What I should do in Kyoto? — Top 9 cool & fun things to do in Kyoto, Japan

July 6, 2023

Kyoto which used to be the capital of Japan for over a thousand years was filled with the glory of the past. This is a wonderful destination for any visitor to learn about the beauty, culture and Japanese people. Beside the collection that was recognized as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the ancient capital is also proud of the cultural features such as the Geisha quarter and unique culinary heritage. Kyoto attracts visitors because of its ancient colors and Japanese architecture, as well as contemporary breath presented by bars and coffee. Join in the Living Nomads for some great hints for a fascinating Kyoto experience with top 9 cool and fun things to do in Kyoto.

L2F-Sep-16-pic-Japan-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-dera-temple-cherry-blossoms-thipjang-shutterstock_403209976 — Kiyomizu-dera Temple

geisha-gion district — Geisha at Gion district

Daigo-Ji Temple2 — Daigo-Ji Temple, one of the best places to see autumns leaves in Kyoto.

kyoto_japanese_umbrella_making_wagasa_hiyoshi_003 — Oil-paper umbrella

ac99be45-One-Day-Kyoto-Kimono-Rental — Kimono costumes

kyoto gosho kyoto imperial palace and park (1) — Kyoto Imperial Palace

Yudofu (boiled tofu) Pot, must eat food in Kyoto

1. Taking the photo with Kimono

The ancient capital of Japan is the place to get the best kimono with many kimono rental stores around the famous tourist attractions. The cheapest price is from about 3000 yen ~ 5000 yen (yukata + hair). You can rent kimono and take photos in the romantic old town like Gion Shirakawa and Ninenzaka, or to attractions such as Fushimi Inari Temple, Arashiyama to capture a set of images of Japanese.

Kimono,Tokyo fun things to do in kyoto — Taking photo with Kimono is one of fun things to do in Kyoto

Here are some hints for you with the best kimono rental shop in Kyoto:

Shop Yumeyakata: 353, Shiogama-Cho, Nishiiru Sakai-machi, Gojo-Dori, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto. Price: from 2,700¥. Web: http://yumeyakata.com/english. Phone: 075-354-911. Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm.
Shop Mission Gion: Akasaka Building, B1 floor, Tominaga-cho129 Higashiyama-Ku,Kyoto. Price: from 3,500 ¥. Phone: +81-75-533-7317. Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Shop Walin: 444 Shunzeicho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto. Price: From 4,500 ¥/ Phone: +81-75-343-1515. Website: http://walin.jp/en. Opening Hours: 9 am- 7 pm.
Shop Kyo Gokoro: 457-2, Tsuboyacho, Nakagyo-Ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto. Price: From 3,000 ¥. Phone +81-75-253-1001. Website: http://www.kyo-gokoro.com/kimono.html. Opening Hours: 10:00 am ~ 5 pm.

2. Riding the boat in Arashiyama

Kyoto, Japan — Boat riding. One of the top fun things to do in Kyoto.

1400 yen for a 3-row paddle boat is worth a try when you come to the suburbs with the perfect fall scene on the map. Boating on the river in Arashiyama is quite fun and safe, especially when you come here in late November to watch the red leaves. You can also boat by locals rowing at a slightly higher price (depending on boat type).

Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride — Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.

3. Tasting matcha

The mention of matcha is referring to Kyoto. The most famous Uji tea is sold on the streets around Kawaramachi Station. Besides, tourist destinations in ancient the capital city, matcha creams are sold for sale.

Matcha Japanese gift — Matcha, a must buy in Japan.

Here are some of the delicious matcha shops in Kyoto for you:

Giwon Komori:61 Motoyoshi-Cho, Yamato Oji Higashi-iru, Shinbashi-dori, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto. Website: http://www.giwon-komori.com. Opening Hours: 11:30am ~ 5 p.m.
Kyo Hayashiya: Takase Bldg. 6F 105 Nakajima-who, Sanjo-Dori Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto. Website: http://www.kyo-hayashiya.com. Opening Hours: 11:30am~9:30 pm.
Shimizu: 665 Honkawara-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto/
Website (Japanese only): http://hitosara.com. Opening Hours: 11:00am~5:30 pm. Phone: 0006059470

4. Enjoying the foods on the top of the fall

The only summer in Kyoto has the meal at the top of the beautiful Kibune Falls. However, the price of a meal is quite expensive because the Kyoto kaiseki is made from high-quality and delicious ingredients.

5. Seeing the mountain views on the Obon festival

Kyoto, Japan fun things to do in kyoto — Joining in Obon festival, one of the top fun things to do in Kyoto.

On August 16th, there will be a Gozan no Okuribi celebration on the occasion of Obon. In this festival, six mountains around Kyoto will be lit up to create the letters and symbols for the most popular Buddhist thought, the Great Mountain that appeared in Conan. Some familiar landmarks are Demachi Yanagi Station, Kyoto University Stadium, Takano Bridge and Arashiyama. Some hotels in central Kyoto like the Hankyu Hotel in Kyoto Station can also have a lot of views mountains.

6. Taking part in the festivals

Kyoto, top fun things to do in Kyoto. — Kyoto, the capital of traditional festivals of Japan

Gion Festival in July is one of the biggest festivals in Japan. In addition, festivals such as Aoi Matsuri (May 15) and Jidai Matsuri (October 22) are also the only traditional beauty in Kyoto.

Joining festivals in Kyoto is one of the top fun things to do in Kyoto.

7. Watching the Geisha dance performances

Geisha is a familiar image of Kyoto that many people know through memories of a geisha. If you come to Kyoto, do not forget to go to Gion Corner to see performances of the real Geisha of the ancient capital.

8. Eating traditional Japanese sweets

Tasting traditional Japanese sweets is one of the top cool things to do in Kyoto.

Kyoto is home to the most traditional Japanese confectionery in Japan. Kyoto’s traditional candy, especially the Yatsuhashi, is a sweet treat for Uji tea, which is a great gift choice when you visit Kyoto. The Kyoto candy sold in Gion Street, Arashiyama, Sanjo Street, slopes up to Kiyomizu Temple.

Gion Street — Candy in Gion store, one of the most famous candy stores in Kyoto.

Wagashi, one of the most traditional sweets in Japan

Here are some traditional candy stores in Kyoto for you to refer:

Store Candy show Time : 573-5 Minamigawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0074 Japan. Phone: +81-(0)75-532-2055. Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:00.
Store Tachibanaya: Shimogyo-Ku Hokkaido Road, 185 Kyoto Town, Japan. Phone 075 3513456. Opening Hours: 8 am- 9 pm.
Store Tawaraya Yoshitom: KarasuDoriori Kamidachiuri-agaru, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto. Opening Hours: 7 am- 9 pm.

9. Experiencing flower arrangement and tea ceremony

Kyoto is the cradle of Japanese culture and of course the art of Ikebana flower arrangement and tea ceremony art. In Kyoto, there are many flower and tea ceremony experiences in one day, priced at 5000 yen or more. Try to experience the traditional Zen culture of the Temple City!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

Arashiyama Bamboo momiji bridge. Credit: Kyoto travel blog.

Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. and read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?