Things to Do in Kyoto

Top Things to Do in Kyoto

Things to Do in Kyoto


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kyoto.


Top Attractions in Kyoto

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • John S
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    one of the top, if not the top, attraction to visit in Kyoto. I arrived there about one hour after opening and the crowds were fine, it was an ok time to walk through the gates. however, I would not recommend arriving any later; get there as early as possible. others say that it is not necessary to continue to the top of the mountain (there is a break at the halfway point where you can return down). it was incredibly foggy so I did not continue upwards to the viewpoints. would absolutely recommend as the top site to see in Kyoto.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leslie C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely breathtaking. The tour and grounds we the highlight of our trip. Pictures do not do this temple justice. Akiko provided us with so much information that we could have never had known unless we used her.
    Written March 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Considered Review
    Norwich, UK129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to see here. Temples, terraces, impressive architecture, tours, treats, and a terrific time. Too much to describe so see photos for a taste. Unmissable.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JenC_UK
    Uk273 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Came here as part of a day with a tour guide - had never heard of it before and turned out to be the highlight of our day. Very impressive sight and everyone loved it. Highly recommend, and it wasn’t that busy either.
    Written January 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Considered Review
    Norwich, UK129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another extraordinary building. Beauty and meaning. Japan gently drops these wonderful places on you like leaves falling in autumn.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Holder DJ
    Beijing, China33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had booked a morning visit to Saihō-ji, a zen temple famous for its moss-covered gardens, and having arrived rather early so we could take a walk around the mountain setting, we discovered what is the southernmost end of the Arashiyama park. Most people enter at the Monkey Park or Tenryu-ji, and from a distance on the highway you can see the throngs of people lining up for a visit to either.

    We ourselves had planned to also enter from there on the following day, but we count ourselves very fortunate to find that Arashima Mountain had the southern entry point. The area of the entrance is residential, and we just followed a few early morning elderly hikers along the mountain path. We didn't realize where we were until we saw a map of the mountain paths.

    The serenity of the area, lack of tourists, the beauty of both the bamboo and other trees enclosing us, all of this put us into the perfect mindset for our later visit to Saiho-ji. We spent about an hour and half just wandering around the mountain paths, only encountering a handful of people. No crowds, no annoying self-proclaimed "influencers" taking selfies or filming video -- just natural beauty and peace.

    If you planned for a full morning or afternoon, you could eventually walk the 4+ kilometers to the northern exit and eventually meet up with the tourist crowds. but that kind of defeats the purpose of such an excursion in our opinion.

    At the entrance gate there was a sign warning to watch out for bears. We didn't see any. It was just us, the trees, the bamboo, and the sounds of birds and flowing water from the various streams.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eitan P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vey interesting and worth it. I really liked the history and dressing up like a samurai . Very fun and unique experience do ittt.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carlo V
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was quite a view to see Kyoto/Gion at night with the lights. It may be a bit dark and late since a lot of shops may be closed early in the evening. But with less tourist so its more bearable walking.
    Written March 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • happyyoggi
    Sydney, Australia152 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful serene temple garden. Even though the leaves have yet turned red fully, the colours are already quite spectacular compared to other temples in Kyoto that are still very green.

    The garden is easy to navigate and quite flat. The main temple pavilion itself has many steps if you want to visit the higher viewing platforms.
    Written October 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Natalia T
    Singapore, Singapore2,303 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very busy and crowded market with lots of fresh and cooked food. It can get so crowded that you can barely move along. Worth taking visitors for the experience if it's their first visit.
    Written January 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • asc-sandiego
    San Diego, CA1,184 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend. Very affordable and requires a 20-minute climb but was well worth it. There are tons of monkeys and you can feed them apples and peanuts. I would just stay for 30 mins. The bamboo forest is nearby and you can walk to it.
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • maapar
    Mount Pleasant, SC901 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walked the Philosophers Path to this temple. Beautiful gardens to walk through and, though somewhat busy, not overly crowded
    Written December 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.