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Things To Do in Kyoto
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items Kyoto is full of moments that feel timeless—where tradition, nature, and daily life come together beautifully. Here is a recommendation from my own experience as a traveler in Kyoto. Hopefully, this helps you create an unforgettable trip of your own
Hozugawa River Boat Ride – Kyoto Experience If you’re looking for something peaceful yet exciting in Kyoto, I really recommend the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. The journey takes about 2 hours, floating down the beautiful Hozugawa River surrounded by mou... It’s a completely different way to see Kyoto, away from the busy city and temples. Perfect for slow travelers who want to enjoy nature. Tip: Best enjoyed in spring or autumn when the scenery is extra stunning! 🌸🍁
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Sagano Romantic Train – Scenic Kyoto Ride The Sagano Romantic Train is honestly one of the most beautiful train rides I’ve ever taken in Japan. It’s a short 25-minute ride, but every moment feels magical. The old-fashioned train moves slowly along th...
The vibe is cozy and a little nostalgic, like stepping back in time. What I loved most was how the scenery kept changing—sometimes calm river views, sometimes tunnels opening up to wide landscapes. Perfect for just sitting back and soaking it all in.
Tip: Combine this ride with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a full experience—you go by train one way and return by boat. Such a unique way to explore Arashiyama!
Pro Tip : Choose Rich Car No.5 and Right side Seat 7C-D for the best view!!
The vibe is cozy and a little nostalgic, like stepping back in time. What I loved most was how the scenery kept changing—sometimes calm river views, sometimes tunnels opening up to wide landscapes. Perfect for just sitting back and soaking it all in.
Tip: Combine this ride with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a full experience—you go by train one way and return by boat. Such a unique way to explore Arashiyama!
Pro Tip : Choose Rich Car No.5 and Right side Seat 7C-D for the best view!!
Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train
Sanzen-in Temple & Arashiyama Day Trip This tour was such a beautiful way to spend a day in Kyoto. We started with Sanzen-in Temple, which felt so peaceful—the moss garden and little statues hidden among the greenery made it feel almost magical. After that, exploring Arashiyama was definitely a highlight. Walking through the bamboo forest, crossing the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and visiting Tenryu-ji Temple gave me a mix of culture and nature in one go. The views, especially in autumn, were ... What I loved most was how balanced the trip felt—quiet temples in the morning, then lively Arashiyama vibes later on. It’s the kind of experience that really shows Kyoto’s charm. ✨
1 Day Kyoto Tour - Temple/Park
Kamo River – Kyoto’s Relaxing Spot One of my favorite simple joys in Kyoto was just spending time by the Kamo River. It’s not a tour or a temple, but the atmosphere is so special, locals sitting by the riverbanks, students playing guitar, couples wal... I loved sitting there with some snacks, just watching the flow of the water and the city life passing by. It feels peaceful yet lively at the same time. In spring, the cherry blossoms make it extra dreamy, and in summer evenings it’s the perfect plac... It’s such a nice spot to slow down and experience Kyoto like a local.
Kamo River
Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Kyoto Icon Visiting Kiyomizu-dera was such a memorable part of my trip. The walk up through little shops and snack stalls already sets the mood, and then suddenly you arrive at this grand temple with one of the best views in Ky... Even though it can get crowded, the energy of people all admiring the same view together felt really special. I also loved exploring the smaller halls and paths around the temple grounds. It’s not just about the view, but also the feeling of history ...
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha – The Thousand Torii Gates Walking through the endless rows of bright red torii gates at Fushimi Inari was such a surreal experience. The path winds up the mountain, and every turn feels like stepping into a postcard. What I love... It’s a bit of a hike if you want to reach the top, but even walking partway gives you the full magic. For me, it felt like one of those "only in Japan" experiences. Truly unforgettable!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka – Kyoto’s Charming Streets Strolling through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka felt like walking back in time. These narrow, sloping streets are lined with traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and little souvenir shops. The atmosph... It’s usually lively with visitors, but that just adds to the charm. Definitely one of the best spots to enjoy Kyoto’s traditional side while soaking in the local vibe.
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Kinkaku-ji – The Golden Pavilion Seeing Kinkaku-ji in person honestly took my breath away. The golden temple shimmering on the water with its perfect reflection feels almost unreal, like something out of a painting. The garden path takes you around the pond so you can see the pavilion from different angles—each view is stunning, especially with the surrounding trees changing colors in autumn or covered in snow in winter. Even though it’s one of the most famous (and busiest) spots in Kyoto, it still feels peaceful once you take a moment to stand and admire the scenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, breathe, and just enjoy the beauty in front of you.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Aquarium – Fun & Relaxing Spot Visiting Kyoto Aquarium was such a nice break from temples and sightseeing. It’s not too big, but really well-designed and relaxing to explore. The highlight for me was the penguin and seal areas—they’re super... The dolphin show was also a pleasant surprise, more about harmony with music and water than just tricks, which made it feel unique. I also enjoyed the Kyoto River zone, showing local aquatic life connected to the city. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling with kids, or if you just want something light and refreshing in between exploring Kyoto’s historic sites. Plus, it’s right next to Umekoji Park, so you can combine both for a chill afternoon.
Kyoto Aquarium
Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s Kitchen Walking through Nishiki Market was such a fun foodie adventure. The narrow street is packed with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to pickles, matcha sweets, and unique Kyoto snacks. The smells, colors, and... It does get crowded, but that’s part of the charm. If you want to experience Kyoto through its flavors, this is definitely the place to be.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto Tower – City View from the Top Kyoto Tower might not be as historic as temples or shrines, but it gives one of the best views of the whole city. From the observation deck, you can see Kyoto’s mix of modern streets and traditional rooftops, with... I went around sunset, and it was beautiful watching the city slowly light up. The view of Kyoto Station and the glowing skyline at night felt really different from the usual temple scenery. It’s a quick and easy visit, right across from Kyoto Station—perfect if you want a panoramic view and a little change of pace from sightseeing.
Kyoto Tower
Amanohashidate – “Bridge to Heaven” Scenery Amanohashidate was one of those moments in travel that stick with you. It’s a long sandbar—around 3.2-3.6 km—covered with pine trees, stretching across Miyazu Bay. What’s amazing is the view from the hills/...
Amanohashidate
Ine Fishing Village – Kyoto by the Sea Visiting Ine felt like stepping into a postcard. The village is famous for its funaya—traditional wooden boathouses built right on the water, with boats on the first floor and living spaces above. Seeing the hou... What I loved most was just walking along the shore, watching the calm water reflect the houses, and imagining the simple life of the fishermen who live there. You can also take a boat ride around the bay for a closer look, which really shows the char... It’s small and quiet, but that’s the beauty of it—you really feel the slow life here. A perfect contrast to busy Kyoto city, and a hidden gem worth the trip if you want something authentic and relaxing
Ine Fishing Village
Taking this tour felt like stepping into a dream between sea, sky, trains and villages. From riding the quaint Tango Sea Train to walking across Amanohashidate’s sandbar and gazing at its pine forests, the scenery changes constantly, and in awesome w...
1 Day Tour Kyoto-Fu
Walking through Gion felt like stepping into old Japan. The narrow streets with wooden machiya houses, lanterns glowing at night, and teahouses tucked away create such a magical atmosphere. What I loved most was the sense of tradition—sometimes you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening appointment, which makes the experience feel straight out of history. Even without that, just strolling and soaking ...
Gion District