Kyoto TOP Things to Do: The Best of Japan’s Ancient Capital
My visit to historical Kyoto will forever remain close to my heart, as it’s one city I deliberately visited twice during my Japan holiday tour and that prompted me to come up with this list of Kyoto things to do. With a little bit of planning, it is easy to fit them all in a day and use this post as a Kyoto Travel Guide.
Can you believe that as soon as I alighted at Kyoto Station, I spotted a group of cheerful Geisha girls? It was a journey through time and culture, where ancient traditions harmoniously blended with modern life.
I arrived in Kyoto station late evening after my tour of Fukuoka. Needless to say, I was immediately struck by the contrast between the bustling modern city and the timeless charm of Kyoto history. One thing that hasn’t changed was the energy and efficiency that characterize Japanese cities.
Let me reveal at the outset that for my original Kyoto itinerary I had allotted two days. And in the two days I fell terribly in love with this ideal cultural capital of Japan. In the two days I could only explore the famous Kyoto temples and shrines, the major landmarks in Kyoto. Kyoto is renowned for its countless temples and shrines, each offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Out of the two days, one got washed out by unexpected rains. I never imagined it would rain so heavily, especially in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most iconic cities, and precisely when I planned to be there. However, Kyoto town never disappoints. Despite the rain, I managed to chalk out a wonderful Kyoto itinerary for the rainy day, which I’ll share in another blog.
The next drastic step I took was to delete Nagoya and Matsumoto from my list of places to visit in Japan and add the two days to Kyoto. I had to cancel hotel reservations adjust the dates for visiting Kanazawa and Takayama and then return to Kyoto for another two days. It was a bitter-sweet feeling. So ideally, I now have an itinerary for 4 days in Kyoto. I will share that too in another blog. But believe me even the best itineraries of Kyoto are bound to miss something or other.
For now, let’s delve deeper to better understand this historical Kyoto city and how to make the most of our experience there!
Making last minute plans for Kyoto? Don’t worry we have you covered with these suggested tours:
Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour
Kyoto: Heritage Highlights Full-Day Tour
Kyoto History
It is often mistaken that Kyoto is capital of Japan and quite justifiably so because Kyoto was the seat of power for over a thousand years, from 794 AD to 1868 AD. Kyoto is the oldest city in Japan; therefore, Kyoto’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of Japan itself.
Kyoto was founded in 794 AD by Emperor Kammu, who moved the capital from Nara to a new location due to political and strategic reasons. The city was then named Heian-kyo, meaning “Capital of Peace and Tranquility.” The Heian Period is named after Kyoto’s former name, and it is characterized by a flourishing of culture, literature, and the arts.
Following the end of the Heian Period, Kyoto continued to serve as Japan’s capital through the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo periods. During this time, Kyoto was the center of political power and culture, and it witnessed the rise and fall of various shogunates and samurai clans.
Moving ahead in the timeline of Kyoto history, in 1868, Emperor Meiji moved the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo as part of the Meiji Restoration. This heralded Japan’s modernization and the end of Kyoto’s status as the political center of Japan. However, Kyoto never lost its cultural significance and historical importance. The charm continues to attract tourists in hordes.
Preservation and UNESCO World Heritage Status
Despite no longer being the capital, Kyoto has diligently preserved its historical landmarks, temples, and traditional neighborhoods. In 1994, UNESCO recognized Kyoto as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its outstanding cultural value and contribution to humanity.
There are 17 sites in this one city alone. We soon realised seeing all of them was near impossible in the time we had. Nevertheless, we did come up with a list of top 10 things to do in Kyoto.
Kyoto Top Things to Do
Choosing the best places to visit in Kyoto can be quite perplexing, but starting with destinations that don’t adhere to strict opening and closing times is a smart strategy. Begin your exploration by prioritizing these sites, ideally in the early morning when crowds are thinner, allowing you to maximize your time and experiences throughout the day.
Kyoto Station
After your arrival at Kyoto station don’t rush off to see the landmarks in Kyoto, instead spend some time admiring its striking architectural design. Kyoto station is known for featuring a futuristic steel and glass structure juxtaposed with traditional Japanese elements. Ascend to the top of Kyoto Station via escalators or elevators to access the Skywalk and Observation Deck. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, offering a unique perspective of Kyoto’s urban landscape.
The station also features entertainment facilities such as a movie theater, a large bookstore, and a hotel, making it a bustling hub of activity and culture. If your departure is late in the evening, explore the extensive array of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto was definitely worth it, especially during the rains. The tall bamboo plants form a dense canopy overhead and provide the much-needed cover. The grove offers countless opportunities for stunning photographs, with its picturesque pathways winding through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and creating captivating scenes at every turn. We thought we reached the place quite early but it looks like there are more hard-working tourists than us. The forest grove was crowded. It was hard to get a frame with just us alone.
There is no closing and opening time. However, try to reach early for a tranquil experience. There are some shrines along the path, you will need tickets to enter them.
Fushmi Inari-Taisha
I found Fushimi Inari-Taisha to be a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual resonance that makes it a must-visit destination in Kyoto, which is significantly missing in other Kyoto temples and shrines. I have never encountered so many fox statues as I did in Fushimi Inari-Taisha. They were there all throughout the shrine grounds, each with a key in its mouth symbolizing the rice granary.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha has a rich history dating back over 1,300 years and is considered one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. The famous torii gates, each one is donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings and prosperity. I highly recommend this shrine among the best places to visit in Kyoto.
Fushmi Inari-Taisha
Nijo-jo in Kyoto
Nijo-jo (Nijo Castle) is one of Kyoto’s most important historical landmarks and I am glad I included it in my Kyoto itinerary. It is a medieval era architectural wonder renowned for its stunning architecture, including its massive stone walls, elaborate gates, and beautifully decorated interiors. Don’t miss visiting Ninomaru Palace, the highlight of Nijo Castle, known for its “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) that squeak when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders. The palace’s spacious rooms, tatami mats, and stunning artwork provide insight into the lifestyle and tastes of Japan’s feudal lords.
The visit to Nijo-jo was worth it especially with the audio guide. You can skip the gardens unless you are visiting in the peak of spring season. Himeji Castle was equally interesting.
Kinkakuji, major Kyoto landmark
Till I saw Kinkaku-ji I didn’t believe that there existed a parallel to our own Amritsar Golden temple in Japan. One of the iconic landmarks in Kyoto, it is renowned for its stunning golden exterior that shimmers in the sunlight. The pavilion’s reflection in the tranquil pond creates a scene of unparalleled beauty that attracts visitors from around the world. If you have the luxury of time you can learn about Zen Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics here.
Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the 14th century, Kinkaku-ji was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. It is a symbol of Kyoto’s rich heritage and architectural legacy. I just didn’t want to leave the pavilion that is set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring winding paths, lush vegetation, and serene water features.
Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto
By the time I reached Tofuku-ji Temple, I found it hard to decide which of Kyoto shrines and temples is more beautiful. Tofuku-ji is one of five great Zen temples and is historically significant for the crucial role it had in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Even today the temple continues to be an active center for Zen practice and study. In Tofuku-ji temple you can experience Zen meditation and participate in cultural activities such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops.
I took time to stroll through the impressive buildings, the Sanmon Gate, Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters), and the iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a picturesque gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding foliage, especially during autumn.
Nanzen ji Shrine in Kyoto
Nanzen-ji Shrine is definitely worth visiting while in Kyoto. It was established as the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and has played a significant role in the development of Zen practice and philosophy. Within the exquisite Nanzen-ji Tenjuan shrine complex we explored a traditional Japanese garden, a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The garden features lush foliage, tranquil ponds, and carefully manicured landscapes, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
On our way out we stumbled on the iconic Suirokaku Aqueduct, a historic waterway that once supplied water to Kyoto’s eastern districts. The aqueduct’s elegant arches and scenic location make it a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks. A free sight, and worth pausing for a while.
Nanzen ji Shrine
Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto
Main attraction of Ryoan-ji Temple is its Zen rock garden. For the first time I was seeing one of the most famous examples of karesansui (dry landscape) gardens in Japan. When I first read that the garden consists of gravel, it was hard for me to imagine it. There are 15 carefully arranged rocks set amidst raked gravel, and its minimalist design indeed evokes a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and contemplation.
In addition to its iconic rock garden, Ryoan-ji Temple has Kyoyochi Pond and beautiful gardens landscaped with moss, maple trees, and seasonal flowers. You can participate in meditation sessions, explore the temple’s architectural treasures, and learn about the principles of Zen Buddhism from knowledgeable monks and practitioners in this Zen Temple.
Ryoanji Temple
Nishiki Market
After all this sightseeing in Kyoto I surely deserved a treat. And yes, you guessed it right – We headed to Kyoto’s Kitchen. That is Nishiki Market! Here we sampled the market’s numerous stalls and shops, sampling a variety of traditional Japanese snacks, street food, and specialty ingredients. In addition to food items, I was amazed to see Nishiki Market also offers a variety of non-food products, including kitchenware, cookware, tableware, and souvenirs.
Nishiki Market has a rich history that dates back over 400 years, making it one of Kyoto’s oldest and most beloved landmarks. Head there any time, I bet you will not be disappointed.
Path of Philosophy
The name itself is so enticing. I believed I would turn into philosopher or have some great philosophical moments during my walking tour of the Path of Philosophy. The Philosopher’s Path offers visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical charm that makes it a must-visit place in Kyoto.
It is so different from other landmarks of Kyoto. The walking trail follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Though they say during the cherry blossom season (usually in early April), the path becomes especially enchanting as the cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom. I found it quite enchanting in mid-Autumn too.
The Philosopher’s Path is named after Nishida Kitaro, a prominent Japanese philosopher who used to walk along the path daily for meditation and reflection. Many other scholars and intellectuals have also been inspired by the path’s natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
What does Kyoto mean?
The name “KYOTO” in Japanese consists of two characters: KYO, meaning “capital” or “metropolis” and TO meaning “city” or “urban center. Kyoto, thus translates to “capital city” or “metropolitan city.”
What is Kyoto known for?
During my stay of 4 days in Kyoto I found that the city has lots to offer to all kinds of tourists. Kyoto is worth visiting for its famed historical sites, UNESCO heritage sites, temples and shrines, and traditional Japanese arts and crafts. Japan’s ancient capital is particularly known for traditional geisha (geiko) and apprentice geisha (maiko) culture. The city wears its best costumes all year round. It is an absolute joy to travel to Kyoto Japan whatever the season be. Last but not the least is its refined cuisine!
Where is Kyoto in Japan
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region of Japan, situated on the island of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. It is roughly in the central part of Honshu, towards its southern end. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which gives it a picturesque and somewhat secluded feel despite its urban development.
Geographical coordinates: 35.02288142892602, 135.78066749262206
Cities near Kyoto are:
- To the south of Kyoto is Osaka, read: Osaka Castle
- To the east of Kyoto lies Nara, another ancient capital of Japan and home to some of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples and shrines. Do check out this travel blog: Nara, One Day Itinerary
- Situated west of Kyoto, Kobe is a coastal city known for its scenic harbor, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and delicious Kobe beef.
- Located northeast of Kyoto, Nagoya is a major industrial and cultural center in central Japan. It’s known for its well-preserved castle, traditional craft industries, and the bustling Sakae district. Sadly, I had to miss this. But there is some hope to revisit Japan and I hope to make it there then.
These cities are well-connected by Japan’s efficient transportation network, including high-speed trains (Shinkansen), making them easily accessible for day trips from Kyoto.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
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