What to do in Kyoto? — Top 10 unique & cool things to do in Kyoto, Japan

July 8, 2023

Kyoto is an indispensable destination when you travel to Japan. Especially, it is very suitable for those who want to explore the rich and subtle cultural heritage of this cherry blossom country. Let’s discover top 10 fun, unique & cool things to do in Kyoto, Japan below.

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

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

fushimi inari hiking — Fushimi Inari hiking

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

gion district geisha kyoto (1) — Gion District

kinkakuji temple kyoto golden pavillion kyoto travel blog kyoto blog (1) — Kinkakuji temple

kyoto kaiseki cuisine — Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine

Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-Kyoto-Japan — Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Japan

Shopping at the oldest outdoor market in Japan inside Toji Temple

Toji temple, Kyoto Credit: Top cool things to do in Kyoto blog. — Toji Temple is one of the most famous beautiful destinations in Kyoto. Credit: Top cool things to do in Kyoto blog.

Toji Temple, which is located in the south of Kyoto Station, established in 796. It is the gateway to the ancient capital of Japan. The place is also one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. It also has the tallest 5-storey Japanese temple with 57 meters.
Today, the Toji Temple is most famous for the oldest outdoor market in the country, held on the 21st of each month from early morning to late afternoon. The guests will find everything in this busy and bustling market.

Toji Temple:

Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8473, Japan
Phone: +81 75-691-3325
Opening Hours: 08:30 am –5:30 pm
Price: 500 yen

Finding the monsters at Yokai Street

the monsters on Yokai Street2 — Finding the monsters in Yokai Street is one of the most interesting things for you to do when visiting Kyoto. Credit: Top cool things to do in Kyoto blog.

Yokai is a shopping street with old style. The owners of the shops and restaurants here create yokai which is supernatural monsters that appear in Japanese fairy tales to protect in front of the store. Some yokai are carefully sculpted, some made from recycled materials and rags, but they all have their own souls.

the monsters on Yokai Street — Some yokai are carefully sculpted, some made from recycled materials and rags, but they all have their own souls.

About 30 yokai hide on the street, challenging visitors to find it all. Legend has it that this area of northwestern Kyoto lies at the boundary between real life and the spiritual world. A ghost parade and bazaar are held each summer.

the monsters in Yokai Street4 — Some yokai are carefully sculpted, some made from recycled materials and rags, but they all have their own souls.

Seeing the bloody history at Fushimi Momoyama Castle

Fushimi Momoyama Castle ,Kyoto3 — Fushimi Momoyama Castle, one of the most beautiful places you have to visit when traveling to Kyoto

Fushimi Momoyama Castle mobilized 20,000 to 30,000 construction workers by the end of the sixteenth century.Unfortunately, only two years later it was destroyed by the earthquake. The modern version is now located in an upscale south of Kyoto, rebuilt by the samurai Torii Mototada. In 1600 he defended the castle to the last breath of an 11-day bloody siege.

Fushimi Momoyama Castle:

Address: Japan, 〒612-8051 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Fushimi Ward.
Phone: +81 75-602-0605
Opening Hours: 24/24

Being ecstatic with the sake wine in Fushimi district

Sake wine in Fushimi Photo by fun things to do in Kyoto blog. — Sake, one of the most popular wines in Fushimi District. Photo by fun things to do in Kyoto blog.

Fushimi Prefecture is located in southern Kyoto, best known for its Fushimi Inari temple and a series of red gates. The area also has rich amounts of groundwater, rich in potassium and calcium, suitable for making sake. By the 1600s, more than 80 breweries operated in the area. Guests should take a boat ride down the river over the small town to visit the old factory and the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake museum — Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the most interesting places for you to visit when traveling to Kyoto

Gekkeikan Okura Sake museum1 — Guests should take a boat ride down the river over the small town to visit the old factory and the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.

Drinking beer with a geisha at Kamishichiken Beer Garden

Kamishichiken Beer Garden,Kyoto1 — Kamishichiken Beer Garden, one of the most interesting destinations for you to visit in Kyoto

With many visitors, joining the geisha-specific world is quite difficult. Usually, you need someone to invite or follow the tour. Kamishichiken District is one of the 5 neighborhoods the geisha live and work. They host a special beer garden in the Kaburenjo Theater from July to September each year. With only 2,000 yen (over 400,000), you will be the geisha pour beer, chat, treat as paying customers.

Kamishichiken Beer Garden:

Address: Japan, 〒602-8381 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward.
Phone: +81 75-461-0148
Opening Hours: 10:00 am –5:00pm.

Walking along the Kamogawa River

Kamogawa River, Kyoto2 Credit: cool things to do in Kyoto blog. — Kamogawa River, one of the best places for you to take a walk when visiting Kyoto. Credit: cool things to do in Kyoto blog.

The peaceful Kamogawa Riverbank in Kyoto is frequented by tourists and locals, as well as by animal shelters. The river spreads along the east of the city and north of the city which is crowded. But just walk to the south, the visitors will discover a quieter area where flowers and weeds cover wide passages and wildlife.

Kamogawa River6 — The peaceful Kamogawa Riverbank in Kyoto is frequented by tourists and locals, as well as by animal shelters.

Kamogawa River, Kyoto — The visitors will discover a quieter area where flowers and weeds cover wide passages and wildlife here. Credit: cool things to do in Kyoto blog.

Seeing the Wisteria flowers in Kamitoba Sewage Treatment Plant

The Wisteria flowers mark the transition from spring to summer, which often appears on dome-shaped tunnels in temples, shrines, parks and gardens throughout Japan. One of the most impressive places to see flowers is the Kamitoba Sewage Treatment Plant in the south of Kyoto. Here you will be able to admire the bouquets of purple flowers in a cozy atmosphere, immerse yourself in classical music, enjoy iced coffee and sake.

Wisteria flowers in Kamitoba1 — You will be able to admire the bouquets of purple flowers in a cozy atmosphere. Photo by fun things to do in Kyoto blog.

Touching the cows at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Temple4, Kyoto — Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous places for you to visit in Kyoto. Photo by fun things to do in Kyoto blog.

Built in 947, the Northwest Kyoto shrine is one of the city’s most complex buildings, but is often overlooked by the nearby Golden Pagoda. The Shrine is guardian spirits and calligraphy protections, popular with Japanese students who come to pray for the successful education.

Two cows at the entrance to the shrine have shiny heads and backs because those who hope to pass the exam rub into it. This is also the most beautiful place to see plum blossom and participate in the dream festival from February 25 to the end of March. On the 25th, the famous Tenjin-san outdoor market is held outside the temple from 6 -21h

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine:

Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-8386, Japan
Phone: +81 75-461-0005
Opening Hours: 5:00-18:00 (Apr.to Sep), 5:30-17:30 (Oct.to Mar.)

Seeing Kyoto Station Building

Kyoto Station2 — Kyoto Station, one of the most interesting places for you to visit when traveling to Kyoto. Credit: cool things to do in Kyoto blog. Image by unique things to do in Kyoto blog.

Many visitors go through Kyoto Station which is the busiest intersection in the area on the way to or from the city, but only a few stop to admire the unique design of the building. If you come here, linger for a minute to look up, then move up to the top for panoramic city views from the Sky Garden terrace.

Kyoto Station Building:

Address: 901 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori, Shiokoji sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 8:30 am- 10:00pm
Phone: 361-4401

Making friends with locals at the Mosaic Hostel

Mosaic Hostel Kyoto2 — Mosaic Hostel, one of the best places for you to make friends in Kyoto. Image by unique things to do in Kyoto blog.

Mosaic Hostel is clean, well-equipped, friendly staff, and has 2 addresses in Kyoto. The rooms are designed in Japanese aesthetics, with a common welcome area for guests to meet, a stylish bar for late local drinks. In particular, the hostel organizes regular events for guests and locals, providing opportunities to make friends and learn about Kyoto.

Mosaic Hostel:

Address: Japan, 〒601-8413 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujo Kasugacho, ４−１
Phone: +81 75-672-0511
Opening Hours:24/24

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?