Incredible Things to do in Kyoto That Won't Break the Bank

Kyoto in Japan is full of amazing places and attractions that must be seen, check out these list of things to do in Kyoto that won’t break the bank.

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Do you need to prepare for an upcoming trip to Japan by knowing a list of things to do in Kyoto that won’t break the bank, you have come to the right place in search of a few activities, attractions and beautiful places that can be ideal for any traveller who visits the picturesque city of Japan.

We all know that travelling in Japan can be somewhat costly, that’s not to say that there aren’t amazing things to do in the country that won’t hurt your wallet too much.

The same can be said about the popular tourist city in Kyoto, which is one attraction rolled into another, with the hectic city often keeping you on your feet as you rush around to visit all the amazing places to visit in the region.

Kyoto is a stunning location full of amazing scenery, particularly in the cherry blossom season, there are eye-catching temples that have the incredible infrastructure and a vibrant city centre with a mixture of culture, tradition and modern entity.

Let’s check it out without wasting a further moment of your time, a list of the best things to do in Kyoto that won’t break the bank.

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Incredible Things to do in Kyoto That Won’t Break the Bank.

Incredible Things to do in Kyoto that won’t break the bank

Visit unbelievable Temples

Many temples are situated in and around Kyoto, and often they are located in beautiful locations that are tucked away near unbelievable scenery and highlands.

Many tourists make their way to the temples to catch a glimpse of the incredible infrastructure and designs of the stylish buildings, with each temple visited having their own unique appeal.

Cost: Most temples in Kyoto come with a small entrance fee with the price ranging from 300-600 yen, the admission price is always worth it.

Temples of note to visit in Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kodai-Ji Temple
Tenryu-Ji Temple
Ryoan-Ji Temple

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The Tenryu-Ji Temple in Arashiyama.

Be mesmerised by Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera may be another temple, but this stunning attraction offers so much more than its amazing buildings that captivate this specific area of Kyoto. In the lead up to Kiyomizudera.

In the lead up, there is a busy pedestrian thoroughfare where many tourists and locals are dressed up as Geisha’s in their fine traditional kimono dress, with plenty of markets and food outlets situated along the busy street.

Further, in the Kiyomizudera temple, you’ll find sensational views that overlook the whole Kyoto region.

Cost: Entry to into the main Kiyomizudera temple with the sacred water will cost 300-yen, however, if you want to roam about the temples and witness the stunning views, that will cost you nothing.

Kiyomizudera and Beautiful Kyoto City in Japan.

Explore Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto

Arashiyama is one of the hottest spots to visit in Kyoto or Japan for that matter with amazing scenery, temples, a bamboo forest, beautiful gardens, a monkey forest and a unique township that offers extra vibrancy to the area.

You can make sure to check it out when on vacation in Kyoto and go exploring the picturesque area of Arashiyama.

Cost: Free to roam about the area, but many attractions will cost between 300-600 yen to enter. Find hotels in Arashiyama on Booking.com.

Places of Interest to visit in Arashiyama

Bamboo Grove
Okochi Sanso Garden
Monkey Park
Iwatayama
Tenryu-Ji Temple

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View the stunning scenery of Arashiyama in Kyoto.

Wander the grounds of Heian and Yasaka Shrine

The Heian and Yasaka Shrines offer more incredible snap-worthy infrastructure which can be visited one after the other, being located only 15-minutes apart by foot.

The Heian Shrine is a quieter attraction that comes with a sensation garden that is compulsory viewing, while the Yasaka Shrine offers vibrancy with many tourists due to its central area to other nearby attractions in Kyoto which include Kodaiji and Kiyomizudera.

Cost: Both shrines are free to roam about at will, however, it will cost 600-yen to enter the delightful Heian Shrine Gardens. Absolutely worth it and a must do in Kyoto.

The Heian Shrine Garden.

Explore the city streets of Kyoto

The city streets of Kyoto can be fascinating, to say the least, in areas you have modern style areas with flush shopping malls, modern business districts and fine-dining restaurants.

Then, there are the quiet back streets that have a real Japanese feel about it, with traditional housing, restaurants and local business set-up throughout back streets. the best part about the whole of Kyoto city is its cleanliness, but that is a common trait in Japan.

Cost: Free to explore and roam the city streets to see the top things to do in Kyoto.

Best Places to go in Kyoto City

Kyoto Station
Nijo Castle
Nishiki Market
Downtown Kyoto (for shopping)
Kyoto Tower

Walk the streets of Kyoto.

Visit Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a popular attraction for tourist with its central location to the city which is easily accessible by train and bus.

It’s a must to add Nijo Castle to the list and view the classic architecture of the buildings, the surrounding gardens and the fine artwork on display inside the main castle.

Cost: It cost 600-yen to enter the gates of Nijo Castle.

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Nijo Castle.

Check out the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Located in the Imperial Park and only a stone throw from Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is another historic attraction that was once used to house the Emperor of Japan.

In this Palace, you can view more unique structures and beautiful gardens during you walk through a kingdom fit for an Emperor.

Cost: Free entry and includes an optional free tour with an English guide through the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Go for a stroll along Kamo River

If you are someone who loves to take a relaxing stroll in the great outdoors, you’ll love to wander the banks of the Kamo River and admire the picturesque scenery that surrounds you and traditional Japanese restaurants on the other side.

It’s a popular spot to relax at the river side, listen to music from your smartphone and chill in Kyoto for a little while.

Cost: It’s absolutely nothing to lose a few calories and enjoy a relaxing stroll on the banks of Kamo River.

Kamo River in Kyoto Japan, all those structures on the left are famous Japanese restaurants that will cost a bit.

Get cultural in a variety of Pedestrian Thoroughfares

Tourist and locals saturate the popular pedestrian thoroughfares that are located in the Kyoto city and create a lively atmosphere on the streets.

Whether you are roaming about during the day or making the most of the popular nightlife, these thoroughfares offers marketplaces, street food, tea houses and a cultural dining experience to give the tourist a real Japanese treat.

Cost: free to lose yourself in a wave of people and explore the popular tourist streets of Kyoto.

Pedestrian thoroughfares to visit

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Ninenzaka

Wander Ninenzaka, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare.

Divulge in Delicious Japanese Food

Japanese food, that’s right, delicious Japanese food, Kyoto Style. Who doesn’t love to try a variety of food in a range of budgets at stylish restaurants, street food or lavish food courts and divulge in tasty local foods.

Get those noodles, soup and sushi into you and enjoy nice cold Asahi beer while your at it. Why not? You’re on holidays.

Cost: Choose your own budget on this one, the prices can vary.

Try various Japanese foods at different budgets.

Get lost inside Fushimi Inari Taisha

One of the most visited attractions in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine mesmerises with it elegantly designed structures and the famous Orange Torii Gates that creates a walk to remember.

In Fushimi, there is over 10K gates to walk through inside several kilometres of track to conquer to see them all, that is if you have the stamina of course.

Cost: Free to wander and take an incredible walk through the famous Torii Gates that is seen in the 2005 movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”.

There you have it, incredible things to do in Kyoto that won’t break the bank, because even in Japan, you can enjoy a fantastic adventure without spending too much money.