10 Amazing Things to do in Kyoto
Updated: Oct 20
Walk Through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Planning your Kyoto Trip?
I started my Kyoto adventure at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and I couldn’t think of a better way to begin exploring the city. As I walked along the path surrounded by towering bamboo, I remember looking up and taking in how high the stalks seemed to reach above me.
The bamboo created a natural canopy overhead, with small patches of sunlight coming through the leaves. The combination of the green bamboo, quiet pathways, and fresh air made the experience feel peaceful and almost surreal. For a moment, I could forget about the crowds and simply enjoy being surrounded by nature.
This was one of those places I had seen countless times in photographs, but experiencing it in person was completely different. Being there made me appreciate why the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has become such an iconic Kyoto experience.
I recommend arriving early if you want a quieter experience and better opportunities for photos. After walking through the grove, I continued exploring Arashiyama, where I found temples, traditional streets, shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery along the Katsura River.
Starting my Kyoto adventure here made the Bamboo Grove one of the experiences I’ll always associate with my first moments in Kyoto.
2. Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park 🐒
After exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, I continued my adventure by making my way up to Arashiyama Monkey Park. The walk through the wooded hillside was a bit of a workout, but I enjoyed the journey because it gave me a chance to experience a more natural side of Kyoto.
When I finally reached the top, I was rewarded with an incredible view of Kyoto.
📸 Photo 1 — Taking in the View
In this photo, I’m enjoying the panoramic view from the Monkey Park. Looking out over Kyoto, I could see the city stretching across the valley with mountains surrounding it in the distance.
I remember standing there and taking a moment to appreciate how different the view was from the temples and streets I had explored earlier. Being surrounded by nature while looking out over the city made the hike feel completely worthwhile.
📸 Photo 2 — Getting Close to the Monkeys
In this photo, I’m feeding one of the monkeys inside the designated feeding area. Having a monkey come so close to me was definitely one of the more memorable moments of my visit.
I found it fascinating to watch the monkeys interact with each other and move around naturally. At the same time, I made sure to follow the park’s guidelines and remember that these are wild animals, so giving them space and treating them respectfully is important.
For me, Arashiyama Monkey Park was much more than just seeing monkeys. It gave me a chance to hike through nature, enjoy one of the best views of Kyoto, and have an unforgettable wildlife experience — all during the same visit to Arashiyama.
3. Visit Kinkaku-ji — The Golden Pavilion 🏯
One of the places I really wanted to see during my time in Kyoto was Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion. I had seen countless photos of it before visiting, but standing there in person was completely different.
In this photo, I’m standing with my spouse in front of the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by the peaceful gardens and carefully maintained pine trees. The bright gold exterior immediately caught my attention, especially against the deep green of the surrounding landscape.
I remember taking a moment to appreciate how beautifully the temple was positioned beside the pond. The reflection of the pavilion on the water, combined with the traditional Japanese garden, created a scene that looked almost too perfect to be real.
Seeing the Golden Pavilion in person was one of those travel moments that made me understand why certain places become iconic. It wasn’t just another stop on my Kyoto itinerary — it was a place I had wanted to experience for myself, and it lived up to the anticipation.
For me, Kinkaku-ji is a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto for the first time, especially if you want to experience Japan’s traditional architecture, gardens, and history all in one place.
4. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night ⛩️🌙
One of the experiences I remember most from Kyoto was visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night. Instead of seeing the famous shrine during the busy daytime hours, I arrived after dark, and the atmosphere felt completely different.
In this photo, I’m sitting beneath the long tunnel of vibrant orange torii gates. With the darkness surrounding me and the gates illuminated along the pathway, the scene felt peaceful, mysterious, and almost surreal. I remember taking a moment to simply sit there and take in the atmosphere.
What I especially enjoyed was how quiet it felt compared with many of Kyoto’s popular attractions. There were far fewer people around, which made the experience feel more personal. The combination of the orange gates, shadows, and nighttime lighting also created an incredible setting for photography.
Visiting Fushimi Inari at night became one of my favorite Kyoto memories. It was a completely different way to experience one of Japan’s most famous shrines, and I’m glad I got to see it from this perspective.
5. Watch a Traditional Geisha Performance 🎎
One of the experiences I really wanted to have in Kyoto was watching a traditional geisha performance. Sitting in the audience and watching the performer take the stage gave me the opportunity to experience a side of Japanese culture that I had mostly seen in photographs and videos.
In this photo, I’m watching the performer gracefully move across the stage in an elegant kimono. I was drawn to the details of her movements, the traditional clothing, and the atmosphere of the performance. Everything felt carefully practiced and beautifully presented.
What made the experience special for me was being able to sit there and simply take it all in. It wasn’t just about watching a dance — it gave me a closer appreciation for the traditional performing arts that have been preserved in Kyoto for generations.
I’m glad I made time for this experience because it gave me a different perspective of Kyoto beyond its temples, shrines, and famous sightseeing spots. For anyone visiting Kyoto for the first time, I would definitely recommend experiencing a traditional performance for yourself.
6. Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace 🏯
I made the Kyoto Imperial Palace one of my stops while exploring Kyoto, and I enjoyed taking my time walking through the grounds. After seeing some of Kyoto’s busier attractions, the spacious palace grounds gave me a chance to slow down and appreciate a quieter side of the city.
In this photo, I’m walking alongside one of the palace’s traditional buildings. The first thing that caught my attention was the beautiful Japanese architecture — the sweeping tiled roof, wooden details, white walls, and carefully maintained grounds.
I remember looking closely at the roof and realizing how much detail went into a building that, from a distance, might appear simple. The wide gravel pathways and surrounding trees also gave the area a peaceful, open feeling.
What I enjoyed most about visiting the palace was being able to walk through a place connected to Japan’s imperial history while experiencing the traditional architecture up close. It felt less like simply visiting another tourist attraction and more like taking a step back into Kyoto’s past.
For me, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was a great place to slow down, take photos, and appreciate the history and craftsmanship that make Kyoto so special.
7. Visit Amanohashidate 🌊⛰️
One of the most memorable day trips I took while exploring Kyoto was Amanohashidate. After spending so much time visiting temples, shrines, and historic streets, it was refreshing to experience a completely different side of the region — mountains, water, forests, and a beautiful coastal landscape.
📸 Photo 1 — Taking in the View from Above
In this photo, I’m enjoying the incredible view of Amanohashidate from the mountainside. I remember looking out and being amazed by how far the landscape stretched in front of me.
The long, pine-covered sandbar appears to divide the bay in two, almost like a natural bridge across the water. In the distance, I could see mountains surrounding the bay, while the small town below added a traditional Japanese feel to the scenery.
This was one of those moments when I simply wanted to sit down, take a breath, and enjoy the view. It was a completely different experience from walking through the busy streets of Kyoto.
📸 Photo 2 — Looking Across the Bay
This photo captures the scenery from another angle. Looking across the water, I could see the mountains rising behind the opposite shoreline and Amanohashidate extending out from the right side of the frame.
I could also see boats traveling across the bay below me. Those small boats moving through the water made the landscape feel alive.
The weather was hazy when I visited, but I actually liked the softer appearance it gave the mountains. Instead of one sharp horizon, the mountains seemed to fade gradually into the distance.
I could have spent a long time just standing there and taking in the scenery.
📸 Photo 3 — Riding the Chairlift
In this photo, I’m riding the chairlift down the mountainside after enjoying the viewpoint. From the chairlift, I could look down through the greenery toward the town, water, and mountains.
I really enjoyed this part of the experience because I wasn’t simply traveling from one attraction to another. The ride itself became part of the adventure.
As I descended, I had a constantly changing view of the landscape below me. The combination of green forests, traditional rooftops, the bay, and distant mountains made the ride especially memorable.
My Experience at Amanohashidate
For me, Amanohashidate was one of the places that reminded me how much more there is to Kyoto than temples and shrines. The scenery felt peaceful, spacious, and completely different from the atmosphere in central Kyoto.
If I have extra time during a trip to Kyoto, I would definitely consider making the journey to Amanohashidate. It gave me the opportunity to experience another side of Japan — one filled with mountains, water, nature, and incredible panoramic views.
8. Explore Nijō Castle 🏯
I made Nijō Castle one of my stops while exploring Kyoto, and I really enjoyed seeing it in person. Walking through the castle grounds gave me a chance to step away from the modern city and experience a place that feels deeply connected to Japan’s history.
📸 Photo 1 — Standing in Front of Ninomaru Palace
In this photo, I’m standing with my spouse in front of Ninomaru Palace. We’re surrounded by the castle’s beautiful traditional architecture, from the curved tiled roof to the white walls and detailed gold decorations.
I remember looking at the building and thinking about how much craftsmanship went into every detail. The large open courtyard, carefully shaped pine trees, and traditional design made the entire setting feel distinctly Japanese.
Having my spouse there with me made the experience even more special. It wasn’t just another sightseeing stop — we were able to enjoy the history and beauty of the castle together.
📸 Photo 2 — Standing Beneath the Castle Gate
In this photo, I’m standing beneath one of the massive gates at Nijō Castle. The enormous wooden doors immediately caught my attention, especially the rows of metal studs and the decorative gold details around the edges.
Standing underneath the gate gave me a real sense of its size and strength. I could see visitors walking through the grounds behind me, while the traditional rooftops and buildings created a beautiful backdrop.
Standing underneath the gate gave me a real sense of its size and strength. I could see visitors walking through the grounds behind me, while the traditional rooftops and buildings created a beautiful backdrop.
9. See Yasaka Pagoda at Night 🏯🌙
I explored the historic streets of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district after dark and came across one of the city’s most recognizable sights: Yasaka Pagoda. Standing in the middle of the traditional stone-paved street, I could see the beautifully illuminated five-story pagoda rising above the rooftops behind me.
The nighttime atmosphere made the experience especially memorable. Warm lanterns and lights from the surrounding wooden buildings illuminated the narrow street, while the dark blue sky created a dramatic backdrop for the pagoda.
I loved how peaceful and traditional this part of Kyoto felt. Walking through the quiet streets, surrounded by historic architecture and soft evening light, gave me a completely different perspective of the city.
Tip: I recommend visiting Higashiyama in the evening when the streets begin to quiet down. It’s a beautiful area to explore on foot and an excellent place to experience Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere.
10. Explore Nishiki Market 🍣🏮
I saved Nishiki Market for one of my Kyoto food adventures, and walking through the market was an experience in itself. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a long covered shopping street filled with food stalls, small restaurants, and shops selling all kinds of Japanese specialties.
📸 Photo 1 — Discovering Fresh Seafood
In this photo, I’m looking at fresh sea urchin (uni) displayed over ice. Seeing the bright orange uni still sitting on the shells immediately caught my attention.
I enjoy visiting Japanese markets because I never quite know what I’m going to find. Nishiki gave me the chance to see ingredients that I might not normally encounter back home and experience the variety of foods that are part of Japanese cuisine.
📸 Photo 2 — Trying Uni
In this photo, I’m looking at the uni I ordered, served on its shell with wasabi and sheets of nori. This was one of those foods I wanted to try for myself rather than simply walk past.
I remember being curious about the taste and texture because uni is such a distinctive Japanese delicacy. Trying local food like this is one of my favorite parts of traveling because it allows me to experience a destination through its cuisine.
📸 Photo 3 — Walking Through Nishiki Market
In this photo, I’m walking through the entrance to Nishiki Market, surrounded by colorful signs, lanterns, food stalls, and shoppers.
The covered arcade stretches ahead of me, with something interesting seemingly everywhere I look. I could smell different foods cooking, see vendors displaying their specialties, and hear the activity of people moving through the market.
For me, Nishiki Market was more than just a place to eat. It was a chance to experience Kyoto through its food, people, shops, and everyday atmosphere.
I especially enjoyed experiencing Kyoto beyond the typical sightseeing spots — from seeing Fushimi Inari at night to watching a traditional performance, exploring Nishiki Market, and traveling to the incredible scenery of Amanohashidate.
If I’m visiting Kyoto for the first time, I would definitely make time to explore these places. I’d take my time, try something new, and leave room for unexpected experiences along the way.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide helps you create your own unforgettable Kyoto adventure. Follow me for more travel adventures and tips! 🇯🇵✈️
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