In 2024, Kyoto, already a top destination for international travelers, is poised to unveil even more captivating experiences. This historic city, renowned for its seamless blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, is set to introduce a variety of new attractions and events that promise to enhance its allure.
This article will guide you through these exciting additions, ranging from exclusive temple events celebrating the Year of the Dragon to groundbreaking art exhibitions and innovative entertainment spaces. Join us as we explore what makes Kyoto an ever-evolving treasure trove for visitors in 2024. These are the 10 best things to do in Kyoto 2024.
Apart from this list, if you’re looking for a list of things to do in Osaka for your first-ever visit, you can also check out our list of the 30 best things to do in Osaka in general from the following article.
▶️30 Best Things to Do in Kyoto
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1. New Hotels Opening in 2024
2024 is a year with exciting new hotel openings across Japan, and Kyoto is no exception. Staying at a brand-new hotel is a luxurious experience you can’t always have, so it may be worth taking into account staying at one of the new hotels if you happen to visit Kyoto at the right time.
Here are some of the more anticipated hotel openings for the year 2024.
Six Senses Kyoto
Opening in spring 2024, Six Senses Kyoto (シックスセンシズ 京都), nestled in the culturally vibrant Higashiyama district, offers a blend of sustainability and luxury.
With 81 modern Japanese-style rooms and suites, guests can enjoy views of the city, gardens, or the historic Toyokuni Shrine. The hotel is close to key attractions like Myoho-in Temple and Kyoto National Museum. Its location in Kyoto’s historical heart provides easy access to cultural sites, nature trails, and local culinary delights, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
The Hilton Kyoto, set to open in the lively Sanjo-Kawaramachi area, the heart of downtown Kyoto, offers a blend of convenience and cultural immersion.
This 313-room hotel is within walking distance of renowned sites like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, and the historic Gion district. Guests can savor authentic Japanese cuisine nearby Nishiki Market or the atmospheric Pontocho dining area. The hotel boasts easy access to public transport, being minutes away from Kyoto City Hall and Sanjo Stations, and a short drive from Kyoto Station.
Facilities include four dining outlets, a fitness center, a spa, an indoor pool, an executive lounge, and meeting rooms, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay in one of Japan’s most historic cities.
Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa
Opening in April 2024, the Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa (メルキュール京都宮津リゾート&スパ), previously Hotel & Resorts KYOTO-MIYAZU, offers a serene escape in Kyoto.
Its spacious guest rooms, each over 36 square meters, feature stunning seasonal views. Guests can enjoy local Kyoto Miyazu cuisine in an elegant buffet setting and relax by the garden pool overlooking the scenic Amanohashidate. The resort also features a luxurious spa with outdoor baths and a sauna for ultimate rejuvenation. Dedicated to providing warm hospitality, this resort ensures a comfortable and memorable stay in the heart of Kyoto’s natural beauty.
2. The Nintendo Museum
Set to open by the end of March 2024, The Nintendo Museum (ニンテンドーミュージアム) in Kyoto is an exciting development for gamers and enthusiasts.
This museum is a renovation of the former Uji Ogura Plant of Nintendo, transforming it into a space where visitors can explore and experience Nintendo’s extensive history of products. In October 2023, Nintendo’s official Instagram unveiled the museum’s logo and a building featuring a ‘Question Block’ on the rooftop, signaling its progress towards completion.
As of now, only the official name, logo, and rooftop design have been revealed, making this museum one of the most anticipated openings of 2024 for gaming fans.
3. Nintendo KYOTO
Opened on October 17, 2023, Nintendo KYOTO is the brand’s third official store, located in the Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center.
It offers a wide range of merchandise from iconic games like “Super Mario” and “The Legend of Zelda,” featuring over 1500 items including toys, apparel, and snacks. The store is easily identifiable by a giant Super Mario statue and also houses exclusive “Nintendo KYOTO Series” products. Visitors can enjoy a memorable photo opportunity with a Mario statue on the rooftop, making it an exciting destination for fans and collectors of Nintendo merchandise.