Best Kyoto Day Trips & Things to Do

Once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains a living museum of Japanese history, culture, and tradition. Today, it’s one of the most visited cities in the country, attracting travelers from all over the world with its ancient temples, traditional wooden townhouses, and seasonal beauty. Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the sprawling Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the serene Ryoan-ji rock garden. Visitors can stroll through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, watch geisha perform in the historic Gion district, or experience a traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto is especially popular in spring for cherry blossoms and in autumn for fiery fall foliage, with famous viewing spots like Philosopher’s Path and Tofuku-ji Temple. Thanks to the Shinkansen, Kyoto is just about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, making it a key stop on most Japan itineraries.