Kyoto's entertainment scene is appealing. Here are three top neighborhoods to find entertainment in Kyoto.
Strolling through Gion
Gion (around Shijo Avenue) is the top place for visitors, well-known for its geisha strolling around the narrow streets and Shinbashi-dori, which is said to be the prettiest in all of Japan.
By strolling through the Gion area in Kyoto, you will typically discover the Kyoto National Museum , Kiyomizu-dera temple , and the lofty Buddhist Yasaka Pagoda . Among the best tea houses for tea ceremonies in Gion is Kimono Tea Ceremony Kyoto Maikoya at Nishiki Ichiba (錦市場) market.
One thing to keep in mind is that due to impolite behavior towards Geishas (geikos, in Kyoto) from visitors, limited access measures have been implemented in certain areas of Gion.
Strolling through Ponto-chō
Downtown Kyoto is home to the renowned Ponto-chō, a vibrant nightlife and traditional dining district along the Kamo River. Besides, Ponto-chō houses one of the Hanamachi where the geisha and maiko live.
Nearby, visit the ancient Imperial Palace , the Nijo Castle (二条城), and the Nishijin Textile Center , selling handmade kimonos and other textile goods.
Strolling through Arashiyama (嵐山)
Places to visit in Arashiyama include the Zen-inspired Tenryu-ji Temple , the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove , and the Iwatayama Monkey Park (嵐山モンキーパークいわたやま), accessible via a 30-minute hike from the grove.
A one-hour ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道嵯峨野観光線) along the Hozu River and Hozu Valley in autumn can be a real family adventure.
The 155-meter Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋) over the Katsura River prides itself on fantastic outlooks, and Kameyama-koen Park (亀山公園), across the bridge, is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. The area is also famous for Buddhist cuisine and tofu dishes.
Shopping in Kyoto
Kyoto is packed with traditional shops that can take you back to ancient times when Kyoto was the capital. At the same time, travelers can easily find shopping malls and other modern stores to buy souvenirs and high-end goods.
- Kyoto Station Building – A massive mall with shops, restaurants, and an observation deck.
- Kyomizu Zaka Street – A historic street with arts, crafts shops, kimono , and local treats.
- Shinkyogoku Shopping District – A covered shopping area with gifts and food near Teramachi-dori.
- AEON Mall – Near the Kyoto Station, offers food courts, shopping, and entertainment.
- Ninja Dojo and Store – Engage in various ninja-themed activities.
- Touan Yasaka Gallery and Studios – Sells great Kyo pottery.
- Ohnishi Tsune Shoten – Specializes in Kyoto folding fans.
- Kyoto Handicraft Center – Features Japanese dolls like Kokeshi and Hina.
- Fuuka-Kimono and Chiso – Beautiful kimono options.
Shinto is Japan's most revered religion, closely followed in reverence by Buddhism. Kyoto alone is home to around 400 Shinto sanctuaries . The entrance to Shinto shrines is always preceded by a scarlet Torii gate, distinguishing them from Buddhist temples.
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) – The head Japanese sanctuary of Inari Ōkami, with thousands of Torii gates.
- Heian-Jingu Shrine (平安神宮) – Built in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto's 1100th anniversary, with a wonderful garden and a pond surrounded by hundreds of trees.
- Imamiya Shrine (今宮神社) – A quieter shrine in Kita Ward, featuring traditional dessert cafes, serving roasted Aburi-mochi rice cakes.
- Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) – Located in Gion near Maruyama Park, it is the center of the Gion Matsuri festival held in July.