Oideyasu to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. While Tokyo is the modern capital city, Kyoto reins the cultural capital. This is where you can indulge in more Japanese traditions and national treasures than anywhere else in the country!
There are many recognisable sites to see, including the iconic Kinkakuji Temple and the infamous tangerine Fushimi Inari gates.
Boasting a long-standing heritage of Geisha culture, Samurai warriors and historical sites – Kyoto is the core of Japan.
Gion District
Gion is a district in Kyoto not to be missed. It is recognised for its geishas that reside here, whom you can see heading to work in the evenings.
The historic district is loaded with things to see, including the biggest festival in Kyoto which takes place for 2 weeks in July. The festivities include a parade of floats and people dressed in traditional outfits, with plenty of food stalls and loudspeakers playing customary music.
There are opportunities to meet some of the 200 geishas living in Gion, during a Geisha Experience. You can see their makeup, dress and accessories, as well as learn about their manners and way of life.
There are multiple options, including a private dinner or lunch show in an authentic setting. Naturally, Gion is the best place to participate in traditional Geisha rituals, especially tea ceremonies.
Kinkakuji Temple
Easily the most recognisable asset of Japan, the water’s edge Kinkakuji Temple is one thing you cannot miss whilst in Kyoto.
Head there for a wander along the riverside and admire its shining golden pavilion and tranquil surroundings. This is the spot to enjoy some downtime and unwind on a restful stroll.
Its soothing reflections of sloped roofs and maple trees of flaming oranges and burgundy may flare your artistic eye. Feel free to take the time to wind down with a painting of its beauty to make the moment last.
As Kinkakuji is easily the most famous temple in Japan, you’ll want to get there early to surpass the crowds. Opening hours are between 9 am and 5 pm and there are plenty of zen garden spaces to roam. Call the tea shop for a relaxing cup.
Be sure to keep hold of your ticket for good luck!
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Gates
It is also incredibly likely you recognise the bright orange Fushimi Inari Gates. The 10,000 Shinto shrines will lead you on a trail through the city, each gate donated by local companies hoping for good fortune. This is a wonderful way to explore Kyoto and its culture.
Its high altitude offers opportunities for hiking, with an assortment of noodle bars and tea shops to keep you tame along the road. You will be led past big-name attractions like the Waterfalls of Purification and Tofukuji Temple which are worth a visit on your way.
As an added bonus – find the hidden bamboo forest somewhere off the beaten path. This is the rival of the more popular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, minus the busy tourists!
As one of the most visited places in Japan, it is best to arrive earlier or later to avoid peak times.
Samurai and Ninja Museum
Take the ninjas to the best indoor experience in the city. The Samurai and Ninja Museum in the city centre is the only place you can train with a real samurai sword!
The museum is the first of its kind, and in a day and age where there are little to no ninjas left in the world, this is an excellent way to experience this legendary part of Japanese culture.
The interactive exhibits include a samurai sword show, special ninja training and even a samurai sword cutting lesson where you can make a model to take home.
The museum is stimulating for every age group – from genin to jōnin! There are costumes to be tried on, so you can fully immerse yourself in the warrior lifestyle.
Learn about the Edo period and local Samurai and ninja history at the exhibits and see an impressive collection of katanas.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Visit Japan’s most famous bamboo forest, just west of downtown Kyoto.
Wander through the thousands of towering chutes that climb up to the sky in a truly Japanese fashion. You will be guaranteed to be left gobsmacked by the (not so) secret forest of Arashiyama, as well as its inhabitants of wild monkeys that walk right up to you to be fed!
This is truly one of the best ways to experience the beauty that is Kyoto’s nature. Surprisingly, there are enough eateries nearby to be spoiled for choice, so carrying lunch is not an option. There are also plenty of temples worth visiting to fully absorb the Japanese culture.
As one of the most photographed sites in the country, be sure not to leave your camera at home – unless you plan to let the power of nature swallow you whole!
Open 24 hours a day to the public, feel free to gander at this completely complimentary exhibit day or night. A full half-day is recommended to fully enjoy the sights of the route.
Onsen Bath
With relaxation and healing at the centre of their culture, Kyoto’s Onsen baths are a no-brainer for anyone hoping to further take time for themselves in a local fashion.
The volcanic hot springs are scientifically proven to have healing properties for the body. This is why they were known to be used by the Samurai warriors through the 7th century to heal their war wounds.
Many people travel far and wide to use traditional baths for relaxation purposes, as well as to treat physical ailments. You can enjoy indoor and outdoor baths, or their modern cousin – public baths, which are of a non-natural origin.
There are a few rules to remember when embarking on this custom: Many onsens do not permit tattoos for spiritual reasons; no clothes are allowed in the baths, only a hand towel; and you must clean yourself sitting down.
Whilst the tradition is long-standing and the lack of coverage is no shock for the locals, some visitors may find it more relaxing to enjoy a private bath to themselves. There are many private options available around Kyoto.
Japanese Gardens
The most famous Japanese garden in the world can be found in Kyoto, which is why these peaceful parks land a very important position on your bucket list.
Ryoan-ji, also known as the Temple of the Peaceful Dragon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Ryoan-ki is like casting your gaze over a mini-Earth. Like all zen gardens, its makeup is said to reflect parts of the world: the large rocks are mountains, the smaller ones are hills; the circle patterns in the sand are said to represent the waves.
It is a wonderfully grounding place to reconnect with the world; enjoy some meditation and observe a section of history. The garden was made famous by its visit from Queen Elizabeth during the 70s.
Other gardens worth a trip to include Kenninji (which is near Gion) and Kodaiji, close to the Kiyomizu Temple.
Nishiki Market
If you’re a foodie, chances are, Nishiki Market may just be your favourite place in Kyoto!
Known as ‘The Kitchen of Kyoto’, you can guarantee the quality of the food by the chefs that purchase their produce here daily. The freshest catches, picks and cuts can all be found among the hundreds of stalls at Nishiki.
If you discover something you like at a restaurant, it is pretty certain you’ll be able to find it here. Cook up your own version of traditional Japanese dishes and impress your guests with exciting ingredients.
If you’re on the hungry side or don’t have time to cook, there are plenty of stalls selling freshly prepared dishes and meals to entertain hungry bellies. It is best to come with an empty stomach, an empty bag and an open mind to make the most of Nishiki Market!
Favourites include the hundreds of years old, Sengyo Kimura fish shops, where you can find all your unagi eel, sea urchins and octopi. We strongly recommend snacking on some seafood nibbles while you explore the rest of the stores!
Find it right next to the Samurai and Ninja Museum.
Tea Ceremony
Since tea ceremonies are a long-standing part of Japanese culture, this is a must-do activity for all who visit Kyoto.
‘The Way of Tea’ is an essential cleansing ceremony, which can be tried out in many places around the city. For those interested in the Zen Buddist culture of Japan, want to learn more about the country’s heritage, or simply love drinking matcha, try out a tea ceremony.
The best place to do so is in the historic district of Gion. Its extensive heritage will assure the utmost authenticity in Kyoto. Maikoya offers a number of sessions, including those where you can rent a kimono for the full experience.
Have your photo taken around the grounds, in the zen garden and with the Geishas. This is very popular with honeymoons. Consume a preparation of powdered green tea and traditional Japanese sweets. There is an alternative session which is led by a Geisha, in which you can watch her dancing performance.
Family options are also available and recommended since the classes are designed to expand mindfulness and focus. There are also sessions where you can make and eat your own Japanese confectionary for added insight.
While Maikoya’s ceremonies take place daily between 9 and 7, costing around £20, there are many other options around Kyoto to choose from.
Yasaka Pagoda Temple
Get your picture taken in front of the most photogenic landmark in Kyoto. The Yasaka Pagoda Temple is an integral part of the historic district and an extremely popular backdrop for newlyweds, tourists and locals looking to spice up their feed.
Find it next to the infamous wooden Kiyomizu Temple which also makes a snazzy photo op.
There is a legend that surrounds the historic shrine. Kyoto is known for its supernatural beliefs, the type that includes shamans casting curses on people. It is said that if you crawl under the stone, you will spare yourself from bad spells forever.
You could equally purchase one of the colourful balls to roll underneath for the same supposed outcome.
