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Kyoto, Japan

Things to Do in Kyoto

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

Most booked tours and tickets in Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour

Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour

5.04,380 reviews2h
Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto

Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto

5.02,749 reviews1h 30m
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

4.92,288 reviews2h
Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide

Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide

4.92,091 reviews5h
Kyoto Premium Night Foodie Tour in Gion(9+dishes + Sake tastings)

Kyoto Premium Night Foodie Tour in Gion(9+dishes + Sake tastings)

4.81,907 reviews3h 30m
Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

5.01,888 reviews5h

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Kyoto's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Kyoto

  1. 1Fushimi Inari Shrine
  2. 2Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  3. 3Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  4. 4Gion District
  5. 5Nijo Castle
  6. 6Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Unparalleled Temple & Shrine Density: Experience spiritual Japan through its 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, from the golden reflection of Kinkaku-ji to the thousand gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and the 'stage' of Kiyomizu-dera perched above the city.
  • Living Geisha Culture in Gion & Pontocho: Kyoto is one of the last places where you can authentically encounter geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (apprentices) in the preserved entertainment districts, especially during the spring Miyako Odori dances.
  • World-Class Seasonal Transformations: Participate in Japan's deep appreciation for fleeting beauty—sakura cherry blossoms along the Kamogawa River in spring and fiery koyo maple leaves at temples like Tofuku-ji in autumn create utterly different cities.

Tickets and passes in Kyoto

Kyoto: Live Sumo Show & Photo with Wrestlers, Drink Included

Kyoto: Live Sumo Show & Photo with Wrestlers, Drink Included

4.91,446 reviews1h 30m
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

4.9354 reviews8h
Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

4.9325 reviews2h
GEAR Kyoto: Non-Verbal Theater Show Admission Ticket

GEAR Kyoto: Non-Verbal Theater Show Admission Ticket

4.9160 reviews1h 30m

Food and drink experiences in Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries

Kyoto: Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries

4.91,199 reviews3h
Sushi Making in Kyoto! Same-day bookings welcome!

Sushi Making in Kyoto! Same-day bookings welcome!

5.01,181 reviews1h 30m
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

4.91,128 reviews1h 30m
3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

5.01,046 reviews3h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

5.01,975 reviews3h
Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available

Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available

4.91,216 reviews4h 30m
Kyoto Live Sumo Show with Sumo Challenge & Photo Experience

Kyoto Live Sumo Show with Sumo Challenge & Photo Experience

4.91,024 reviews1h 30m

Hidden gems in Kyoto

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Shogunzuka Seiryuden & Viewpoint

A temple and viewing platform on Mount Higashiyama, offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the entire Kyoto basin.

Fushimi Sake District

A historic area in southern Kyoto along the Horikawa River, lined with traditional sake breweries, many offering tours and tastings.

Okochi Sanso Villa

The former estate of a silent film star, located at the top of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove path.

Sentō Imperial Palace Gardens

A serene, sprawling strolling garden originally built for retired emperors, located within the Kyoto Imperial Park.

Kibune to Kurama Hike

A scenic forest hike between the two small towns of Kibune and Kurama, north of the city, passing temples and ending at an onsen (hot spring).

Day trips from Kyoto

Nara

45 min by JR Nara Line rapid train

Japan's first permanent capital, home to some of the country's oldest and largest temples, and hundreds of freely roaming sacred deer in Nara Park.

Osaka

30 min by JR Special Rapid Service or Hankyu Railway

Kyoto's energetic neighbor offers a complete contrast: legendary street food, vibrant nightlife in Dotonbori, and impressive modern castles.

Uji

20 min by JR Nara Line or Keihan Uji Line

The green tea capital of Japan, famous for its high-quality matcha. A serene town with World Heritage temples and a historic atmosphere.

Plan your Kyoto trip

Things to do in Kyoto: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?+

Top sights include Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Gion District. Away from the crowds, try Shogunzuka Seiryuden & Viewpoint and Fushimi Sake District.

What are the most popular tours in Kyoto?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour (4.9 stars, 17,585 reviews); Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour (5.0 stars, 4,380 reviews); Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto (5.0 stars, 2,749 reviews).

How much do tours in Kyoto cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €17 and €193 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.