EVERY MUST SEE SIGHT in KYOTO: Top 22 Things to Do | Japan Interactive Travel Guide

Kyoto is a MUST SEE for any trip to Japan. This interactive travel guide covers 22 top things to do, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion, Nishiki Food market, the Nara day trip and the very best temples to visit! We will also cover some of the best tips for keeping your travel budget low.

Kyoto is Japan's cultural centre, famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, Geishas and traditional wooden villas. We spent 7 days in the city exploring all of the most famous spots as well as the more hidden gems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Everything we saw in Kyoto! (If you are on mobile, use the links in the top comment in the comments section I’ve posted below)

0:00 - Intro

00:52 - THINGS TO DO in HIGASHIYAMA DISTRICT including Kiyumizu-dera Temple
This is where you can find the classic, historic streets of Kyoto. Including lots of important shrines, tea shops and temples. It's very busy and over crowded here (there's even Tatami Starbucks), but there are some cool experiences too - like traditional tea ceremonies at Camelia: a real must see!

CAMELLIA PRICE (this price has gone up since my visited):
¥3000 JPY / £20.32 GBP / $26.88 USD

KIYUMIZUDERA PRICE:
¥400 JPY / £2.71 GBP / $3.58 USD

01:43 - BEST TEMPLES in KYOTO
Everything you need to know about Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple), Ryoan-ji Temple and Ninna-ji Temple. Some of the best sights in the whole city. There are so many temples in Kyoto are these are some of the most worthwhile.

GOLDEN PAVILION PRICE:
¥400 JPY / £2.71 GBP / $3.58 USD

RYOAN-JI PRICE:
¥500 JPY / £3.39 / $4.48 USD

NINNA-JI PRICE:
¥500 JPY / £3.39 / $4.48 USD

04:04 - How to see FUSHIMI INARI with NO CROWDS
The best advice for seeing this icon of Japan. Getting up early is the most amazing experience! Entrance is free.

05:54 - BEST Places for BUDGET FOOD & DRINKING in KYOTO
Exploring the Nishiki Food Market, Pontocho Alley, Japanese Convenience Stores and the 200 Yen Bars of Kyoto in search of some of the cheapest food and cocktails!

08:00 - GION
Home of Kyoto's Geishas! How can you find them for yourself?

08:48 - Kyoto's BAMBOO GROVES
Exploring Arashiyama without any crowds, finding a SECRET bamboo forest at Fushimi Inari and the most peaceful find at Kodai-ji Temple. Entrance is free.

11:13 - Things to Do in ARASHIYAMA DISTRICT
Away from the bamboo grove, you also have the Togetsu Bridge, the local park and the amazing Okochi Sanso Villa.

OKOCHI SANSO PRICE (includes matcha tea and snack):
¥1000 JPY / £6.77 GBP / $8.96 USD

11:57 - DAY TRIP from KYOTO to NARA
The most famous trip outside of the city, home of the respectful bowing deer. But is it worth visiting?

SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN PRICE:
¥690 JPY / £4.67 GBP / $6.18 USD

TODAI-JI (NARA BUDDHA TEMPLE) PRICE:
¥600 JPY / £4.06 GBP / $5.38 USD

WHERE I GET MY MUSIC (30 DAY FREE TRIAL):

MY CAMERA GEAR:

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This cinematic travel guide comes from One Shot Adventures, an independent production company that specializes in unique travel videography.

#TopThingsToDoInKyoto #KyotoMustSee #KyotoTravelGuide2020

[OneShotAdventures]

If you are on mobile, the links in the description won't work. So here they are in comments form!

0:52 - THINGS TO DO in HIGASHIYAMA DISTRICT including Kiyumizu-dera Temple
1:43 - BEST TEMPLES in KYOTO
4:04 - How to see FUSHIMI INARI with NO CROWDS
5:54 - BEST Places for BUDGET FOOD & DRINKING in KYOTO
08:00 - GION
08:48 - Kyoto's Best BAMBOO GROVES
11:13 - Things to Do in ARASHIYAMA DISTRICT
11:57 - DAY TRIP from KYOTO to NARA

[plotsame]

It's also good to go to Fushimi Inari Shrine at night.

Darkness, light, and vivid colors combine to make it very dreamy.

Of course there's no crowd.

[AllTheJCs]

This is the most effort I've seen anyone put into a YouTube video - links in description, prices, genuine opinions given (rather than saying everything is amazing). Thanks for the video. You've got yourself a new subscriber!

[alexstrolls]

I'm going to Japan this autumn, and I'll be spending about 4 days in Kyoto. Let me tell you, your hard work compensated, as I took all your advises and put all of them on my Kyoto itinerary. I love how well structure your video is. Thank you so much.

[TheDailyPhil]

I went to Osaka last February but only had a day to spare for Kyoto. Lots of reasons to come back after watching this.

[DiscoverLifeMedia]

Kyoto is high on my list of places to see in the world. For history and beauty. Would love to see the rock gardens and Fushimi Inari. A good tip to get up super early to get the cool shots.

[samuraishonan]

Been to Kyoto five times since January 2020, as well as 14 other places in Japan so far in the Covid era. Best time to travel. Venues amazing. Sightseeing perfect. Nobody in our photos. We have been to say many cool little shrines. Rabbits, Pidgins and the list goes on. Am retired in Japan so we do all those special sightseeing trains as well. Enjoy Japan.

[trywithchris]

So much great advice, I love seeing the traditional homes and temples. All of the temples look like they would be so peaceful if you could beat the crowds. Getting those great photo and video places make it worth getting up at that time.

[rKy]

Alright mate, I need you to make sure that all travel guides on YouTube, from now on are made like this! :D Amazing job!

[iscelynlanaria]

I’ve watched hundreds of travel vlog and yours I would say is #1 on my list. Not only you give specific directions/info (best time and names of cheap eats) but you also give specific prices! Very easy for me as a viewer to plan my trip to Tokyo. New subscriber here and will recommend!

[ProfessorPS]

This was well done. Your honest opinions were fresh and different than many other reviewers that feel obligated to express over-the-top amazement.
Please do an Osaka guide next!!

[TheJourneyest]

I think Kyoto would be my spot to go to in Japan. I love the history of Japan so the temples and the beautiful old streets are just mesmerizing. As always great job giving your followers amazing info. Love the interactive aspect you brought to the video

[captainmacoy]

great cinematic b roll I enjoyed the whole video very informative, Kyoto looks interesting..

[MOVEcomANAMORAIS]

Thanks for this video. I'm planning a couple of days in Kyoto and definitely want to avoid the crowds.

[CuriousEntrepreneur]

I wish I have seen this video before our visit to Kyoto. We were not as lucky with getting good videos of the temples - there were so many people and we had very little time to see all Japan. Thank you for sharing this.

[KingTolentino]

this is very useful.... and love your tip of waking up early to have the place minus the crowd....will take note of this vid... hope will get to visit japan soon :D

[JoshEdwardsFilms]

Jeeez. The quality of this is so good mate. Well done! I haven't been very present on YouTube lately so catching up now I have more time. Keep it going please. A lot of my mates have been to Japan - it's become a really popular destination in recent years

[cultureatz]

What an amazing guide, lots of work.Amazing job! Amazing you got very little people at that very famous shrine. Love all the food tips. Bamboo groves look amazing.

[trinepaerata]

Awesome video, must sees and travel tips. Thanks :)

[davyc]

Great video! Loving those tips on which option worth getting up for. Damn those deers are relentless.