Top Things To Do In Kyoto

Tailoring each tour to your wishes by locals who love their city

Group of tourists posing with their local guide at a popular temple in Kyoto

Top things to do in Kyoto

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

See all

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

Wondering what to do in Kyoto?

Kyoto at its core is a perfect pocket of Japanese history and culture, and many of the most memorable things to do in Kyoto offer an authentic glimpse into the Japan of centuries ago. Whether you explore 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk the wood-built streets of fairytale Higashiyama, or marvel at geishas in twinkling Gion, the city narrates Japan’s history beautifully. But Kyoto certainly hasn’t lagged behind in the modern aspects of Japanese life. In fact, the things to do in Kyoto span centuries, and the other side of the city is an exhilarating world of late-night karaoke bars, draft beers at intimate izakayas, and fluorescent 100-yen sushi restaurants.

Meet some of our Kyoto local hosts

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

We’ve handpicked them and we’ll match you to your perfect one!

Tourists enjoying a quiet moment with a local at a peaceful temple in Kyoto

Japan’s historic heart

Kyoto is a perfect snapshot of old Japan brimming with ancient temples, traditional teahouses, and narrow streets leading to centuries-old shrines tucked between modern storefronts. Many of the things to do in Kyoto today are the same things locals would have been doing centuries ago. From catching a streetside performance put on by a geisha to sitting down for the 1000-year-old experience of traditional Kaiseki dining, the things to do in Kyoto can take its visitors on a mesmerizing trip through time. It may be small in size, but the city is infinitely vast in cultural heritage.

Locals enjoying a meal with tourists while exploring the izakayas of Kyoto

Food fit for royalty

There’s a reason Kyoto was nicknamed the “kitchen of the Imperial Court” – the food here is spectacular. From traditional tea ceremonies with sweet wagashi confections to snacking on gyoza dumplings at Kamo River, many of the best things to do in Kyoto revolve around food. You could sample street food in the crisscrossing lanes of centuries-old Nishiki Market, the crowded “kitchen of Kyoto”, or experience the opulent epitome of Japanese haute cuisine, Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course menu. As long as you have an appetite, you certainly won’t struggle for things to do in Kyoto.

A Geisha posing in at night in Kyoto with a Shingon Buddhist temple in the background

Kyoto by night

Nights in the city are the stuff of magic, and some of the most exciting things to do in Kyoto only appear when the sun goes down. Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, Gion, wakes up, and quiet streets packed with restaurants, vibey local haunts, and tucked-away shrines become crowded. The cobbled streets, bathed in the golden glow of paper lanterns, take on an ethereal appeal made even more bewitching by geishas floating by. Catch a traditional performance at Gion Corner, belt out a song at a karaoke bar, or have a drink at a quiet bar away from the madness – the night is yours.

Kyoto travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Kyoto and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

Ada had great communication about where to meet, how to get there, and made sure we were interested with what she had planned. She was knowledgeable with the culture and history, making sure all of our questions were answered. We had an amazing time and would recommend Ada as a tour guide to anyone. Thank you so much!

November 2023

Rebecca D
Julie and I are back in Hawaii now after some serious shopping and Museum days in Tokyo. We both agree that the highlight of our trip was your tour in Kyoto! Again, thank you so much for making our tour so special and being such a great person. We definitely will recommend you and your tour to our friends. Wishing you the best in everything you hope to accomplish, and I will make sure to leave a review on tripadvisor. Nellie

November 2023

Nellie S
We were very impressed with the detailed knowledge Chia was able to provide us — not only about the history and culture of the area but also great recommendations for gift shops and food experiences. Top notch Gion tour experience if looking for a friendly and informal yet knowledgeable tour.

November 2023

Biljana P
Milos was friendly and informational. We really enjoyed the history and the pace of the day and understanding every spot we went to. Very much feel that we got a well rounded understanding of Kyoto. Thanks so much for a great day out !

November 2023

Ashleigh S