10 Things to Do in Kyoto on a Small Budget

How do you enjoy Kyoto on a budget? For starters, the city is steeped in history, which means there are countless historical sites like shrines and temples to be enjoyed for free or very cheaply. Without spending any money, you can walk around famous sightseeing spots like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Togetsu-bashi Bridge, and Maruyama Park, as well as beautiful streets like Sanenizaka and Yasaka-dori, lined with traditional wooden townhouses.
<a href=“/go/japan/kyoto”>Kyoto</a> also teaches its history through many facilities designed precisely for that purpose. The city’s many museums, art galleries, and observation decks are inexpensive and hugely enjoyable. Here we’ve compiled a list on ways to save money in Kyoto and some of the best places to visit for great affordable fun.

1. Kyomizu-dera Temple

The most visited temple in Kyoto

Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Budget

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the most visited temple in Kyoto. Among its many attractions, Kiyomizu no Butai (the stage of Kiyomizu) in front of the main hall, is a must-see. The views of Kyoto city from the stage are well worth a look, while the view of the stage from the outside is also magnificent. It’s incredible that not even a single nail was used to construct the pillars supporting the stage.
Elsewhere, Zuigu-do Hall offers Tainai-Meguri, meaning “walking through the womb.” This dark underground hall is considered to be the womb of Mahapratisara (Daizuigu Bosatsu). The beauty of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is hard to explain in words. But it’s safe to say that this temple is worth visiting time and again. Read more

Location: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan

Phone: +81 (0)755-51-1234

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2. Maruyama Park

Kyoto’s oldest park

Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget

Opened in 1886, Maruyama Park is the oldest park in Kyoto. This circuit-style Japanese garden, around 21 acres, is known for its magnificent sakura (cherry blossom) trees and is crowded with people in springtime who come to see the glorious flowers. A particular variety called the weeping cherry tree, the park’s centerpiece, is just spectacular.
The garden, with its rich greenery, displays the scenic beauty of nature whatever season you visit. Don’t miss the event in March when hundreds of bamboo lanterns are placed on the Yoshimizu Stream flowing through the park. The park’s Chorakukan Cafe, a building originally constructed in 1909, provides delightful desserts and afternoon tea while you soak up the spectacularly beautiful surroundings.

Location: 473 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan

Phone: +81 (0)755-31-0088

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3. Kyoto National Museum

Over a century of Japanese history

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

Kyoto National Museum showcases over a century of history, displaying Japanese works of art, antiques, and cultural treasures. The Heisei Chishinkan Wing is where most collections are exhibited. Discover national treasures and culturally significant items like Buddist statues and paintings, as well as fine arts and crafts that you otherwise might only have seen in textbooks.
The museum regularly holds special exhibitions, often held outdoors. Check their online schedule of events before your visit. Also, it’s a good idea to set aside some time to see the impressive Meiji Kotokan Hall, and take a stroll around the grounds to truly take in the magnificence of the main gate and the building itself, which are designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties.

Location: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0931, Japan

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 (0)755-25-2473

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4. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

A temple in the midst of lush greenery

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located in the peaceful Oku-Sagano mountains. Entering the grounds’ lush greenery, you’ll be welcomed by 1200 small moss-covered stone statues representing the disciples of Buddha. Each with a different whimsical expression, you won’t be able to help smiling. The temple’s main hall and the image of Avalokiteshwara, the 1000-armed Buddist deity who banishes evil spirits, have been designated as culturally important.
If you touch the golden Kannon statues, it’s said you’ll be physically and emotionally healed. Further up the hillside, you’ll encounter the Sambo-no-Kane (Bells of the Three Treasures), which you can ring for good luck. This gorgeous temple is near other sightseeing spots such as Togetsu-kyo Bridge and only a 5-minute drive from Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Location: 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8439, Japan

Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 9 am to 4.15 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

Phone: +81 (0)758-65-1231

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5. Yasaka Street

A beautiful street bursting with history

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

The half-mile long Yasaka Street leads to Yasaka Pagoda, also known as the Hokan-ji Temple. Both sides of the narrow cobblestoned alley are lined with elegant, traditional Kyoto townhouses. Being a popular spot to experience the “real Kyoto”, this street has often featured on TV. The area around Yasaka Street has a long history, with evidence of teahouses existing here over a thousand year ago.
During the reign of Emperor Showa in the 20th century, urban improvement was carried out and efforts were made to preserve the history of this special district. The neighborhood is rich with historic sites like Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, and Kongo-ji Temple, adorned with hundreds of colorful balls containing visitors’ wishes.

Location: Yasaka, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

6. Nidec Kyoto Tower

The city’s sky-high icon

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget

The imposing but welcoming Kyoto Tower has become a true landmark. Kyoto is nowhere near the sea but the tower is said to have been created in the image of a lighthouse illuminating the city of Kyoto. It’s the tallest construction in the city, featuring an observation deck 328 feet high, commanding 360-degree panoramic views of historic sites, including Chion-in Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Toji Temple.
Kyoto Tower also includes a fabulous rooftop bar and BBQ, a separate terrace restaurant offering exquisite cuisine with views to match as well as a large food hall and market. Regular workshops are also held, in everything from sushi and Japanese sweet making to traditional crafts. Check online for details and booking info.

Location: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8216, Japan

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm

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7. Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

The go-to place for admiring Japanese arts

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, designed by Japanese painter Insho Domoto, was established in 1966. Later, it was donated to Kyoto Prefecture, and after renovation, the museum reopened in March 2018. The renovation work was done under the concept of making the museum more approachable. The front gate was widened and the external space was expanded to allow more outdoor events.
Within the museum, you’ll discover carefully selected works of art, including those created by Insho Domoto himself, on display in permanent exhibitions. The collection includes around 2,600 pieces, from traditional paintings to abstract works. In addition, special events are often held, like pottery exhibitions, music concerts, and gallery tours, where museum curators provide expert commentaries on the artworks.

Location: 26-3 Hirano Kamiyanagicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8355, Japan

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 (0)754-63-0007

8. Mandoroyama Observation Deck

Magnificent panoramas to behold

Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget

Mandoroyama Observation Deck is a stunning viewpoint up Mandoro Mountain. At nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Kizu River and the southern areas of the cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Ikoma. The views from here are said to be the most extensive and beautiful in Kyoto. Look slightly to the right to spot Kyoto Tower and to the south to see the highest peak in the region, Mount Ikoma.
There’s a single road leading to the top of the mountain, but it’s difficult for vehicles to pass. Instead of driving here, you might enjoy walking the scenic mountain trail from Yamashiro-Taga Station. It takes about an hour and is staggeringly beautiful.

Location: Taga Omine, Ide-cho, Tsuzuki District, Kyoto 610-0302, Japan

Phone: +81 (0)774-82-6162

9. Otabe Honkan

Make your own sweet treats

Good for: History, Food, Budget

At Otabe Honkan, you can try your hand at making Kyoto’s famous candy. When it comes to Japanese sweets and desserts, many people think of the Otabe brand that produces confectionary known as yatsuhashi, which can be baked or raw. Within the Otabe flagship store, yatsuhashi-making lessons are offered using premium ingredients from their onsite factory. You can make 3 varieties: cinnamon, matcha, and purple yam. All of which can be enjoyed with a lovely cup of green tea.
After mixing the ingredients, while the dough steams, you can enjoy an informative factory tour where the whole production line can be observed. This is a very popular place, so make sure you book well in advance.

Location: 35-2 Nishikujo Takahatacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto 601-8446, Japan

Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: +81 (0)756-81-8284

10. Kyoto International Manga Museum

All the manga you could dream of

Good for: Families, History, Photo, Budget

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is the fruit of a collaboration between Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, which, since 2006, has its own Faculty of Manga. Here you can enjoy as many as 300,000 pieces of Japanese and international manga-related material.
It’s called a museum but it’s more like a library as you can read manga books as much as you like from the collection of about 50,000 books, ranging from famous masterpieces to the latest publications. Thanks to much of the material on display being translated into multiple languages, you can immerse yourself in Japanese comics and graphic novels to your heart’s content. At the museum’s cafe, enjoy original signed artworks by manga artists adorning the walls.

Location: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0846, Japan

Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

Phone: +81 (0)752-54-7414

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