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Best Things to do in Kyoto (2026)

Many of the best experiences in Kyoto happen between the major sights. The Philosopher's Path links Ginkaku-ji with the Nanzen-ji area along a cherry-lined canal and is best walked from north to south, while the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a short path that rewards an arrival soon after sunrise. In the centre, Nishiki Market is a narrow covered street of food stalls where the market asks visitors to eat at the stall rather than while walking.

For culture in a short time, Gion Corner presents seven traditional arts, including tea ceremony, kyogen and dance by maiko, in an evening show of under an hour, and booking ahead is wise in peak seasons. Kyoto Tower, opposite Kyoto Station, gives a view over the whole basin from its observation deck and is a good first stop to get your bearings. Combine activities by area: the Philosopher's Path with Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, the bamboo grove with Tenryu-ji, and Nishiki Market with an evening in Gion or Pontocho. Most of these are free or inexpensive, and all of them are easier in the early morning or on weekdays.

5 places · Updated October 23, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Kyoto

  1. Nishiki Market Food market, NakagyoA narrow covered market street of around 130 food shops between Teramachi and Takakura, known for centuries as Kyoto's kitchen.
  2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Bamboo forest walk, ArashiyamaA walking path through tall groves of moso bamboo between Tenryu-ji and Okochi Sanso villa, one of the most photographed places in Kyoto.
  3. Philosopher’s Path Canal-side walk, SakyoA stone footpath beside a cherry-lined canal at the foot of the eastern hills, linking Ginkaku-ji in the north with the Nanzen-ji area to the south.

Thing to do

4. Gion Corner

Traditional arts showGion

A nightly hour-long show in Gion presenting seven traditional arts, from tea ceremony and koto to kyogen comedy and dance by maiko.

View details — Gion Corner

Thing to do

5. Kyoto Tower

Observation towerKyoto Station

A 131-metre tower opposite Kyoto Station, opened in 1964, whose observation deck 100 metres up gives a full view across the city and its ring of hills.

View details — Kyoto Tower