Best Things To Do: Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the kind of city that ruins you for everywhere else. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples, centuries-old geisha districts, and bamboo forests that seem pulled from a dream, Japan's ancient capital delivers an experience that stays with you long after you've left. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for another look, here's everything you need to make the most of your time in Kyoto.
Overview
Kyoto served as Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and that history is visible on virtually every street corner. Located in the Kansai region of Honshu island, the city sits about 2.5 hours southwest of Tokyo by bullet train. With a population of around 1.4 million, it's large enough to feel vibrant but compact enough to explore meaningfully in four or five days.
Spring (late March to April) draws visitors for the famous cherry blossoms, while autumn (November) turns the temple gardens into a blaze of red and gold. Both seasons are stunning but crowded. Visit in June or late January for thinner crowds, lower prices, and a more local atmosphere. The Japanese yen's current weakness means Kyoto is genuinely good value for US dollar holders, with many experiences costing far less than you'd expect.
Top 10 Activities
- Walk the Fushimi Inari Shrine trails: The iconic vermillion torii gates stretch for miles up Mount Inari. Go before 7am to have the lower paths nearly to yourself. Free entry, open 24 hours.
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A short walk from Arashiyama station, the bamboo grove is genuinely magical in early morning mist. Combine it with a visit to Tenryu-ji Garden (around $5 entry) right next door.
- Stroll Gion at dusk: Kyoto's most famous geisha district comes alive in the early evening. Walk along Hanamikoji Street and, if you're lucky, spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to an appointment. Respectful observation only — no grabbing or blocking their path.
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Yes, it's touristy. It's also genuinely breathtaking. Entry costs around $4. Arrive right at opening (9am) to beat the tour buses.
- Wander the Philosopher's Path: This canal-side walkway in the Higashiyama district is lined with cherry trees in spring and connects several excellent temples including Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji. Free to walk, temple entries range from $4 to $7.
- Discover Nishiki Market: Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," this narrow covered market runs through the heart of downtown. Try fresh tofu, pickled vegetables, and skewered octopus as you browse. Most tastings cost $1 to $3.
- Catch a traditional performance: The Gion Corner theatre near Yasaka Shrine offers condensed performances of tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and traditional dance for around $30 per person. A solid introduction to Kyoto's living culture.
- Take a day trip to Nara: Just 45 minutes by train (around $8 one way), Nara is home to free-roaming deer and the enormous Todai-ji temple housing Japan's largest bronze Buddha. Pick up deer crackers from a vendor and prepare to be mobbed in the best way.
- Experience a tea ceremony: Several operators in the Higashiyama and Gion neighbourhoods offer authentic tea ceremony experiences for $20 to $40. En tea ceremony and Ju-An are both highly regarded and welcome solo travellers.
- Rent a bicycle and get lost: Kyoto is remarkably flat and extremely bike-friendly. Daily rentals run about $8 to $12 and open up the quieter residential neighbourhoods that most visitors miss entirely.
Practical Tips
- Get an IC card (Suica or ICOCA) immediately on arrival — it works on buses, trains, and subway lines across the city and saves you buying individual tickets every time.
- Kyoto's bus system is extensive. A day pass costs around $5.50 and is worth it if you're visiting multiple sites. Download the Google Maps transit layer before you go.
- Most temple gardens charge between $3 and $7 entry. Budget around $25 to $35 per day for sightseeing if you're visiting multiple sites.
- The Higashiyama and Arashiyama neighbourhoods reward early risers. By 10am, the most popular spots are packed. By 7am, they're yours.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause offence. Politeness and a small bow go much further.
Getting There
Most international flights into the Kansai region land at Kansai International Airport (KIX), located about 75 minutes from Kyoto. The Haruka Express train runs directly from KIX to Kyoto Station and costs around $18 one way. Alternatively, Osaka's Itami Airport (ITM) handles domestic connections and is slightly closer. From Tokyo, the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station takes about 2 hours 15 minutes and costs roughly $80 to $120 depending on the service.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Guesthouse Yadoru Kyoto and K's House Kyoto offer clean, social dorms from around $20 to $30 per night. Both are centrally located near Kyoto Station.