tourist map of kyoto japan

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

InsideKyoto.com’s comprehensive Kyoto map shows the major Kyoto temples, sights, restaurants, bars, hotels and shops all on a colour coded Google map

View the full size version of the InsideKyoto.com Kyoto Google Map

Our Kyoto map key for each pin is BLUE: Hotels/Ryokan/Guesthouses YELLOW: Sights PINK: Places To Eat GREEN: Shops RED: Bars

Click on a particular pin and it will give you the name of the attraction. Use the + and – buttons in the top left of the map to zoom in and out

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Kyoto map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Kyoto tourist map (google maps!) with top attractions, temples, shrines, Japanese gardens 🍵 Kyoto itinerary with city walks 🍵 Japan travel blog

Below is basically a Kyoto travel planning map.

There are places you can walk around Kyoto too.

Use the map to plan your Japan trip itinerary for  one day in Kyoto , 2 days in Kyoto , or 5 days in Kyoto , a cherry blossom photo walk in the spring , or a fall colors walk in autumn !

Be sure to play around with the map!

But first…

Quick tips for getting around Kyoto

• When you’re actually in Kyoto and in the major tourist areas, you’ll see local sightseeing maps all over!
• The Google Maps app is also a reliable way to figure out how to get around Kyoto by bus and train
• The Japan Travel Navitime app can be good if you’re trying to figure out the best way to get around with a JR pass (or to help you decide if it’s better to get around without your JR pass)
• The Google Translate app has a feature where you can take a picture of Japanese writing and it will translate it for you
• The one day bus pass will be worth it if you’ll be taking the bus at least 3 times – see more tips for taking the bus in Kyoto
• The ICOCA card is SO worth it to get if you’ll be taking the bus or train to get around Kyoto. (No cost savings, but it’s highly convenient so you won’t have to go through the hassle of buying individual tickets! They are basically recharge cards.)
• If you’re traveling with a JR pass , there’s a JR bus in Kyoto and a  JR train in Kyoto . The routes are limited, but there ARE some top spots in Kyoto you can get to for FREE!

See more Kyoto travel tips.

Here’s the quick list of 5 days in Kyoto to use along with the map!

• Day 1:  Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
• Day 2:  Fushimi Inari shrine hike through 1,000 torii gates
• Day 3:  Philosopher’s Path walk
• Day 4:  Arashiyama and Sagano
• Day 5:  Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass

The Kyoto travel planning map

Click the little icon in the top left corner of the map to see the list of what you’ll find on this map.

Click on a colored icon for more information about each location!

These maps may not work very well on this page on mobile, sorry!

In that case, have a look at this Kyoto map in Google Maps.

What’s on the Kyoto tourist map?

Day 1 in kyoto, top kyoto attractions by bus.

• Kyoto one day bus pass
• Kyoto station to Nijo Castle bus
• Nijo Castle (world heritage site)
• Nijo Castle teahouse
• Kinkakuji Temple (world heritage site)
• Ryoanji Temple (world heritage site)
• Yasaka Shrine
• Gion to Kiyomizu-dera walk
• Chion-in Temple
• Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slope
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (world heritage site)
• Ancient Kyoto (world heritage sites in Kyoto)
• JR bus in Kyoto
• Raku bus (Kyoto tourist bus)

Day 2 in Kyoto

Kyoto hikes.

• Kyoto station to Fushimi Inari
• Fushimi Inari Shrine hike
• Fushimi Inari to Ginkakuji
• Daimonji-yama hike

Day 3 in Kyoto

• Philosopher’s Path
• Samurai training
• Japanese calligraphy class
• Traditional tea ceremony + you get to wear a kimono!
• Ninja lesson
• Make ramen from scratch!
• Sushi making experience
• Sumo training!

• Kyoto Station to Ginkakuji bus
• Ginkakuji Temple (world heritage site)
• Ginkakuji tea room
• Eikando Temple
• Nanzenji Temple

Day 4 in Kyoto

Arashiyama and sagano.

• One day in Arashiyama and Sagano
• Arashiyama tourist map
• Sagano scenic railway (Sagano romantic train)
• Arashiyama torokko station
• Hozukyo torokko station
• Kameoka torokko station
• Okochi Sanso Garden
• Okochi Sanso teahouse
• Arashiyama bamboo forest
• Tenryuji Temple (world heritage site)
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Arashiyama monkey park
• Hozugawa river rafting

Day 5 in Kyoto

Kurama – kibune – ohara.

• Kurama Kibune Ohara one day pass
• Kyoto to Kurama station
• Kurama-dera Temple
• Kurama to Kibune hike
• Kifune-jinja Shrine
• Ohara village
• Sanzen-in Temple
• Jakko-in Temple

HAPPY KYOTO TRAVEL PLANNING!

Is a JR pass worth it?!

• Google maps can make it easy to figure out whether or not you should get a JR pass!
• In google maps, type in your departure and arrival city, and choose the transit icon. The route will come up, and so will the estimated cost at the bottom!
• Here is an example of a train route with cost on google maps.
• So do that for all of your long distance routes to figure out how much it might cost.
• Next, go here to see how much a JR pass costs from an official JR pass vendor (and partner of this website).
• And compare!
• Not all forms of public transportation are JR, but long distance shinkansen bullet trains are, and that's where the most cost savings will come.

Best of Kyoto (and Japan!)

• Best temples to visit in Kyoto
• Japanese gardens in Kyoto

Kyoto (���s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor 's residence from 794 until 1868 . It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II . Countless temples , shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Top attractions in Kyoto

Nijo Castle ••

Kyoto Railway Museum •

Sento Palace •

Nishiki Market •

Kyoto Imperial Palace •

Pontocho •

Nijo Jinya •

Honganji Temples •

Kyoto Manga Museum

Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Tower

Kiyomizudera •••

Higashiyama •••

Ginkakuji •••

Nanzenji Temple ••

Kyoto National Museum ••

Gion •

Kenninji Temple •

Philosopher's Path •

Kodaiji Temple •

Shorenin Temple •

Heian Shrine •

Chionin Temple •

Shogunzuka Mound

Eikando Temple

Shinnyodo Temple

Yasaka Shrine

Maruyama Park

Fushimi Inari Shrine •••

Daigoji Temple •

Tofukuji Temple •

Toji Temple •

Fushimi Sake District

Kinkakuji •••

Shugakuin Villa ••

Ninnaji Temple ••

Kibune •

Kurama •

Ryoanji Temple •

Ohara •

Sanzenin Temple •

Takao •

Hieizan •

Daitokuji Temple •

Kamo Shrines •

Kitano Tenmangu •

Enkoji Temple

Manshuin Temple

Arashiyama ••

Kokedera ••

Katsura Villa ••

Yoshiminedera •

Daikakuji Temple •

Tenryuji Temple •

Myoshinji Temple •

Toei Eigamura •

Hozugawa Cruise

Sagano Railway

Yamazaki Whisky Distillery

Gion Matsuri ••

Aoi Matsuri •

Jidai Matsuri •

Mount Koya •••

Nara •••

Kinosaki ••

Osaka ••

Himeji ••

Amanohashidate •

Kobe •

Iga Ueno •

Asuka and Sakurai

Kyoto by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Walk the Philosopher's Path
• Beautiful temples and shrines
• Attractive Higashiyama streets

• See the bamboo groves
• Visit the monkey park
• Serene temples and gardens

• Visit beautiful temples
• Explore Higashiyama and Gion

• Visit beautiful temples and shrines

• Explore attractive Arashiyama

• Explore Kyoto's northern side
• Visit Kinkakuji , Ryoanji and Ninnaji temples

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Kyoto official travel guide, cycle kyoto, hotels around kyoto, kyoto hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Kyoto

Experiences around Kyoto

Kyoto tourist map

You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required. For any website, blog, scientific research or e-book, you must place a hyperlink (to this page) with an attribution next to the image used.

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Kyoto tourist map

You can find on this page the Kyoto tourist map to print and to download in PDF. The Kyoto tourist attractions map presents the monuments, museums, parks and points of interest of Kyoto in Kansai - Japan.

Map of Kyoto points of interest

The Kyoto sightseeing map shows all tourist places and points of interest of Kyoto. This tourist attractions map of Kyoto will allow you to easily plan your visits of landmarks of Kyoto in Kansai - Japan. The Kyoto tourist map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

In November 2019, the city of Kyoto recorded approximately 4.94 million tourists, setting the monthly record for that year. Apart from February, Kyoto had somewhere between four and five million tourists visiting in every month of the year. In 2019, the monthly number of tourist visits surpassed Kyoto registered population by more than three times in peak months. Kyoto Prefecture in Japan recorded roughly 87.91 million tourists, establishing a new annual record in 2019 as you can see in Kyoto tourist map. The majority of visitors were domestic tourists. Kyoto, which was once Japan capital city, is renown for its cultural assets.

In recent years, Kyoto has been receiving record numbers of foreign tourists. The main reason for this is a change in Japanese visa requirements for nearby Asian nations like China. Kyoto is now flooded with Chinese tour groups (along with Korean, Taiwanese, Thai and many others). Western visitors are also coming in record numbers, attracted by the affordability of Japan due to weak yen. The result is that Kyoto is now filled to capacity with tourists as its shown in Kyoto tourist map. The vast majority of tourists, especially those in tour groups, visit a very small number of locations in Kyoto. That leaves leaves the rest of the city relatively free from crowds, even in busy seasons like April and November.

There are over a thousand temples in Kyoto, but only about a dozen of them are world famous. The same is true for shrines, gardens, restaurants and shops. There are entire districts of Kyoto that lie off of the beaten tourist track. The temples of far Northern Higashiyama are beautiful and usually deserted. Highlights in this area include Manshu-in, Shisen-do and Enko-ji. Likewise, in Arashiyama, if you walk north of the busy Bamboo Grove area, you will find several quiet spots like Gio-ji and Adashino-Nembutsu-ji. And, the subtemples of Myoshin-ji and Daitoku-ji are usually very quiet as its mentioned in Kyoto tourist map. Temples like Nanzen-ji are open 24 hours a day, so you can stroll the grounds in the early morning or early evening almost entirely by yourself. Also, if you have a choice, visit on a weekday rather than on a weekend. Mondays are usually the least crowded, but remember that most museums are closed on Mondays.

Kyoto attractions map

Map of Kyoto tourist places

The Kyoto attractions map shows the main monuments, museums and parks of Kyoto. This tourist places map of Kyoto will allow you to easily plan your visits of tourist attractions of Kyoto in Kansai - Japan. The Kyoto attractions map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō) as you can see in Kyoto attractions map, complete with well-preserved walls, towers, and a moat, was built in 1603 and later served as the seat of government. The complex has several buildings containing many significant works of art, and is famous as the location chosen by the emperor to issue the rescript abolishing the country once powerful Shogunate. Attractions include the castle East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main entrance), as well as the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork. One of Japan most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto. Founded in AD 711 and dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, the shrine is still frequented by merchants and tradesmen who pray for prosperity. In addition to its many fine old temples with their important artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in its world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps the best known is the National Museum, an art gallery established in 1897 that is widely considered the most important such museum in Japan.

Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and now a Zen Buddhist temple, the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto most picturesque attractions. Built over a large pond, the site is also famous for its beautiful grounds, as well as its old stone pagoda and the Sekkatei Teahouse with its traditionally served beverages. Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengyoin Temple) as its shown in Kyoto attractions map, or the Temple of the 33 Niches, takes its name from its rather unusual structure: its façade is divided into 33 (sanjusan) niches (gen) to reflect the belief that Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, could take on 33 different personifications. The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall. Rebuilt in 1760, notable features of this fine structure include a number of rooms decorated with paintings on gold backgrounds, and numerous important statues, some dating from the 6th century.

In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple as its mentioned in Kyoto attractions map, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on Otowa Mountain overlooking the city. Visitors can enjoy a delightful stroll to the temple along quaint Tea-pot Lane with its small shops and craft stores. Attractions include the large terrace of the Main Hall, built on 30-meter-tall pillars with five rows of cross-beams and used as a stage for temple dances and ceremonies. The original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho), built in AD 794 and replaced several times after being destroyed by fire, remains one of the city most visited historic sites. Although the present building was constructed in 1855, it still impresses. Occupying a large (once-walled) enclosure near the heart of the city, highlights include its finely decorated gates and important rooms and buildings. These include the Hall for State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Emperor Residence (Seiryo-den), the Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.

Kyoto zoo map

Map of Kyoto zoo park

The Kyoto zoo map shows recommended tours of the Kyoto Zoological Park. This zoo map of Kyoto will allow you to easily find out where each animal is and where to picnic in the Zoological Park of Kyoto in Kansai - Japan. The Kyoto zoo map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Kyoto Municipal Zoo (京 都市 動物園) is located in Sakyō ward, Kyoto and was established in 1903, making it the second oldest zoo in the country after Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. It includes a large, dome-shaped aviary which houses a collection of ducks and other birds. It also has many other animals including lions, bears and even penguines. By western standards the care of the animals is much less than ideal. The Kyoto City Zoo is a surprisingly good little zoo conveniently located in the Northern Higashiyama sightseeing district as you can see in Kyoto zoo map. It is the perfect way to give the kids a break from temples and shrines.

Reopened in 2015 after an extensive renovation, the Kyoto City Zoo is a great way to keep the kids entertained for a few hours. It is on the east side of the Okazaki Museum District, in Northern Higashiyama. It is not far from sights like Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian-jingu Shrine and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, so you can easily combine it with a visit to these places or one parent can check them out while the other takes the kids to the zoo. The zoo collection contains all the “biggies” like lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, hippos and giraffes as its shown in Kyoto zoo map. Japanese species include Japanese macaques and bears. There is also a small but interesting reptile house. There is even a small petting zoo and regularly scheduled events where kids can handle animals like guinea pigs.

The animal enclosures are well laid out and the entire Kyoto zoo is pleasantly spacious and easy to explore. In addition to the animals on display, there is also a fun little amusement park with rides that kids love (buy tokens for the rides from the vending machines in the middle of the amusement park). The Ferris wheel here gives you a great view over the Northern Higashiyama area as its mentioned in Kyoto zoo map. Finally, there is a proper sit-down restaurant above the main entrance, as well as a snack bar and a rest area with a huge collection of Japanese-language animal books. And on the opposite side of the zoo, there is a small snack bar with an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy ice creams on a hot summer day.

Kyoto, Japan: The Ultimate Travel Guide

In Kyoto , on Japan’s main island of Honshu, rich history and tradition meet stunning natural beauty in what can only be described as a harmonious tapestry. The former capital of Japan is still very much considered its cultural capital, with thousands of ancient temples and shrines, bustling geisha districts, and an exquisite food scene. In this ultimate travel guide to Kyoto, discover timeless, tranquil allure as we explore its countless treasures, bridging the gap between past and present.

Best Known For: Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines

As one of the oldest, most traditional cities in Japan, it’s no surprise that Kyoto’s star attractions are its 2,000+ Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. During its golden age as Japan’s capital, Kyoto was also the cultural center of the country. Today, it’s home to 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites — all but one a temple or shrine. One, Kamigamo Jinja, is the city’s oldest, founded over 1,340 years ago in 678.

Explore Kyoto’s most prestigious temples and shrines on our guided tours, which offer expert local insight and insider secrets. For example, our Best of Kyoto Day Tour takes you to Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the famous Golden Pavilion, and many more hidden gems. You can also explore these Kyoto highlights via bike on our Kyoto Bike Tour .

Kyoto Guide: Essential Travel Information

Interactive map of kyoto.

More Things to See in Kyoto

Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan , the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove , or “Bamboo Forest,” is exactly what it sounds like—a tranquil path leading through thick, towering bamboo. Explore the path on foot or bicycle.

Indulge in Kyoto’s tea culture: Kyoto’s history is closely tied to traditional Japanese tea culture. In fact, the birthplace of matcha is just south of Kyoto, in bustling Uji. Visit Kyoto & Uji in one day on our Kyoto & Uji Tour – From Kyoto & Osaka .

Soak up Japanese history: Each time period and Japanese society has imprinted itself on the countless Heritage Sites in Kyoto. Explore Buddhist and Shinto history on this afternoon shrines and temples tour , get to know the Emperors of old on a morning royal-themed tour of Kyoto , or combine them both in a full-day excursion into the depths of Japanese eminence.

Experience Gion, the geisha district: Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to experience traditional geisha culture, known here as geiko . Four of the city’s five primary geiko districts are in the Gion district , and you can experience them on the Evening Food Tour . Indulge in a 10-course meal while exploring some of the district’s most iconic, historical streets. 

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Bustling, beautiful Kyoto has several distinct regions and no shortage of excellent hotels in each. To help you make a decision, consider what part of the city you’d like to stay in. 

Downtown Kyoto: Downtown is the best place to stay overall, putting you within easy walking distance of the city’s best bars , restaurants, and shops. You’ll also be conveniently located near public transportation and several major attractions. There’s a pleasant mix of big-name and boutique hotels downtown, catering to all types of travelers.

Higashiyama: Divided into Southern and Northern Higashiyama, this is one of the oldest, best preserved, and most scenic parts of Kyoto, with a large concentration of temples, shrines, and other attractions. Gion is here, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants. 

Kyoto Station: Just slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the major tourist hubs, staying near Kyoto Station offers convenience and proximity to public transport. Many of Kyoto’s best family hotels are also in this area. 

If you’re planning to visit other cities in Japan, such as Tokyo or Osaka, consider one of our all-inclusive multi-day Kyoto tour packages . These allow you to explore several places on one trip and get a more authentic feel for Japan as a whole, plus all tours and hotels are included!

Kyoto Food Guide: Restaurants & Markets

Kyoto’s food scene is a major aspect of its culture. Like the city as a whole, its cuisine leans heavily traditional, with an emphasis on seasonal and pickled foods. Foodies will find everything from traditional multi-course meals known as kaiseki to tea houses and yudofu , a simple, casual tofu hot pot dish. Sweets and snacks, okashi , are also prominent in Kyoto cuisine. 

Also in Kyoto is the renowned Nishiki Market , highly regarded as one of the best food markets in the world. The covered outdoor market spans five city blocks, with over 100 vendors and restaurants inside. Experience the city’s rich and diverse food culture on a guided food tour . One of the standouts is the Evening Food Tour in Kyoto’s Gion District , which includes a 10-course feast.

Kyoto Guide: Things to Book Ahead 

In popular tourist destinations like Kyoto, it’s wise to book several things well in advance. The Imperial Palace is often closed to visitors, so make sure to reserve your spot on a Kyoto tour that visits this relic of Kyoto. Besides accommodation, these include wildly popular food and drink tours with limited availability. Some often sell out, like temple and shrine tours.

If you find yourself with some extra time while in Kyoto, make sure to venture out and visit the surrounding magical places. Nara, for example, is situated just 38 km from Kyoto, making it an ideal day trip from Kyoto. Join our half-day trip to Nara from Kyoto or see the best of both cities on our Kyoto & Nara Day Tour . Alternatively, spend a day visiting Osaka on our Best of Osaka Tour from Kyoto . With so much to see and do in Kyoto and its surrounding regions, we highly recommend booking one of our multi-day Kyoto tour packages to ensure you do it all. However long your itinerary, and whatever your Japan travel budget , we are sure to have a package to suit your requirements. From our 8-Day Budget Japan Tour Package to our 11-Day Ultimate Japan Private Tour Package , allow us to show you the highlights of this magical country.

See all Kyoto Tours

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Japan's ancient capital home to sacred shrines and Zen gardens

Top attractions in kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

Yasaka Shrine

Around kyoto.

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About Kyoto

Japan’s capital from AD 794 to 1868, the list of possible tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto -fu) is endless.

You can attempt to visit all of major sites, including but certainly not limited to: Fushimi Inari Shrine and its brilliant vermillion row of torii gates, its many temples (most notably Kiyomizu-dera , Sanjusangen-do , and Kinkaku-ji ), Nijo Castle , and Amanohashidate (one of the Three Views of Japan).

Or you can attempt to “experience” Kyoto and its rich culture: appreciate the traditional architecture and maiko of the Gion district , witness the Gion Festival (held every July), and indulge in the various delicacies Kyoto has to offer, such as Uji matcha green tea, tofu, and various Japanese confectioneries. Kyoto is on the bucket list of many a traveller, and for good reason. 

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The Ultimate Kyoto 3 to 4 Days Itinerary

After taking three trips to Kyoto, I’m going to share the ultimate Kyoto itinerary for 3-4 days. Kyoto is one of my personal favorite places in Japan. This ultimate Kyoto itinerary will help you plan your time throughout Japan’s incredible city.

Kyoto has this charming, old-world feel to it. The architecture is stunning, lots of green spaces to enjoy, and the culinary world there is vibrant. I find myself thinking back to fond memories from all of our Kyoto trips over the years.

When it comes to planning your Kyoto itinerary, there are a few ways to go about it. I almost always bundle regions together to help cut down on transport. I also save a few of the popular spots for ideal visiting times (think early) to make the trip feel better as well.

Kyoto is super popular to visit so know that the earlier you rise, the better chances you’ll have for fewer crowds. There is so much to enjoy there, I’d aim for 4 days in Kyoto if you can. I’ve broken down my itinerary by day, so whether you’re there for 3 or 4 days, this will work perfectly. You could even take a day or two of it if you like.

Read on for everything you need to know to plan your ultimate Kyoto 3 to 4 day itinerary.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Kyoto:

• Kyoto Granbell Hotel , for the best price and location
• Ritz-Carlton Kyoto , for the best luxury hotel

For more helpful guides on Kyoto read my:

• Travel Guide to Kyoto
• Where to Stay in Kyoto Guide
• Things to in Kyoto Guide
• Kyoto Coffee Shop Guide
• Local Artisan Shop Kyoto Guide
• 20 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
• Best Temples in Kyoto Guide

Kyoto Travel Tips  Before You Arrive

After my last two recent trips, I’ve narrowed down some do’s and don’ts that you’ll want to consider before you arrive in Kyoto. This section gives an overview on the things you should start planning for now before you book the trip.

Consider Booking Your Trip Over a Weekend

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people showing up on Mondays to find that many things are closed down for the day. I always recommend coming in later in the week and over a weekend. It will be ensure that most things are open.

Make Sure Your Google Maps Are Downloaded Offline

Navigating in Japan can be a bit tough but I find having Google Maps downloaded offline ahead of time super helpful. It will mean you can navigate while in the metro, and not have to worry about having service at all times.

Pre-Purchase  Your JR Rail Pass

The JR Rail Pass can be used on several lines in Kyoto, which is why we always opt for one. You have to purchase this BEFORE you arrive to Japan. Keep this in mind for when you begin to plan your trip and your time in Kyoto. Purchase your JR Rail Pass here .

For a more in-depth guide on getting around Japan, read  Transportation Tips for Japan .

Get a  Prepaid SIM Card

I always pop in a Prepaid SIM Card in before arriving to Japan. It’s much easier now to pre-purchase SIM cards rather than having to do it locally at the 7 Eleven. I recommend pre-purchasing this highly reviewed data card on Amazon .

Where to Stay in Kyoto

When it comes to where to stay in Kyoto , there are a few strategies to deciding. I find that for visiting Kyoto the best option is to be somewhere close to downtown Kyoto, within walking distance to some popular sights. Think near Pontocho Alley and Nishiki Market or just across the river. I always like to be close to a metro stop as well. This is super helpful for getting around the greater part of the city.

Throughout my trips, I’ve stayed at:

Best Location ($):  Kyoto Granbell Hotel

This is some great bang for your buck in terms of being right in the heart of it and not paying super high prices. It’s mid-range by Japan standards for hotels, incredible design, and feels very intimate. This is the hotel I recommend to everyone for Kyoto.

Best Luxury Hotel ($$$): Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

This was a phenomenal stay and the service here was over the top. It’s just outside of downtown Kyoto, so you get the neighborhood feel without being in the chaos of it all.

Other Kyoto Hotels to Consider:

• The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West ,  for the best central Kyoto hotel
• Four Seasons Kyoto ,  for the best Southern Higashiyama hotel
• Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso ,  for the best Northern Higashiyama hotel
• Hotel Kanra ,  for the best Kyoto Station hotel
• Suiran ,  for the best Arashiyama hotel

Kyoto Itinerary 4 Days

Day 1: Arriving and Downtown Kyoto

Kyoto station.

As you arrive in Kyoto, likely from Tokyo, you’re just getting there and will likely need a lunch. If I can make one suggestion, it’s to eat lunch right there outside of the train station at Honke Daiichi-Asahi for ramen. Bring your luggage with you, walk over, as this will be the closest you’ll ever be during the Kyoto trip. It is hands down some of the best ramen I’ve had in Japan, and we make it our first meal every trip to Kyoto.

From there, I typically hop in a taxi as I find it easier than having to transfer but of course there are several trains to get you around Kyoto.

Downtown Kyoto

To me, there is no better way to kick off a new city than with its food market. I always head straight to Nishiki Market to get into the thick of it. There’s a lot to love there, from food stalls to shops—one of which I go to every trip. I pop into Aritsugu Nishiki Market, the famous knife shop, for a custom-engraved Japanese knife. I budget about $150-300 every trip just for a knife from here.

After strolling through the market, head to WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI for one of the best coffee shops in town. This part of downtown is great for a casual stroll to pop into boutiques like my favorite Kochosai Kosuga and Wakabaya . As you continue on, make your way to the Kasoi River.

The Kasoi River, particularly at sunset, it special. Everyone gathers around the river at the end of the day as the restaurants start to come alive. Go for a walk through Pontocho Alley , a must see while in Kyoto. But don’t stop there for food — I have somewhere better.

Continue on to Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi — the best gyoza in town. I’ve eaten here at least twice per trip, it’s so stinking good and worth the wait. The cheese filled gyoza will live rent free in my mind for many years.

Day 2: Arashiyama, Philosopher’s Path, & Other Sights

You’ve probably seen the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at least once and have plans to go — it’s worth it, but do know that the earlier the rise the better. I always like to take the first train out to Arashiyama which is usually around 7 am. You’ll have some time to yourself before the crowds arrive, it’s great to go for a walk and enjoy the serenity of the bamboo grove.

After, make your way over to the Katsura River, through Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area . The direction you’re headed is to % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama for my personal favorite coffee shop. It doesn’t open until 9 am, so I usually like to cross the Togetsukyo Bridge for the views and to kill time.

I like to visit the Kinkaku-ji temple also known as the Golden Pavilion on this day as I am already on the outskirts of town anyways. It’s easiest to do these portions by taxi as the public transport can get a bit tricky. The Golden Pavilion is well worth a visit if you haven’t been, so allocate about an hour or so to see it.

Philosopher’s Path

From the Golden Pavilion, grab a taxi over to where the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi) begins to eat lunch at Omen Ginkaku-ji . This is a strictly udon restaurant, one of my favorites in the region for a traditional meal. I adore this restaurant and they have traditional seats.

After, make your way down the Philosopher’s Path, a cherry-tree-lined path that opened in 1890. The cherry blossoms here are absolutely beautiful when in season (cherry blossom season is very special in Kyoto). Today, several boutiques and shops are on this path, and it is a quiet space to enjoy. At the end of the path, I love to walk up to Hōnenin Temple , my personal favorite in the city. It’s a stunning 17th-century Buddhist temple with the most lovely gardens.

Gion/Hanamikoji Street

You’ll likely make your way back towards the heart of town as you’ve done so much today. Gion is one the neighborhoods I like to stroll around come night time. This last trip we ate at 太郎吉（Tarokich) which was traditional yakitori. It had to be one of our better meals yet in Kyoto and we totally found it by surprise. And remember, Hanamikoji Street is the best chances of seeing a geisha at sunset — well worth a stroll here.

Day 3: Historic Kyoto and Temples

Make your way early to Sannenzaka to enjoy the stillness before the masses arrive. This stone-paved traditional Japanese street has to be the most famous and for good reason — it’s absolutely stunning. Arrive early and get it all to yourself. After, there is % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama or even the famous Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya , one of the coolest Starbucks I have ever been to.

After breakfast, stroll your way through Ninenzaka , a street with traditional ryokans that line the street. One shop I come into every trip is Kanaamitsuji for handmade houseware from twined metals – think stunning tea strainers and such. The shop’s name is Kōdaiji Temple Ichinenzaka Kanaamitsuji and is in the heart of this neighborhood.

While over here, pop into a few temples like Kōdaiji Temple , Yasaka Shrine , and Kenninji Temple . Each are very unique. I’d recommend having 2-3 hours in total to do all of these at a leisurely pace. Do a few before lunch and a few after.

Now for lunch — book in advance at a “tempura” only restaurant called Tempura Endo Yasaka (North) . It’s a pre-fixe meal and one of the best meals I’ve had in Japan in the last 10 years. It is so fantastic, so much to love, and it will take about 2 hours to do.

Kiyomizu-dera

The famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. It’s a temple you can’t miss and no matter how busy, is always well worth a visit. I’m big into arriving the last two hours (4-6pm). I love the end of day light here over the city of Kyoto, and the crowds tend to slow down. You could spend a few hours here as it is so large. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site , so don’t miss it when here.

After a very big lunch, there are a few ways to do dinner. I have a handful of restaurants to recommend, depending on how far you want to walk, but remember, taxis are easy if you’ve done too much walking. The first spot I always recommend is Monk . It’s one of the best meals in town, very intimate and a hard reservation to get.

The other restaurant I love is Wajoryomen Sugari — a very busy ramen shop that has the most amazing fish broths in town. It’s well worth the wait, but be aware, it could be up to an hour. Sojiki Nakahigashi and LURRA° are on my list for the next trip.

Day 4: Fushimi Inari and Beyond

Fushimi inari taisha.

Begin the day with the earliest train out to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha . It’s the famous red-painted torii gates at the Shinto Shrine. I’d block in at least 2 hours to make the climb and soak it all in before the crowds. Do bring water and a small snack as it’s quite the climb. On the last two trips, I’ve stopped into Vermillion Cafe for breakfast. (If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have fewer crowds as well.)

Tōfuku-ji Temple

While on this side of town, walk over to Tōfuku-ji Temple for the stunning famous zen gardens. The fall foliage is particularly spectacular here so keep that in mind if you time it right. The temple itself maybe takes an hour to see.

Free Afternoon

There is always more sights, tours, and things to do in Kyoto that you can do. I find that blocking an afternoon to revisit and stumble upon something is my favorite. I intentionally keep this afternoon open. From the morning, you could easily day trip down to Nara if you wanted to as well, a great combination since you’re already in southern Kyoto.

More Time? Take A Day Trip

I don’t normally recommend Nara as part of a first-time itinerary to Kyoto as there is so many other wonderful things to do there. So if you find yourself looking for a day trip to a nearby city, the first one is Nara. It’s home to beautiful temples, the famous bowing deers, and lots more. From Kyoto, it’s about a 45 minute direct train. Consider joining a half day walking tour to Nara or a full day trip to Nara and Kyoto .

Known for green tea and stunning temples (home to Byodo-in Temple), this is one to add to for historic charm and iconic sights. It’s not visited as much, so it could be a good option to consider. This full day tour covers both Uji and Nara.

Kurama and Kibune

These pair of historic villages under an hour away from Kyoto are another great choice.

Other Things to Consider Adding to Your Itinerary

• Kyoto Gion Night Walk – Small Group Guided Tour
• Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lunch
• 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
• Top-Selling Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour
• Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
• Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
• Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

More Helpful Japan Posts

• The Ultimate Two Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Where to Visit
• Top Tips Before Visiting Japan
• The Alternative Guide to Tokyo
• Visiting the Kiso Valley
• The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Kyoto Printable Tourist Map

Kyoto Map: The Attractions

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle

Ginkakuji Temple

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by the hills of central Honshu, Kyoto is one of Japan's largest cities. Although one of Japan's great tourist destinations , it is famous for having preserved much of the atmosphere of the past, having been the only major Japanese city to escape the devastation of WWII.

Celebrated as the residence of the Emperor , and Japan's principal cultural center for almost 1,100 years, Kyoto today boasts numerous things to do and great places to visit, including exploring the fine examples of sculptures, paintings, and other art forms in its many museums and galleries.

Your Kyoto travel itinerary should include seeing non-touristy sites, too. These should include the many examples of its centuries-old architecture, much of it influenced by Buddhism, which can still be seen in the splendid temples located in the quieter, less visited corners of the old city.

Kyoto continues to play an important role in Japanese religion, with 30 of the city's temples still serving as centers of various Buddhist sects, along with some 200 Shinto shrines within the city limits. All told, UNESCO World Heritage Site status has been designated to 17 historic buildings in Kyoto.

Find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions in Kyoto.

See also: Where to Stay in Kyoto

1. Nijo Castle

2. fushimi-inari taisha shrine, 3. kinkaku-ji: the golden pavilion, 4. kiyomizu-dera temple, 5. sanjūsangen-dō temple, 6. kyoto imperial palace, 7. nishi honganji temple, 8. the kyoto national museum and municipal museum of art, 9. gion's geishas and temples, 10. katsura imperial villa, 11. daitoku-ji temple, 12. the byōdō-in temple, 13. arashiyama monkey park, 14. arashiyama bamboo grove, 15. kyoto tower, 16. kyoto samurai and ninja museum, 17. enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal, 18. experience a tea ceremony, where to stay in kyoto for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to kyoto, map of tourist attractions in kyoto, kyoto, japan - climate chart.

Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō), complete with well-preserved walls, towers, and a moat, was built in 1603 and later served as the seat of government. The complex has several buildings containing many significant works of art, and is famous as the location chosen by the emperor to issue the rescript abolishing the country's once powerful Shogunate.

Highlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi Otemon, its main entrance), as well as the Inner Gate, or Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated metalwork. Beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose is another must-see. The castle's fine gardens are also fun to explore.

The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace . Consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, it boasts exquisite interiors decorated with many paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils. The principal apartment is the Hall of the Imperial Emissary (Jodan-no-ma), matched in splendor by the adjoining rooms, Ni-no-ma and Tozamurai-no-ma with their paintings of tigers.

Also of interest is the adjacent building with its large Audience Hall surrounded by a gallery and with sliding doors with large paintings of larches on a gold background. The fourth building, the Kuro-Shoin, has animal paintings by Kano Naonobu, while in the Shogun's private apartments are paintings of mountain landscapes.

If traveling as part of a tour, be sure to request a chance to tread the castle's famous "nightingale floors." These squeaking floorboards were specially designed to replicate the chirping of a nightingale.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301

Official site: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

One of Japan's most famous shrines, the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is a must-visit when in Kyoto. Founded in AD 711 and dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, the shrine is still frequented by merchants and tradesmen who pray for prosperity.

The main building dates from 1499 and features a spectacular four-kilometer-long avenue of bright orange "torii," or arches, each dedicated by a business (it takes some two-hours to travel past the 1,000 arches lining the route). Also notable are its many sculptures of foxes, reputed to be messengers of the gods.

A great time to explore the shrine is at night. Not only will you be rewarded with a unique glimpse of this wonderfully illuminated heritage site, you'll be rewarded with few if any crowds.

Fortify yourself with the purchase of traditional Japanese fortune cookies from the shops and stands at the shrine's entrance. And to beat the crowds, visit as early in the day as possible (a 7am or 8am start is well worth it for the chance to avoid other visitors).

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Official site: http://inari.jp/en/

Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and now a Zen Buddhist temple, the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most picturesque attractions.

Taking its name from the gold leaf adorning the top two of its three floors - a design element believed to alleviate any negativity associated with death - the structure has been rebuilt in its original form a number of times, this most recent incarnation dating from the late 1950s.

Built over a large pond, the site is also famous for its beautiful grounds, as well as its old stone pagoda and the Sekkatei Teahouse with its traditionally served beverages. For a different perspective of this wonderful tourist attraction, plus avoiding the summer crowds, time your visit for either winter or autumn (the latter is spectacular thanks to the fall colors).

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-836

In the east part of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a picturesque location on Otowa Mountain overlooking the city. Visitors can enjoy a delightful stroll to the temple along quaint Tea-pot Lane with its small shops and craft stores.

This beautiful temple was founded in AD 790 and dedicated to the 11-headed Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy whose statue can be seen here. The existing buildings were erected after 1633 in the period of the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, and stand mainly on a rocky outcrop high above the Otowa Waterfall.

Highlights include the large terrace of the Main Hall, built on 30-meter-tall pillars with five rows of cross-beams and used as a stage for temple dances and ceremonies. The terrace affords spectacular views over the city and the surrounding wooded hills, especially when the leaves change color in fall. Personalized English language guided tours are available.

Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862

Official site: www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengyoin Temple), or the Temple of the 33 Niches, takes its name from its rather unusual structure: its façade is divided into 33 (sanjusan) niches (gen) to reflect the belief that Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, could take on 33 different personifications.

Originally built in 1164, the present elongated building was constructed in 1266 after a fire destroyed its predecessor. Evidence of its former importance as a place of training in archery can still seen in the many holes in its ancient pillars and timbers made by arrowheads.

The most important of its many works of art is the Kannon with a Thousand Hands, a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-tall statue. Dating from the 13th century, it's famous for the 500 standing figures of Kannon lined up on either side of it. Also of note are the additional sculptures of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits considered subordinate to Kannon, located behind it.

Address: 657 Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0941

The original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho ) , built in AD 794 and replaced several times after being destroyed by fire, remains one of the city's most visited historic sites. Although the present building was constructed in 1855, it still impresses.

Occupying a large (once-walled) enclosure near the heart of the city, highlights include its finely decorated gates and important rooms and buildings. These include the Hall for State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Emperor's Residence (Seiryo-den), the Courtroom (Ko-gosho), and the Imperial Library.

While the lovely grounds of this Kyoto landmark are open to the public, the palace itself can only be visited as part of a guided tour operated by the Imperial Household Agency. Be sure to plan ahead and check their website for reservations and application forms.

Address: 3 Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881

Official site: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

The chief temple of the original Jodo-shinshu sect, Nishi Honganji Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. Highlights include the Hondo, or Main Hall. Rebuilt in 1760, notable features of this fine structure include a number of rooms decorated with paintings on gold backgrounds, and numerous important statues, some dating from the 6th century.

Also of interest is the Founder's Hall (Daishi-do). Here, you'll find the much-revered statue of Shinran, carved in 1244 and later covered with a coat of lacquer mingled with his ashes.

Another notable building is the Daishoin , or Treasury, with various rooms named after the exquisite wall and ceiling paintings with which they're decorated. These include the Sparrow Room (Suzume-no-ma), the Room of the Wild Geese (Gan-no-ma), and the Chrysanthemum Room (Kiku-no-ma) with its fine 17th-century paintings of flowers in gold and white by Kaiho Yusetsu.

Also of interest is the Higashi-Honganji Temple of the Jodo-shinshu sect. Founded in 1602, it's home to a number of examples of fine artwork.

Only a few parts of these temples are open to the public, so be sure to make arrangements through the temple's website in advance of your visit to include other areas not normally accessible.

Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8501

Official site: www.hongwanji.kyoto/en/

In addition to its many fine old temples with their important artworks, Kyoto also boasts a number of impressive collections in its world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps the best known is the National Museum, an art gallery established in 1897 that is widely considered the most important such museum in Japan.

Focusing predominantly on pre-modern Asian art, particularly examples from Japan, the museum has been completely renovated and includes a new wing designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi . Highlights of a visit include seeing numerous examples of historic art and applied arts, along with regular exhibitions (be prepared for plenty of walking).

Also worth seeing is Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art. Opened in 1928, this fine gallery features important works by Takeuchi Seihō, one of Japan's leading artists of the 20th century.

Address: 527 Chayacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0931

Official site: www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

Famous as an entertainment and geisha district, Gion is an area of Kyoto that is well suited to explore on foot. Located on the eastern bank of the Kamogawa River, Gion is an eclectic mix of modern architecture and historical beauty that provides a unique taste of numerous Japanese traditions, from the elaborately dressed geishas to well-preserved 17th-century restaurants and teahouses offering a glimpse of old Japan.

Centered on an area encompassing Hanami-Koji Street, Shijo-dori Street, and the waterside promenades of Shirakawa Minami-dori Street, Gion is also famous for its many fine temples. The best-known of these are the 15th-century Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and the Chion-in Temple .

Chion-in is one of Japan's most famous temples, notable for its 24-meter-high, two-story tower (Sammon-san), which houses the country's largest bell. Weighing 71 tons, it was cast in 1633, and is rung only during festivals in mid-April. Gion is a wonderful (and safe) place to enjoy a walking tour at night, too.

Address: Nishi Ten-o-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kansai 606-8341

Originally constructed in 1624 for Prince Hachijo Toshihito, brother of Emperor Goyozei, Katsura Imperial Villa is home to splendid historic architecture and one of Japan's most famous historic gardens.

Designed by Kobori Enshu with assistance by the prince, this beautiful garden is laid out in such a way that the visitor always sees things from the front - smaller gardens are grouped around a large pool with the summits of Mounts Arashiyama and Kameyama in the background.

Highlights include the Miyuki-mon Gates and the many garden paths, some made from river pebbles and others of rectangular cobbles, edged by mosses and bushes. These lead through more gates into the inner garden with a group of buildings known as the Goten at its center.

A particular highlight here is the veranda of Furu-shoin, specially designed to permit observation of the moon, and the three rooms of the Naka-shoin with its many fine paintings by Japan's leading artists. If time allows, be sure to stop and enjoy a meal or light refreshments in one of the many on-site teahouses.

Address: Katsuramisono, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 615-8014

Official site: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/katsura.html

The Daitoku-ji Temple - the Zen Temple of Great Virtue - is one of the principal temples of the Rinzai sect and was founded in 1324. The present structures date from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Of the 22 buildings on-site, seven are open to the public. These include the Kara-mon, a Chinese-style gate with magnificent carvings, and the two-story main gate, Sammon, built in 1589 and notable for its many fine ceiling paintings and statues. The Main Hall, the Butsuden (or Daiyu-den), was built in 1664 and contains a statue of Shakyamuni with his disciples Anna and Kayo and a figure of Daito-kokushi, first Abbot of the temple.

Beyond the Main Hall is the Lecture Hall, or Hatto, based on Chinese models, and the Hojo, or Abbot's Lodging, with its paintings, wooden tablet, and adjoining garden.

Other highlights include the old Abbot's Lodging (Shinju-an) with its statues and tombs dating from the 14th century, and a lovely Zen garden.

Address: 3 Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8231

The Byōdō-in Temple, established in AD 988, boasts many unique buildings, shrines, and artworks and is worthy of a visit. Highlights include the Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do), with its bronze phoenixes on its two gables and rich interior décor. This attractive hall also features 11th-century paintings, including an imposing gilded figure of Amida, and an altar and ceiling inlaid with bronze and mother-of-pearl.

Adjoining is the Kannon-do, a hall directly above the river and known as the Tsuridono, or Fishing Hall. Be sure to spend time visiting the temple gardens with their many fine ponds, as well as the Byōdō-in Museum with its treasures relating to the temple site, including its 52 wooden Buddha statues, carved phoenixes, and the original temple bell.

Also worth a visit is the Zen Tenryu-ji Temple .

Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021

Official site: www.byodoin.or.jp/en/

Perched atop a mountain in the tourist-heavy Arashiyama is one of the most interesting things to do in Kyoto – the Arashiyama Monkey Park. More than 100 snow monkeys call this park home, roaming freely amid the tourists who come to take a peek.

Getting so close to these wild creatures is a fascinating experience, but can also be a little unnerving, as the monkeys have no fear when approaching humans – especially if you've got a bit of food for them. The park features an enclosed area where you can buy bananas to feed to the monkeys. Don't worry – they stay behind the fence. But they do grab, so proceed with caution.

Even if you aren't interested in the monkeys, the top of the mountain has one of the best views of the city below. The walk up the hill takes about 30 minutes and is manageable for most levels.

While in Arashiyama, no trip is complete without a walk through the magnificent Bamboo Grove. No experience is quite like this anywhere else in the world. Get lost among towering stalks of glowing green as you walk the paved path that winds its way through the sun-drenched bamboo forests. In some places, the bamboo is so thick that it's impossible to see through to the other side.

Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is like being transported into another world. But because the legend of its beauty has traveled far and wide, it's a good idea to get here early, so you have the forest to yourself as much as possible.

So much of Kyoto is steeped in ancient history. But that does not mean that Kyoto is not a modern city. One look at the soaring Kyoto Tower will snap you back into the 21st century.

Standing at 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in the city. It features a viewing platform at 100 meters, which has one of the very best views of the entirety of Kyoto. On clear days, you can even see as far as Osaka.

The rest of the building includes offices, restaurants, shops, and a hotel. You can find Kyoto Tower across the street from Kyoto Station.

Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Official site: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/

Japanese history spans centuries and touches on everything from architecture and religion to food and culture. Part of that culture includes the samurai and ninja. In Kyoto, it is possible to delve deeper into this world at the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja museum.

Home to many different exhibits, the museum covers everything from armor and weapons to medieval Japanese history. Many of the armor comes from the Edo period of Japan, which was more than three centuries ago.

For a bonus, the museum also offers a Samurai Experience, where visitors can learn the traditional sword movements that the Samurai used, trained by an actual Samurai master.

Address: Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Official site: https://mai-ko.com/samurai/

One thing you will be doing extremely well in Kyoto is eating. Why not learn a bit about Japanese dining culture with a traditional kaiseki meal? The kaiseki meal is a multi-course, meticulously prepared meal that is as equally delicious as it is a work of art. The purpose of kaiseki is to show the utmost hospitality, making guests feel that they are extremely special. Kyoto has many restaurants dedicated to the art of kaiseki.

The meals are always different, but the pillars are usually the same: an appetizer, a simmered dish, a sashimi, something seasonal, a grilled course, and a dish with rice. Most kaiseki meals are served on the ground, with guests sitting on tatami mats.

Kyoto's Gion district has many places to try a kaiseki meal. Meals tend to run on the expensive side. It is a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, as these experience rarely allow walk-ins. One of the best in the city can be found at Gion Owatari, which is a two-star kaiseki restaurant that is extremely popular among Japanese foodies.

While in the Gion district , it may be interesting to try a traditional tea ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition. It involves preparing and drinking green tea in a special, celebrated way. Like the kaiseki meal, tea ceremonies are meant to make guests feel special and welcome. Tea ceremonies are often performed while sitting on the floor.

Tea came over to Japan from China in the 8th century. Around the 14th century, tea-drinking parties became a form of socializing and a way to show off knowledge about tea. The most formal tea ceremony lasts multiple hours, and usually starts with a kaiseki meal. However, modern day tea ceremonies are much shorter.

A host will prepare the tea in front of the guests. Before the tea is sipped, guests are supposed to eat a sweet treat. Then the tea is poured and sipped from a special tea bowl, all the while adhering to the proper placement of the bowl. It is a beautiful, historic experience, and Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to learn about this important part of Japanese culture.

The best place to stay in Kyoto is downtown, preferably in or near the Gion or Kawaramachi-Dori districts. These areas are central to many of the main attractions, as well as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Below are some highly-rated hotels near these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Ritz Carlton is on the banks of the Kamogawa River and offers unsurpassed luxury and service, four restaurants, and a well-regarded spa.
• The Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a short walk from the main train station and has large, modern rooms with beautiful cedar wood bathtubs.
• In the heart of the Gion area, the Maifukan offers well-appointed rooms with mini fridges. This hotel also has a rooftop garden terrace.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to the main train station is the Ohanabo . This is a small, cozy hotel in a quiet area, with comfortable rooms and a popular restaurant.
• The contemporary Hotel Anteroom is perfect for those looking for something different. This hotel features an art gallery and unique rooms that are tastefully compact but highly functional, including some with terraces.
• The Citadines Karasuma-Gojo is a good option for longer stays, with large rooms that include kitchens and sitting areas.

Budget Hotels:

• The ibis Styles Kyoto Station hotel is in an excellent central location and offers efficient rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
• In the heart of the Kawaramachi-Dori shopping district and also serving a free breakfast is the Super Hotel , with modern and cozy rooms.
• For a more traditional Japanese experience, the Ryokan Shimizu features rooms that come with futons and tatami mats, and an onsen (hot spring) is on the premises.
• See the Best of Kyoto: If you want to cover all the highlights of Kyoto in a day, the Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple is an excellent option. An experienced guide provides a fascinating historical context to the attractions on this full-day tour, which includes a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Cap off your tour with breathtaking views of Kyoto from the terrace of Kiyomizu Temple. Note that this tour involves plenty of walking around the attractions. Pickup from select hotels, lunch, and entrance fees are all included.
• Kyoto and Nara Day Trip: The Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto including Nijo Castle is a great option for those wanting to see the best of this beautiful historic city and its surrounds. This popular 10-hour tour takes in Kyoto attractions including the Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle before whisking you away to Nara to explore Todai-ji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine. Along the way, you'll enjoy a Japanese-style lunch (Western options also available), a professional guide, transportation (including hotel pickup), and admissions.
• Pedal Power: A great way to explore this historic city is by joining a Kyoto Small-Group Bike Tour . Lasting from three to four hours, you'll see the city's historic old architecture, explore its top shrines and temples, and even traverse the famous cherry tree-lined Path of Philosophy. Limited to just nine participants, the tour includes bike rental and a group guide.
• A Rural Walkabout: For those with the stamina, the Arashiyama and Sagano Morning Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore the best areas surrounding Kyoto. Highlights of this four-hour adventure include a walk through beautiful bamboo groves as you make your way to a number of iconic hilltop temples, including Tenryu-Ji and Jojakko-Ji Temple. All admissions are included, as is pickup and transportation.

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Places to Visit near Kyoto : Osaka is an easy day trip from Kyoto, and the city is less than 90 minutes away by high-speed train. Once there, you'll enjoy historic points of interest such as Osaka Castle and Shitennō-ji Temple, and more modern attractions including the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel. For those wanting to see a few off-the-beaten-trail destinations, consider taking a day trip . Popular options include the historic temples of Nara and the busy port of Nagoya , each an easy rail journey away.

Explore Japan's Rich History : Chances are if you like Kyoto, you're also going to like the city of Fukuoka . This fascinating city is famous for its huge 17th-century castle, the splendid Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine, as well as modern attractions like the beautifully designed Kyūshū National Museum. Nagoya is also worth visiting for its history. An easy train ride away, the city boasts numerous lovely shrines and temples, and its own well-preserved historic castle.

Japan Vacation Ideas : Japan, of course, offers no end of great vacation choices. A few favorites include exploring the sites of Tokyo , with its endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options; magnificent Mount Fuji , perhaps the country's most recognizable natural feature; and the beautiful island of Hokkaido, where you'll have the chance to explore the country's most northerly major city, Sapporo .

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23 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kyoto

Widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful city, charming Kyoto really is a delight to explore. Besides boasting over 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, it has tons of picturesque gardens, palaces and viewpoints to enjoy.

For well over a thousand years, it served as the country’s capital until the emperor relocated to Tokyo following the Meiji Restoration. While fires, wars and earthquakes ravaged Kyoto from time to time, it still retains much of its rich history. As such, many attractive old buildings and atmospheric streets can be found alongside its more modern center.

Aside from its incredible art and architecture, the city is also set in a scenic spot amidst mountains and forests. Its enchanting temples also have lots of lovely Zen gardens to amble around while gaily dressed geishas can still be spotted in the historic Gion District.

With such a rich culture and cuisine to uncover and so many fascinating things to do in Kyoto, it is definitely one of Japan’s most rewarding destinations. On your next trip to this ancient city, plan to see as many of these top tourist attractions in Kyoto as your schedule will allow.

23. Kenninji Temple

Even though it is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kenninji sees substantially fewer visitors than many of its neighbors. This makes its quiet complex on the south side of Gion even more special to stroll around as you almost have all its artistic treasures and architecture to yourself.

Located not far from the historic Hanamikoji Street and the stunning Yasaka Shrine, it was founded back in 1202. The main temple of its branch of Rinzai Buddhism, it has an exquisite sanmon gate, Dharma Hall and Abbot’s Quarters to admire, all erected centuries ago. Inside too, there is a dramatic ceiling painting of twin dragons to take in alongside finely-detailed murals and folding screens.

Its gorgeous grounds contain a traditional Zen garden with tea ceremonies also being held here from time to time. We were very surprised that the temple was almost deserted when we visited but were very glad it was thanks to the serene ambience around the place.

22. Monkey Park Iwatayama

After seeing so many temples and historic sights around town, hiking up to Monkey Park Iwatayama makes for a fun change. Home to roughly 120 Japanese macaques, its lush site is perched atop Mt. Arashiyama and offers spellbinding views over all of Kyoto.

Situated just across Togetsukyo Bridge from the terrific Tenryu-ji Temple, the park was established in 1957 to protect the colony of cute snow monkeys that inhabit the area. Free to come and go as they please, the mischievous creatures play, feed and groom themselves right before you.

Whenever you visit, scores of them are sitting or scampering about the observation deck or swinging in the surrounding trees. Observing them up close and feeding them is an amazing experience – just don’t make eye contact or provoke them by accident!

Bear in mind too it is a steepish, twenty-minute climb uphill to the monkey park.

21. Kyoto Station Building

In contrast to all its ancient temples, the colossal Kyoto Station is one of its most distinctive modern buildings. Besides being an important train and transportation hub, it showcases some extraordinary architecture and has tons of amenities to make use of.

Actually the second-largest station in the whole country, it encompasses not just an immense Isetan department store and shopping mall but a hotel, movie theater and many restaurants too. Unveiled in 1997, its sparkling high-rise has fifteen stories for commuters, locals and tourists to explore. As well as a vast, futuristic facade, there is a mesmerizing multi-level LED-lit staircase to snap photos of.

Other than ogling at its sheer size and scale, you can shop until you drop or try some of its excellent eateries. After ambling about its cavernous interior, we particularly enjoyed heading up to its relaxing rooftop garden. A welcome escape from the hustle and bustle below, it provides some great views of the city from up high.

20. Samurai and Ninja Museum

If you’re looking to wield swords, throw shuriken and wear suits of armor, then you’ve come to the right place! At the superb Samurai and Ninja Museum, there are all kinds of fun interactive activities to try while learning a bit about the history and traditions of the two professions.

Set alongside the teeming Nishiki Market, the museum displays loads of cool old swords and sets of armor. Friendly guides explain each item before delving more into the fascinating hierarchy, culture and lifestyles of both peasants and nobles back in feudal Japan. Afterwards, you can dress in either armor or ninja outfits and hone your sword-fighting and blade-throwing skills.

While it is quite small and super touristy, their samurai and ninja experiences promise to be some of the best fun you’ve had in ages! You’ll also take some of your best and most memorable photos here from your time in Japan.

19. Sanzen-in Temple

Although it is nestled roughly an hour’s public transport journey north of Kyoto, the scenic Sanzen-in Temple is definitely worth visiting if you have the chance. Part of the tiny Ohara town, it is known for its peaceful atmosphere, amusing stone statues and tasty matcha tea.

Tucked away amidst towering trees, the venerable Buddhist temple remarkably dates to 784 CE with pretty gardens and walking paths lying all around it. Coating the forest floor is a marvelous carpet of moss through which smiling stone statues poke their heads. At their centre is a delightful old hall to see, built in 1143. This holds a statue of the Amida Buddha; Sanzen-in’s most important treasure.

An oasis of peace and calm, the temple is a treat to visit at any time of year. While the winter’s snow does somewhat hide its finest features, its white landscapes make for an enchanting atmosphere. In summer, its blooming hydrangeas create an explosion of color while autumn’s fiery foliage is just as spectacular to photo.

18. Toji Temple

Also famed for its striking seasonal colors is the historic Toji Temple on the northwestern outskirts of the city. Asides from wandering about its landscaped gardens, you can gaze up at its phenomenal five-storied pagoda; the tallest in Japan.

Although the temple was founded in 796, its halls, gates and pagoda have all been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. Now the main place of worship for the Shingon sect of Buddhism, it houses countless fine statues, paintings and carvings. Towering over everything is its 54 meter-high pagoda; one of the complex’s standout sights.

Perfectly complementing its fantastic collection of art and architecture are the magnificent gardens all around them. After strolling along its picturesque paths and seeing all the statues of the Ashikaga Shoguns, enjoy a calming tea in its traditional tatami room.

Surprisingly overlooked by tourists, it was again one of our favourite stops due to its relaxed feel and resplendent scenery. Toji also apparently hosts a monthly market where hundreds of vendors sell arts and crafts, kimonos, food and more.

17. Hike from Kibune to Kurama

A wonderful way to see even more of the region and really immerse yourself in nature is to hike from Kibune to Kurama. Taking around half a day in total, the popular route passes through forests and alongside rivers, stopping off at temples, shrines and hot springs on the way.

Hidden away in the Kitayama Mountains, about half-an-hour’s train ride from Kyoto, are the adorable towns of Kibune and Kurama. Connecting the two together is a seven-kilometer-long trail up over the mountains, through atmospheric-old growth forest. This sees you follow lovely lantern-lined paths to small shrines and sanctuaries with nature spots and viewpoints also dotted about.

At either end, you can visit Kifune Shrine and Kurama-dera Temple, both of which are set in stunning spots and exhibit some impressive art and architecture. Another highlight is the twisted ‘Path of Tree Roots’ and experiencing the temple’s six-sided kongosho spot. This is apparently the point where the mount’s spiritual energy is concentrated. After the hike, you can soak a while in Kurama’s hot springs before heading back to Kyoto.

16. Togetsukyo Bridge

Besides being known for its beautiful bamboo grove, Arashiyama also boasts the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Spanning the rushing Katsura River, it makes for some superb photos and viewing, what with the rugged mountains and wide open waters around it.

Famously featured in esteemed ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige’s series of woodblock prints, it was originally built in 836. Once wood, the 155 meter-long bridge is now mostly made of concrete as earlier ones kept being damaged by floods. Every day, eager crowds flock here to snap photos of the river and Mt. Arashiyama rising ahead.

If all the romantic views and scenery weren’t enough, its name also magically means ‘Moon Crossing Bridge’ due to a poetic observation by Emperor Kameyama centuries-ago. Particularly popular times to visit are in spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for its trees’ colourful foliage.

15. Nanzenji Temple

That same ancient emperor had the elegant Nanzenji Temple constructed in 1291. One of the quieter ones in Kyoto, it also contains an attractive Zen garden and an amazing old aqueduct. Many people stop briefly as they make their way along the Philosopher’s Path that runs beside it.

As it has been destroyed numerous times over the years by fire, its complex has constantly varied in size, having last been rebuilt in 1905. Nowadays, guests are greeted by a gigantic Sanmon gate, one of the grandest in all Japan. Dwarfed by it are the art-filled Abbot’s Quarters and a delightful little dry landscape garden from the Edo period.

Its most unique feature however is the hundred-year-old aqueduct that lies just up the hill to the right. Used to transport water from Lake Biwa, its fading red bricks and fine arches create some fabulous photo opportunities amidst the colourful leaves of the surrounding trees.

14. Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen

Covering an absolutely enormous part of the city center is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Located within Kyoto Gyoen – large green grounds that are open to the public – it has interesting guided tours to take.

Up until the Meiji Restoration in 1869, Japan’s emperors and their families resided here for centuries. Although the current complex only dates to a decade or so earlier (due to yet another fire), its ornate buildings and ornamental gardens are still all intricately-crafted.

On guided tours, you’ll get to examine these handsome gates, palaces and historic halls. On the way, you’ll also hear all about the Imperial Family, their role and impact on the nation. If you don’t manage to book one, there is also a free audio guide app you can download beforehand.

While many would count the Imperial Palace as a must-see site, we weren’t all that bothered by it. As with the palace in Tokyo, you cover huge distances without seeing all that much. If you’re pressed for time, we’d probably recommend skipping this and seeing some of the city’s other sights.

13. Nishiki Market

If you’ve already had enough of temples (they do lose their shine a bit by the tenth one), then Nishiki Market is perhaps one of the better things to do in Kyoto. Loads of fun to explore, its packed stands and stalls have tons of tasty Japanese delicacies for you to try.

For over 400 years, vendors have hawked their wares at the massive market affectionately known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. In total, its covered pedestrian arcades are lined by around 130 shops, all facing out to the public. Delightfully decorated, they display everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to sweet snacks, seafood and souvenirs.

Foodies will certainly love the market’s remarkable range of products and its vibrant atmosphere. As there is so much to see and sample, we came back a couple of times to try out different restaurants and street food options.

12. Tofukuji Temple

Just north of the infamous Fushimi Inari Shrine is yet another terrific temple to visit. One of the ‘five great Zen temples of Kyoto’, Tofukuji has lots of lovely architecture and artworks to admire. These all lie amidst some utterly idyllic gardens.

Established in 1236 by the imperial chancellor Kujo Michiie, its grounds once contained over seventy buildings at the temple’s zenith. Various fires and the 1868 shinbutsu bunri decree to limit the wealth and power of the Buddhist sects eventually saw their numbers greatly reduced.

Nowadays, the complex has almost 25 sub-temples to stroll around with its two-story sanmon gate, the oldest surviving one in Japan, being the main highlight. Other than snapping pics of its paintings and portraits, you have to see its magnificent moss garden and maple trees. In autumn, visitors pack onto Tsuten-kyo Bridge to see the temple immersed in all the trees’ astounding colours.

11. Eikando Zenrinji Temple

Also famed for its fall foliage is the enchanting Eikando Zenrinji Temple, just north of Nanzenji along the Philosopher’s Path. Scattered across the slopes of Kyoto’s Eastern Mountain, it is arguably one of the most beautiful in the entire city (and that’s saying something!).

Founded back in 853, its gorgeous gates, halls and pagoda are linked by pretty paths and staircases, weaving their way up the hillside. Wandering around, you’ll find koi ponds and cherry blossoms while glittering gold treasures and religious artworks decorate its interiors. The most important of these is the twelfth-century statue of Amida Buddha looking over his shoulder.

Even without seeing its arresting autumnal colors, we were blown away by the temple’s serenity and scenery. Asides from the pristine presentation and layout of its gardens and buildings, there are also fine views over Kyoto to be enjoyed from its higher reaches. Exploring the temple without your shoes on somehow only adds to the experience!

10. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Certainly one of the city’s most photographed spots is the now iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on its northwestern outskirts. Although often overcrowded, there is a reason so many people head here to snap selfies and take pics for Instagram.

Located right next to Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge, the towering grove is mostly made up of moso bamboo. Snaking their way through the densely packed, bright green stalks are a few paths to amble along. Hearing the rustle of their leaves and seeing the light through the canopy reflect off of them is a very peaceful feeling, despite the hordes around you.

As it isn’t very large, you’re best off visiting early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds. The forest also has some small tea stands for you to stop off and several that sell souvenirs.

9. Ryoanji Temple

Ryōan-ji is a Zen temple in North Kyoto. It is one of the few examples that still remain of an art form known as dry landscape, or kare-sansui. This art is a type of Zen garden that features a bed of small, smooth pebbles and a few larger, distinctive rock formations.

The garden at Ryoanji features a collection of 15 carefully placed rocks, apparently adrift in a sea of sand, enclosed by an earthen wall.

The temple itself dates back to the 11th century, and it served as a mausoleum for several of the Japanese emperors after their passing. While these tombs can still be visited, it is the large rock gardens that receive the most attention from visitors coming from across Japan and even around the world.

8. Gion District

One of the most magical things to do in Kyoto is to explore its historic old Gion District. Offering up an alluring look into what life in Japan was once like, its atmospheric streets and traditional inns are still frequented by colorfully-clad geishas in kimonos.

Wonderfully well-preserved, the charming neighborhood in Higashiyama-ku slowly evolved over the centuries to accommodate and entertain visitors to Yasaka Shrine. Lying along the eastern bank of the Kamogawa River, its flagstones are bordered by beautiful old buildings, many now home to cosy cafes and restaurants or shops and izakayas.

Here you can take part in traditional tea ceremonies, watch dramatic kabuki theater plays and meet elaborately dressed geishas. Many rent kimonos for the day and explore the district, taking photos in the elegant outfits amongst its quaint streets. We absolutely loved Gion’s architecture and ambience and can’t wait to go back!

7. Nijo Castle

When most people imagine castles, they picture the Gothic stone palaces found in Europe. In Kyoto, however, Nijo Castle is actually made from wood. The design is highly unusual, being made up of two concentric rings, with a circular courtyard between the two.

Nijo Castle was built in the 17th century, and all of the feudal lords in Western Japan were required to aid in the funding of its construction. The palace itself is made from cypress and gold leaf is used extensively in the decor. Don’t forget to look up when admiring the castle, because some of the ceilings are dotted with gold mosaics.

6. Ginkakuji Temple

Right at the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path is the popular and picturesque Ginkakuji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion. One of Kyoto’s main tourist attractions, it is set in a tranquil spot amidst gardens, streams and small waterfalls.

Originally built in the fifteenth-century to be a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was converted a couple of decades later into a Zen temple. Unlike the glittering Golden Pavilion, plans to paint it silver were never followed through. It still looks impressive however as bright green mosses, plants and trees surround the temple and lake before it.

Although often quite busy, the gardens still have a peaceful feel with phenomenal viewpoints dotted here and there. There are also some cool sand sculptures and of course, the architecture of the Silver Pavilion itself to enjoy.

5. Philosopher’s Walk

The Philosopher’s Walk is a simple pedestrian trail that runs alongside a canal in Kyoto.

On either side of the walkway stand cherry trees, giving the route a mystical and particularly scenic appearance. The Philosopher’s Walk is shorter than two miles, but it passes by a number of important shrines and temples.

An iconic Japanese philosopher named Nishida Kitaro used to walk along this stretch daily as a form of meditation, which is where the name Philosopher’s Walk originated. However, you don’t have to be a philosopher to admire the views, get great photos of the cherry trees and see a number of tourist attractions in Kyoto within a hour’s walk.

4. Sanjusangendo Temple

Unlike almost all of Kyoto’s other incredible temples, Sanjusangendo isn’t surrounded by spectacular gardens and doesn’t display much interesting architecture. Instead, the iconic landmark is renowned and revered for the 1,001 intricately-crafted statues crammed in its interior.

Dedicated to Sahasrabhuja-arya-avalokitesvara (phew!) or the Thousand Armed Kannon, its very long hondo hall was impressively completed back in 1266. Still standing today, it contains countless rows of life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf. Even more remarkable is that each individual figure and face of the goddess of mercy is slightly different. All together, they and the heavy incense-infused air of the temple create quite a striking scene.

Outside, you can see 28 sculptures of guardian deities thought to have originated from Hinduism. A small but scenic garden at the back also provides you with a quiet space to contemplate and take a break before getting back to sightseeing.

3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Spread across the rolling foothills of Mount Otowa in eastern Kyoto is the ginormous Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Mostly known for its main hall’s massive veranda, the religious site is an absolute must-visit for its captivating architecture, commanding views and cheery cherry trees.

While the important temple was founded in 778, all its current buildings ‘only’ date to 1633. The most eye-catching of these is, of course, its humongous hall that protrudes out from the hillside atop huge pillars. Already a stupendous sight, it was constructed without a single nail or screw – all its wooden parts having been placed snugly together so they can’t budge.

Other than basking in its breathtaking views, you can explore the temple’s lush leafy grounds and see the small waterfall after which it is named. Although the veranda and views were great, we were just as enamored with its bright orange-painted pagoda. Looking out over Kyoto, it makes for some fine photos, either against the sky or peeking above the nearby treetops.

2. Golden Pavilion

One of the most famous buildings in all of Japan is the Golden Pavilion, better known to locals as Kinkakuji. This Zen Buddhism temple was originally a privately owned structure, but toward the end of the 14th century it was converted to a temple.

The temple has three stories, and they seamlessly incorporate three major Japanese styles of architecture: Samurai, Zen and Shinden. Yellow and gold coloring, not to mention the bright bronze phoenix ornament on the apex of the roof, helps give the Golden Pavilion its name.

Surrounding the temple are beautiful, manicured gardens, some of which are designed to show the harmony between heaven and Earth.

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine

It is possible that the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most impressive landmark in all of Kyoto. In reality, it is not just one shrine, but the head shrine (taisha) for 32,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters (750 feet) up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates).

You could easily spend several hours walking up the hillside, taking in the beautiful views of the city of Kyoto and walking through the torii, which appear luminescent in the late afternoon sun. This shrine still holds incredible religious and personal significance to local residents.

During the Japanese New Year, millions will come to pay their respects. As you approach the shrine, look for vendors selling the sweet tsujiura senbei, a kind of cookie local to the area and believed to be an early predecessor of the American fortune cookie.

Map of Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

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First Timer’s Guide to Japan 🇯🇵🍣🗼

Japan guide, general tips.

• eSim or pocket wifi is super convenient for being able to access the internet on your phone
• Use Suica or Pasmo in your Apple Wallet instead of a physical card for transit, convenience stores, and more
• Tax-free shopping is available to tourists at some stores, so make sure to bring your passport!
• Don't directly hand money to anyone unless directed to, there's usually a tray for that. You can hand over credit cards but do it with both hands
• Don't walk and eat
• Do not be afraid to call for your waiter, they will come to you if you say "sumimasen"
• Stay away from popular TikTok restaurants, usually end up waiting in a long line for overpriced food - there are local hidden gems waiting to be found for much cheaper!
• Trash cans are hard to find since the government removed most trashcans after an attack in the 90s - most street food stalls will have a bag to take your trash
• No need to tip
• Red means taxi can pick you up, green means it's occupied (the driver will also open the door for you)
• Try to stay as close to the subway as possible (will make everything so much more convenient)
• Store your luggage in a coin locker in the station if you don't want to bring your luggage while on the move / during a day trip
• JR pass is only worth it if you travel between cities a lot (weigh the costs before buying an unlimited pass)
• If you like collecting stamps, there are many stamp stations in Japan

Bakery Donsuke

Tokyu kabukicho tower, omoide yokocho, shinjuku golden gai, strawberry fetish(ストロベリーフェチ) 神戸店, takeshita street, mega don quijote, omotesando hills, kumachan onsen, roast beef ōno akihabara, jiromaru akihabara, nakamise-dori street, teamlab planets, toyosu market, toyosu senkyaku banrai, chibachan ikebukuro, tokyo disneysea, shimokitazawa, trefacstyle shimokitazawa, yokohama chinatown, cup noodles museum yokohama, irori guesthouse tenmaku, katase-enoshima station, enoshima shrine, enoshima iwaya cave, enoshima samuel cocking garden, lawson kawaguchiko station, fuji-q highland, fujisan yumeno ohashi, shimoyoshida, gion duck noodles🦆🍜, arashiyama bamboo forest, arashiyama monkey park iwatayama, starbucks coffee - kyoto nineizaka yasaka chaya, fushimi inari taisha, nakatanidou -mochi show, osaka + surrounding area, universal studios japan, arima onsen, kuromon ichiba market, himeji castle, sennichimae doguyasuji shopping street.

See your itinerary and your map in one view: no more switching between different apps to keep track of your travel plans.

Overtourism in Japan

Places and times plagued by mass tourism.

We started writing this article on overtourism in 2019 , shortly after the 30 million visitors per year threshold was exceeded in Japan. Back then, our focus was on Kyoto with increased concerns due to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics   🏅 (who would have thought the Games would end up in a flop!).

At Kanpai! we have already been observing tourism increase in Japan and its consequences for more than 10 years, up to a time when China and Japan did not have a visa-waiver program for tourists yet.

In the meantime, the Covid   🦠 pandemic turned some of the archipelago’s most popular areas into ghost towns. Our reporters in Japan then had the unique privilege of visiting these places without encountering any foreign tourist.

The resuming of inbound travel to Japan in October 2022 has been quite brutal , after 2 years and a half of a quasi-shutdown of tourism in the archipelago: 2019’s records have been broken one after the other as soon as 2023, starting by the number of overnight stays. To the point that beyond the 迷惑 meiwaku , the annoyance, already highlighted by Logan Paul’s mischiefs in late 2017, Japan has coined the expression 観光公害 kanko kogai , "touristic pollution" in 2018: that includes littering and even damaging goods, places losing their charm as they are overflown with tourists, etc.

As the situation changed quite a bit, spring 2024 is a good time to dive into this hot topic again, and review its many nuances.

📊 Current situation, figures and objectives

📄 2023’s findings.

Between 2017 and 2019 included, Japan received each year between 29 to 32 million foreign visitors. The March 2020 to October 2022 closing caused these last 3 years to naturally be statistically catastrophic. However, good figures have been restored in 2023 as a little bit more than 24 million tourists have visited the archipelago, more than in 2016.

Interestingly, monthly arrivals have been increasing almost constantly throughout the year, reflecting the inertia at the reopening, as well as the sluggish resuming of Chinese tourism that was still considerably slowed down by the non-access to traveling visas. Thus, October 2023 has seen more international visitors than October 2019. It would not be surprising if the 30 million foreign visitors threshold is exceeded again in 2024.

Japan was also hit by inflation, but the doubling of flight prices and the spectacular rise of the JR Pass’s price can be more or less toned down by the weak Yen  💴 . Visitors coming from Euro or US dollar areas currently benefit from the Yen’s low exchange rate , but it might not last long according to the Bank of Japan; one should therefore plan a trip as soon as possible to keep the travel affordable.

As of September 2023, according to a representative of the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Japanese government is not aiming at a specific number of travelers anymore but rather at a spending target . While Japan just lost to Germany its position as the 3rd economic power in the world, the country switched to aiming at an economically flourishing tourism without relying on the masses.

Regardless, Japan is having a hard time handling 30 million tourists, despite its 126 million population . In comparison, France with half the population receives 2,5 more times travelers per year.

🏨 A shaky recovery after Covid

Japanese tourism professionals and airlines are naturally delighted by the coming back of revenue, even if everything was not ready for the best welcome of tourists, sometimes giving a disappointing insight on the famous Japanese omotenashi and service spirit.

Thus, some "old-fashioned" accommodation facilities may have encounter a lack of multilingual staff, or simply a staff shortage at all , especially at the beginning of the recovery, making the experience sometimes less pleasant. Even the upscale hotel  🏨 chain Hilton made fun of the situation, with an advertising campaign mocking the stiffness of traditional ryokan inns to emphasize the flexibility of its famous Conrad Tokyo Hotel.

But what strikes the most is obviously the increase of the Japan Rail Pass ' price by 70% in October 2023 , creating a stupid paradox: with this uptick tourists are prompted to pack even more in Tokyo (and consequently in Kyoto) and forgo lesser popular areas. While it is now possible to buy Japanese train  🚅 tickets from overseas, tourism is Japan has unfortunately become more polarized .

Meanwhile, the IC cards ( Suica , Icoca, etc.) supply, the digital wallets that are so convenient and essential to a trip in Japan, has become very difficult. Regional outlets of the Japan Railways, especially JR East in Tokyo, announced a shortage of semi-conductors in June 2023 as a cause, but it would not be surprising that the JR Group is actually trying to make tourists purchase the not so convenient "Welcome Suica" only.

Travelers should also be made aware of hawkers, such as fake mendicant monks , or even fake taxis driving in the areas most frequented by foreign travelers, such as airports. In the advent of an accident with such taxi, the cost could be high as insurances do not cover damages. Fortunately, they are easy to spot and avoid: their license plate do not sport the green background or frame, which are characteristic of duly licensed taxis. Make sure you never ride in the non official taxis!

🚶 Japan’s most affected areas

Before reviewing the archipelago’s areas where visitors flock, it is important to note that this phenomenon is not exclusive to Japan . Overtourism is mainly occurring in places with small superficies, starting by Europe: for example Venice, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Amsterdam, Santorini or Reykjavik. But other territories are also affected such as some islands in Thailand, or monuments like the Taj Mahal or the Machu Picchu.

The causes of mass tourism in all of these destinations always combine the same following factors:

• Availability of short and medium-haul low cost flights ;
• Cruise boats and tourists coaches unloading packs of visitors;
• Specific locations that are excessively represented in the medias and on social networks (especially Instagram), to which the majority of visitors gather.

⛩️ The case of Kyoto

The 2,000 temples and shrines former capital is naturally the tree hiding the forest. It is probably the first place that comes to mind when speaking of overtourism in Japan, due to its topographical constraints, the many places closing around 5 p.m. and attractive seasonal peaks ( sakura   🌸 and koyo  🍁 ), but the reality is more nuanced.

There is of course, the infamous must-sees:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha , the10,000 vermilion torii  ⛩️ gates shrine;
• Kinkaku-ji , the Golden Pavilion;
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove , in the vicinity of the Kinkaku-ji;
• Kiyomizu-dera and, broadly speaking the road from the entrance to Sannenzaka;
• Gion , the city center’s traditional district, where it is possible to encounter Geisha;
• And recently, Nishiki Market , which is now more a place for strolling than grocery shopping and is gradually transitioning into an arcade filled with street- food bars in lieu of a food market.

Figures, however, show that foreign tourists are a minority in Kyoto, compared to the number of Japanese visitors : Kyoto received 53,5 million visitors in 2019, but the antique city’s streets were still filled with 21 million visitors in 2021 when the borders were closed! In 2018, foreign travelers were only 10 millions in the historical capital (so just 20% of the total) against 500,000 in 2008.

To improve tourists traffic, the municipality has already taken measures, or found money to make various arrangements , especially during the seasonal peaks:

• The publishing of a brochure listing the most crowded sites and the best hours for a quieter visit ;
• Messages in foreign languages, displayed on screens at the main Kyoto station and at Karasuma Oike station, to remind international visitors the good practices when encountering Maikos and prevent harassment (the first "Akimahen" campaign started in 2015 );
• The increase of coin lockers / luggage storage facilities, to avoid hauling suitcases and big bags in touristic sites and buses;
• A collaboration with the JNTO to raise awareness on a tourist etiquette towards travel agents in China, Singapore and Australia;
• The increase of extra bus services, especially on the " Raku " lines dedicated to tourists, and a new strollers symbol; and,
• End of the Bus’ one-day pass replaced by a Bus+ Subway Pass; and,
• Initiation of a survey on special fares for non-residents.

On a side note, Kyoto City is very indebted and is often on the verge of bankruptcy, which makes its relationship with tourists complicated.

🗻 Fuji, Miyajima, Nara and others

Despite its importance, Kyoto is obviously not the only Japanese city affected by overtourism. The following places are the most popular among travelers in Japan:

• Mount Fuji   🗻 , whose climbing is only possible from July 1rst to early September, which sometimes create congestion at the summit or on the way back down, to the point that its listing in the UNESCO World Heritage could be compromised;
• Miyajima , the island off Hiroshima , where tourists flock at the Itsukushima shrine, one of the 3 most beautiful landscapes of Japan; recently, jet-skis have even been spotted cruising under the floating torii (!);
• Nara , also in the Kansai area, whose deer suffered malnutrition during the Covid pandemic and are now well-fed (one even died in 2019 after eating more than 4kg plastic);
• Hakone and especially its transportation network, with as a figurehead, the cruise on Lake Ashi;
• Nikko , where temples and shrines the closest to the station are filled with crowds in peak seasons, weekends and holidays ;
• Koya-san , the famous spiritual mountain of the Kii peninsula, a place deemed a "Buddhist Disneyland" by the shukubo themselves, where foreign visitors stay in the temples’ annexes;
• Some islands of Okinawa , especially Iriomote where local authorities have set a cap limited to 1,200 max visitors per day, and 330,000 per year, to preserve the lifestyle of the 2,400 residents and the local ecosystem; and,
• Asakusa , specifically around the Senso-ji temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street;
• Harajuku , where Takeshita Dori, a former hot spot for teenage fashion, has become a cheap outdoor shopping mall;
• Shibuya , for the mention, as the ward’s officials are primarily concerned regarding 2 nights in the year: Halloween and the New Year eve.

💡 Measures to prevent mass tourism

🤷 state-level solutions.

A fact that tends to be forgotten is that since 2019 all travelers to Japan are already paying a ¥1,000 (~US$6.48) tax , included in the flight  ✈️ ’s price, collected to allegedly improve the country’s touristic infrastructures.

This fee, among other solutions, is actually a very common response to overtourism issues throughout the world:

• In Colmar , France (up to 150,000 visitors per day in December ), the city is thinking of introducing a reservation or a fee system to visit its Christmas Market;
• In Amsterdam (more than 20 million tourists each year!), the tourist tax recently rose by 12,5 %, so it is now amounting to 22€ per night;
• In Venice (about 30 million yearly tourists!!), a 5€ tax will be put to the test this year for day-trip visitors on the yearly 30 days of very high season; groups of more than 25 persons and the use of speakers are likely to be forbidden soon.

As for the archipelago, measures at the local scale have been sheepishly implemented. For example, in October 2023 a ¥100 (~US$0.65) fee has been included in the ferry  ⛴️ fare to Miyajima Island. As for Mount Fuji , the prefectures operating the climbing trails have implemented a ¥1,000 (~US$6.48) fee since 2013, first on a voluntary basis, and now required since 2020. A 4,000 climbers per day cap is also being contemplated.

In the meantime, the government is starting to tackle the issue. Since September 2023, despite the large revenue tourism is bringing to the country (nearly 10 % of its GDP), Prime Minister Fumio Kishida launched a series of measures against " over-tourism " spelled in katakana . They are displayed on the Ministry of tourism’s home page ( Kankocho ) and encompass among other things :

• More bus and taxis services ;
• Communication against littering ;
• Possible price rises on train tickets during the holidays periods ( Golden Week in spring, Obon in August and New Year); and,
• Widening of travel destinations beside Tokyo and Kyoto (a measure for which it is doubtful anyone discussed with Japan Railways…) with the promotion of areas like Ise or Hokkaido .

➡️ Easy and readily available solutions

It is somehow paradoxical to complain about mass tourism when traveling in the affected areas, as we must keep in mind that all the visitors constitute the tourist crowd and that everyone contributes to overtourism! However, there should not be guilting nor making foreigners the scapegoats: it should indeed be remembered that Japanese people are the primary tourists in their own country. Consequently, in many of the places mentioned above, you’ll never fail to see bus loaded with high schools students from neighboring prefectures in a school trip, or Japanese retirees roaming with thier big cameras  📷 .

There are plenty of ways to avoid mass tourism, even occasionally obvious ones, as overtourism can be kept under control by managing time and space.

For example, no must-see place, even in Kyoto, is full at 7 a.m. on a weekday in mid- January ! Therefore, the first logical solution is to travel in low season . Seasonal patterns are very strong in Japan, so choosing the less popular months (such as January, February , June or December) will both help finding more affordable prices and having a quieter trip.

If you can’t go any other time than the seasonal peak, and while the trick is becoming widely known, go to the trendy places early in the morning (usually before 9 a.m., to stay true to Japan’s reputation as "country of the Rising Sun") or in late afternoon, after sunset for places that do not close at night .

Accordingly, when not traveling during lower seasons, don’t fall for the Instagram trends and try not forcing your way to a "must-see" . The archipelago extends on a 378,000 km² superficies, has tens of thousands temples and shrines, and probably hundred thousands torii gates, etc. Is it really worth it to queue for a selfie with the same torii gate as anyone on Instagram? Kanpai-Japan’s travel guide provides nearly 1,000 travel destinations in Japan and several new more are added each month, so there is no shortage of new places to discover. Overcrowding almost never happens in Hokkaido, Shikoku or in the Tohoku area… If you feel you don’t have time to explore all our available content, feel free to subscribe to our Newsletter to receive each day a visit suggestion for free!

As we often say on Kanpai-Japan: traveling in Japan requires to book the trip and plan activities in advance . There are so many benefits in a good planning ahead, and overall so many disappointment are avoided when doing it well; all the more as many accommodation, courses and experiences can’t be made without a good planning and timing well in advance. In the same vein, you might want avoiding restaurants in the most popular areas (some even rise their prices for the English menu) or eat there at the less busy hours, or even prefer an outdoor meal in parks when the weather is good.

With Japan’s increasing popularity, yesterday’s lower seasons and secret gems have gradually become better known. Indeed, before the mid-2010s, few international travelers ventured in the Japanese Alps or flew to Tokyo in September-October; both are now very common. Do not hesitate to have a Japan-specialist travel agent help you in choosing the good travel plan . If you don’t have the budget for a bespoke trip, you may try hiring a local private guide to explore off the beaten tracks: there is almost always beautiful quiet gems just a stone’s throw away from a bustling and hyper-busy touristic site. That can somewhat explain why the reviews of travelers in Kyoto vary so widely.

There is so much more to discover in Japan besides the most advertised places… You should not refrain from going based on what you hear or read in the media, but when you go, travel smart!

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7 Best things to do in Japan in 2024

A s a travel enthusiast starts planning a 2024 travel itinerary, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, ticks all the boxes. It is the ultimate travel destination thanks to its historic streets of Kyoto, savoring delicious street food in Osaka, exploring the religious shrines, or staying at the ryokans . From the age-old cherry fields to the peaceful country roads, this place is a feast for the senses.

Springtime being this place's truly magical venture, Japan comes alive with color and energy, and visitors are feasted on a lot of enjoyable destinations to explore. Its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty offers an array of adventures for every travel enthusiast.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer's opinion, and might have missed some favorite destinations.

The top activities to experience in Japan in 2024

Whether the avid traveler is a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a nature lover, Japan is the perfect place for their visit in 2024.

Ahead, Team Sportskeeda has thoughtfully created a list of the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 and make the most of their visit.

• Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto
• Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo
• Feed the deer at Nara
• Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima
• River cruise at Osaka
• Ski at Hokkaido
• Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

1) Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan , is a must-visit spring destination for avid travelers. Considering that the best time to travel is in late March to early April, this holiday and sightseeing place is well-known for its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Sight-seers should not miss the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the traditional Gion District. For lodging, one should consider staying at a classic ryokan to experience the hospitality at its best. Kansai International Airport, the nearest airport, can be easily commuted to thanks to local transportation.

Once in Kyoto, one should also make sure to try out the local cuisines, like kaiseki (a multicourse feast) and various matcha confectionaries. Noted diners like Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley also rule the culinary delight list.

2) Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo

Be it the onset of autumn or spring, the metropolis of Tokyo, Japan, is always bustling with a unique blend of modernity and ritual. Including Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, this metropolis' main attractions are decorated with cherry blossoms, catering to a panoramic view.

Once in Tokyo, tourists can enjoy activities like hanami (flower viewing) picnics in Ueno Park and boat or yacht cruises along the Sumida River. For an unforgettable stay, visitors can select a hotel in the vibrant Shibuya or Shinjuku districts and indulge in a wide variety of delectable local cuisines, like sushi tempura and ramen at Tsukiji Outer Market, and the food stalls at Ameyoko Market.

Read more: 6 Best European countries to visit in Summer 2024

3) Feed the deer at Nara

Nara, well-known for its friendly deer and ancient religious shrines, it is always the perfect time for any travel enthusiast to visit this charming destination.

Visitors can engage in activities like feeding deer and exploring the picturesque Isuien Garden at Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the main attractions they shouldn't miss. Once here, a holiday enthusiast can stay at cozy homestays or ryokans for an authentic lodging experience. There are also sample local delicacies, like Kakinoha sushi and persimmon leaf sushi, at the best diners in the Nara-machi district.

4) Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a Japan metropolis with a resilient spirit and a profound history, is best visited in early April. From the local Hiroshima Airport, courtesy of its travel-friendly communication, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden are the main places of interest that offer serene beauty. Here, tourists can engage in activities like visiting the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history.

One can also plan their stay at comfortable hotels and savor local cuisines like okonomiyaki and oysters from the best diners like Okonomimura and Mitaki-en.

5) River cruise at Osaka

Considered one of the most vibrant cities, Osaka is famed for its lively environment and mouthwatering delicacies. The best time to visit is late March or early April. Once landing at the Kansai International Airport, a vacationer can enjoy their holiday by visiting the main attractions, like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.

Thanks to its panoramic view, travelers can enjoy local activities like exploring the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market and river cruising along the Okawa River. Planning a 2 to 3-day trip to Osaka, a vacationer can book their stay at downtown's trendy hotels and indulge in local cuisines like takoyaki , okonomiyaki , and kushikatsu at street food stalls, and best-eating joints like Mizuno and Kani Doraku.

Read more: 6 Best treks in the world

6) Ski at Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is a must-see spring holiday destination in Japan, courtesy of its spectacular natural attractions. When hiring local transportation or pre-paid cabs from New Chitose Airport, the best time to visit is late April or early May. During this time, tourists can enjoy the main attractions, such as the vast fields of Shikisai-no-Oka and the majestic beauty of Shikisai Hill.

They can engage in activities like exploring Biei's charming beauty, skiing, Onsen (hot springs), enjoying a relaxing soak in the famous Noboribetsu hot springs, or staying at comfortable ryokans or motels with stunning mountain views. They can also savor these gastronomical delights in local delicacies like fresh seafood , spicy ramen, and tasty dairy products at the best diners like Ramen Yokocho and Nijo Market.

7) Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

Off-boarding at the Naha airport, Okinawa's gorgeous shorelines and rich history welcome avid travelers, making it an excellent destination year-round for all travel enthusiasts visiting Japan. Once here, travelers can explore the lively marine life at the Churaumi Aquarium and the Ryukyu culture of historical Shuri Castle.

They can rest and recoup at beachfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, or Halekulani, Okinawa, to experience the true essence of Okinawa, Japan. Visitors can also spoil their tastebuds with the local flavors of sample Okinawan soba, agu pork , goya champuru, and rafute pork.

Read more: 6 best Spring destinations in the world to take a family vacation

These are the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 that promise an array of unforgettable experiences for travel enthusiasts. So, avid travelers can start backpacking to enjoy their adventure-packed holiday.