Pretty much most of the things to do in Kyoto revolve around shrines, palaces, gardens, temples and similar type places to visit so let’s start with the best of them.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – It’s no coincidence this is on every single list of things to do in Kyoto and is therefore busy most of the time, especially after mid-morning. Make sure you walk to the top as the crowds thin out and it feels slightly more peaceful.

Kinkaku-ji – Also known as Rokuon-ji or the Golden Pavilion.  Unfortunately, again, most of the time, very, very crowded but still worth having a look.  It’s open from 9-5p.m so go as early as possible. There will still be loads of people there but better than the afternoon’s when it gets rather unpleasant.

Ginkakuji – Also known as the Silver Pavilion, although there’s no silver on or in it.  Beautiful, beautiful Japanese temples and gardens which yet again, are usually packed with tourists.  Despite this, this, and all the temples listed on this page are still one of the best things to do in Kyoto and worth visiting.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Nestled in the hills above Kyoto this is most famous for it’s balcony and the fact no nails were used in the construction. It’s currently (Oct 2017) undergoing a bit of a renovation and opens at 6:00a.m so suck it up and go up early before the hoards arrive.

Gion (Geisha Street) – Lined with traditional merchant wooden houses, spotting a Geisha here is actually not that common. If they do appear, they’ll quickly disappear as most clowns turn into TMZ paparazzi and go absolutely whompo when spotting one.  For those with enough coin, apparently there are some tour companies offering dinner with a Geisha and there’s also shows you can see available to anybody. If you go there only for the Geisha’s, you’re probably going to be disappointed, but the streets worth walking down as it’s lovely albeit filled with tourists.

Arashiyama – A bit out of the city, it’s worth going here in the fall (mid to late November) or during the cherry blossoms. Basically “just” a river area where you can around, or along, hire a boat and just enjoy the scenery. If the leaves aren’t changing or in colour, or there’s no cherry blossoms, it’s a bit ho-hum. Best thing to do is a hire a bike and ride around the neighborhood. There’s some good local restaurants and little shops to check out too, and if you miss the shrines/temples, there’s a few of them around too, but this is really a chance to get away from the temples and just relax in some wide open space.

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