Kyoto is rich in tradition where Japanese culture and customs have been preserved throughout the ages. Kyoto City is located in the Kansai region where it was known as the former imperial capital of Japan for more than a thousand years. The city is also a big part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. Kyoto is definitely a perfect place to indulge in different activities that the locals and even visitors can enjoy and international tourists feel like a real Kyoto resident! Peace, delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine, and stunningly whimsical attractions are just some of the wonders you can experience while you are in Kyoto. Don’t wait for cherry blossom season and come here any time of the year! Scroll below for a list of the best things to do in Kyoto, Japan.
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1. Stroll along the Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama
Located 22 minutes from Kyoto Station, the Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama District is an iconic location and it will be a whimsical place to immerse yourself in especially during early April when the trees become colorful. Japan is not only a country where you can find bustling cities and advanced technology, but it is also a country where you can find well-preserved natural bounty. Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama will have cherry blossoms bloom in April along the canal where restaurants, cafe’s and shrines can also be found as you stroll by. One must visit the zen temple, Honen-in, that will stun you with its beauty especially during autumn when the foliage of the trees will surprise you.
Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama
Address: Tetsugaku-no-michiSakyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu, Japan
2. Shop away at Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is an old market that is 400-year-old and is home to more than 130 shops that are being run by the same family bloodlines throughout the years. You can appreciate the sakes that have more than 200 years of heritage such as Tsunoki. These are iconic because of their sparkling and cloudy sake called “nigorisake.” You can find traditional and special Japanese food everywhere from teas to preserved vegetables. Well, a visit to Japan or even in Kyoto will not be complete without a Japanese knife as a souvenir or eating Japanese seafood before leaving. You can find it all in Nishiki Market. Food lovers are going to have a blast here!
Nishiki Market
Address: Japan, 〒604-8054 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward
Website: Nishiki Market
3. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
Imagine a Buddhist temple in the middle of a large pond where the temple’s reflection is seen on the clear waters. It appears as if the temple is standing on top of a large mirror. Well, if you have not heard of Kinkaku-ji Temple yet, you will be stunned because of its appearance. It is considered the Golden Pavilion in northern Kyoto. It is made out of gold and it will be dazzling when you see it in person. You will have to take a winding path on your way to the temple and you can even have some tea and other desserts along the way.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan
Website: Kinkakuji Temple
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4. Participate in a tea ceremony (from USD 39.0)
Going back in time is one of the reasons why you need to participate in a tea ceremony in Kyoto. A tea ceremony may symbolize success, respect, and celebration. It is a Japanese tradition that has some intimate and special reason attached to it. Tea in Japan is as rich as its culture and diversity, you can try different kinds of tea and the most popular of all is the traditional matcha tea. There are numerous tea houses where you can sit down and have a tea ceremony.
Kyoto Wakwak-kan Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master
Duration: 1 hour
5. Get close to the monkeys at Monkey Park Iwatayama
Are you the type who wants to take the extra mile in order to enjoy nature along with animals? Kyoto can offer an immersive experience for you around the mountainside where you can play, talk, and even chill with the monkeys. Monkey Park Iwatayama will be a bustling tourist attraction and they boast of having 120 snow monkeys. It is located in Arashiyama. However, the park is easily accessible by train and will be perfect to visit during April when the cherry blossoms are at their peak.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Address: 61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-0004, Japan
Website: Monkey Park Iwatayama
6. Wander through Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine is unique and mysterious in a way making it special and a favorite for tourists and locals alike. The lined up Japanese red torii also known as gates creates an interior ambiance that is welcoming and cozy, The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is considered more of a work of art as well as a sacred shrine. It is a favorite of Japanese businessmen because of the tradition of worshiping Inari, the god of business. The torii are also donated or offered by these Japanese businessmen to Inari for good luck in their business ventures.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-Ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan
Website: Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
7. Dine at a restaurant in Pontocho (from USD 163.0)
Located just beside the riverbank of the Kamogawa and 15 minutes from Kyoto Station, the cobbled stone walkway of Pontocho is enchanting and will bring tourists a step back into the olden days along with a wonderful gastronomic experience. This entertainment district will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who would like to try out any of the high-class eateries or restaurants in the area. The food is the best in Kyoto and the ambiance and the water views will surely complete your feast. There are also bistros, hole in the wall izakayas, and Geisha houses here. The wonderful location is also great at night when hospitality is at its best!
Pontocho
Address: Japan, 〒604-8016 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 下樵木町１９６−１
Website: Pontocho
byFood Experience
1) Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour
Indulge in different Japanese dishes, especially Kyoto cuisine, including Sumi Yakiniku or charcoal-grilled meat and fresh seafood skewers. in the beautiful alleys of Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa. Learn how seasonal ingredients are incorporated into the dishes and marvel at the stunning food presentations. The tour will take you to a total of four food and drink stops. You’ll also be visiting a standing bar for sake and even a Japanese sake-tasting shop to learn more! Lastly, enjoy a handmade traditional noodle dish at a local shop.
Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour
Duration: 3hours
8. Relax in the hot springs of Mount Kurama
Who would miss a dip in the hot springs in Japan? Whether you watch Japanese movies or anime, it is an integral part of Japanese culture to relax and chill at natural hot springs. One suggested area in Kyoto is the hot springs of Mount Kurama where you can visit, preferably after a long day or a long week of touring the city. You can choose the traditional ones for a more culture-oriented experience or just settle for the ones that fit your modern needs. You can also visit the Kurama temple where mountain goblins can welcome you in!
Kurama Hot Spring
Address: 520 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1111, Japan
Website: Kurama Hot Spring
9. Find peace at the Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Japanese people are into self-peace and the best way for them to get it is to peacefully meditate in one of the shrines or famous temples of their choice. If you are looking for a palace to find peace in Kyoto, head to the Eikando Zenrinji Temple or the Temple of Eternal Peace. This beautiful temple houses hundreds of monks and it is nestled in the middle of a forest and green spaces giving it peace amidst nature. It is where you can also have Zazen sessions or training but prior reservations are needed.
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Address: ４８ Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8445, Japan
Website: Eikando Zenrinji Temple
10. Picnic under the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park
Finally, a trip in Tokyo would not be complete if you have not experienced the wonderful display of cherry blossoms, Mostly, every early April, there will be cherry blossoms blooming and changing the color of the streets and the trees everywhere. It is a wonderful culture and tradition for Japanese people to celebrate the changing of seasons and appreciating them as they are. Every year, people from Kyoto celebrate spring at Maruyama Park on spring evenings where they gather. You can set up a picnic area just beneath the trees and street food will be available along with sake to maximize the enjoyment of a peaceful picnic evening. This attraction is about an hour away from Itami Airport.
Maruyama Park
Address: ４６３ Maruyamacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0071, Japan
Website: Maruyama Park
11. Kyoto Arashiyama insider walking tour (75 USD)
Once you’re in Kyoto, it’s a must to visit the Tenryuji temple and the breathtaking Arashimaya Bamboo Grove. Magical Trip eases all the hassles away of booking each of these popular tourist destinations by offering this highly rated excursion. The tour includes a local and passionate guide, all the entrance fees to the temples, as well as an authentic Kyoto lunch in a serene and scenic restaurant. So make your trip more magical by booking this four-hour itinerary, allowing you to visit and experience the best of Kyoto in a well-organized, unforgettable, and informative way.
Kyoto Arashiyama insider walking tour
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 75 USD
12. Go on a sake brewery tour (from USD 163.0)
Get to know about Japan’s most famous alcoholic drink by joining this sake brewery tour! The Fushimi Sake District, known for the region’s mineral-rich water, is more than 400 years old and houses 40 breweries.
Apart from the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, you’ll visit several breweries and learn about sake production as well as the details that make each brewery different. The museum houses a brewery that was established in 1637. You’ll also be tasting some of the best sake in the world.
Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District
Duration: 3hours
13. Explore Kyoto's geisha district (from USD 204.0)
The hub of traditional Japanese arts and teahouses, Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, is the perfect place to learn about Japanese culture and history. Go on a beautiful night stroll in the cobbled streets of the district and learn about the geisha culture. A local guide will walk you through the history and culture as you pass by stunning Japanese architecture and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko with the tell-tale sound of their wooden sandals.
The tour ends with a 10-course meal that showcases the richness of the Kaiseki cuisine of Kyoto.
Gion Tour with Kaiseki Meal in Kyoto at Night
Duration: 3hours
Kyoto is just a peaceful and wonderful place
There is nothing better than having a bustling metropolis and nature infused together to create a wonderful city that allows both a busy working itinerary and a relaxing driven vacation. Relaxation and beauty are the traits this Japanese cultural capital offers. Without the culture, the hospitality, the Japanese people’s respect for nature, and their desire for peace and relaxation, Kyoto and the best things to do in the wonderful city would not be uniquely possible.
There are so many other places worth visiting in Kyoto, including Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Kyoto Tower, Kiyomizu Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Plan your holiday in advance so you can see as much as you can!
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