Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Traintop_1
    󰺂8.4
    103.03
    Kyoto.Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao6.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTake the Sagano Romantic Train through the scenic Arashiyama in Kyoto
    Highlights:
    󱓊25-minute drive for stunning views
    󱓊Cherry blossom (spring) & foliage (fall)
    󱨠Saved by 4753 users󱨠1104 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    D29***94D29***94

    Book tickets early. Otherwise seat allocated (odd number) may not give you good views as compared to even number seat. Cannot see river, unless you stand up. There will be staff asking if you will like to take and buy a photograph for souvenir. Not all visitors are approached. So if you want photos, do look out for them.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Templetop_2
    󰺂7.8
    Kyoto.Gion/Kiyomizu Temple4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Kyoto's cherry blossoms & foliage
    󱨜World Cultural Heritage
    󱨠Saved by 3740 users󱨠972 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    蓝星旅行者蓝星旅行者

    There are always many people, so it is necessary to go early in the morning. Living in Park Hyatt may have local advantages. You can walk there. You may wish to take a taxi. You can have the energy to climb for two or three years. Conan punches the shoulder, so you can wait a while to pay attention to the beauty of the mountain, and the base of the wooden structure.

  • Fushimi Inari Taishatop_3
    󰺂7.3
    Kyoto6.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Kyoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Fox statues & unique charms
    󰋄View Kyoto cityscape
    󱨠Saved by 3663 users󱨠776 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    BiancaArielBiancaAriel

    When you get out of JR minari Station, the entrance to the shrine opens up amazingly. There are many foreign tourists and middle and high school students even on weekdays. It is cute to see middle school students wearing school uniforms taking group photos under the guidance of their teachers. Contrary to what I thought, it takes quite a long time to look around everywhere in this attraction. It is said that it takes two to three hours to reach the top of the mountain. It seems like quite interesting to climb to the top along the endless red pillars, but I had to come back, vowing to come next. There are fox symbols and figures everywhere. It is so cute to see the fox woodblock hanging from it, and I wonder what the wishes people wrote down. There are signs saying, "This is a prayer hall, please use it with a calm mind." This seems to be because people are immersed in taking pictures in cute and attractive spaces. People are showing off with excitement. I love this unique space.

  • Gion
    4
    󰺂7.2
    Kyoto.Gion2.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2024 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰀆Geishas in kimonos at night
    󰀆Traditional Kyoto performing arts
    󱨠Saved by 3068 users󱨠7234 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    RandomstuffsgRandomstuffsg

    Gion is one of Kyoto’s most enchanting districts, where old Japan comes alive through preserved wooden machiya houses, quiet tea rooms, and the occasional sight of a geisha hurrying down lantern-lit streets. It’s beautiful both day and night, offering a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and timeless charm.

  • Arashiyama
    5
    󰺂7.2
    Kyoto.Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao8.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Rafting through picturesque canyons
    󱓊Cherry blossom (spring) & maple (fall)
    󱨠Saved by 3084 users󱨠1585 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Cameo19Cameo19

    Stunning natural beauty, definitely a must visit if in Kyoto. Convenient to get to, I took a bus there and train back to hotel. Definitely set aside a good few hours, beautiful scenery overlooking the riverside and lake. Many shops and restaurants in the village. Definitely take the romantic train, stunning views!

  • Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
    6
    󰺂7.0
    Kyoto.Gion3.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Kyoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    Kiyomizu Temple's panoramic city view
    Ghibli souvenir shop "Donguri no Mori"
    󱨠Saved by 2272 users󱨠240 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Leda MandacLeda Mandac

    Go here if you want to explore street food in Kyoto. These two alleys have food stalls and restaurants to fill your cravings for dango, daigaku, kobe beef, wagyu burger, matcha ice cream, etc.It's a good sidetrip when you're going to Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Koshindo Temple.

  • Kinkaku-ji
    7
    󰺂6.8
    Kyoto.Ohara/Kibune/Kurama3.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Japanese architectural masterpiece
    󱓊Maple (fall) & snow (winter)
    󱨠Saved by 2000 users󱨠752 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    BiancaArielBiancaAriel

    I was surprised that there were many foreign tourists after getting off at the bus stop. The direction signs stand out. There are security personnel wearing uniforms on the crosswalk at the entrance. Admission tickets are only available in cash. The size of the tourist area is not large, so you don't have to walk for a long time. The trees are well managed. I can't get close to the building, but I was moved enough just to see it from a distance. If I live nearby, I might come here for a walk every day.

  • Kyoto Railway Museum
    8
    󰺂6.8
    175.51
    Kyoto.Kyoto City Centre4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Kyoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Experience train work simulator fun
    󱓊Train driven by a steam locomotive
    󱨠Saved by 624 users󱨠242 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Ricky tan sgRicky tan sg

    history of all of Japan railway, many interactive displays, real trains for photo taking, value for money, recommended for 3-4hour visit!

  • Nijō Castle
    9
    󰺂6.7
    280.97
    Kyoto.Nijo Castle1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cherry blossoms & maple leaves
    󱨜World Cultural Heritage
    󱨠Saved by 1354 users󱨠997 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Overall, I am quite satisfied with this activity. Buy tickets on Trip com, buy and use them immediately! Very convenient! #京都二条城的夜樱光影秀The whole experience is unforgettable The lights of Nijo Castle are bright at night, and the night cherry blossoms flicker under the lights, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The visual feast is very exciting. With the rhythm of the music, the changes of lights and cherry blossoms complement each other, which makes people dazzled. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can also feel the history and culture of Nijo Castle. This combination makes the whole experience richer. Whether it is a couple or a family, this activity is very suitable, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and the mystery of the night. In general, the night cherry blossom light show of Nijo Castle in Kyoto is a feast for the eyes and the soul, and it is worth seeing!

  • Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)
    10
    󰺂6.6
    702.42
    Kameoka15.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 17 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kyoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄Century-old rafting adventure
    󱓊Arashiyama & Kyoto cuisine experience
    󱨠Saved by 501 users󱨠236 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Good experience and great for first-time visitors. The ride is about 1 hour 40 minutes. The dock is easy to find—just go to the counter, show your QR code, and exchange for the ticket. The process is smooth and you board quickly. They give you a life jacket. There are three captains on the boat, and they’re funny and share the history of the place. We took the 1 PM boat, but it started to rain a little, so we bought raincoats at the waiting area for 1,000 yen each.

Best things to do in Kyoto Prefecture (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Kyoto Prefecture? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kyoto Prefecture offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Kyoto Prefecture experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train

• Kyoto.Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao | 6.8 km from downtown

• : 25-minute drive for stunning views,Cherry blossom (spring) & foliage (fall)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

• Kyoto.Gion/Kiyomizu Temple | 4 km from downtown

• : Kyoto's cherry blossoms & foliage,World Cultural Heritage

Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Kyoto | 6.3 km from downtown

• : Fox statues & unique charms,View Kyoto cityscape

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Kyoto Prefecture

If you want to explore attractions just outside Kyoto Prefecture, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Kyoto Prefecture, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Kyoto Prefecture special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Kyoto Prefecture

Ready to explore the best of Kyoto Prefecture? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Kyoto Prefecture?
These are all Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture:Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Gion, Arashiyama
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture include:Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train:4.5, Kiyomizu-dera Temple:4.7, Fushimi Inari Taisha:4.7, Gion:4.8, Arashiyama:4.7
At what locations in Kyoto Prefecture can Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture be found?
The Best Things to Do in Kyoto Prefecture are mainly located in:Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train:Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple:Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha:Kyoto, Gion:Kyoto, Arashiyama:Kyoto
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