Things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto, once the capital city of Japan, is famous for travellers looking for a getaway rich in culture and history. Though they’re famous for their Buddhist shrines and imperial palaces, Kyoto has way more to offer than historical sites.
The city’s long history doesn’t make it outdated; Kyoto blends the old and new seamlessly, so you can toe the line of history and modernity while you’re here. Here’s what we think are the best things to do in Kyoto.
– Attractions –
1. Kimono Forest
Man-made “forest” of kimono-patterned cylinders
The Kimono Forest of Arashiyama may be a man-made attraction, but it’s not any less stunning than the natural forests you can find in Kyoto.
Made up of 600 cylinders, each wrapped in a unique kimono design, your path through the Kimono Forest will be filled with the best of Kyoto textile artistry, showcasing their traditional Kyo-yuzen dyeing technique. This technique is known for intricate patterns and rich colours, so you can expect a visual treat with bright colours, patterns and motifs throughout the forest.
Image credit: Kanpai Japan
We recommend going in the evening or when it’s dark if you’d like to have a different experience, since the “trees” of the Kimono Forest will be lit up, illuminating your walk through it. The Kimono Forest is located directly at the Randen Arashiyama Train Station, making it a convenient spot to drop by.
20-2 Sagatenryūji Tsukurimichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Tuesday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Wednesday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Thursday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Friday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Saturday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Sunday
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
2. Okazaki Shrine
A “rabbit” shrine, celebrating fertility & family
Image credit: Japanese National Tourism Organisation
No visit to Japan is complete without visiting a shrine and praying for good fortune. The Okazaki Shrine is hard to miss, especially since there is an overload of rabbits as far as the eye can see. Rabbit statues, big and small, rabbit lanterns, and rabbit motifs everywhere.
There’s a reason for this: rabbits are well-known for their breeding habits, making this shrine one that celebrates fertility and childbirth.
Image credit: @amyllawrence91 via Instagram
If you’re looking for good fortune for your growing family, this is a great place to get blessings. Otherwise, feel free to visit just because you’re a fan of these cute critters. To get here, simply drop off at the Okazaki-jinja Mae bus station, and it’ll be a 2-minute walk from there.
Japan, 〒606-8332 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Okazaki Higashitennōchō, ５１番地
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
3. Nintendo Museum
Has interactive exhibits, DIY workshops & everything Nintendo
Image credit: Nintendo
In case you didn’t know, Kyoto is home to the recently opened Nintendo Museum, housing exhibits dedicated to the Japanese gaming giant. You can expect showcases of Nintendo games, new and old, together with retro consoles and even physical game artefacts – back when Nintendo was considered just a toy company.
They have exhibitions, play zones, and workshops that you can participate in to up the interactive factor.
Image credit: Nintendo
Tickets are priced at ¥3,300 (~S$30) for adults, ¥2,200 (~S$20) for youths aged 12-17, and ¥1,100 (~S$10) for children aged 6-11.
We recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to explore the whole museum. The museum appeals to everyone, not just Nintendo fans, and all ages too, so this is a perfect activity for friends or families looking for some indoor fun.
Oinoki Oguracho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0042, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
Open 24 Hours
Tuesday
Open 24 Hours
Wednesday
Open 24 Hours
Thursday
Open 24 Hours
Friday
Open 24 Hours
Saturday
Open 24 Hours
Sunday
Open 24 Hours
4. Kyoto International Manga Museum
Learn manga history & browse their collection
Image credit: abaioni via TripAdvisor
Manga lovers, when you’re in Kyoto, don’t forget to stop by their International Manga Museum, which is housed in a former elementary school. The museum lives up to its name because it showcases comprehensive manga collections from different eras and genres.
They’ll be having an upcoming limited exhibition called Manga Voices for Human Rights, expected to run from 3rd July 2025 to 17th August 2025.
Image credit: andrew m via TripAdvisor
Ticket prices are ¥1200 (~S$10.59) for adults, and tickets for children are priced from ¥202.74 (~S$1.79). Plus, it is conveniently located near the Karasula-Oike Station, a 2-minute walk away.
Get tickets to the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
452 Kinbukichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Closed Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
5. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Oldest & most comprehensive public garden in Japan
Image credit: @sarara__amethyst04 via Instagram
Kyoto Botanical Gardens is Japan’s oldest public garden, spanning over 240,000sqm. Whilst they house seasonal plants and flowers, the garden remains a lush, thriving natural museum all year round.
They also have a conservatory that showcases plants and fauna from different environments around the world. This creates the ever-changing landscape of the garden, depending on when you visit, making for fresh and gorgeous photo backgrounds.
Image credit: @sarara__amethyst04 via Instagram
Tickets to the garden cost ¥500 (~S$4.41) for adults and ¥250 (~S$2.21) for the elderly and children. It’s located 5 minutes away from the Shokubutsuen-mae bus stop, so you can take any Kyoto bus bound for Shizuhara or Ichihara to visit.
Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
6. Rokudō Chin’nōji Temple
Houses a well that is an entrance to the Underworld
The well-rumoured to be the entrance to Hell.
Image credit: I Love Kyoto
The Rokudō Chin’nōji Temple is an interesting temple with a spooky past – legends tell the story of how a pair of wells found here are portals to the Underworld. Its supernatural history extends past the temple walls, as the area is said to be the Crossroads of the Six Realms, a Buddhist belief that consists of hell, heaven, the worlds of humans, beasts, demons, and hungry ghosts.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the well up close and personally, but there’s still plenty of history and culture to enjoy within the temple and the area.
To get to the temple, take City Bus #206 from the Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal. Then, get off at Kiyomizu-michi stop, where it’ll be a 5-minute walk.
595 Komatsuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
7. Kyoto Railway Museum
Exhibitions on the history of railways and trains in Japan
Image adapted from: @akekasak & @const76 via Instagram
Before they had their ultra-reliable, ultra-fast bullet trains, Japan had a rich and extensive history of railways and trains. Head to the Kyoto Railway Museum to learn about the railway industry through exhibitions that highlight iconic trains and showcase Japan’s railway evolution.
This museum has life-sized train carriages you can photograph and enter. They even have a steam locomotive on show.
Book a Kyoto Railway Museum ticket.
Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Closed Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
8. Kyoto Aquarium
Learn about Japan’s vibrant aquatic biodiversity
Image adapted from: @no.no.ha.na via Instagram
The Kyoto Aquarium may be small, but it is a mighty one. Its unique highlight is a permanent zone that recreates the aquatic environments of Kyoto rivers and features Japan’s giant salamander.
There’s even a dolphin arena where they have multiple show performances throughout the day.
Image credit: @mayu.365 via Instagram
The aquarium is in Umekoji Park, which is a 15-minute walk away from Kyoto Station. It’s only open from 10am to 5pm, so we recommend planning to head here early to beat the crowd and get as much time here as possible.
Get tickets to the Kyoto Aquarium.
梅小路公園, 内, 35-1 Kankijichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
9. Kyoto Tower
131m-tall observation deck
Image adapted from: @rockzonglong & @timsy64 via Instagram
If you’re a fan of observation decks, the Kyoto Tower stands proud as a symbol of modern Kyoto. Sure, it’s not the Burj Khalifah, but its 131m-tall presence can be seen from most places in Kyoto city, boasting a gorgeous 360° view of the quaint city below. It offers unique views both at night and day, depending on your preferences.
View from the observation deck.
Image credit: @josweisener via Instagram
They have a sky lounge bar where you can sip while you enjoy the view, and even a restaurant for you to dine at if you’re hungry. On its lower floors, feel free to shop for souvenirs, memorabilia, and crafts to remember your Kyoto experience.
The basic admission ticket price is from ~S$7.95, but extra charges may apply if you choose to dine or order drinks.
Get Kyoto Tower tickets.
Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokōjichō, ７２１−１ ニデック京都タワー 展望室 ３階
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
10. Non-Verbal Theatre GEAR
A theatrical performance that combines traditional & contemporary dance
Image credit: @emily.candia via Instagram
Non-Japanese speakers will be delighted to know that this futuristic theatrical performance at Non-Verbal Theatre GEAR is well, non-verbal – meaning you’ll get to appreciate the story and artistry even without understanding Japanese.
The performance combines techniques from traditional Kabuki performances with contemporary spins to create a unique experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.
Image credit: @gear_kyoto via Instagram
The story and concept originated from Kyoto, meaning this is not a performance to miss when you’re in the city.
Get tickets to Non-verbal Theatre GEAR.
Japan, 〒604-8082 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Benkeiishichō, ５６ 1928ビル 3階
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
11. teamLab Biovortex Museum, Kyoto
Soon-to-be Kyoto’s newest attraction, opening in fall 2025
TeamLab’s Biovortex Museum is a greatly anticipated attraction, opening soon in fall 2025. We don’t have the exact date yet, but it’s best to add it to your “must book” list before all the tickets are snatched up.
You can expect a multi-media, sensorial experience that’s both trippy and inspiring at the museum. You don’t have to be a modern art connoisseur to appreciate the artworks on display, though, since the exhibits themselves make for a pretty good photo backdrop.
Image credit: teamLab Biovortex Kyoto
They’ve unveiled 4 exhibits so far, each one unique in its own right, making us anticipate the day they officially open. Check out the teamLab website for updates on their opening day and ticket prices.
– Activities –
12. Kurama-Kibune hike
Known for its mystical beauty & serene mountain sights
Image adapted from: Japan Guide
When you think of Japan, you’d inevitably think of Studio Ghibli, since most of the movies have been modelled after real landscapes in Japan. Unfortunately, whilst there’s no specific place in Kyoto that has made a cameo in the movies, they do have a Ghibli-esque hike between 2 Kyoto villages: Kurama and Kibune.
The 5km trail is nestled along the mountains of Kyoto and is expected to take around 3 hours to complete. You can expect breathtaking mountainside views as you make your way from one quaint village to another. Both villages offer plenty of shrines, food and shopping experiences, so you’ll be able to get some retail therapy in.
13. Craft your own “Daruma Doll” workshop
Make a custom lucky charm with a local artisan
Image adapted from: Noreen & Stanislava via GetYourGuide
Learning about Japanese culture is a pivotal part of visiting Japan, and the best way to learn about something is straight from its source – a local. Signing up for this Daruma craft workshop (S$35) means you’ll learn how art and history blend.
You can expect an intimate learning and crafting experience, and take home a custom Daruma doll as a keepsake. The workshop will be held in English, so don’t worry about language barriers. It’ll also come with a complimentary drink and Japanese confectionery of your choice to complete the experience.
Book a Daruma Painting experience.
14. Kendo & Samurai experience
Learn sword-handling & cutting techniques
Image credit: mike via GetYourGuide
Samurai are the iconic warriors of Japan’s history who stand as a testament to undying loyalty and honour. Here, in Kyoto, you can learn the martial ways of these warriors in a Samurai experience – a 2-hour-long workshop (S$145) that’ll teach you basic sword-handling techniques and movements.
Image credit: Klook
This workshop goes all out for your immersion as you’ll get to wear authentic training gear, use blunt replica blades and train in an authentic dojo. You can even ask your instructor to snap pictures for you while you train, as a keepsake to remember your experience by.
Book the Kendo and Samurai experience.
15. Entoku-in Temple
An alternative, lesser-known Zen temple
Image credit: TripAdvisor
If you want to visit Kyoto temples but don’t want to deal with the crowds, Entoku-in Temple is a fantastic alternative. This serene temple even has a special Zen experience for visitors, available after paying the admission fee of ¥500 (~S$4.41).
The 35-minute experience will be filled with calming activities like mini-dry landscaping and copying sutras.
Image credit: 973rena via TripAdvisor
For an additional fee of ¥500 (~S$4.41), you can unwind in their stone garden with a cup of matcha and Japanese candy to end your zen journey.
Visit the Entoku-in Temple website for more information.
Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Takadai, 寺下河原町５３０
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
16. Sagano Scenic Railway
Ride a train to witness Kyoto’s natural beauty
Image adapted from: dungmiakem via TripAdvisor
Sightseeing can get tiring if you’re always on foot, so the Sagano Scenic Railway is a great way to appreciate Kyoto’s natural beauty while you rest your aching feet. This 25-minute train ride will travel on one of Japan’s scenic railways, riding through the gorgeous landscapes between Saga Torokko and Kameoka Torokko stations. It’ll pass the stunning Hozugawa River too, so keep your cameras ready.
Book a Sagano Railway ticket.
Sagamizuohatogasu, 右京区 Kyoto, 610-0000, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Closed Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
17. Eizan Cable Car
Experience sights at 848m above sea level
Image credit: Klook
The Eizan Cable Car is not for those with a fear of heights, since it’ll take you 848m above sea level to the top of Mount Hiei to marvel at the natural beauty around you from up high.
There are stops on the midway and end point, each one offering a different way to experience the nature around you. Midway, there is a panoramic deck that gives you unparalleled views of the mountainside. Here, you can even participate in Kawarake, a Japanese tradition of throwing a ceramic dish off the mountain for good luck.
Image credit: @ichbinbobby via Instagram
If you continue, you’ll find yourself at the summit of the mountains, where you can explore the Garden Museum Hiei, which showcases porcelain reproductions of famous Impressionist artists like Monet and Van Gogh.
You can even take a bus to Enryaku-Ji, a famous temple that sits between Kyoto and Otsu City, from this stop.
Get tickets for the Eizan Cable Car.
Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0067, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
Open 24 Hours
Tuesday
Open 24 Hours
Wednesday
Open 24 Hours
Thursday
Open 24 Hours
Friday
Open 24 Hours
Saturday
Open 24 Hours
Sunday
Open 24 Hours
– Places to shop –
18. Nishiki Market
400-year-old shopping street
Image credit: @ign3o via Instagram
The Nishiki Market is a 5-block-long shopping street that boasts more than 100 shops and restaurants. The lively market is known for everything food-related, a perfect place to shop at if you’re looking for authentic Japanese street food.
They also sell fresh produce and ingredients, as well as Kyoto specialities like pickles, Japanese sweets, and dried seafood.
Image adapted from: @waxwinging via Instagram
Almost everything you can find at this market is locally produced or sourced, so you can bet on its authenticity. If you’d like to visit, keep in mind that this is an extremely busy market, filled with locals and tourists alike – it can get really crowded at certain times.
Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
Open 24 Hours
Tuesday
Open 24 Hours
Wednesday
Open 24 Hours
Thursday
Open 24 Hours
Friday
Open 24 Hours
Saturday
Open 24 Hours
Sunday
Open 24 Hours
19. Yokai Street
Features statues of creatures found in Japanese folklore
Image credit: @gotoki2972 via Instagram
Ichijo-dori street, affectionately called Yokai Street, is a quirky shopping street where you can find shops guarded by yokai – creatures found in Japanese folklore. There are about 30 statues throughout the street that were made by the locals from scratch to celebrate these strange beings.
Don’t expect to find a shopping experience like you would in Tokyo, since this street is meant to serve the local neighbourhood. You can, however, pop by to snap some pictures and learn about Japanese folklore from the locals.
Japan, 〒602-8374 京都府京都市上京区一条通
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
20. Higashiyama District
Preserved shopping district of Old Kyoto
Image credit: @nannamastro via Instagram
The Higashiyama District is Kyoto’s best-preserved historical district. Narrow lanes, wooden shop buildings, and traditional merchant shops mark this place as distinctly old Kyoto. Walk down the lane where you’ll be flanked on both sides by shops, cafes and businesses.
Most shops here open by 9am or 10am and close pretty early, at around 6pm. We recommend getting here as early as possible so you can walk the entire 2km district and explore it to your heart’s content.
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Opening Hours:
Wednesday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Hide
Monday
Open 24 Hours
Tuesday
Open 24 Hours
Wednesday
Open 24 Hours
Thursday
Open 24 Hours
Friday
Open 24 Hours
Saturday
Open 24 Hours
Sunday
Open 24 Hours
Visit Kyoto & make long-lasting memories of your trip to Japan
Add Kyoto to your itinerary for future Japan trips, especially if you’re looking for a more rural getaway, without being completely off the grid. Reconnect with the past and nature at Kyoto with any of the activities on this list.
Other Japan-related articles to check out:
Cover picture adapted from: @putsadarunee & @kyoto_botagrdns via Instagram, Nintendo & Teamlab Biovortex Kyoto
AloJapan.com