How to avoid crowds in Kyoto in high season

With its ancient temples, iconic shrines, and geisha culture, Kyoto draws travelers from all over the world — and it can get pretty packed. Fortunately, you don’t have to follow the crowds.

With this guide, discover how to swap packed landmarks for Kyoto’s hidden gems, like the Nishijin weaving district, have entire temples almost to yourself, and when to visit the city’s most popular attractions so that you miss the tour groups. Here’s how to avoid crowds in Kyoto.

1. Swap Kiyomizu-dera for Ishiyamadera Temple

While Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, it’s also one of the busiest. For a more reflective experience, head to Ishiyamadera in nearby Otsu. This mountainside temple sits above Lake Biwa and is famous for inspiring the world’s first novel, “The Tale of Genji.”

Insider tip

Climb to the temple’s upper pagoda for sweeping views of Lake Biwa — most visitors miss this peaceful spot.

Address

1 Chome-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga 520-0861

Opening hours

8:00 AM–4:30 PM every day (last entry 4:00 PM)

2. Enjoy cherry blossoms away from the crowds

Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is beautiful, but it’s also Kyoto’s busiest time. If you’re visiting during this period, search out lesser-known cherry blossom spots like Haradani-en Garden or take a day trip to nearby Kameoka.

Insider tip

During cherry blossom season, local guides often run special tours focused on the best viewing spots. For a more peaceful experience, choose tours that start early in the morning or late in the evening, and try to book on weekdays.

3. Explore Kyoto Gyoen instead of Nijo-jo Castle

If you want quieter places to visit in Kyoto, skip the crowds of Nijo-jo Castle to explore Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. The spacious grounds around the Imperial Palace — once the residence of Japan’s imperial family — are full of tree-lined pathways and historic buildings and are open anytime.

Insider tip

Free guided tours of the Imperial Palace are offered in English twice daily at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. To keep the groups small, a limited number of tickets are handed out starting one hour before each tour at the Kikyō-mon Gate, just outside the palace.

Address

3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Wander around Kyoto’s quiet Nishijin District

Gion, the district renowned for geisha culture in Kyoto, might get all the attention, but just 15 minutes away, Nishijin also offers a strong sense of history and tradition with far fewer crowds. Kyoto’s historic weaving district, this area is a great place to see machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) and textile workshops.

5. Take a day trip to peaceful Ohara

Only one hour from central Kyoto, Ohara is a quiet mountain village full of natural beauty and peaceful temples. The main attraction is Sanzen-in Temple, famous for its ancient buildings and moss-covered gardens. But there’s plenty to fill a day out, including Oshio Shrine, Ohara Herb Garden, and Jakko-in Temple — a beautiful oasis away from the city below.

Insider tip

The journey to Ohara can be just as beautiful. Catch Kyoto Bus 17 from Kyoto Station. Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views. Alternatively, join a day trip from Kyoto to visit with a local guide.

6. Cycle through Kyoto’s quieter districts

Central Kyoto’s traffic can be overwhelming at times, so exploring other quieter districts by bike is a much more pleasant way to get around. Guided cycling tours in Kyoto often explore Sakyo Ward in the northeastern part of the city and the backroads of Higashiyama, where you’ll find hidden gems such as Shimogamo Shrine.

Insider tip

Choose a morning tour to enjoy the cool air and calm streets before lunchtime.

7. Discover hidden temples in northern Higashiyama

The northern end of Higashiyama Ward is home to several beautiful yet uncrowded temples, including Shisen-do, famous for its peaceful Zen garden, and Enko-ji with its classic rock garden. These are local favorites and rarely make it onto the itineraries of first-timers in Kyoto.

Insider tip

After visiting the temples, head to the nearby Ichijoji neighborhood, which is known for its ramen shops and has some of the best local eats in Kyoto.

8. Explore Nanzenji’s grounds in the evening

Nanzenji is one of Kyoto’s most impressive temple complexes, known for its huge Sanmon gate and brick aqueduct. While often overrun with people during the day, many areas of the temple grounds remain open 24 hours, making it perfect for a peaceful evening walk.

Best time to go

Go after 6:00 PM when the soft evening lighting adds to the atmosphere. You’ll have most of the trails to yourself.

Address

Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435

Opening hours

Temple grounds: Open 24 hours

Temple building: 8:40 AM–4:30 PM/5:00 PM every day (depending on the season)

9. Stroll along Shirakawa Canal in the evening

Avoid Gion’s busy main streets, like Hanamikoji and Shijo-dori, and take an evening walk along Shirakawa Canal instead. This quiet, lantern-lit stretch, lined with cherry and willow trees, offers a more peaceful and romantic experience in Kyoto’s geisha district.

Insider tip

Many of the traditional teahouses along the canal are also open late. Book a dinner package that includes a geisha or maiko performance to experience this centuries-old tradition.

10. Find peace beyond Arashiyama’s bamboo forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks, so you won’t be surprised to find lots of crowds queuing for the best spots. For a quieter experience, walk 20 minutes north into the hills to visit Adashino-Nenbutsuji, a peaceful temple with over 8,000 stone statues honoring the souls of the dead.

Insider tip

On the way, stop at Gio-ji, a small temple in the woodland. This hidden gem has a touching backstory as a retreat for women who left court life to become nuns.

Address

17 Sagatoriimoto Adashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8436

Opening hours

9:00 AM–4:30 PM every day

11. Visit the Raku Museum for quiet art and culture

Most travelers flock to Kyoto’s famous museums like the KYOCERA Museum of Art, but the Raku Museum is a fascinating crowd-free alternative. Dedicated to the traditional Raku pottery style — a firing technique that produces distinctive markings and embraces the beauty of imperfections — the small museum showcases handcrafted bowls used in Japanese tea ceremonies across its two floors.

Insider tip

After your visit to the museum, explore the nearby quiet streets of the Nishijin district, known for its traditional crafts and charming local shops.

Address

87-1 Aburahashizumecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0923

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)

Closed Monday