When I first made my Kyoto itinerary, I was completely overwhelmed. There were so many places to see, things to eat, and experiences to soak in! I tried to pack every single day with temples, hidden alleys, street food, peaceful gardens, and somehow still keep that calm, Zen vibe Kyoto is known for (???).
Oh! And I couldn’t resist visiting some spots twice, once in the morning and again at night, just to catch the lights and a totally different vibe.
After two packed trips, I’ve crammed in as many top spots, travel tips, and HIDDEN GEMS (including a few I’m still dying to check off) as well!!
Hope this chaotic-but-carefully-curated list helps you figure out what to add to your Kyoto adventure!
What To Do In Kyoto?
Fushimi Inari Shrine
10/10 must-visit: Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari—the god of rice, prosperity, and protection. You’ll see fox statues everywhere, as foxes are believed to be Inari’s messengers. People come here to pray for everything from good harvests to business success and family safety, and you can pick up omamori (lucky charms) along the way.
The famous tunnel of 10,000 torii gates winds up to a 233m-high summit, and the full hike takes about 2 hours. My family didn’t make it to the top, but there’s a great midway rest stop with food, ice cream, and a scenic view. Also, feel free to take any side paths because those will bring you to other shines and hidden gems.
10/10 – The torii tunnels felt totally unique and honestly kind of spiritual. Worth it!
Pro tip: The higher you go, the fewer people, perfect for photos! Also, bring your own water, it’s a hike, and the drinks up there aren’t cheap.
Sannenzaka / Ninenzaka walkway
This bustling pedestrian street is packed with Studio Ghibli shops, souvenirs, restaurants, and endless street snacks. My go-to? Mitarashi dango, a grilled rice dumpling with a sweet, orangey brown sugar glaze, and the super refreshing pickled cucumber on a stick.
Avoid holidays at all costs. I made the mistake of going during Golden Week (a 4-day national holiday in Japan) right after exams, it was packed. On my second visit, I went after 6pm and everything was closed. It was peaceful and beautifully lit, but there’s zero nightlife. If you go around 7am, the streets are empty except for a few breakfast spots, and we even saw people doing kimono photoshoots.
10/10 – I came here 3 times to catch it at different times of day, and each one had its own charm.
Pro tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and take photos, or around 5pm to catch golden hour as the shops wind down.
Macho Bar
Highlight of my entire Kyoto trip. This place is part comedy show, part gym fantasy, part wholesome chaos. At Macho Bar, you’re literally princess-carried to your seat by a macho man, and every drink or snack you order comes with a ridiculously funny flexing performance.
I couldn’t stop laughing, the staff are full of energy, over-the-top in the best way, and somehow still really sweet. You can even order “special performances” like a shirt-ripping show or a dramatic kabedon (that anime wall slam thing). I didn’t order one, but someone else did and the whole place screamed.
11/10 – You get comedy, macho men, and snacks. What more could you want?
Pro tip: You must reserve in advance. No walk-ins allowed!
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, known as the “Pure Water Temple,” is a 1,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that gets its name from Otowa Waterfall. Its massive wooden stage, built without a single nail, stands 13 meters above the hillside, offering stunning views of Kyoto, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in autumn. Behind the main hall, you’ll find Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking. And at the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors line up to drink from three sacred streams:
Left: Academic success
Middle: Love and relationships
Right: Longevity and good health
I was going to go for the middle stream to wish for a boyfriend, but the line was way too long—so I chose longevity instead.
8/10 – Yes, it can be crowded, but the views are absolutely worth it, especially if you go early or during the off-hours.
Pro tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Entrance fee: ¥500
Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple
HIDDEN GEM ALERT. I’ve never seen anything like this, 1200 moss-covered stone statues, each with a unique, hand-carved face. These disciples of Buddha have every expression imaginable: laughing, meditating, side-eyeing… one even looked like One Punch Man. It’s quirky, peaceful, and kind of magical.
The walk there is lovely too, passing through the charming Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. Best part? Almost no crowds, just a few visitors quietly exploring alongside you.
10/10 – Honestly, I found it even more memorable than the bamboo forest.
Pro tip: Check the bus schedule ahead of time, the buses don’t come often.
Entry Fee: ¥500
Official Website Here
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Imagine tall bamboo trees hoovering over you just enough to block the sky and it was such a peaceful walk, even in the rain. I came at 7am to eat breakfast at a nearby store and started exploring at 7:30am and there were no crowds (use that jetlag to your advantage if you wake up early)!! At 9am it was flooded with people so I was lucky if I could see it before it lost its peacefulness.
9/10 – Magical view
Pro tip: Visit before 8:30 am to avoid the crowds
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
If you want to see calm, free-roaming monkeys up close, Iwatayama Monkey Park in Kyoto is worth the visit. After a 20-minute uphill hike, you’ll reach the summit where monkeys casually hang out on rooftops, paths, and in the feeding zone. As long as you follow the rules, they’re surprisingly chill, no phone snatching, no hair-pulling, none of those wild monkey stereotypes.
That said… I almost got attacked. A trainer was letting people take photos near a monkey, and the second I made eye contact, it nearly lunged. So yeah, try not to stare them down (easier said than done).
8/10 – Super fun, and I’d love to come back in winter to see them soaking in the onsen.
Pro tip: Don’t touch, don’t feed, don’t make eye contact, and don’t test the monkey king.
Fee: ¥800 (adults) / ¥400 (children)
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 17 historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, known for its striking beauty and gold-leaf-covered exterior.
Honest opinion? It wasn’t my favorite spot. It looks exactly like the photos, and aside from a short 10 min walk around the pavilion, there’s not much else to do. Plus, the bus ride to get there is kind of a trek. I’d say it’s worth a one-time visit for the photo op, especially if you’re into architecture, history, or photography, but it didn’t blow me away. (To be fair, it was a cloudy day, so maybe I missed the golden shine.)
Highlight? Definitely the gold leaf matcha ice cream after.
4/10 – thought I’d love it, but it left me disappointed.
Fee: ¥500 (adults) / ¥300 (students)
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is a spiritual spot in Kyoto where many come to pray for health and good fortune. It’s most famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s oldest and most important festivals, held every July for over 1,150 years to appease the gods and ward off epidemics.
If you visit during the day, you might be lucky enough to witness a Kagura dance—a sacred Shinto ritual performed by shrine maidens (mikos). I actually caught one during my visit, and it was such a beautiful, moving experience.
At night, the shrine is lit up with lanterns around the Kagura stage, giving it a quiet, almost surreal atmosphere.
9/10 – Coming twice to see the shine during the day and night was totally worth it!
Kodaiji temple
We stumbled upon Kodaiji Temple during a late-night stroll and were pleasantly surprised to find not just a serene Zen Buddhist temple, but also its own bamboo grove and stunning nighttime garden illumination.
Visitors must remove their shoes and wear plastic foot coverings before entering, which adds to the peaceful, almost ritualistic atmosphere. The light show reflecting off the bamboo and the calm of the garden at night made it feel like a hidden gem away from the crowds.
9/10 – A gorgeous, tranquil spot in Kyoto.
Fee: ¥600 (Adults) / ¥250 (High School Students)
Perfume making at My Only Fragrance【 TERAMACHI 】
We booked a custom perfume-making experience and had such a fun time! You start by smelling a variety of scents and choosing your favorites, then the staff helps you blend them into your very own signature scent, customized with your preferred top, middle, and base notes.
You get to adjust the formula, pick a name for your perfume, and take home a totally personalized bottle. Mine was called “Sweet Persimmon”! Super cute, travel-friendly, and a great Kyoto souvenir!
7/10 – Fun, creative, and airplane-safe!
Prices:
・50ml – from ¥6,500
・100ml – from ¥8,000
・Diffuser – from ¥6,000
Book here: myonlyfragrance.com or DM them on Instagram (that’s what we did!)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
10/10 must-visit: Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari—the god of rice, prosperity, and protection. You’ll see fox statues everywhere, as foxes are believed to be Inari’s messengers. People come here to pray for everything from good harvests to business success and family safety, and you can pick up omamori (lucky charms) along the way.
The famous tunnel of 10,000 torii gates winds up to a 233m-high summit, and the full hike takes about 2 hours. My family didn’t make it to the top, but there’s a great midway rest stop with food, ice cream, and a scenic view. Also, feel free to take any side paths because those will bring you to other shines and hidden gems.
10/10 – The torii tunnels felt totally unique and honestly kind of spiritual. Worth it!
Pro tip: The higher you go, the fewer people, perfect for photos! Also, bring your own water, it’s a hike, and the drinks up there aren’t cheap.
Sannenzaka / Ninenzaka walkway
This bustling pedestrian street is packed with Studio Ghibli shops, souvenirs, restaurants, and endless street snacks. My go-to? Mitarashi dango, a grilled rice dumpling with a sweet, orangey brown sugar glaze, and the super refreshing pickled cucumber on a stick.
Avoid holidays at all costs. I made the mistake of going during Golden Week (a 4-day national holiday in Japan) right after exams, it was packed. On my second visit, I went after 6pm and everything was closed. It was peaceful and beautifully lit, but there’s zero nightlife. If you go around 7am, the streets are empty except for a few breakfast spots, and we even saw people doing kimono photoshoots.
10/10 – I came here 3 times to catch it at different times of day, and each one had its own charm.
Pro tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and take photos, or around 5pm to catch golden hour as the shops wind down.
Macho Bar
Highlight of my entire Kyoto trip. This place is part comedy show, part gym fantasy, part wholesome chaos. At Macho Bar, you’re literally princess-carried to your seat by a macho man, and every drink or snack you order comes with a ridiculously funny flexing performance.
I couldn’t stop laughing, the staff are full of energy, over-the-top in the best way, and somehow still really sweet. You can even order “special performances” like a shirt-ripping show or a dramatic kabedon (that anime wall slam thing). I didn’t order one, but someone else did and the whole place screamed.
11/10 – You get comedy, macho men, and snacks. What more could you want?
Pro tip: You must reserve in advance. No walk-ins allowed!
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, known as the “Pure Water Temple,” is a 1,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that gets its name from Otowa Waterfall. Its massive wooden stage, built without a single nail, stands 13 meters above the hillside, offering stunning views of Kyoto, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in autumn. Behind the main hall, you’ll find Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking. And at the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors line up to drink from three sacred streams:
Left: Academic success
Middle: Love and relationships
Right: Longevity and good health
I was going to go for the middle stream to wish for a boyfriend, but the line was way too long—so I chose longevity instead.
8/10 – Yes, it can be crowded, but the views are absolutely worth it, especially if you go early or during the off-hours.
Pro tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Entrance fee: ¥500
Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple
HIDDEN GEM ALERT. I’ve never seen anything like this, 1200 moss-covered stone statues, each with a unique, hand-carved face. These disciples of Buddha have every expression imaginable: laughing, meditating, side-eyeing… one even looked like One Punch Man. It’s quirky, peaceful, and kind of magical.
The walk there is lovely too, passing through the charming Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. Best part? Almost no crowds, just a few visitors quietly exploring alongside you.
10/10 – Honestly, I found it even more memorable than the bamboo forest.
Pro tip: Check the bus schedule ahead of time, the buses don’t come often.
Entry Fee: ¥500
Official Website Here
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Imagine tall bamboo trees hoovering over you just enough to block the sky and it was such a peaceful walk, even in the rain. I came at 7am to eat breakfast at a nearby store and started exploring at 7:30am and there were no crowds (use that jetlag to your advantage if you wake up early)!! At 9am it was flooded with people so I was lucky if I could see it before it lost its peacefulness.
9/10 – Magical view
Pro tip: Visit before 8:30 am to avoid the crowds
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
If you want to see calm, free-roaming monkeys up close, Iwatayama Monkey Park in Kyoto is worth the visit. After a 20-minute uphill hike, you’ll reach the summit where monkeys casually hang out on rooftops, paths, and in the feeding zone. As long as you follow the rules, they’re surprisingly chill, no phone snatching, no hair-pulling, none of those wild monkey stereotypes.
That said… I almost got attacked. A trainer was letting people take photos near a monkey, and the second I made eye contact, it nearly lunged. So yeah, try not to stare them down (easier said than done).
8/10 – Super fun, and I’d love to come back in winter to see them soaking in the onsen.
Pro tip: Don’t touch, don’t feed, don’t make eye contact, and don’t test the monkey king.
Fee: ¥800 (adults) / ¥400 (children)
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 17 historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, known for its striking beauty and gold-leaf-covered exterior.
Honest opinion? It wasn’t my favorite spot. It looks exactly like the photos, and aside from a short 10 min walk around the pavilion, there’s not much else to do. Plus, the bus ride to get there is kind of a trek. I’d say it’s worth a one-time visit for the photo op, especially if you’re into architecture, history, or photography, but it didn’t blow me away. (To be fair, it was a cloudy day, so maybe I missed the golden shine.)
Highlight? Definitely the gold leaf matcha ice cream after.
4/10 – thought I’d love it, but it left me disappointed.
Fee: ¥500 (adults) / ¥300 (students)
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is a spiritual spot in Kyoto where many come to pray for health and good fortune. It’s most famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s oldest and most important festivals, held every July for over 1,150 years to appease the gods and ward off epidemics.
If you visit during the day, you might be lucky enough to witness a Kagura dance—a sacred Shinto ritual performed by shrine maidens (mikos). I actually caught one during my visit, and it was such a beautiful, moving experience.
At night, the shrine is lit up with lanterns around the Kagura stage, giving it a quiet, almost surreal atmosphere.
9/10 – Coming twice to see the shine during the day and night was totally worth it!
Kodaiji temple
We stumbled upon Kodaiji Temple during a late-night stroll and were pleasantly surprised to find not just a serene Zen Buddhist temple, but also its own bamboo grove and stunning nighttime garden illumination.
Visitors must remove their shoes and wear plastic foot coverings before entering, which adds to the peaceful, almost ritualistic atmosphere. The light show reflecting off the bamboo and the calm of the garden at night made it feel like a hidden gem away from the crowds.
9/10 – A gorgeous, tranquil spot in Kyoto.
Fee: ¥600 (Adults) / ¥250 (High School Students)
Perfume making at My Only Fragrance [TERAMACHI]
We booked a custom perfume-making experience and had such a fun time! You start by smelling a variety of scents and choosing your favorites, then the staff helps you blend them into your very own signature scent, customized with your preferred top, middle, and base notes.
You get to adjust the formula, pick a name for your perfume, and take home a totally personalized bottle. Mine was called “Sweet Persimmon”! Super cute, travel-friendly, and a great Kyoto souvenir!
7/10 – Fun, creative, and airplane-safe!
Prices:
・50ml – from ¥6,500
・100ml – from ¥8,000
・Diffuser – from ¥6,000
Book here: myonlyfragrance.com or DM them on Instagram (that’s what we did!)
Hozugawa River Boat Ride Experience
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore Kyoto, the Hozugawa River boat ride near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a must-try! This two-hour ride takes you through gorgeous canyons and peaceful nature, all while expert boatmen steer the boat using long bamboo poles. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Kyoto, perfect for a little thrill and a lot of beautiful views.
Don’t miss out! Add the Hozugawa River boat ride to your Kyoto itinerary and make your trip unforgettable!
Yokai Street – Taishogun Shopping Street
Imagine walking the streets in Kyoto just to see Yokai freely wandering around with you. OK not actually moving, they’re statues of monsters, ghosts, demons, possessed objects, supernatural creepy creatures in Japanese folklore only found in Kyoto.
Roam around Taishogun Shopping Street – Ichijo Yokai Street and you might just make a friend.
However, near Halloween, these Yokai come to life during the Yokai festival called “Hyakki Yagyō”, also known as the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons!! So unique! Totally on my bucket list, I wish I found this place sooner!
Yasui Kompiragū Shrine
Tucked away in Gion, Yasui Kompiragu Shrine is known for its powerful ritual to break bad relationships and invite in better ones. While it’s popular with women seeking love, the ritual isn’t just about romance, it can be for friendships, family ties, or even toxic habits.
Here’s how the ritual works:
- Buy a white katashiro (paper charm) and write your wish.
- Crawl through the sacred stone’s hole front to back, then back to front, while holding your charm and repeating your wish.
Paste the charm onto the stone monument to seal it. It’s a little strange, a little spiritual, and kind of empowering. Good luck!
Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where you might catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko, traditional entertainers trained in dance, music, and conversation. If it’s in your budget, you can book a geisha experience like this one for a deeper look into the culture.
Aside from that, it’s a calm and scenic area to stroll through, with lots of little shops and old wooden buildings.
7/10 – Peaceful, but more of a vibe than a must-do unless you’re into geisha culture.
Pro tip: Be respectful, some streets clearly mark no photography zones, so keep an eye out.
Gion Geisha/Maiko Cultural Tour
For an unforgettable cultural experience in Gion, don’t miss the Authentic Kyoto Gion Geisha/Maiko Tour. You’ll get to watch elegant traditional dances performed by real maiko and geiko, and even learn the proper way to enjoy matcha tea. It’s a rare chance to see this side of Kyoto up close, something most travelers miss unless they plan ahead!
Spots are limited, so be sure to book in advance and make your Kyoto trip truly one of a kind.
Maiko/Samurai experience (rent + photoshoot)
Ever wanted to step into the shoes of a maiko or samurai? This Kyoto experience lets you do just that, with full kimono styling, wig and accessory rentals, and a professional makeover included. You can even choose between an indoor studio shoot or an outdoor photoshoot around Kyoto.
It’s a fun, hands-on way to connect with Japanese culture, and you’ll walk away with some seriously cool photos
Pontocho Alley
Tucked between Kyoto’s modern buildings and the Kamo River, Pontocho Alley is a narrow, lantern-lit street packed with charm. It’s known for its traditional wooden teahouses, intimate kappo-style restaurants, and hidden izakayas, some budget-friendly, others high-end.
Come here in the evening for the atmosphere. You might spot a maiko or geiko slipping through the alley, and in summer, many restaurants set up riverside dining decks (called kawadoko) right over the water.
Pro tip: It’s more about the vibe than sightseeing, perfect for a quiet stroll, a special dinner, or a nightcap after exploring Gion.
Kifune Shrine
Imagine walking up narrow stone steps lined with glowing red lanterns, leading you to a shrine hidden in the mountains, Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water. According to legend, those who come here to pray are blessed with prosperity in business and guidance through water divination.
In winter, the entire path transforms—thick snow blankets everything, and the world goes quiet. It’s absolutely magical. You can even try your luck with water fortunes (mizu-ura mikuji), paper fortunes that reveal their message only when placed in water.
Sanjūsangendō Temple
This golden temple is home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Each statue represents her power to see and help those in need around the world. The most striking is the thousand-armed Kannon, a powerful symbol of compassion and salvation.
Fun fact: Each statue has 40 arms, said to represent the ability to save 25 worlds each, so that’s 1,000 worlds saved per statue.
Nishiki Market
If you’re a food lover, Nishiki Market is a must-visit. This bustling marketplace is a one-stop food paradise, packed with everything from fresh seafood, snacks, and treats to savory dishes and tempting desserts. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, snacks to munch on back home or share with friends.
7/10 – similar to other food markets in Japan but worth a visit for food either way
Pro tip: Come with an empty stomach, you’ll want to sample everything!
Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple
This tiny temple is distinctive for its colourful balls hanging on it that are kukurizaru monkey talismans where you write down your desire and leave it to abolish them and or write down a wish.
Jōnangū Shrine
This shrine has a beautiful, uncrowded garden with seasonal flowers spread across five styles of Japanese garden design, each reflecting a different historical era. It’s most famous for its weeping plum blossoms and the fallen camellias festival, super photogenic and serene.
Still on my bucket list, but it’s high on the list for my next Kyoto visit.
Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple
Stepping into Saiho-ji, also known as the Temple of Moss, feels like entering a living Zen garden. The soft green moss covering every surface creates a quiet, timeless space that naturally grounds you. In Japanese culture, moss symbolizes resilience, harmony, and the quiet passage of time, a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just beautiful, it’s a spiritual experience. The visit includes copying a Buddhist sutra (a meditative practice in itself) followed by a serene walk through the moss-covered garden.
Important details:
- Advance reservations required, at least 2 months ahead
- Group size: Max 2 people
- Entry fee: ¥4,000
- Site info | Reservation link
Hirobun
This riverside restaurant serves up a unique noodle experience, your noodles come sliding down a bamboo chute, and it’s up to your chopstick skills to catch them before they drift away. It’s fun, lighthearted, and surrounded by a peaceful, zen-like forest setting.
That said, it’s popular, and wait times can hit 2 hours. Plus, it takes about 2 hours to get there from central Kyoto, so I wouldn’t recommend going just for the noodles. But if you’re already visiting Kifune Shrine (just an 8-minute walk away) or doing the Kurama to Kibune hike, it’s the perfect reward at the end.
Unique Kyoto Workshops And Classes
Kendo and Samurai Experience
Curious about what it’s like to train like a samurai? This 2-hour kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto gives you a hands-on introduction to traditional sword techniques, all while wearing authentic samurai training gear. It’s immersive, meaningful, and a great way to connect with Japan’s martial arts culture in a memorable way!
Ninja Weapon Making Class
Ever wanted to try blacksmithing in Kyoto? This hands-on class gives you the chance to forge your own shuriken (ninja throwing star) or kunai (a traditional ninja blade) using authentic techniques. You’ll go through the full process, heating, hammering, sharpening, and tempering iron—just like a traditional Japanese blacksmith. It’s a rare and rewarding way to dive into Japan’s craftsmanship culture and take home a souvenir you literally made yourself.
Heads up: Before you book, be sure to check your country’s import rules. For example, shuriken are illegal to possess in Canada and can’t be brought home in checked or carry-on luggage.
Kyoto Pottery Making Experience
Ever dreamed of making your own pottery while spinning a wheel? This hands-on pottery class near Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu Temple offers just that, plus an incredible view of the iconic Hokan-ji pagoda while you work. Whether you’re shaping a cup, bowl, or something totally your own, skilled instructors are there to help you out. It’s a fun, relaxing break from sightseeing, and you’ll get to bring home something cool you made yourself!
How Many Days Do I Need In Kyoto?
5 – 7 days if you want to go to all the main areas and visit further attractions without packing your schedule. There are so many activities and experiences in Kyoto so the longer the better!
2 – 4 days if you’re not into shrines, looking at historical/spiritual sites, and if you’re a city person.
I would recommend staying in Kyoto for a longer period of time, rather than shorter!
Where To Stay In Kyoto?
I was living hotel MONday KYOTO KARASUMANIJO! Such a great location and in the center of all main attractions! I tend to plan my trip then choose the most convenient location to live. Here is the distances and time! You will probably arrive at 1 location and walk everywhere and the distance between attractions are tight.
- 32 min bus to Sannenzaka
- 24 min train to Fushimi Inari Shrine
- 36 min train to Kiyomizu-dera
- 18 min walk to Nishiki Market
- 1 hr train to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- 33 min to Kinkaku-ji
How Do You Get Around In Kyoto?
Bus, Train, Walk !
It’s very easy to get around in Kyoto. Bus to one attraction and walk to the nearby Kyoto hotspots. Along the way you are bound to find hidden gems off the beaten path.
Google maps is your best friend for navigation in Japan. Your IC and Suica card will be your transportation card. Lastly, remember to tap on an off the bus!
Is Kyoto Worth It?
YES if you’re interested in Japanese culture, history, shrine, and serene nature. I absolutely love Kyoto and I wished I spent more time here! However, if you’re a city person who loves shopping, the hustling and bustling atmosphere, modern technology, and activities, you might find Kyoto boring and slow. Personally I enjoyed Kyoto > Osaka > Tokyo. Nevertheless, there are so many hidden gems in Kyoto, unique experience, and fun spots you must visit!