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

Brenda went at our pace. Shared friendly and interesting knowledge. She took us off the beaten path just enough. She was very personable and made the tour work to our desires on the spot. Highly recommend her!

January 2023

Haley M
I spent two wonderful days with Takaya in Kyoto. Unlike my previous experience in Kyoto, which focused mainly on sightseeing and traveling with a group with limited time, this time I had the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture of the local people and explore the city in a much deeper way. It really solidified my image and impression of Kyoto in my mind.

January 2023

Jenny L
Our family loved having Tess guide us through the temples and shrines of Kyoto. She is very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, and we liked how she took us to the not so well-known attractions as well. Tess also got my boys to try all the local food delicacies at our stops along the way - definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan. Thank you, Tess!

January 2023

Kate W
I enjoyed my time with Vanessa. She was very easy to talk to and was knowledgeable on the local sites to provide suggestions on where to go visit after the tour. She was very accommodating on my tour requirements to visit areas that were on my interest list.

January 2023

Liem T