Things to do in Kyoto Prefecture
Visit Kyoto Prefecture
Most popular experiences in Kyoto Prefecture
History & culture
See all 377 activitiesOpens in new tabPerfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour
Classes & workshops
See all 114 activitiesOpens in new tabKimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, GION
Private & custom tours
See all 223 activitiesOpens in new tabTokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 51 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto/Osaka: Sanzenin, Bamboo Forest, & Arashiyama Day Trip
Shows & concerts
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto: Gion District Guided Walking Tour at Night with Snack
What to do in Kyoto Prefecture
Popular places to visit
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kyoto Tower
In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a stop at Kyoto Imperial Palace. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Yasaka Shrine
Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.
Shijo Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Shijo Street. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Areas of Kyoto Prefecture
Central Kyoto
Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Seimei-Jinja Shrine. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Maruyama Park while you're exploring the area.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Karasuma
Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Higashiyama Ward
Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Travelers love Nakagyo Ward for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street.
- Hotels near Kiyomizu Temple
- Hotels near Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hotels near Nishiki Market
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels near Kyoto University
- Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Yasaka Shrine
- Hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Hotels near Togetsukyo Bridge