adminKyoto quickly became my favorite city in Japan. There’s such a wonderfully calm and welcoming atmosphere here. But make no mistake, Kyoto is a vast city! Even with a full week, you won’t be able to see and do everything on your list. That’s why smart planning is key. In this article, I’ll help you choose the must-see highlights so you can make the most of your time in this incredible city.
Do a bike tour
Kyoto is surprisingly bike-friendly. There are bike lanes almost everywhere, or at least enough space to ride alongside the sometimes heavy traffic. It does take a little getting used to, as cyclists ride on the left side of the road here. A bike tour through Kyoto is a fantastic way to explore the city. Because Kyoto is so spread out, even by bike you’ll only be able to cover part of it. Tip: opt for an e-bike tour, as the city can be quite hilly!
We are doing a 6-hour guided bike tour in Kyoto. Our guide, an enthusiastic Mexican student, fills the entire ride with fascinating stories and fun facts about the city. We cycle through quiet backstreets, along serene canals, and past hidden temples we would never discover on our own. Every stop gives us a new perspective on Kyoto’s rich history and vibrant culture. By the end of the day, we feel like we’ve seen a side of the city that most visitors completely miss.
Tea ceremony
No visit to Kyoto is complete without experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This centuries-old ritual offers a serene moment of mindfulness, guided by precise movements and deep respect for the art of tea. Many tea houses in Kyoto, especially in Gion and near Kiyomizu-dera, welcome visitors for a short session. It’s a beautiful way to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage. (Read our full article about the tea ceremony in Kyoto here)
Gion District
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district and a must-visit if you want to experience an authentic part of Kyoto. Walking through its narrow streets lined with wooden machiya houses, you’ll feel like stepping back in time. In the early evening, keep an eye out for geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way to appointments. The district also offers many traditional teahouses, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts. Gion provides a unique glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage and is perfect for leisurely strolls and photography.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji is one of the most visited sites in Japan — and you can tell. Still, thanks to the spacious grounds, it rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded. This iconic temple was one of the first Buddhist temples in Japan. About 50 years ago, a monk suffering from paranoid delusions set the temple on fire. It was later rebuilt, this time adorned with an impressive 25 million yen worth of gold leaf. On the roof stands a golden phoenix, said to contain the ashes of the original temple. Scattered across the grounds you’ll also find small gardens illustrating local legends, adding to the charm of this remarkable site.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its endless paths of vibrant red torii gates winding up the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business. Fox statues, considered messengers of Inari, can be found throughout the complex. Walking the full trail to the summit takes about two to three hours, but even a short stroll through the lower gates is unforgettable. The atmosphere shifts as you climb, from lively and busy near the entrance to serene and almost mystical higher up the mountain. You can buy some drinks along the way, and you’ll pass some toilets too.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It takes a little hike to get here, especially on a warm day. But here are more refreshments and ice creams along the way than you can dream of! The temple is best known for its wooden stage. This stage juts out from the main hall and gives you impressive views over the city. It also overlooks the surrounding forested hills. The temple complex includes several halls and pagodas, as well as a beautiful waterfall, Otowa no Taki. Visitors – who have enough patience to conquer the long line – drink from the waterfall’s streams. Each stream is said to grant a different wish: longevity, success in studies, or a fortunate love life. Kiyomizu-dera is especially popular during the cherry blossom season and autumn, when the scenery is spectacular.
Just a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera are the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These historic pedestrian lanes are lined with traditional wooden shops, teahouses, and restaurants. It’s a great place to experience old Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, and try some local snacks. The streets have a timeless atmosphere, but it can be really busy here.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of Kyoto’s most iconic natural sights is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze is truly peaceful. The Bamboo forest is located on the outskirts of the city. You can best visit it early in the morning before the tour buses arrive to avoid crowds. Nearby, you can also explore the scenic river, Tenryu-ji Temple and the beautiful gardens. Fun fact: the bamboo plants grow really fast, but only at night. The record is 90 centimeters in one night! You can even hear them grow!
Practical tip: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the bamboo grove.
Kyoto Tower and Station
We like view points. Kyoto Tower is a good and not expensive one. Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in the city and offers a unique panoramic view of Kyoto’s cityscape, including a glimpse of nearby mountains on clear days. As a fact, Kyoto is completely surrounded and protected by mountains. The observation deck is located 100 meters above ground and is easily accessible from Kyoto Station.
Don’t forget to spend some time at Kyoto Station. Kyoto Station is a major transport hub and a modern architectural landmark. The station building features shopping malls, restaurants, and even a rooftop garden with views over the city.
Higashi Hongan-ji
Higashi Hongan-ji is one of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in Kyoto. It caught our attention when we walked to our hotel the first night. So we went back to visit it. The temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu sect, one of Japan’s major Buddhist traditions. The temple complex impresses with its massive wooden structures and traditional architecture. Unlike some of the busier spots in Kyoto, Higashi Hongan-ji is often quieter, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
To-ji Temple
To-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located just south of Kyoto Station. Founded in the early 9th century. It is famous for its five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, standing at 57 meters. A good reason for us to pay this temple a quick visit. To-ji also hosts lively flea markets on the 21st of each month, where you can find antiques, crafts, and local food. The other buildings here are not as spectacular as other temples in the city.
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