Kyoto Day trips

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.

Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto showcases its cultural heritage through ancient shrines and centuries-old markets that intermingle with modern everyday life. Traveling to Kyoto alone means a unique chance to embrace these various aspects of the city on your own terms.

Japan's cultural capital is a wonder at all times, but Kyoto at night unveils a whole other world, one with sparkling lights, glowing lanterns, and incredible Japanese cuisine. The many things to do in Kyoto after dark balance exciting nightlife with ancient traditions and serenity. Wondering what to do in Kyoto at night? Wander through the lantern-lit alleys of Gion, marvel at Kiyomizu-dera temple, and sample the food of Kyoto. With culture, excitement, and relaxation in one beautiful place, you can't run out of fun things to do at night in Kyoto.

By day, the temples and shrines take on a winter wonderland glow, and by night, the markets and streets are lit up for the season. Welcome to Kyoto in winter, where couples snuggle close in rickshaw rides and families hustle into the Kyoto Railway museum for indoor fun.