Kyoto is the place to experience authentic Japan. Kyoto is full of sights, endless temples, beautiful gardens, and quaint streets. You can eat the best sushi and meet a geisha more than once. There is so much to see and do in Kyoto that we recommend staying for a few days. Curious about what you should really do in Kyoto? Here are some tips!

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

One of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari. The temple consists of dozens of orange arches with Japanese characters written on them, which you can walk under. Being one of the most famous shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari attracts many visitors. The temple is located in Fushimi Ward.

View from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu Temple offers one of the best views in Kyoto. The temple is known for the “clear water” found there. Along the way, a store also sells Japanese sweets made with matcha green tea.

Golden Pavilion

A Buddhist temple not to be missed in Kyoto is the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji Temple. A park surrounds the temple, and on a clear day, this golden shrine is reflected in a pond. The tour will combine Kinkakuji with a visit to Ryoan-ji Temple, which has a Zen Buddhist garden. It is a soothing Japanese stone garden.

Gion Geisha Street

The Gion area is the place to meet geisha. One of the liveliest streets with many teahouses is Shijo Street. There, you will also find stores and entertainment venues.

Bamboo Grove

To get to the bamboo groves near Kyoto, you must take a train, but what is there to do? The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers beautiful walks, and many bamboo groves offer special views.

Nishiki Market

If you ever wondered what kind of strange things are sold in Japan, go to Nishiki Market. You will be surprised. And you will probably try some real gourmet food as well. It is one of the most famous markets in Japan, with dozens of stalls lining the long, covered streets. Of course, it has become a tourist attraction. For example, there is an ingenious restaurant called “Kyoto Gosho” that sells flambéed ramen.

Sushi and Green Tea

When you come to Japan, you can only leave once you have eaten sushi. In Kyoto, there are sushi train restaurants where sushi flows on a conveyor belt and traditional restaurants that serve authentic sushi. Finish your dinner with matcha ice cream or matcha cake.

Walking on the Path of Philosophy

This path is lined with old cherry blossom trees along a narrow creek. It is one of the quietest places in the city, but at the same time, this is the whole of Japan. Along the way, you can see the works of local painters, visit temples, and sit on benches.

Practical tips for visiting Kyoto

Sleep in Cube Hotels in Kyoto

In Kyoto, you can sleep in hostels like the cozy Khaosan Tokyo Guesthouse or the so-called cube hotels. Then rest in your own private cabin at the end of a long corridor lined with other capsules. Would you like to try it? Then choose the 9h capsule hotel in the center of Kyoto. The Cube Hotel has a modern atmosphere and is an oasis in the sometimes hectic Kyoto city center.

Kyoto Weather

Summers are hot in Kyoto, with temperatures sometimes reaching 30 degrees Celsius, but winters are frigid, with temperatures sometimes falling below 10 degrees Celsius. However, it doesn’t freeze as often, but it rains quite a bit.

Have you ever been to any of these places? Share your experience with us in the comments below!