15 Best Things to Do in Kyoto

1. 1
   

   SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto

   Museum

   The SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto offers an immersive journey into feudal Japan's warrior culture.

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2. 2
   

   Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

   Park & natureFree entry

   The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto's most iconic natural attractions, located in the western district of Arashiyama.

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3. 3
   

   Byōdo-in Temple

   Religious site

   Byōdo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Originally a villa for a powerful noble, it was converted into a temple in 1052.

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4. 4
   

   To-ji Temple

   Religious site

   To-ji Temple, officially named Kyōō Gokoku-ji, is one of Kyoto's most significant Buddhist temples, founded in 796 AD.

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5. 5
   

   Heian-jingū Shrine

   Religious siteFree entry

   Heian-jingū Shrine is a relatively modern Shinto shrine in Kyoto, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyō (the former name of Kyoto).

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6. 6
   

   Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

   Park & nature

   Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a unique nature attraction located on a mountainside in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto.

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7. 7
   

   Higashi Honganji

   Religious siteFree entry

   Higashi Honganji is one of the two head temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, located in central Kyoto near Kyoto Station.

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8. 8
   

   Ninenzaka

   LandmarkFree entry

   Ninenzaka is a charming, preserved lane in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, famous for its cobblestone path and well-maintained Edo-period architecture.

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9. 9
   

   Kenninji Temple

   Religious site

   Kenninji Temple is one of Kyoto's most significant Zen Buddhist temples, founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, who introduced Rinzai Zen to Japan.

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10. 10
    

    Arashiyama

    LandmarkFree entry

    Arashiyama, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, is a picturesque district that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage.

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11. 11
    

    Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

    Religious siteFree entry

    Hōkan-ji Temple, commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda, is a striking five-story pagoda located in the historic Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan.

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12. 12
    

    Kodai-ji Temple

    Religious site

    Kodai-ji is one of Kyoto's most beautiful and atmospheric Zen temples, a serene complex in the historic Higashiyama district, founded in 1606 by Nene (also known as Kita-no-Mandokoro) in memory of…

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13. 13
    

    Ryozen Kannon

    Religious site

    Ryozen Kannon is a striking religious site in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, dominated by a 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

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14. 14
    

    Soushunan

    MarketFree entry

    Soushunan is a vibrant market located in the historic Nishijin District of Kyoto, renowned for its traditional textile industry.

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15. 15
    

    Enwsp Endowle SP Kyoto Shijo

    MarketFree entry

    Enwsp Endowle SP Kyoto Shijo is a bustling market located in the heart of Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku district, near the historic Shijo Street.

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Beyond the big names, the categories below cover everything else we track here.