Best Things to Do in Kyoto on Vacation | Travel Tips by Flytographer

Hannah's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Yasaka Pagoda & Fushimi Inari shrine first thing in the morning!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Use the kids waking early to your advantage! So many of the popular sites were not crowded and we really enjoy them early in the morning while our little one had a lot of energy and could run around!

Visited Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Masa and Asami in Kyoto for Flytographer

Tous's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Nishiki market Was my favorite place to go get food and to enjoy coffee and matcha.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Travelers factory kyoto Kiyomizu-dera temple Starbucks Kyoto

What is the best tip for solo travel in Kyoto?

Use the public transit, if you need help always ask someone.

Visited Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Vincent's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

We ate at multiple restaurants underneath the Pokemon Center Kyoto. Every one of them was delicious and was close to the train station for our next areas to visit.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

We loved the Fushimi-Inari Shrines (where we had our pictures taken) as well as easy access to Osaka, Nara, and Kobe

Visited Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Shirlene's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What is your best travel tip for Kyoto?

If you’re heading to popular tourist destinations such as Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama, definitely go as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds!

Visited Kyoto in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Yoshi in Kyoto for Flytographer

Kristi's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

There were so many fantastic restaurants in Kyoto. Wish we had additional time to enjoy more. Kyoto Engine Ramen was excellent and they even had gluten free and vegan options.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

The Kimono experience and Tea Ceremony at Maikoya Tea House was the highlight for our family. Our family of 6 each got to choose our own Kimonos and the women had our hair done as well. We were then given time to take photos in one of their several private gardens. We had a private tea ceremony were we learned about the tradition of the tea ceremony and was able to make our own tea. Everyone visiting Kyoto should take part in a tea ceremony.

Visited Kyoto in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Jing's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Sokoku because it had a nice, nutritious assortment of traditional Japanese foods and peaceful, nature filled atmosphere.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Some of our favorite places were isetan in Kyoto station (dessert heaven), Arashiyama bamboo grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine, kiyo mizu dera temple.

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Kyoto?

Yes, book a private onsen with your significant other as it will feel more special and relaxing compared to a public one.

Visited Kyoto in May

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Elaine's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Private onsen at Sumiya Kihouan and staying at Shiraume and Kyokoyado Muromachi Yutone. All felt like an authentic Japanese experiences that were memorable to our family.

Visited Kyoto in June

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Angela's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Kyoto Engine Ramen was great! Amazing, fresh ingredients and they had delicious spicy vegetarian ramen and vegan options as well.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

The Arishiyama monkey park could not be missed or the Otagi Nenbutauji temple nearby.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Don’t pack too much into a day, take snack and drink breaks often, and just go with the flow.

Visited Kyoto in May

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

David's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Ryuuann was amazing. The food was delicious and the service was friendly and helpful. And we had a private room with two tables - one for kids and one for us and our friends. Such a great experience.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

The smaller out of the way zen gardens were really special. And no tourists (aside from us ;-))

What is your best travel tip for Kyoto?

Try to go where the tourists arent.

Visited Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Masa and Asami in Kyoto for Flytographer

Cheyenne's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Wanichi Kyoto because of the exceptional food and service!

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Fushimi Inari Taisha Imperial Palace Bamboo Forest

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Kyoto?

Take time to walk though the side streets of Kyoto and enjoy being immersed in the history

Visited Kyoto in March

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Jivan's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Engine Ramen. Best ramen in the business. We are vegetarians and they had a scrumptious vegetarian option on offer. Best bar has to be L'Escomoteur. Bar where magicians serve you!

Visited Kyoto in December

Photo Shoot Location: Okazaki Park

Masa and Asami in Kyoto for Flytographer

Woody's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Walden Woods

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Day trip to Osaka, Nara and seeing the monkeys!

Visited Kyoto in July

Photo Shoot Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Amanda's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

We had amazing udon and soba noodles at Omen. It is authentic Japanese food with the kindest service. It's also right near the Path of Philosophy. We had to wait only 15 minutes at lunchtime. You could walk around and explore while you wait. I love that you can even buy their signature dish to take home with you too! https://omen.co.jp/pages/about If you're looking for an OUTSTANDING teppenyaki experience with an epic view, make sure to book a reservation in advance for Yasaka at the Park Hyatt in Kyoto. The chef cooks right in front of you and is so talented. Every dish was so beautiful and delicious. The food combinations on each plate were so unique and made my taste buds dance. The lit up view of the Yasaka Pagoda is breath-taking. This was a highlight of our trip!

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

The first morning we woke up early and went to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This was a beautiful start to our trip. We had the bamboo forest mostly to ourselves. It's quite a humbling experience to watch the sunrise between the towering bamboo. Our Flytographer photo shoot along the Path of Philosophy and Horen-in was so much fun! The leaves are vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange during this autumn season. It was such a special moment to capture this memory with Coo, our Flytographer. If you. go during the fall try to arrange a visit to Tofuku-ji to see the beautiful fall colors at this temple. And if you want an amazing view of Kyoto, I recommend hiking to the summit at the Fushimi Inari shrine. Enjoy your time in Kyoto! It's a wonderful place to visit!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Kyoto and all of Japan is very kid friendly! If you want to avoid large crowds during the busy times of the year, try to hit the popular spots early in the morning or around dusk. Book reservations for restaurants you want to try in advance so you make sure you get a table and won't have to wait long once you arrive.

Visited Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Karen's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Make sure to visit the bamboo forest!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Add extra travel time for little ones who will get tired often! The little uneven streets of Kyoto make it tough to navigate with a stroller.

Visited Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Amber's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

We made ramen at the Ramen Factory and it ended up being a highlight of the trip. Our daughter loved the experience.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Keep it light and fun and be willing to change your plans if need be.

Visited Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Sherry's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Gion Calf. We wandered upon this restaurant while exploring Gion and made reservations. It was incredible!! 6 out of 5 stars incredible. Best steak we’ve ever had!!

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

We took an Izakaya cooking class with Cooking Sun that was a great time for my whole family! Probably the most special thing we did was book a private dinner with two maiko through Viator and WaiRaiDo Guide Network. That was a once in lifetime experience - so cool!

Visited Kyoto in July

Photo Shoot Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Ada's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

My favourite restaurant has to be Teuchi-udon Kendonya (a hand-made udon shop near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto) right after the photo shoot. Imagine eating a cold udon lots of umami broth after a hot day wearing Yukata :-)! Address: 〒612-0012 Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Fushimi Ward Fukakusa Ichinotsubocho 41 Pearl High Twinery 1F.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

The highlight of the trip is visiting the Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden. It is a world famous Japanese Rock Garden that I've been wanting to experience it in person for a long time. Being there to view the garden at every angle in the early morning without many tourists is worthwhile for the whole trip to Japan. The best kept secret is the little water feature in the back of the temple where it shows four words all with an element of "mouth" in Kenji which means "I learned to be contented". We were able to listen to the bird tweeting in the background and enjoy the serenity of the water and landscape of the garden.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Scroll along the alleys to find a quick spot eat (there's no bad food in Japan) rather than waiting in line in the Gion District and Pontocho Alley.

Visited Kyoto in June

Photo Shoot Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Jamie's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

We had a fabulous meal at SHIBATA -Premium Wagyu Beef, where we were able to cook our own meal with the guidance of the wonderful owner. She was very helpful with our boys as well, as they had never had this type of food before!

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

We loved staying nearby Fushimi Inari Shrine because we were able to easily visit in the later evening and super early in the morning before the crowds arrived.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Make the journey part of the fun! Our kids are bot used to taking so much public transportation, so we made it a learning experience by having them help us navigate the busy train stations (it helped Mom & Dad out, too, to have an extra set of eyes out for those tough to spot station signs!)

Visited Kyoto in June

Photo Shoot Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

David's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

My favourite restaurant in Kyoto is IMAYA Kyoto & COFFEE, definitely need to give it a try when you go! It's better than Michelin star restaurants, trust me. Japanese sandwiches are one of a kind.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

During our time in Kyoto, we had a multitude of incredible experiences and activities. Some of our favorites included exploring the enchanting Gion District, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Nishiki market, and visiting the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Taisha. These locations offered a blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and breathtaking sights. While capturing these moments with a camera was delightful, some experiences were so special that they were challenging to fully capture or replicate. The ambiance, energy, and unique sensations of being in those places were truly unforgettable and impossible to fully convey through a photograph alone.

Visited Kyoto in May

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Christa's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Amazing kaiseki at Tempura Matsu.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Kiyomizuderu shrine, Fushimi Inari, Nishiki market was seafood heaven.

What is your best travel tip for Kyoto?

Start early in the morning! Wear a kimono in Kyoto.

Visited Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Herman's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

The cafe in hirashiyama, because they are traditional and really good to take the cuktural photo in there

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Arashiyama forrest

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Kyoto?

Go to hirashiyama area to take a traditional mood of dating

Visited Kyoto in January

Photo Shoot Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Katy's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kyoto?

Menkui Kinya- great udon and tempura and the staff is super nice and accommodating (we came with 2 kids under 2 years old) Afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto- absolutely delicious food/drinks and beautiful setting! nokishita711 Gin and cocktail labo- most unique bar experience we've ever had! We came here in 2018 and 2019 and we still talk about this place! The owner is so passionate about his craft the and the drinks/atmosphere is amazing! We weren't able to stop back there this trip with the young kids but hope to visit again soon!

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

Staying at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto- one of the most beautiful hotels we've ever stayed at- great location, gorgeous property, and amazing staff and service! Arashiyama Bamboo Forest- go early in the morning to avoid crowds Fushimi Inari Taisha shine Shopping in the Sanjo area Strolling the Higashiyama ward Eikan-do Temple- absolutely gorgeous with the fall leaves We've gone to Kyoto twice in mid-November and we feel this is the perfect time to go to Japan! Very comfortable temperatures and the fall leaves are breathtakingly gorgeous!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kyoto?

Overall, we found Kyoto to be very kid-friendly! The kids really enjoyed all of the beautiful nature that Kyoto offers! We had been to Kyoto before without kids which was nice because we didn't feel like we had to pack in as many things this trip since we had seen a lot of the major sights in the past. Traveling with kids requires a bit slower pace because unexpected things can happen, but still very rewarding. We found it fairly easy to navigate around with our large stroller but there were a few shrines were we took our baby carriers instead of the stroller.

Visited Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Jiamin's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What is your best overall travel tip for Kyoto?

The city is so pretty during cherry blossom and autumn season so be sure to catch both in April and November. It's a must to wear kimono and walk on the old streets of Kyoto. Don't forget to try all the matcha flavour desserts which are amazing!!

Visited Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Deanne's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What is your best overall travel tip for Kyoto?

If you're in Kyoto, check out the craft beer scene - especially Spring Valley and Kyoto Beer Lab. We were blown away!

Visited Kyoto in December

Photo Shoot Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

annie's Travel Tips for Kyoto

What is your best overall travel tip for Kyoto?

Enjoy everything about Japan. You can't go wrong with any food in Japan even food from 711 convenience stores are delicious. Onsens are wonderful and relaxing after a long day of walking and explore Japan. Try everything once. But I know I will definitely be coming back time and time again to experience all that Japan has to offer.

Visited Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer