Top 13 Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Here are my Top 13 Things to do in Kyoto, Japan! Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan with countless iconic attractions such as the Fushimi Inari Torii Gates, Kiyomizudera Temple, the Sagano Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, geisha in Gion, the Golden Pavilion Kinkakuji, and much more. It's always the place most closely associated with traditional Japanese culture, ancient temples, other worldly shrines and more.
Although this is a list of 13 things, you will find that there is actually much more included such as hidden gems, recommendations, and some potential drawbacks for different activities. Kyoto is incredibly dense with magical neighborhoods, parks, gardens, hikes, and more, so it goes without saying that there is much more to do here than I covered in this video. I have visited Kyoto 3 times so far, and there is still many things that I want to check out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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[@enigmaticow]

The best Kyoto guide I've seen so far. Well structured and has a lot of great tips. Thank you for your hard work💙

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear that! Kyoto is such a magical place

[@bloodpine666]

thanks for mentioning crowds in your videos when bringing up popular spots! feels like a lot of other youtubers glance over this. very essential part to planning a trip that's easily missed

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem, I agree it’s something that should be considered!

[@Steve-ku8wk]

Great video! I really appreciated the advice about about leaving time for some random explorations discovery and getting into the atmosphere of Kyoto. I will use this on my upcoming visit to Kyoto. Thanks!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregoriussudaryono260]

Thank you for information of top 13 top beautiful places and what to do in Kyoto Japan. Great👍

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem, thanks so much for watching!

[@Withhisloveandmine]

This is a fantastic list with useful information that no one else is talking about. Thank you!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you so much for your comment, I'm glad you found my video useful :)

[@CLe-pb8oh]

Just added a bunch of these to my list for my upcoming trip. Thank you!

[@WanderlustWellman]

So happy to hear that, I’m sure you will have an amazing time in Kyoto! 🇯🇵

[@Ivan-uo3yv]

You deserve so much more for your content on Japan. Keep it up. Liked, subbed and hit the bell

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thanks so much, I appreciate the support!

[@vanessab8954]

What a great and super informative video! Extremely well done. Thanks for sharing and helping us prepare for our upcoming trip :)

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thanks so much, glad to hear my video was helpful. I hope you have an amazing trip to Japan!

[@gfunk696]

Very informative and well made. Thank you for this video. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@vanessab8954]

I have to comment again... just because of how good the video was. Randomly discovered your channel and will be binge watching it all now :D Keep up the amazing work!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Wow that means the world to me, I hope you enjoy my other content and destinations! Thanks so much again 😁

[@stevenranc]

Useful thanks!

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem!

[@maiwurld2578]

This will be one of my bucketlists...Kyoto Japan

[@WanderlustWellman]

I definitely think it lives up to the hype, I hope you can visit one day!

[@kayeborjasarmiento7437]

Thank u for planning our Kyoto Itinerary!Very handy! 😊

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem 😊

[@GreatCityAttractions]

it looks a great place to visit

[@SkensMedia]

very detailed, great video!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you, glad to hear it was helpful!

[@matthewshippin8156]

Great video, mate. I'm going to Kyoto next week. Will try some of your ideas!

[@WanderlustWellman]

That’s amazing, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Thanks for checking out my content 😁

[@GreatCityAttractions]

hope you enjoyed it

[@Hwkman4]

The video we needed

[@WanderlustWellman]

So happy to hear that!

[@antonianiculae3980]

going to japan in 2 months for sakura season, we have 3 days in kyoto and we really can't decide, there's too many wonderful things to see and do! amazing video thank you!

[@WanderlustWellman]

No way that’s awesome, we will also be going to Japan then! Glad you enjoyed the video, hope you have an amazing trip 😁

[@componick6393]

The bus to Kinkakuji goes by Nijo Castle - which should absolutely be on your list. You can do both on the same day. Nijo puts Edo/Meiji Restoration etc into context. No cameras allowed and you have to take your shoes off - so despite not being a temple of shrine its one of the most peaceful places to visit in Kyoto.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Good recommendation, thanks!

[@nicolahorsman1172]

This is a very helpful video! I'm starting to plan a trip to Japan and to be honest, I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with Kyoto and the crowds. This video gives me a really good idea of what to expect so I can figure out my timelines

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan!

[@MentalThingsIsScary]

Great video! I'm going to Japan for 27 days in September / October and I know that Kyoto is going to take up a fair few days of my trip. I love the structure of this video because of the way everything is mapped out and it makes my (very overwhelming) planning, that much easier. Thank you

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you so much, I hope you have an amazing 27 days! Where else are you planning on visiting for your trip?

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Great video Wanderlust Well man . Kyoto looks great.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thanks a lot, Kyoto certainly is a magical place!

[@mirl9962]

Very useful video

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you, I’m glad to hear that!

[@danabryant4434]

Thanks!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Wow thank you so much for that very generous contribution! I hope my video was helpful :)

[@residentevilumbrella2001]

I just recently bought a 3D puzzle of the Kinkakuji Golden Temple. It's very cool and it looks good with my other 3D puzzle buildings.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Awesome, sounds like a cool puzzle!

[@parthbajaj]

I hope you get more subscribers bro! I loved your Japan videos! Definitely to the point and well researched 😊

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thanks so much my friend, I'm glad you enjoyed my Japan content! I'm hoping to visit again in the spring (fingers crossed), I will definitely be making more Japan videos in the future :)

[@parthbajaj]

@@WanderlustWellman that’s amazing! I am going there in a month

[@WanderlustWellman]

@@parthbajaj that’s awesome, I hope you have the best of times bro! 🇯🇵👍

[@johnnguyen4152]

Just been there 2 weeks ago. Can't wait to go back in July.

[@WanderlustWellman]

That's awesome that you were able to spend 2 weeks there recently! Were you in Kyoto the whole time, or did you visit other places as well?

[@johnnguyen4152]

@@WanderlustWellman I stayed only 5 days in Osaka + Kyoto. Next time in July I will spend 2 wks over Japan.

[@WanderlustWellman]

@@johnnguyen4152 Oh yeah my bad, I miss read that. But I'm jealous, I would love to spend a good 2 weeks there again soon!

[@nbvw3]

Wow, so helpful - I 'm off to Kyoto tomorrow!!

[@WanderlustWellman]

That's awesome, I hope you have a great trip! I'm glad you found my video helpful

[@nbvw3]

@@WanderlustWellman Hi there, I just wanted to let you know I did go to that matcha shop in Arashiyama, and it's everything you said it was and then some! The lady who helped me was incredibly lovely, made me matcha to try, even gave me tea for free as I was buying sort of a "set" (I had only ever tried the stirred version of matcha at home, and the whisked one was unsurprisingly SO much better, it was basically a different drink). This was one of my absolute highlights in Kyoto! Thanks for that.

[@WanderlustWellman]

@@nbvw3 I’m so happy to hear that - I knew that the matcha shop was a true gem and one of the highlights of our trip as well.

[@VideoGameKitties]

I am going to japan next year in August. I am so exited!

[@WanderlustWellman]

That’s so awesome, I’m sure time is going to creep by until then because I would be very excited too!

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Looks a great city to visit

[@user-uy1vt4kf5x]

@@GreatCityAttractionsJapan aint a city

[@kanrekipapa]

Hello! Very nice 👍 As a Japanese, I was very happy❤ Sunday afternoon I was able to smile ❤ Thank you very much. Have a nice Sunday🥰

[@WanderlustWellman]

Hello, I'm very happy to hear you liked the video. Have a great Sunday as well! :)

[@kanrekipapa]

@@WanderlustWellman 🥰😍

[@ThatBrunetteYouTube]

I've been to that matcha shop! The owner is delightful and the tea is fantastic! 🍵

[@WanderlustWellman]

No kidding, that’s so awesome that you went to the same place - it was such a hidden gem. Thanks for checking out the video

[@Monmonuknow]

Thank you for the video!! I’m wondering how I can look this matcha shop up on google maps ☺️

[@davidhliasdanu7764]

Hi, could you pls info the name of the matcha shop ?..we plan to go there next july

[@fernandoorozco4357]

Travel Japanese wow ❤️❤️👍🏻

[@danielakoff6321]

Hi from Brazil! KZbin just suggested me this video, and Thanks God it did, so good to see a video that really shows almost everything that a first timer should see and do. How many days do you recommend for all this? I’m going in November, I know it’s pretty busy. I also want to do the boat ride in Arashiyama, (the one with a guide that goes down the River), and stay there for dinner as I heard that they do some amazing lighting in the foliage at night. I’m going to watch the rest of your Japan videos now (and take notes!). 🙏🏻

[@WanderlustWellman]

To have the best experience, I would say at least 3 - 4 full days and ideally I would say 5-7 days to take everything in. The boat ride in Arashiyama did look really beautiful, I know they have a scenic train over in that area that looks great too. We visited in the beginning of November and the foliage wasn’t in full effect, I believe its more present later in the month. Thanks for checking out my videos, have a great trip!

[@roc6193]

In preparation for our fall trip. I have been watching so many videos, and by far. This has been the most informative, honest, and best one! Thank you! I currently planning, and Im trying to figure out how many days to spend in Kyoto. What would you suggest?

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thank you so much, that makes me so happy to hear! My wife and I spent about 6 days in Kyoto which was a really good amount, I guess it depends on how much time you are able to spend in Japan. I would try and stay at least 3 full days if possible with one day being dedicated to Higashiyama/Kiyomizudera/Gion, one day for Fushimi Inari/anything else, or honestly chilling, and one day for Arashiyama/Monkey/Park/Bamboo Forest.

[@roc6193]

@@WanderlustWellman Noted! thanks again. I look forward to your other videos.

[@himlovemiradwal3160]

Thanks for such a detailed video. I am planning to Visit Kyoto from 13 till 18 April. I definitely want to explore Kyoto by early morning walk in Higashiyama area and night walk in the Gio and Pontocho. Do you feel there may be some cherry blossom spots in Kyoto which bloom later than usual?

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem, that’s so exciting! That sounds like a good idea for Higashiyama, Pontocho, and Gion. I’m not sure if there will be many cherry blossoms around in mid-April this year, but maybe if you go further north you will be able to seem them. Enjoy your trip!

[@kmtb2011]

i have noted all these locations down and marked them on google maps!

[@WanderlustWellman]

That's a good idea, I always try and do that before I visit a place. Are you planning a trip soon?

[@kmtb2011]

@Wanderlust Wellman planning to book this weekend for September!

[@porsche9302]

I actually like visiting the silver temple more than the gold temple.

[@WanderlustWellman]

I’ve heard the same thing from multiple people, I really want to visit it next time I’m in Kyoto!

[@Agalloche]

As a vegan myself , what would you recommend as restaurant, market in Kyoto ? I am visiting Kyoto next summer :)

[@WanderlustWellman]

For starters, I would recommend watching my vegan food in Kyoto video, you can find the link here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpy0fIeunJKWe68 That's awesome, I hope you have a great trip :)

[@SomeNewbie]

Have you been to Seryo Ryokan north of Kyoto, if so was it worth it?

[@WanderlustWellman]

Unfortunately I have not!

[@matnlaci]

What is the name of the match shop you mentioned?

[@WanderlustWellman]

I think it’s “Kakuda Kouseien” or “Sumida Kouseien”, if you check out my top things to do in Arashiyama video I explicitly show the location on Google maps as well

[@msdella4253]

Hi, my family is visiting Japan next September and would like to see all the attractions you listed. How many days is needed ti see them all? Also, is the face mask mandatory?

[@WanderlustWellman]

It really depends on how busy you want your days to be - we were there for 6 days and were able to do it all, but you could do it in less or spend more time and slowly explore the area. Have a great trip!

[@WanderlustWellman]

Also, face masks were mandatory back when I was there but they probably aren’t anymore

[@msdella4253]

Thank you for your reply 😊

[@WanderlustWellman]

@@msdella4253 no problem!

[@kimberlysadberry6757]

is Q-beh tattoo friendly? I would definitely love to stay there but I have a few large tattoos

[@WanderlustWellman]

I believe so, my understanding is that public onsens usually forbid tattoos. Q-beh is more of a hostel style ryokan, so I don't see why they would have a problem

[@kimberlysadberry6757]

@@WanderlustWellman ok thank you!

[@wojtekgornyy]

Gion Ryokan q-beh should pay you some commission ;)

[@WanderlustWellman]

Haha, why don’t you reach out to them and put in a good word for me! 😉

[@breezy_basil]

How many days do you recommend to stay in Kyoto? first timer.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Bare minimum 3 (or 2, but you will have many busy days and still miss a lot). Ideally I would recommend 5 - 6 to take your time a bit more, explore for the beaten path, and have a chill day in there. Hope this helps!

[@breezy_basil]

@@WanderlustWellman Thanks so much- yes this helps! Do you also have any recommendations on how many nights to stay in Kanazawa?

[@staicy]

Did I hear that correctly that you are vegan? Please give us some tips for vegan food in Kyoto 😅 so far it has been quite challenging. We will be in two days in Kyoto. So, the strawberry mochis are vegan? Thank you for the great recommendations!

[@WanderlustWellman]

I actually made an entire video on all the vegan food I ate in Kyoto, as well as my tips, here's the link! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpy0fIeunJKWe68 And yes, the strawberry mochi (daifuku) are vegan!

[@staicy]

@@WanderlustWellman thank you so much! 😁

[@WanderlustWellman]

No problem!

[@towada1066]

If you speak Japanese, the Kanji Museum in Gion is really fun and interesting (and they give you lots of free stuff on the second floor). In Gion is also Minamiza kabuki theater. if you, like me, love Meiji Era history, hiking up to Doshisha Cemetery is really great (and you will see zero foreign tourists). In Arashiyama, I would visit London Books,... it's a used bookstore and the first time I ever saw a Japanese language complete collection of Dostoevsky. There's also the train museum,... I really wanted to go but it's incredibly popular with unvaccinated Japanese children so last August I just stayed in the park.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Thanks so much for giving all of your personal recommendations, those all sound like some gems!

[@towada1066]

@@WanderlustWellman My relative in Osaka insists that we stay in Kyoto all the time. I really like Shimogamo Shrine. It's extremely old and associated with the author of a major novel in classical literature, Hojoki.

[@WanderlustWellman]

You don't say, cool!@@towada1066

[@bh4gen3904]

How cannot you have more likes? You are like a secret travelling Tipp.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Haha thank you so much, I'm very appreciate of anyone who likes a video but the more the merrier :)

[@SPISheste]

Did you get the Encephalitis vaccine for travelling to Japan?

[@WanderlustWellman]

I did not

[@Kei-mizuho-love]

Asking New romance anime about romance between kei and mizuho love from "please teacher Anime",

[@swissfoodie3542]

I generally like your video and appreciate the hard work you have put into it. But, having been to Kyoto twice, and to Japan 3 times, for each time 4 weeks, I am not really agreeing with some of your recommendations. And also, I feel that you are really not mentioning some amazing places in Kyoto. The Sagano Bamboo forest is for me absolutely horrible. It would be beautiful, but as its so overrun and full of people taking pictures for Instragram etc., its an absolute no go for me. There are so many beautiful bamboo groves all over Japan, where you can enjoy the nature, without so many peoples. Also, you missed so many of the most beautiful tempels in Kyoto. You just went to the two most touristy temples there. Which probably shows how much you know about Kyoto. I dont mean that as an insult. But in my opinion, if you want to publish a video about a place, you should know a little bit more than the average person. Which is very clearly not the case with you.

[@WanderlustWellman]

I'm glad that you generally like the video, and thanks for recognizing the hard work I put into it. I can also tell that you are attempting to just make genuine constructive criticism, which I am receptive to and also appreciate. However, I do disagree with a lot of what you said. The Sagano Bamboo Forest can be absolutely horrible if it is extremely busy, which admittedly, it often is. I believe I mentioned in the video to try and come as early as possible on a weekday to avoid the crowds, because for some people the crowds can ruin the experience. Sure, you can find more peaceful and less touristy bamboo groves in Japan, but this one is still magnificent and popular for a reason. Did I miss many of the beautiful temples in Kyoto? Of course, there are over 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto. There's no way I could have included all the ones I wanted to such as the Silver Pavilion, Kodaiji, Ryoanji, and countless others. That's why I made a point to make the first thing on my list as "Get Lost" - I truly believe the best way to experience Kyoto is to make your adventure and discover your own temples, shrines, gardens, and things off the beaten path. I have been to Kyoto 3 times myself, and I honestly would still recommend people visit Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji at least once - I even mentioned that Kinkakuji doesn't provide the ideal temple experience, but it's still a magnificent sight. There are so many things to do in Kyoto that could be included on this list, but my goal was to at least include the essentials and a somewhat diverse list of things. I don't claim to be THE expert on Kyoto, as I've only visited for maybe a total of 20 days in total, but I certainly know more than the average person due to my personal experience and research. Again, I know that you are not meaning to be insulting, but your tone is edging towards being condescending and rude towards the end. Thanks for watching!

[@swissfoodie3542]

@@WanderlustWellman Thanks a lot for your answer. I didnt want to be rude or condescending, and I am sorry if it came over to you like that. Englisch is not my first language, and it is not always easy to express very correctly what I think and feel like.

[@WanderlustWellman]

No worries my friend! Thanks again for checking out the videos and chatting about Japan with me :)

[@Happy.Snowwhite]

They are nice because you are not Asian. They aren't that nice people.

[@WanderlustWellman]

Disagree, sometimes I have been prevented from entering restaurants or bars because I'm a foreigner. I think it depends on the people or place

[@WanderlustWellman]

But generally, Japanese people have been extremely kind to me and my wife across our travels!

[@Happy.Snowwhite]

@@WanderlustWellman because that's place is only for Japanese. Generally speaking they treat white people much kind without any prejudice.