Kyoto is One of Japan’s Most Visited Destinations.
With endless things to do and see, it’s a place that is sure to have you coming back for more. We loved exploring its famous shrines, bamboo forest, and using it as a home base for day trips nearby. It is also the perfect destination for those looking to dive into the Japanese culture, cuisine, and history.
Below we share a few of our favorite locations to visit while traveling to Kyoto.
Hokan-ji
Hokan-ji is one of the most well-known pagodas in Kyoto.
Although it is only open for entrance on the weekends, it is surrounded by a charming town with traditional-style homes and shops to visit daily. We recommend taking a stroll through the area and trying a few of the many restaurants or cafés nearby.
We enjoyed the croquettes and fried chicken at Kirakuan Okamoto Sanneizaka, as well as the iced matcha and matcha tiramisu at Maccha House. This is also a great area to purchase traditional matcha—we picked some up at this store, which also has a location in Uji. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore, enjoy the atmosphere, and capture some beautiful photos.
◇ Tip: This is a very touristic area, we recommend visiting early morning for smaller crowds.
Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s famous Geisha district and home to beautiful shrines.
The traditional Geisha show at Gion Corner is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. It is a well-known event, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend, but have added it to our list for next time.
⇨ Learn more about the Geisha District here!
The area is also charming at night—make sure to come back to walk along the dimly lit Hanamikoji Street, do some shopping, or have dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Yasaka Shrine
Another must-see in Gion is the Yasaka Shrine, which is especially beautiful to visit during the day. While you’re there, stop by Nikenchaya to try their matcha—it was one of our favorites!
Once you’ve explored the shrine, head over to Kenninji Temple to wander through the gardens and admire the artwork displayed throughout the temple.
>> Want to know where else to visit in Japan? Check out this blog post! <<
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest is one of the most popular destinations in Kyoto.
Upon arriving in the town of Arashiyama, we recommend grabbing a snack (or ice cream, as Kelvyn did) at the main entrance before starting your walk. Keep in mind that the path through the bamboo grove is slightly uphill, but the beautiful views of the forest make it worthwhile.
◇ Tip: Be sure to book a walking tour or become familiar with the path prior to visiting to make the most of your time.
Along the path, you can explore Nonomiya Shrine, nearby gardens, or visit the monkey sanctuary across the bridge near the center of town. As with many popular tourist spots, it’s best to visit early to enjoy the peaceful nature without the crowds.
⇨ Go on a customized Rickshaw Tour in Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto’s most popular shrine and home to hundreds of Torii gates
A destination on many travelers’ lists due to its iconic images and rich history. At the entrance, you’ll find the main halls, followed by a path lined with hundreds of traditional gates leading up to Mount Inari. Although most visitors only explore the beginning of the shrine, many recommend walking further along the path for a more peaceful experience and fewer crowds.
It’s also a great place to purchase postcards or souvenirs for friends and family, as the shrine is one of the most photographed locations in Japan.
◇ Note: Try your luck at the fortune stand! If you receive a bad fortune, don’t forget to tie it to the designated stand to prevent it from coming true.
Nara
Nara is home to roaming deers, temples, and shrines
What was once Japan’s capital, is now a location visited primarily for the bowing deers and spiritual centers. A great place to spend time outdoors strolling around Nara Park, visiting Tōdai-ji temple and Kasugataisha Shrine, or feeding your new furry friends.
The park is also a beautiful place to relax and have a picnic. We wish we had brought food and a blanket to hang out and watch as everyone walked around the park, feeding the deer and bowing their heads.
◇ Note: Be sure to try the famous mochi at Nakatanidou and stick around for a demonstration of how they make this traditional Japanese treat.
Uji
Uji is Japan’s Famous Green Tea and Matcha Region.
Known for its green tea production and tea ceremonies, surrounded by smaller traditional villages— Uji is a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts. It’s a wonderful place to tour one of the many tea factories, where you can grind and brew your own matcha the traditional way.
⇨ Book your Matcha experience here!
Along with the tea experience, we recommend taking some time to walk around and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Perhaps relax by the river for a bit as we did, before sampling the many matcha desserts, candies, and ice cream available. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the matcha-flavored gyoza or ramen noodles.
Nishiki Market
A 400 year old market, filled with many Japanese food stalls and stores.
While in Kyoto, be sure to stop by Nishiki Market to enjoy local foods and unique shopping experiences. We recommend visiting to grab lunch or dinner at the food stalls, exploring the stores, as well as visiting the Japanime Art Gallery.
Japanime Art Gallery
This was Kelvyn’s favorite store, where they featured a variety of anime art, from original sketches by the original artists to pieces produced by many well-known studios. It was amazing to see the different sketches and how the characters evolved from their initial designs to the final versions in the manga.
>> Click here to find all the other anime stores we visited in Kyoto <<
Kyoto is a Must Visit Japanese Destination
Kyoto offers an unforgettable experience.
A blend of Japan’s rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From exploring iconic shrines like Fushimi Inari and serene spots like the Bamboo Forest, to indulging in matcha treats in Uji and shopping at Nishiki Market, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or an anime fan, Kyoto has countless opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime.
⇨ Want to visit various parts of Kyoto, without having to plan it all yourself? Click here.
We hope you are excited for your journey to Kyoto! Reach out to us on Instagram @THETRAVELERINUS if you have any questions!
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners.
