Things to do in  Kyoto Prefecture

A treasured spiritual site in Kyoto, the 8th-century Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. The shrine’s five magnificent temples lie at the foot of the Inari mountain, and thousands of vivid red torii gates (known as Senbon Torii) mark the forested trails to the top. The seemingly endless path of gates has become an Instagram favorite, so be prepared for plenty of people trying to get the perfect snap.

Gion Corner is a convenient place for art lovers to visit while in Kyoto, as it brings seven traditional Japanese performing arts together under one roof. Attending one of its nightly performances is an ideal way to spend an evening in the heart of the Gion entertainment district while learning about traditional Japanese culture.

To experience Kyoto in a nutshell, head to Arashiyama. The perennially popular area is rich in temples and a riot of fall colors in November, with pink cherry blossoms in April. The area contains several major sites, including Tenryu-ji, Gio-ji, Jojakko-ji, Daikaku-ji temples, and the famous Bamboo Grove. Another highlight is the Moon Crossing Bridge, which offers views of Mt. Arashiyama.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.

With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight. Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.

Pontocho Alley is a popular, atmospheric dining area packed with restaurants and exclusive tea houses lining a narrow, cobbled alley just west of Kyoto’s Kamo River. With no cars, modern buildings, or ostentatious signage allowed, it’s considered one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto.

With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. It's no surprise then that Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.

Surrounded by the forested peaks of Mt Arashiyama and the west Kyoto mountains, Togetsu-kyo Bridge offers one of Kyoto’s most photographed views. Spanning the Katsura River, the historic wooden bridge is a landmark in its own right and leads the way to the atmospheric Arashiyama district.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle, a fortified complex dating from 1603, was the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. Walk in the pretty gardens or visit Ninomaru Palace to see fine Japanese artworks. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, a city already full of must-visit attractions.

Beneath the verdant canopy of the eastern mountains, Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) is among the most visited of Kyoto’s UNESCO-listed temples and renowned for its idyllic gardens. Built in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, legend dictates that it was to be covered in silver in homage to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)—a feat that was never realized.

Often touted as Kyoto’s two most photogenic streets, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are pedestrian-only shopping lanes that lead up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The area’s painstakingly restored wooden townhouses are now occupied by cozy tea houses, traditional restaurants, and shops selling snacks and handmade crafts.

Founded in 1236, Tofuku-ji is a large Zen Buddhist temple in southeastern Kyoto. It’s one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto (and the entirety of Japan) and it's the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It’s an especially popular place to see the vibrant colors of the trees in fall.

Located in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, Tenryu-ji Temple is one of the five great temples of Kyoto. Make a stop at this sprawling Zen temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the 14th century, to experience its traditional Japanese landscape garden.

Founded in 1319, Daitoku-ji Temple is a large walled temple complex in northern Kyoto that encompasses Zen gardens and more than 20 sub-temples. It’s the head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Daitoku-ji school of Zen Buddhism and the spiritual center of the Japanese tea ceremony. The complex is a great place to experience and learn about Buddhism in Japan.

Built in the 17th century by Prince Hachijo Toshihito, Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu) is regarded as one of the cornerstones of Japanese architecture and garden design. With its landscaped gardens, bamboo forests, and traditional teahouses dotted around a central lake; it’s an idyllic spot for strolling.