Is Kyoto Overcrowded? Local Tips to Avoid Tourist Crowds
James Saunders-Wyndham
Table of contents:
I can personally confirm that SOME of Kyoto’s popular tourist spots have become overcrowded. For example, the path leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) is the worst of these sightseeing spots.
As a Kyoto resident, I regularly see it for myself.
- Social media posts show massive crowds leading up to Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺).
- Reports of harassment of geisha in the famed Gion district.
- Stress and resentment from Japanese locals is growing.
But, the truth is that much of Kyoto’s overtourism problems are limited to a few key areas that everyone tells you, "you must see!"
As a local resident, I feel like the top Kyoto sights are losing their value due to the tourist congestion that stick to these famous areas.
Despite what I just told you, my daily life in Japan's old capital is not really impacted by the tourist hordes. This is because I try to avoid Kyoto's must-see places in my day-to-day life.
Most days, I can visit temples in Kyoto without feeling pressured by the thousands of tourists that travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. Trust me! If you just walk away from these tourist traps, you'll get to experience the real Kyoto.
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1. The Overcrowded Tourist Spots in Kyoto
Picture this - It’s early April (cherry blossom season) I'm walking up the path leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) and it is wall-to-wall foot traffic… Not much chance for a great photo opportunity.
Now picture a snowy winter scene at the Golden Pavilion (金閣寺 - kinkakuji). It got so packed that people were pushing one another for the best spot for photos. It’s the same at all the big temple spots.
The bamboo grove in Arashiyama (嵐山) and red torii gates at Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷) turn into human traffic jams. I have great photos of the red gates at Fushimi Inari, but I got there at 5am to avoid the crowds that start at 7am.
I'm NOT saying "don't go there." These places represent Kyoto and tourist naturally want to see these places. However, I am saying that you need to choose your time carefully and make wise decisions about when to go to these famous spots.
Check out 👉 our three-day Kyoto itinerary for the best times to discover Kyoto's famous landmarks!
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2. Strategies to Avoid Crowds in Kyoto: Insider Tips
Temple visits aren't just about checking boxes on a tourist map. My best Kyoto experiences come from visiting an empty shrine garden or sitting in a Zen Buddhist temple listening to wind blow through the trees. That's when Kyoto's spirit really touches your soul.
2.1. Hidden Gem Temples in Kyoto: Peaceful Alternatives to Crowded Sites
Here are my personal picks to help you experience a less crowded Kyoto:
- Nishi Hongan-ji (西本願寺): This massive wooden temple is a UNESCO (world cultural heritage site) treasure that somehow stays peaceful. If you pick the right time of day, it will seem like you have the place to yourself!
- Genko-an Temple (源光庵): The garden views steal my breath every time and it has a history connection so fascinating they should make a movie about it. This is one of the five Kyoto temples with a ‘ceiling of blood’.
- Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (愛宕念仏寺): This place is a hidden-gem! 1,200 stone figures will keep you company and you will be rarely disturbed by other visitors. Plus, the surrounding area is stunning and undiscovered by most tourists.
- Heian-Jingu Shrine (平安神宮): This shrine was built to celebrate 1,100 years of Kyoto as the capital of Japan. The giant red tori gate is a grand sight and the Shinto gardens are not to be missed.
- Shoden-ji Temple (正伝寺): Few people know about this place and even fewer go there. This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Its grounds are small, but it is Kyoto Zen at its best. This is also one of the five Kyoto temples with a ‘ceiling of blood’, like Genkou-an Temple.
Friends visiting me always say the same thing - "This isn't the crowded Kyoto I was expecting!" Truth is, most tourists follow the same path between famous spots like a connect-the-dots game. Tourist crowds stick to specific spots and then report that they didn’t think much about Kyoto.
3. Alternative Ways to Experience Kyoto: Eco-Tours & Hidden Gems
Kyoto isn’t just about famous temples—there are hidden nature escapes, off-the-beaten-path villages, and cultural experiences that avoid the tourist crush. If you want to explore Kyoto in a sustainable way, these eco-tours introduce you to Kyoto’s lesser-known side.
4. Where to Stay in Kyoto to Avoid the Crowds
5. Essential Kyoto Travel Tips: Timing and Planning to Beat the Crowds
Living in Kyoto has taught me to read tourist crowds like a local reads the weather. The peak tourist seasons hit Kyoto like waves - some gentle, others overwhelming - it often depends on the season that tourist travel. Let me share what I've learned about these patterns.
5.1. Peak Tourist Seasons in Kyoto: When to Expect Crowds
- 桜の季節 (sakura no kisetsu) - Cherry blossom season floods the city from late March to mid-April
- 紅葉 (kouyou) - Fall colors bring another surge mid-November to early December
- Japanese holidays pack the streets during ゴールデンウィーク (Golden Week) in May and お盆 (Obon) in August
- Weekends see local tourists joining international visitors
5.2. The Best Times to Visit Kyoto for a Tranquil Experience
- Visit Kyoto’s famous temples right when they open (usually 9 or 10 AM). The morning air still carries that sacred temple smell, and sometimes I'm alone except for the monks doing their morning routines.
- Evening hours after 4 PM hide another treasure. When tour groups head back to their hotels, even busy spots like Kiyomizu-dera quiet down. The sunset paints the temples in golden light, and you might hear temple bells clearly without tourist chatter.
- Summer festivals (夏祭り-natsu matsuri) change everything. During Gion Festival (祇園祭– gion matsuri), everyone crowds downtown for the festivities. This leaves temple areas surprisingly peaceful.
- Winter brings my favorite quiet season. The cold keeps many tourists away, and sometimes I find myself alone at famous temples, watching snow dust their ancient roofs.
6. Smart Strategies for Avoiding Crowds
Twenty years in Kyoto has taught me every trick for dodging tourist crowds. Some worked great, others failed miserably. Let me share what actually works, learned through plenty of trial and error with visiting friends.
My tested survival guide for peaceful temple visits:
- Hit famous temples at 開門時間 (kaimon jikan - opening time). The morning sun makes even crowded spots like Kinkaku-ji feel magical. One morning, I had the entire Golden Pavilion to myself for almost 30 minutes.
- Sneak through hidden paths. Big temples hide secret routes most tourists never find. At Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷), I discovered back trails leading to the same stunning views, minus the selfie sticks.
- Skip the famous spots entirely. While tourists pack Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), I take friends to Genkou-an (源光庵). The garden there tells deeper stories about old Kyoto.
- Wait for evening quiet. After 4 PM, even busy temples empty out. The monks say evening prayers bring special energy - I feel it most when tourist crowds fade away.
FAQs
Is Kyoto too crowded for tourists to enjoy?
While popular attractions can get busy, especially during peak seasons, Kyoto is still very enjoyable. Many less-visited temples, neighborhoods, and natural areas offer a peaceful experience. With smart planning and timing, you can avoid the worst crowds.
When is the best time to visit popular sites in Kyoto?
To avoid crowds, visit major attractions early in the morning (around opening time) or later in the evening. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons like late autumn or winter for a more relaxed experience.
Are there any less crowded alternatives to famous Kyoto attractions?
Yes, there are many beautiful, less-visited spots in Kyoto. Consider exploring temples like Tofuku-ji or Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, walking the Philosopher's Path, or visiting the Arashiyama area beyond the main bamboo grove. These offer similar charm with fewer tourists.
How can I experience authentic Kyoto culture away from tourist crowds?
Explore residential neighborhoods like Nishijin or the back streets of Gion for a glimpse of local life. Visit smaller temples and shrines, especially in the morning or evening. Consider taking part in traditional activities like tea ceremonies or cooking classes in less touristy areas.
Is it worth visiting Kyoto despite concerns about overcrowding?
Absolutely. Kyoto's rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination. While some popular spots can get crowded, the city offers countless experiences and hidden gems that make it well worth exploring. With proper planning, you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit.
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James Saunders-Wyndham
I've been immersed in Japanese culture and daily life for over 30 years and am proud to call Japan my home. Originally from Australia, my journey has taken me from teaching at Japanese universities to traveling extensively across the country, uncovering its hidden gems. As a web developer, I built Romancing Japan from the ground up to share these experiences with you. Whether it's the charm of old Kyoto, the pulse of Tokyo, or the tranquility of the countryside, I love helping others discover the magic of Japan—one story at a time.
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