Things to Do in Kyoto
Discover 18 activities and experiences in Kyoto, Japan — from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Curated from real traveler recommendations.
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Walk the Philosopher's Path
The 2km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto, along which a philosophy professor, Kitarō Nishida, used to frequently walk. It is a surprisingly pleasant and relaxing walk even today, though you will undoubtedly share it with more tourists than Kitaro did. The walk runs south from '''Ginkakuji''' beside an aqueduct to '''Nyakuōji Shrine''', many guidebooks suggest that the walk continues further south from there to '''Nanzenji''', but this southerly section of the walk is less consistently signposted. The route passes several temples ''en route'', notably '''Honen-in''', a beautiful secluded temple with a thatched gate. The best time to walk the trail is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, as the path is lined with cherry trees, or in the fall when the leaves are changing. Of course, these are also the most crowded times of year.
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Photo session as Maiko/Geiko
If you are interested in having a photo session dressed up as a Maiko or Geiko (geisha) or, for men, as a samurai, several studios in Kyoto provide this service at affordable price. The session includes full make up and dress in a kimono and normally lasts for 1.5–2 hours. Options include indoor or outdoor shots (strolling in Gion dressed up as a geisha!), plus at Yumekoubou they will take a few photos with your own camera while they dress you up, for free. It is recommended to select a plan and make reservation online - in some studios they speak very limited English. More links: http://www.yumeyakata.com/english/, http://www.maica.tv/e/index.html
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- 4F Ouka Bldg., 576 Gion-cho Minamigawa Shijo-tori Hanamikoji Nishi-iru Higashiyama-ku
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- 10AM - 8PM
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- 9,975yen
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Hozu River Cruise
To experience Arashiyama to the fullest, the river cruise is your best bet! A variety of boats, small or large, both rowed and motored, are waiting on either side of the river. Be sure to confirm how far and for how long the trip goes, though. Some are as long as two hours, and others will do a quick turnaround in less then twenty minutes. Be prepared to get splashed and take appropriate precautions for electronic equipment. The drop off point sets you down just outside the entrance to Iwatayama Monkey Park, a great location to begin your stroll around the sights of Arashiyama.
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- Departures run from mid March to the end of November roughly on the hour starting at 9 AM. Last boat leaves at 3:30pm. During the winter boats with heated seats leave at 10am,11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
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- It costs ¥ 3,900 for adults, ¥ 2,500 for children
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Ride in a Rickshaw
For those looking to experience Kyoto from a different perspective, travelling in a rickshaw allows you to do just that. You can arrange where they will take you (and check the fees, of course) and then they will take a picture of you inside the rickshaw. Depending on where you are, you may even be able to get the Togetsukyo Bridge in the background. While you travel, the rickshaw puller will tell you about the area and the local sites, so you can learn a lot, if you understand Japanese. You can find the rickshaws around Togetsukyo Bridge.
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- Prices range from about ¥5000-7000, depending on where you go
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Zen Meditation at Taizō-in
Much more than simply a Zen meditation session, after one hour of meditation, participants will also get to experience a brief tea ceremony, calligraphy lessons, and an English tour of the temple's garden. It is a rare opportunity for tourists, but be aware that you will need to devote half of a day for the entire session. Reservations are required, but you can make your reservation in English at the website. All participants must be at least 15 years of age.
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- Session occurs from 9AM to 1PM only one day per week
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- Cost: ¥7500
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Kyoto Butoh-kan
In the heart of the city is located the Butoh-kan, the world's first theatre devoted to weekly performances of the elusive dance of Butoh. Performances are by world famous Butoh dancer Tenko Ima, every Thursday at 6pm and 8pm. She is accompanied by live Shamisen music. The "theatre" is actually an ancient plaster storehouse, so the atmosphere is vivid and intimate, because there are only eight seats per show.
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- Tsukinukecho 135, Nakagyoku, Kyoto 604-8202
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- Thursdays 6pm and 8pm
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- 3000¥
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Geisha Walking Lecture
If your are interested about the world of the Geisha, you shouldn't miss the walking lecture by Peter MacIntosh. The walk will have you tour the Gion district where Peter, will give you an insider's view into the past, present and future of this unique and exotic world. If you're lucky you might see a Geisha walking by to one of her appointments. Reservation is to be made by phone: +81 090-5169-1654
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Kyoto Cuisine and Maiko Evening
Located at Gion Hatanaka, this event offers foreigners the rare opportunity to see an authentic performance by real maiko. Guests are served food and you can drink as much as you like during the performance. You can make reservations online (continue to check for updates, because they reserve the right to cancel performances).
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- 505 Gion-machi minami-gawa, Higashiyama-ku
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- Show lasts from 6 PM to 10 PM Events held on Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., and other chosen days (see website to confirm dates)
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- ¥18000 (includes all-you-can-drink)
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Zen Meditation at Shunkō-in
The temple's American-educated vice abbot, Rev. Taka Kawakami, offers a detailed English tour of temple and leads Zen meditation lessons. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and also connected to Shinto and Christianity, and also offers accommodation for ¥5000/night.
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- 42 Myōshiji-chō, Hanazono, Ukyō-ku
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- 9-10:30AM, 10:40AM-12:10PM, 1:30-3PM daily
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- Accommodations: ¥4000-5000; Tour: ¥2000, including ''matcha'' green tea and sweet
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Tea Ceremony at Shoren-in
The ceremony is held in the former study of retired Emperor Gosakuramachi known as the '''Kōbun-tei''', typically not open to visitors. The room was rebuilt in the 1990s after a fire burned down the original, but it is still an interesting place nonetheless, and the tea ceremony is an interesting experience.
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- Open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM on the vernal equinox, May 5, and throughout November
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- The ceremony costs ¥1000 in addition to the temple entrance fee, costing ¥1500 total
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Camellia, Tea Ceremony
You can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a beautiful 100-year-old traditional Geisha house just five minutes from Kiyomizu Temple. Instruction, demonstration, a bowl of tea and a sweet are included. Each session starts every hour on the hour, between 10:00 and 17:00. Cash and credit card accepted.
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- 349 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 6050826
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- 10AM-6PM, everyday
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- ¥2000 per adult
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Funaoka Onsen
Funaoka Onsen is one of the oldest public bath houses in Kyoto still in operation. Its classic building is an excellent example of bath house architecture of the beginning of the 20th century. Funaoka Onsen is popular with both locals and visitors and is a must if you have an hour to spare.
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- Kyoto, Kita Ward, Murasakino Minamifunaokacho 82-1 京都市右京区太秦東蜂岡町10
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- 15:00 - 01:00
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- ¥410
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Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is an active film studio which continues to be used for the filming of period dramas. Visitors may visit the outdoor sets used in many samurai movies, and if they are lucky, could potentially observe the filming of a period drama.
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- Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho 10
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- 09:30 - 16:30
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- ¥2,200
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Nishijin Textile Center
While visitors may just go to the museum to see the history of Nishijin Textiles, you may also want to try dressing up as a geisha or trying your hand at weaving. You need reservations for each activity, and separate fees are charged for each activity.
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- Horikawa-Imadegawa
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- Weaving costs ¥1800 adult (¥1500 for students) and dressing up as a geisha costs ¥10000
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Sagano Romantic Train
A scenic ride on a steam train through the Arashiyama area taking you as far as Kameoka. Many people enjoy riding the train to Kameoka and then taking the '''Hozu River Cruise''' back to Arashiyama.
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- Trains depart from Torokko Saga Station every hour from 8:50 AM to 4:50 PM and from Torokko Arashiyama Station every hour from 8:53 AM to 4:53 PM
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- ¥600
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Riverboat Cruises
A peaceful ride down the canal past all of the historic sake breweries. It's a unique experience that is both scenic and affordable.
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- Call to make a reservation to schedule your ride. No tours are offered on Mondays
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- Costs ¥1000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school and younger
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Riraku Spa
Seemingly expensive. I would advise going to Takayama for a luxurious yet affordable spa experience (10,000Yen)
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- Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel, 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku
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JRA Kyoto Racecourse
For those interested in horse races, Kyoto's racecourse is the mecca of horseracing in the Kansai area.
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- 32 Yoshijima-Watashibajima-cho, Fushimi-ku
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Exploring Kyoto: A Traveler's Guide to Activities
Kyoto rewards curious travelers with an exceptional range of experiences. Whether you have a weekend or several weeks, the city's 18 documented activities cover the full spectrum — architectural landmarks and world-class museums at one end, local neighborhood festivals and underground cultural scenes at the other. The activities listed on this page come from Wikivoyage contributors who have personally explored Kyoto and written detailed, practical descriptions to help you plan your visit.
The most rewarding way to experience Kyoto's activities is with company. Solo travelers who arrive without plans often find that meeting a fellow traveler at a hostel, cafe, or through the Nomax app opens up entirely new itineraries — a museum visit becomes a half-day exploration, a street food crawl turns into an evening of discovery, a day trip to a nearby site becomes an adventure. Kyoto has an active traveler community, and the city is designed to reward those who explore it with open curiosity.
When planning what to do in Kyoto, consider mixing well-known attractions with neighborhood-level experiences. The city's most photographed sights are popular for good reason, but Kyoto's character lives in its quieter corners too — the local markets, the parks where residents spend their weekends, the small performance venues where the next generation of artists and musicians are finding their voice. The 18 activities on this page include both categories, ordered by the richness of their traveler-written descriptions.
How to Get the Most from Kyoto's Activities
Timing matters in Kyoto. Many of the city's best attractions have shorter queues and better atmospheres on weekday mornings. Major cultural sites — museums, galleries, historic monuments — often run free admission windows on certain days or evenings; check before booking. Outdoor activities and walking tours are best enjoyed in the morning before the city heats up or fills with tour groups.
Budget-conscious travelers will find that Kyoto has a strong free-to-access layer. Public parks, open-air markets, architectural walking routes, and many community events cost nothing. The price information included with activities on this page (where available) helps you plan a realistic daily budget. A mix of free and paid activities across a week in Kyoto is entirely feasible for most traveler budgets.
For travelers who want to do more than just sightseeing, Kyoto offers organized activities through local guides, tour companies, and traveler apps like Nomax. Group activities — cooking classes, cycling tours, kayaking excursions, photography walks — are a natural way to meet people while experiencing the city. Many travelers who use Nomax in Kyoto coordinate these types of group experiences together, splitting costs and building memories that last beyond the trip itself.
Activities for Different Travel Styles
Not every traveler wants the same experience. History enthusiasts will gravitate toward Kyoto's museums, heritage sites, and guided historical walks that reveal the layers of the city's past. Outdoor and adventure travelers will focus on the parks, cycling routes, climbing areas, and day trips to surrounding natural areas. Food travelers will treat Kyoto's markets, restaurants, and food tours as the primary activities of each day. Culture seekers will fill evenings with concerts, theater, gallery openings, and street performances.
The 18 activities documented on this page span all these categories. Use the numbered list above to browse in order of description quality — longer descriptions generally mean more detailed, firsthand traveler knowledge. For each activity, the address and opening hours (where available) give you everything you need to plan your visit without needing to search elsewhere.
Connecting with Travelers in Kyoto
One of the best things about traveling to Kyoto is the community of international travelers already there. Backpackers, digital nomads, long-term expats, and short-trip tourists all share the same city at any given moment. Nomax makes it easy to find who is in Kyoto right now, see what activities they are joining, and coordinate plans. Whether you want a hiking companion, someone to split museum entry with, or a group for an evening out — the app connects you to people with the same itinerary in minutes.
Download Nomax before your trip to Kyoto to set your travel dates and start discovering who else will be there at the same time. The app is free, requires no subscription, and works across all the major traveler destinations worldwide — meaning the community you build in Kyoto often extends to your next destination too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
Kyoto offers 18+ activities and experiences for travelers. Top highlights include Walk the Philosopher's Path, Photo session as Maiko/Geiko, Hozu River Cruise, and much more. This page lists every documented activity in order of description quality, so you can find both the major attractions and the hidden gems.
Are there free things to do in Kyoto?
Yes — Kyoto has a strong selection of free activities. Public parks, open-air markets, walking routes through historic neighborhoods, and many cultural institutions offer free admission on specific days. Scroll through the list above and look for activities marked with free or no price information — these are often the city's most authentic experiences.
How do I meet other travelers while exploring Kyoto?
Download Nomax — a free travel companion app that shows you other solo travelers currently in Kyoto. You can join group activities, chat with travelers at the same spots, and plan outings together. Many travelers in Kyoto use Nomax to find companions for day trips, museum visits, and evening activities.
What activities can I do with travel companions I meet in Kyoto?
Kyoto has activities for every interest — guided tours, food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and nightlife. Use Nomax to coordinate with other travelers: join a group for a walking tour, split a day-trip cost, or simply explore the city together. The app makes spontaneous plans easy.
Explore Kyoto with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — find travel companions, join group activities, and chat with solo travelers in Kyoto right now. Free forever.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Content may have been updated since publication.
