Is Kyoto Worth It? (Let’s Be Real about the Crowds)

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Okay, so let’s talk about Kyoto. It’s a city in Japan everyone wants to visit, right? Postcard-perfect temples, serene gardens, delicious food… but then you hear the negative media and even comments from locals: “It’s so crowded.” Even my wife, who’s Japanese, groans when I mention Kyoto. She’s like, “Seriously? That place? With all the tourists?”

As someone planning a trip, you’re probably feeling the dilemma. You want to see the iconic sights, the ones you’ve been dreaming about since you started planning your trip to Japan, but you don’t want to spend your vacation elbow-to-elbow with crowds or pay crazy prices for it. So, we must ask the question: Is Kyoto actually worth it, or should you just skip it?

I’m here to tell you that Kyoto absolutely can be worth it, and I’m going to show you how to make it an awesome experience! Let’s dive in.

Why You Should Still Give Kyoto a Chance

Here’s why I think Kyoto deserves a spot on your travel itinerary:

Seriously Rich History: Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, giving it over a thousand years of cultural history filled with traditions different from the Japan we know now. The gardens around the old imperial grounds are absolutely stunning, perfect for peaceful walks. You’ll also find over 2,000 temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since Kyoto avoided the World War II bombings, you’re seeing the real deal rather than reconstruction. Plus, there are many awesome museums to add to the cultural learning and perspectives.

Former Imperial Palace in Kyoto Japan
The Imperial family lived in this palace when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Tourists are not allowed inside the palace, but the extensive gardens around the palace can be walked and viewed in about an hour.

Photo Op Heaven: Without a doubt, Kyoto is a photographer’s dream. Sites like the Golden Pavilion (金閣寺), the gardens of the Silver Pavilion (銀閣寺), the panoramic city view from Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), and the 10,000 red Torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷神社) are what photographers from all around the world come to Kyoto for. All this architectural beauty is jam-packed into one city, so you can see it all without wasting a ton of time traveling between places.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto Japan
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most visited attractions in Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto Japan
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is high up the hill and provides great views of Kyoto City.

Foodie Paradise: You have to try the tofu in Kyoto! It’s seriously better than other tofu, thanks to the super soft water they use to make it. The kaiseki meals (multi-course traditional Japanese feasts) at the hotels and inns are incredible. They include the best tofu and other seasonal delicacies. And, if you’re into matcha, you’re in luck! The Uji region, just outside of Kyoto, is famous for it. You can sip on some high-quality matcha at a restaurant, hotel, or even during a traditional tea ceremony (served with a Japanese sweet, of course!). It’s truly amazing.

Hidden Gems and Zen Vibes: Even though the main attractions are swarming with people, there are plenty of less crowded spots.

    • Ryoan-ji Rock Garden – One of the most famous gardens in Japan for its beauty, simplicity, and mystery, the Ryoan-ji Rock Garden is a must-see. It’s considered one of the finest examples of a Japanese Zen temple garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I would recommend avoiding cherry blossom season and midday crowds for a better experience.
    • Nanzen-ji Temple gardens – Often less crowded, these serene gardens are stunning around this Zen Buddhist temple complex.
    • Sanjusangendo – This temple displays 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Although quite a popular attraction, an evening walk around the beautiful temple grounds can be a less crowded experience.
  2. The Warmth of Kyoto: The city and people of Kyoto have long depended on tourism as an essential industry. This has allowed Kyoto to develop the warmth and hospitality Japan is so well-known for. However, Kyoto was hit hard financially when tourism wasn’t allowed during the pandemic. The economy is still recovering, so your visit not only means a great travel experience for you, but it also helps the city and its people recover financially. I assure you that you’ll get much more from the experience than it will cost you.
Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto Japan
Although I took this photo of the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji, a few years ago, I still remember the shiny gold that makes this site in Kyoto so iconic.
Fushimi Inari Shrine grounds with red torii gates in Kyoto Japan
When I walked the grounds of Fushimi Inari Shrine to view the 10,000 red torii gates, I wished I had planned the timing of my visit better.

Timing is Key (Seriously!)

If you want to beat the crowds, timing is your best friend. Here are the best times to go:

  1. Late Winter to Early Spring (Mid-January to Early March): Okay, so you might miss the cherry blossoms, but you’ll catch the stunning plum tree blossoms that bloom earlier. Plus, fewer crowds!
  2. Post-Golden Week (Mid-May Onwards): Golden Week (a week of holidays at the beginning of May in Japan) brings out many domestic tourists, so avoiding Japan during that time is a smart move.
  3. Autumn (Mid-October to Early November): If you can get away during this time, the fall colors are incredible, the crowds are generally smaller than in spring, and airfare is often a bit cheaper. This post gives more insight about airfare fluctuations.

And when you’re in Kyoto, the time of day matters just as much. Hit the sites you want to see early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening to avoid the worst of the crowds. And try to stick to weekdays over weekends if you can.

Let's Go Off the Beaten Path (Hidden Gems Await)

You know, with a bit of planning, you can totally immerse yourself in Kyoto’s lesser-known treasures. These places offer a much more serene, authentic experience:

  1. The Philosopher’s Path: This canal path is perfect for a relaxing walk. You’ll find cute little temples and art galleries along the way. It’s particularly awesome during cherry blossom season, but also great to enjoy any time of year.
  2. ​Daigo-ji Temple: It’s a UNESCO site known for its landscaping and an impressive pagoda. The gardens are huge, making it easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy the peace.
  3. Kyoto Imperial Palace East Gardens: These beautifully landscaped gardens are free to enter and offer stunning views of the palace and surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent spot for leisurely strolls or picnics away from tourist hotspots.
  4. The Bamboo Path: Yeah, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a big deal, but the Bamboo Path (竹の道) is just as stunning, and without the same crowds. You’ll get that same immersive experience of walking among the towering bamboo.
The Bamboo Path in Kyoto Japan
Instead of going to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, consider The Bamboo Path (竹の道) as a much less crowded alternative.

Kyoto is worth visiting—its popularity and crowds are testament to that fact! The city’s three most famous attractions are the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Golden Pavilion. While these sites are spectacular even with crowds, you can enhance your Kyoto experience by visiting during off-peak hours and exploring lesser-known hidden attractions that are true gems in and of themselves.

So, is Kyoto worth the hype? Absolutely! Even with the crowds, Kyoto’s cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and incredible food make it a must-see destination. But remember, the real magic comes from exploring beyond the tourist trail. Find those quiet moments in the serene gardens, savor the authentic flavors of Kyoto cuisine, and connect with the warmth of the locals. Your experience will be that much more memorable, and the city will also appreciate your patronage.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! What level of interest do you have in Kyoto? Would you include Kyoto in your travels to Japan?

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