Kyoto is one of those rare cities that seems to hold its breath in time — where centuries-old temples whisper stories of the past, and tiny wooden machiya houses sit quietly beside sleek, modern cafés. For first-time visitors, choosing what to see can feel overwhelming. After all, this is Japan’s cultural heart: a city of over 1,600 temples, serene gardens, and timeless traditions that shift beautifully with each season.
Whether you’re drawn to the iconic vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, or the charm of a teahouse tucked in Higashiyama, this Kyoto travel guide will help you discover the very best things to do in Kyoto for first-time travelers.
I’ve gathered my favorite temples, hidden cafés, and luxury stays to craft an itinerary that blends the city’s iconic highlights with its quieter, soulful corners.
Affiliate Disclosure
Please note that some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve personally visited, intensely researched, or truly believe you’ll love. Your support helps keep this blog alive and filled with authentic travel stories — arigato! 🤍
Must-Visit Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
Kyoto’s temples aren’t just sights to check off your list — they’re living testaments to centuries of artistry, spirituality, and nature. Below are my Top 5 Must-See Temples and Shrines if it’s your first time in Kyoto, followed by More Temples I Loved for those with extra time or deeper curiosity.
Top 5 Must-See Temples and Shrines
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Sunrise magic beneath the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari.
This is the Kyoto icon — and for good reason. Its winding paths of vermilion gates climb up Mount Inari, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Arrive around sunrise (ohayo gozaimasu!) for a peaceful walk before the crowds.
🌿 Tip: Bring water and comfy shoes — the full hike takes about two hours, but even halfway is breathtaking.
2. Kiyomizu-dera (Higashiyama Ward)
Watching cherry blossoms bloom or fall foliage from Kiyomizu-dera’s wooden terrace.
Perched above the city, Kiyomizu-dera offers sweeping views of Kyoto. Wander across its famous wooden stage, visit the Otowa Waterfall (each stream said to bless health, longevity, or love), and explore the charming lanes of Higashiyama below.
3. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
The shimmering Golden Pavilion reflected in mirror-like waters.
This golden temple is one of Kyoto’s most photographed landmarks — and it’s even more stunning in person. Visit early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light reflecting off its brilliant gold leaf exterior.
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Tenryu-ji Temple
Wandering through Arashiyama’s whispering bamboo paths.
There’s nothing quite like stepping into Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The sound of rustling bamboo and filtered sunlight feels dreamlike. Pair your visit with Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO site famous for its serene Zen garden and reflective pond.
🌸 Tip: The forest is busiest between 9 a.m. and noon — arrive before 8 a.m. for photos in soft golden light.
Here is a really fun tour you can do in Arashiyama, including a trip to Nara and Arashiyama Train.
5. Daigo-ji Temple
Cherry petals drifting across Daigo-ji’s temple pond.
A little farther from central Kyoto, Daigo-ji is pure serenity. Its five-story pagoda (built in 951!) is Kyoto’s oldest surviving structure, surrounded by lush gardens that burst with color in spring.
✨ Stay nearby at Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts — a peaceful retreat where luxury meets nature.
More Temples and Shrines I Loved
If you have extra days, these temples offer incredible beauty and tranquility — without the crowds.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Adashino Nenbutsu-ji (Arashiyama) – Hidden in the backstreets of Hidden in the quiet backstreets of Arashiyama, these twin temples are unlike anything else in Kyoto — serene, whimsical, and deeply moving.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is one of my absolute favorite temples I visited in Kyoto. It’s tucked away a bit further out, so you’ll need to take a short taxi ride or a local bus followed by a gentle uphill walk to reach it — but trust me, it’s worth every step. The temple grounds are filled with over 1,200 hand-carved stone Buddha statues, each with a unique expression. Some are laughing, others are meditating, a few even holding cameras or musical instruments — small, joyful glimpses of humanity carved into stone.
A short stroll away lies Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, more solemn in tone, where thousands of small stone figures commemorate souls who have passed without family. Visit in the late afternoon when the light softens — the atmosphere feels reverent and otherworldly.
Kōmyō-ji Temple (Nagaoka) – Best in late autumn, when golden ginkgo leaves blanket the stone path.
Kamo Shrine – One of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines; come here for quiet reflection away from tourists.
Sanzen-in Temple (Ohara) – A fairytale-like temple surrounded by moss gardens and small stone statues smiling among the greenery.
Higashiyama Ward – Beyond Kiyomizu-dera, this neighborhood itself is full of small temples, lantern-lit alleys, and old-world Kyoto charm. Wander without a plan.
Another amazing tour you can do in town is the Geisha Walking Tour. Book here.
Where to Eat: Kyoto Restaurants and Cafés You’ll Love
Kyoto’s food scene is a journey in itself — from traditional teahouses to modern cafés serving the dreamiest soufflé pancakes.
☕ Cafés to Start Your Morning
ASTREA COFFEE – Minimalist, cozy, and perfect for a calm morning. Order their hand-drip brew and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.
VERMILLION Café – Located just steps from Fushimi Inari Shrine, this adorable spot is perfect post-hike. Don’t miss the matcha cheesecake and latte art.
Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Honten – Try their freshly baked taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) filled with custard or red bean — it’s a Kyoto classic.
Panel Café Kyoto – Famous for its towering soufflé pancakes. Light, fluffy, and utterly photogenic.
🍜 Lunch & Dinner Favorites
HIROBUN (Kibune) – Experience nagashi-somen — chilled noodles flowing down bamboo shoots in the middle of the forest. It’s whimsical and refreshing on summer days.
Gion Danran – Teppanyaki-style dining in the elegant Gion district. Watch as the chef prepares your Wagyu steak right before your eyes.
Chao Chao Gyoza (Sanjo Kiyamachi) – Crispy, juicy perfection. These handmade gyoza are small enough to devour by the dozen.
Wajoryomen Sugari – Hidden behind a noren curtain, this ramen shop serves incredibly rich, comforting broth.
Ichiran Ramen (Kyoto Kawaramachi) – Known for its solo booths and customizable ramen bowls. It’s a fun, quintessential Kyoto experience.
L’Escamoteur Bar – A moody cocktail bar that feels part magic show, part time capsule. The owner, a magician, crafts drinks that are as stunning as they are delicious.
🌸 Tip:
Many small restaurants in Kyoto don’t take reservations — go early or right before closing to avoid long waits.
Where to Stay: The Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto
Kyoto offers an incredible mix of old-world ryokans and modern luxury hotels.
🏯 For Luxury & Tranquility: Northern Kyoto
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts – Nestled among mountains, this property feels like a private oasis. Soak in the onsen baths and unwind in minimalist luxury. Book your stay here (affiliate link)
Four Seasons Kyoto – Located in Higashiyama, it blends modern elegance with historic charm. Its private pond garden glows at night. Check current rates (affiliate link)
🌸 For Culture & Charm: Gion and Higashiyama
Perfect if you want to experience Kyoto’s old soul. Lantern-lit alleys, teahouses, and the rare chance to spot a geisha at dusk.
🛍️ For Trendy, Central Vibes: Downtown Kyoto
Stay around Kawaramachi or Karasuma for easy access to cafés, shopping, and nightlife.
Hidden Gems: Kyoto Off the Beaten Path
- Philosopher’s Path – A serene canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and local artists.
- Arashiyama Backstreets – Skip the main road and explore the quieter alleys — you’ll find hidden shrines and rustic teahouses.
- Kōmyō-ji Temple (Nagaoka) – Especially magical in autumn, when the temple steps are carpeted in gold.
Day Trip from Kyoto: Explore Nara
Gentle encounters in Nara Park.
Just 45 minutes from Kyoto by train, Nara is the perfect peaceful day trip.
Todai-ji Temple & Nigatsu-dō Hall – Home to Japan’s massive bronze Buddha. Climb to Nigatsu-dō’s terrace at sunset for panoramic views over the city.
Lunch at Mentouan 麺闘庵 – Their “mochi udon” — noodles served in a delicate tofu pouch — is the ultimate comfort dish.
🌿 Practical Tip: Buy the JR Kansai Pass for unlimited local travel between Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.
Klook is offering amazing tours, and this one is specifically a Nara Day Trip Tour.
(→ Internal link: Continue your journey with Best Things to Do in Osaka (2025 Guide))
Tips for First-Time Kyoto Travelers
- Book tickets through Klook: Many Japanese websites are only in Japanese and can be difficult to navigate — even with Google Translate. Some don’t accept foreign credit cards, which can make booking stressful. We used Klook to pre-book our Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, securing window seats with a perfect view of Mount Fuji. It was also so convenient to have all our tickets and experiences in one app — from train passes to temple entry and cultural tours.
- Get an Suica or ICOCA Card: Makes trains and buses seamless.
- Arrive Early: Temples open around 6–8 a.m. — perfect for quiet exploration.
- Bring Cash: Many cafés and shrines are cash-only.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Speak softly, remove shoes when required, and dress modestly in temples.
- Best Seasons:
- 🌸 Spring (Mar–Apr): Cherry blossoms
- 🍁 Autumn (Nov-Early Dec): Red maple leaves
- ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful, snow-dusted shrines
🌿 Practical Kyoto Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and vibrant scenery.
Getting Around:
- Walking: Kyoto is wonderfully walkable — some of our favorite moments came from simply wandering on foot. You’ll stumble upon quiet shrines, hidden cafés, and charming side streets you’d never see from a taxi or train.
- Buses and Trains: Efficient and easy to navigate, though expect crowds during peak seasons.
- Bicycles: Rent one for the day — Kyoto is flat, bike-friendly, and perfect for slow travel.
- Uber and Taxis: Reliable and spotless, but more expensive; use for late-night rides or when carrying luggage.
Passes:
- Kyoto City Bus & Subway Pass: Great for unlimited travel within the city.
- JR Kansai Area Pass: Perfect if you’re visiting Nara, Kobe, or Osaka too.
Cultural Etiquette (just a few):
- Bow when thanking (arigato gozaimasu).
- Never stick chopsticks upright in rice — it’s a funeral custom.
- Always remove shoes in temples or traditional homes.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling. It’s the sound of temple bells at dusk, the aroma of roasting matcha, and the hush of bamboo leaves in the wind.
When Johannes and I wandered through Higashiyama one golden evening, the sky turned soft pink, and I realized Kyoto isn’t about seeing everything. It’s about feeling its quiet grace.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Kyoto always finds a way to stay with you.
✨ Continue your Japan adventure with my Best Things to Do in Osaka (2025 Guide)
I booked all my tours through Klook, check out my recommentations here.