Ponder the 15 mysterious stones arranged across raked white gravel in Japan’s most famous dry landscape (karesansui) Zen garden.
- Traditional Uji Matcha Tea Ceremony: Experience the mindful, slow ritual of Japanese tea ceremony prepared by a certified tea master in a historic tatami room.
- Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-Michi): A peaceful stone path following a cherry-tree-lined canal from Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to Nanzen-ji temple.
- Day Trip to Nara’s Giant Buddha: Just 45 minutes by express train, bow to gentle free-roaming sika deer in Nara Park and stand before the colossal 15-meter Great Buddha inside wooden Tōdai-ji.