THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kyoto - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Kyoto

Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan - Kyoto Attractions

Things to Do in Kyoto


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kyoto.


Top Attractions in Kyoto

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • 639abbie
    Canberra, Australia1,300 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need a certain level of fitness and tolerance for crowds. As you go higher in the hike the crowd thins out but it’s still busy but I must admit it’s golden week now so go early.
    Written April 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ccsfamily
    Geneva, IL317 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the five stops on the all day bicycle tour. We spent about 45 minutes here walking the path around and had a lot of time to take photos. Plus, our bike tour guide provided a lot of interesting information about it. It was crowded; however, there is a lot of space so you could get a good photo and also stop to enjoy the scenery. If we were not on he tour, we would have explored the area a little more and also took time to stop by a few of the tents selling items right outside the exit area.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chowso
    Gloucester, UK1,743 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would love to give this five stars but again, the crowds made it difficult to enjoy parts of this experience. It's a really beautiful place with a nice five story pagoda, and the main hall on stilts is very impressive. There is a nice walk to a small pagoda where people pray for fertility. The main hall and the views of the main hall with Kyoto in the background were the most crowded areas. It is definitely worth visiting but probably best to go as early as possible.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chowso
    Gloucester, UK1,743 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a late addition to our itinerary and I’m so glad we went. The statues of Kannon are so spectacular and much larger than we thought. It’s quite difficult to take it all in - the hall goes on forever and there are other statues of deities with descriptions of each dotted along the walkway.

    Please be respectful and do not take photos - there a cctv cameras that will catch you if you break the rules. It was nice not to have to push through a crowd of selfie hunters and Instagram fanatics and to be able to just view them.

    It also has a pretty garden of course!
    Written April 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Soudamini Mohapatra
    Bengaluru, India1,008 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After seeing the beautiful pictures of the Arashimaya bamboo forest I thought of it to be something spectacular. But it's just a small patch of bamboo groove which is very picturesque and every inch was full with people. Thankfully there is a walking trail leading to a river with beautiful ducks. Overall it's OK.
    Written April 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sabina G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a thrilling time in Kyoto, diving into the historic worlds of ninjas and samurais! It was both educational and exciting—a true highlight for anyone fascinated by Japan's legendary warriors.
    Written April 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • davetheguide
    Tel Aviv, Israel5,674 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An hour and a half is what you need to visit this site. We just walked around the gardens and viewed the castle from the outside. That was sufficient. I would recommend if you have the time, but it's not a must.
    Written April 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff K
    Pittsburgh, PA2,133 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I hadn’t read too much about this temple but was extremely impressed with it. The grounds were beautiful and there were some incredible interior altars. It was much larger than I anticipated and everything was first rate.

    It’s at the bottom of the Philosopher’s Walk and should not be missed.
    Written March 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • msa23_2000
    Chino Hills, CA1,404 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are several micro-neighborhoods within Gion, it this is definitely worth a visit and not far from the city center. The old wooden shops, lanterns, and cherry blossoms were a site to behold. The biggest downside is it is crowded.
    Written April 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chowso
    Gloucester, UK1,743 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I really enjoyed this temple - it was quiet, beautiful and immaculately maintained. The Zen garden was one of the most impressive we saw with the mound of gravel in the shape of Mount Fuji. The reflections of the pavillion in the water were really lovely. Well worth a visit.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyz Winkley
    Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing markets, one of the crazy things we saw to eat included sparrow. Like many places in Japan, bring cash, unfortunately we missed out on quite a bit as we are so used to using our cards everywhere. Eat a little often, there is a lot to explore!
    Written April 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • oskar
    Swindon, UK103 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles