Kyoto is one of the must-visit places in Japan, but it is often overlooked for long stays as most travellers would opt for a day trip here via Osaka. Having come here several times in the last few years, I decided to make a specialised trip to explore the many places to visit in Kyoto for first timers.
For your added information, Kyoto is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making this destination in Japan highly recommended compared to fast-city life destinations like Osaka and Tokyo. Here is a list of what you can do in Kyoto for an average stay of three to four nights.
Places to Visit in Kyoto for First Timers
I have selected some of the best places to visit for first-timers instead of putting all the places as you will not have enough time to explore them. Plus, I have visited all of these places personally. Hence, I am not plucking information from the web to create content.
Kyoto can be a little overwhelming due to the growing tourism demand, and I recommend you try to choose a weekday trip versus a weekend trip. Also, avoid the major holiday seasons like Sakura Season, Year End, and the Japanese Golden Week.
The best time to visit Kyoto would be Spring or Autumn, as the weather is much cooler, making it easy to walk around. If you’re travelling with your elderly parents, avoiding the peak summer and winter seasons is also recommended, as they are very inconvenient for them.

Explore Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines
Kyoto is home to numerous temples and shrines, each with its unique architecture and history. Kyoto’s four beautiful temples are Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera. Each provides a spectacular view during each of the four seasons. In reality, you cannot visit all of them in a day; therefore, one temple or shrine per day is sufficient.

Stroll Through Kyoto’s Historic Districts
Wander through the streets of Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Also, visit the preserved streets of Higashiyama District, which are lined with old wooden buildings. If you go in the evening, please note that you are forbidden to take photos of the geisha walking around, and you should respect that. Some smaller streets are also no-photography zones, meaning no smartphone photos.

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Experience the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing bamboo forest that makes for stunning photographs. The trick is to go as early as possible to beat the crowds. If you come after 9:00 PM, expect a hoard of tourists, which will make your day. I visited Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at 7:00 AM, got out by about 10:00 AM, and was back in Kyoto downtown for lunch. It takes about 50-60 minutes to get here from Kyoto by bus. Read my article on Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Eat at Nishiki Market
Explore Nishiki Market, a bustling covered food market where you can sample local delicacies and purchase souvenirs. While exploring Kyoto, you should also visit several other markets and street malls. However, the Nishiki market is one of the most famous if you love all kinds of Japanese local food and produce. You can also check out my Nishiki Market 4K Walking Tour Video I made.

Visit Nijo Castle
Explore the historic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its splendid architecture, beautiful gardens, and Nightingale floors designed to alert against intruders. There is no actual castle here, but the remains of a turret are still located in one corner. The main palace hall is the star attraction; a fee applies to enter this palace. While visiting this place, I rented a bicycle and cycled around before stopping there.

Take a Photo at the Famous Yasaka Pagoda
This is a catch-22 location, where it’s so famous that literally, thousands of visitors, content creators, KOLs and wannabes will throng this place, upsetting the locals here. On my maiden visit here, I passed through some local homes and the locals were seen frowning at visitors. I wonder what happened here, but this place is one of two must-visit locations in Kyoto.

Try the famous Kyoto cuisine called Obanzai
For any first-timer or food lover, indulging in Kyoto’s traditional cuisine called Obanzai (home-style cooking) is highly recommended. The dish comes with a bowl of rice and many smaller side dishes, which make it enjoyable to sample.
However, the price for the Obanzai can be on the high side, ranging from ¥4000 to ¥8000 per set. So, this will be a one-off experience for anyone up for this. You can find them by checking Google Maps and searching for Obanzai. The one I tried in the photo above is from the town of Arashiyama and cost around ¥4500, which was reasonable.
Where to Stay in Kyoto?
This is a common question, but if you’re like me, I prefer to stay in a modern yet convenient hotel in Kyoto. Therefore, I chose to stay at Travelodge Kyoto Kawarmachi, located along the main Kawaramachi-dori street in downtown Kyoto.
The hotel is so strategic that there are four main bus stops outside the property, and it is a five-minute walk to the Kyoto subway station. From the hotel, you can also take a five-minute walk in both directions to both the Kamo River and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, which connects to several other shopping streets.

Additional Tip: Renting a Bike in Kyoto
For more adventure, you can rent a bike in Kyoto without any issues and cycle around as it is very safe. I wrote an article about a bike rental in Kyoto, which helps you understand the pros and cons of doing this.
Conclusion
Overall, this list of places to visit in Kyoto for first-timers is curated for those over 35 who are more patient and enjoy the slower pace of travel in Japan. If you fall into the 30s bracket, you may want to explore a faster-moving city like Osaka or Tokyo.
Kyoto’s serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage lend themselves to a slower, more contemplative exploration. Each traveller has their own pace, and my suggestions cater to those who prefer a more relaxed experience rather than a rush vacation.