Part of our Japan guide.
Kyoto’s traditional gardens, rooftop zen gardens, markets, and natural spots are gathered here. Each section covers a specific aspect of the city.
Related travel guides: Japan On A Budget: Where To Stay In Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, Kyoto's Hidden LGBTQ Nightlife Gems, How Long Should A Trip To Japan Be, Where To Stay In Japan, and Hidden Gems: The Top Teppanyaki Joints In Kyoto, Japan.
Hidden Gems: The Most Beautiful Traditional Japanese Gardens In Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji’s golden pavilion and Ryoan-ji’s rock garden are the most famous, but smaller gardens like those at Tofuku-ji and Shisen-do offer quieter beauty. Every rock, tree, and pond is placed with intention. These gardens are open year-round; admission fees range from ¥400 to ¥1,000 depending on the temple.
Nature In Kyoto You Need To See
Beyond the temples, Kyoto has forests, waterfalls, and gardens away from the crowds. The path to Kibune leads through a wooded valley, and the Kurama-dera temple sits above it with mountain views. Arashiyama’s bamboo grove is well-known, but the nearby Okochi Sanso garden is less visited and costs ¥1,000. The Kamogawa riverbanks are free and offer walking paths lined with cherry trees in spring.
Hidden Gems: The Best Markets In Kyoto Japan
Nishiki Market, called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” runs five blocks of food stalls selling fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. It is open daily from about 9:00 to 17:00. To-ji Temple Flea Market happens on the 21st of each month and sells antiques, crafts, and vintage goods. The Kyoto Handicraft Center near Heian Shrine carries pottery and textiles; it is open 10:00 to 18:00 daily. For those looking for souvenirs to bring from the US for Japanese, the center also stocks imported goods.
Best Things To Do In Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto preserves rich culture and untainted nature. Fushimi Inari’s thousand torii gates are free and open 24 hours. Kiyomizu-dera charges ¥400 for its wooden stage and city views. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) costs ¥500. All three are within 30 minutes of Kyoto Station by bus or train.
Kyoto
Rooftop zen gardens are hidden among the traditional temples and busy streets. The rooftop garden at the Kyoto Station building is free and open until 22:00. The Garden of Fine Arts, a rooftop space by the Heian Shrine, costs ¥200 and has a pond with reproductions of famous artworks. For a drink with a view, the bar at the top of the Kyoto Tower Hotel (11th floor) overlooks the city and is open from 17:00 to midnight. These spots are quiet even during peak tourist season.
