All citiesKyoto Things to do and walking itinerary
Japan Kyoto travel guide
30 things to do in Kyoto, where to stay, airport transfers, 1 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Kyoto
- Kiyomizu-dera — Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kinkaku-ji Temple — Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fushimi Inari-taisha — Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Heian-kyō — former name of Kyoto, capital of Japan 794–1868 (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Ginkaku-ji Temple — temple in Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kyoto Imperial Palace — former imperial palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Ryōan-ji Temple — temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Tō-ji Temple — building in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nijō Castle — castle in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Kamigamo Shrine — Shinto shrine in Kita-ku, Kyōto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Heian Jingū — Shinto shrine in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Ninna-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Heian Palace — Imperial palace in the capital of Japan (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Kyoto National Museum — art museum in Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Yasaka Shrine — Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Tōfuku-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Shimogamo Shrine — Shinto shrine in Sakyō-ku, Kyōto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nanzen-ji Temple — building in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kyoto Tower — observation tower in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Sanjūsangen-dō Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Daitoku-ji Temple — Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Chion-in Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Honnō-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kitano Tenmangū — Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Mimizuka — hill with war trophies in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Myōshin-ji Temple — Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nishi Hongan-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Head temple of Honganji-ha school (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kyoto International Manga Museum — art museum in japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto — art museum in Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kōdai-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
4-day Kyoto walking itinerary
Starting point: Gion / Higashiyama. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 6.4 km · 8,610 steps · 1 h 26 min on the way): Kiyomizu-dera → Kyoto National Museum → Heian-kyō
- Day 2 (≈ 9.0 km · 12,160 steps · 2 h 0 min on the way): Heian Palace → Nijō Castle
- Day 3 (≈ 7.1 km · 9,560 steps · 1 h 34 min on the way): Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Day 4 (≈ 8.1 km · 10,990 steps · 1 h 49 min on the way): Ginkaku-ji Temple → Heian Jingū
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Kyoto
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Path through towering bamboo stalks; go before 8 am for near-silence. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Tenryū-ji — One of Kyoto's great Zen temples, with the 14th-century Sōgenchi pond garden. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Gion — Historic geisha district of wooden teahouses and lantern-lit lanes; walk Hanamikoji at dusk. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Pontochō — Narrow alley parallel to the Kamo River that glows with red lanterns and restaurants at night. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Otagi Nenbutsu-ji — Unusual temple whose mossy slopes hold 1,200 stone rakan statues, each with its own expression. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Nonomiya Shrine — Small shrine in the bamboo grove with a bark-covered torii, visited by those praying for love. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Adashino Nenbutsu-ji — Quiet, melancholy Sagano temple of thousands of stone statues and a small bamboo path. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kennin-ji — The city's oldest Zen temple, in the middle of Gion, with a twin-dragon ceiling painting and calm rock gardens. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Hōkan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda) — Five-storey wooden pagoda rising above Higashiyama's stone lanes, one of the city's best-known silhouettes. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — Old stepped stone lanes up to Kiyomizu-dera, lined with preserved wooden shops and teahouses. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Ōkōchi Sansō Garden — A film star's villa and garden at the end of the bamboo grove; entry includes matcha and a sweet. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Daikaku-ji — Temple converted from an imperial villa north of Arashiyama, peaceful beside Osawa Pond. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Daigo-ji — Temple complex spread over a south-eastern hillside, with the city's oldest wooden pagoda and cherry gardens. (visit ≈ 90 min)
Where to stay in Kyoto
- Gion / Higashiyama: Wooden teahouses, temples and geisha lanes; the most atmospheric area.
- Kawaramachi / Shijō: The hub for shopping, Nishiki Market and restaurants; very easy to get around.
- Kyoto Station: Airport trains and the shinkansen are here; ideal for day trips.
- Arashiyama: Bamboo grove and riverside; calm at night but far from the centre.
- Karasuma / Nakagyō: A central, quiet business district where two subway lines meet.
Getting from the airport to Kyoto
- Kansai International (KIX): Haruka express train ≈ 1 h 20 min
- Osaka Itami (ITM): Airport limousine bus ≈ 55 min
Getting around
Buses reach the temples but get very crowded; use the subway and trains where you can. An IC card (ICOCA) works everywhere.
Classic places to eat
- Honke Owariya: Open since 1465, famous for soba noodles and sweets.
- Inoda Coffee: Kyoto's classic coffee house since 1940; famous for breakfast.
- Ippodo Tea: Matcha in the tea room of a shop selling tea since 1717.
- Kagizen Yoshifusa: An old Gion sweet shop famous for kuzukiri jelly noodles.
- Nishiki Market: Street snacks in the narrow arcade called “Kyoto’s kitchen”.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Hyotei — 3 MICHELIN stars, Kaiseki (Japanese)
Romantic views
- Philosopher's Path (Early morning): A quiet canal-side walk between temples under cherry trees.
- Kiyomizu-dera Terrace (Sunset): A view over the city and green valley from the wooden stage.
- Kamo River at Sanjō Bridge (Evening): The famous riverbank where couples sit at even spacing.
- Togetsukyō Bridge (Late afternoon): A wooden bridge facing forested hills in Arashiyama.
Football stadiums in Kyoto
- Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium: Home of Kyoto Sanga FC
Day trips
- Hōryū-ji Temple — 44 km from the centre
- Osaka Castle — 42 km from the centre
- Tōdai-ji Temple — 36 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Kyoto
- Fine: Pseudoephedrine cold medicines and some ADHD or opioid medicines are banned or need prior approval.
- Fine: Cannabis and CBD with any THC are illegal; small amounts can lead to arrest.
- Fine: Many cities ban smoking while walking; use designated smoking areas.
- Fine: Some private lanes in Kyoto's Gion ban photography; don't photograph geiko or maiko without consent.
- Fine: Flying drones over densely populated areas requires permission.
- Warning: Always carry your passport; police may ask for it.
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 119, fire 119
- Plugs: A/B, 100V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: There's no tipping; money left behind is often returned.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Japan, Wikivoyage — Japan, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Kyoto travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Kyoto?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 4 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Hōryū-ji Temple and Osaka Castle).
- What are the top things to do in Kyoto?
- Highlights: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Heian-kyō and Ginkaku-ji Temple. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Kyoto?
- Gion / Higashiyama: Wooden teahouses, temples and geisha lanes; the most atmospheric area. Other options: Kawaramachi / Shijō, Kyoto Station, Arashiyama and Karasuma / Nakagyō.
- How do you get from the airport to Kyoto city centre?
- Kansai International (KIX): Haruka express train ≈ 1 h 20 min · Osaka Itami (ITM): Airport limousine bus ≈ 55 min
- How do you get around Kyoto?
- Buses reach the temples but get very crowded; use the subway and trains where you can. An IC card (ICOCA) works everywhere.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Kyoto?
- According to the last known data there are 1 starred restaurants: Hyotei (3 stars). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Kyoto?
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 119, fire 119.
- Do you tip in Kyoto?
- There's no tipping; money left behind is often returned.
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