What Things to Do in Kyoto Japan That Never Forget?

Kyoto, Japan is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and unforgettable experiences.

With a history dating back over a thousand years, Kyoto offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

From its stunning temples and shrines to its vibrant food scene and natural beauty, there is no shortage of things to do in Kyoto.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or nature, Kyoto has something for everyone.

Why Choose Kyoto for Your Next Vacation?

There are several reasons why Kyoto should be at the top of your travel list.

1. Historical Significance

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and served as the emperor’s residence for over a thousand years.

As a result, the city is home to numerous historical sites and landmarks, including ancient temples, shrines, and palaces.

Exploring these historical sites is like taking a step back in time and provides a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Cultural Experience

Immersing yourself in Kyoto’s cultural traditions is a must-do when visiting the city.

From participating in a traditional tea ceremony to dressing up in a kimono and strolling through the historic districts, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional arts and customs firsthand.

3. Natural Beauty

While Kyoto is known for its historical and cultural attractions, it also boasts breathtaking natural beauty.

From the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the serene Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto offers plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature and admire its beauty.

Getting to Kyoto

If you’re flying into Japan, the most convenient airport to reach Kyoto is the Kansai International Airport.

From there, you have several transportation options to get to the city.

1. From Kansai International Airport

One of the easiest ways to get from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto is by taking the Kansai Airport Express train.

The journey takes about 75 minutes and provides stunning views of the countryside along the way.

Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from the airport to Kyoto, which takes approximately 90 minutes.

2. Transportation Options in the City

Once you’re in Kyoto, getting around the city is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system.

The city has an extensive bus network that connects all the major attractions, as well as a subway system that makes it easy to navigate the city.

Accommodation Options in Kyoto

When it comes to accommodation in Kyoto, you have a range of options to choose from.

1. Traditional Ryokan

For a truly unique experience, consider staying in a traditional ryokan.

These traditional Japanese inns offer tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.

2. Modern Hotels

If you prefer more modern accommodations, Kyoto also has a wide range of hotels to choose from.

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, there is something to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.

3. Recommended Neighborhoods

Some of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Kyoto include the Higashiyama District, which is home to many historical sites and traditional machiya houses, and the downtown area known as Gion, famous for its geisha culture.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Exploring Temples and Shrines

One of the main attractions in Kyoto is its temples and shrines.

Here are some of the must-visit ones:

1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.

The temple is covered in gold leaf and is surrounded by a beautiful garden, making it a truly breathtaking sight.

2. Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its wooden terrace that offers panoramic views of Kyoto.

The temple is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season when the surrounding trees are in full bloom.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the mountain.

Walking through the gates is a sacred experience and offers a unique perspective on Japanese spirituality.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Experiencing Traditional Japanese Cuisine

No trip to Kyoto would be complete without trying some traditional Japanese cuisine.

Here are some food-related experiences you shouldn’t miss:

1. Nishiki Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Nishiki Market is a bustling food market in the heart of Kyoto.

Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickles to traditional sweets and sake.

Exploring the market is a feast for the senses and offers the opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious treats.

2. Savoring Tofu Delicacies

Kyoto is renowned for its tofu, and there are many tofu specialty restaurants where you can enjoy a wide range of tofu-based dishes.

From tofu hot pots to tofu ice cream, these restaurants offer a unique and delicious dining experience.

3. Tea Houses and the Art of Tea Ceremony

Kyoto is famous for its tea culture, and visiting a traditional tea house is a must-do experience.

Participating in a tea ceremony allows you to learn about the art of tea preparation and enjoy a moment of tranquility in the midst of a bustling city.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Discovering Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts

Kyoto is also known for its traditional arts and crafts.

Here are some activities that allow you to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s artistic culture:

1. Kimono Dressing and Rental

One of the most iconic images of Japan is that of a person wearing a kimono.

In Kyoto, you have the opportunity to dress up in a kimono and explore the city in traditional style.

There are many rental shops where you can choose from a wide variety of kimono styles and accessories.

2. Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) Classes

Ikebana, or the art of flower arrangement, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Taking a flower arrangement class allows you to learn about the principles and techniques of ikebana while creating your own beautiful arrangement.

3. Calligraphy Lessons

Calligraphy is another traditional art form that you can learn in Kyoto.

Taking a calligraphy class gives you the opportunity to learn the strokes and techniques of this ancient art and create your own masterpiece.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Discovering Kyoto’s Natural Beauty

While Kyoto is known for its historical and cultural attractions, it also boasts stunning natural beauty.

Here are some places where you can experience Kyoto’s natural landscapes:

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions.

Walking through the towering bamboo stalks creates a sense of tranquility and wonder.

The grove is particularly beautiful early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sunlight filters through the bamboo.

2. Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walking trail that follows the canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

During the cherry blossom season, the path is transformed into a tunnel of pink blossoms, creating a magical ambiance.

3. Maruyama Park and Cherry Blossom Viewing

Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto’s most popular spots for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.

The park comes alive with food stalls, lanterns, and crowds of people enjoying the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Interacting with Geishas and Maikos

One of the unique aspects of Kyoto’s cultural heritage is its geisha culture.

Here are some ways you can interact with geishas and maikos:

1. Gion District: The Heart of Geisha Culture

The Gion district is the epicenter of Kyoto’s geisha culture.

Walking through the narrow streets lined with traditional machiya houses, you may catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko heading to an appointment.

2. Geisha Performances and Tea House Visits

Many tea houses in Kyoto offer geisha performances where you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and games.

These performances provide a rare opportunity to witness the grace and skill of geishas.

3. Etiquette for Interacting with Geishas

If you do come into contact with a geisha or maiko, it’s important to respect their privacy and follow the rules of etiquette.

Taking photos of geishas without their permission or trying to touch their elaborate hairstyles is considered disrespectful.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Go Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Kyoto offers a mix of traditional and modern options.

Here are some places where you can indulge in a little retail therapy:

1. Traditional Souvenirs and Handicrafts

Kyoto is known for its traditional crafts, and there are many shops where you can find unique souvenirs such as ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles.

Some popular areas for shopping for traditional crafts include the Nishijin district and the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

2. Local Markets and Shopping Streets

If you’re looking for a more local shopping experience, be sure to explore the local markets and shopping streets in Kyoto.

Places like Teramachi Street and Shinkyogoku Street are lined with shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to traditional snacks and sweets.

3. Modern Shopping Malls and Department Stores

For those who prefer modern shopping, Kyoto has several large shopping malls and department stores.

Places like Kyoto Station Building and Takashimaya Department Store offer a wide range of international and local brands.

Things to Do in Kyoto: Day Trips from Kyoto

If you have extra time to spare, there are several day trips you can take from Kyoto to explore nearby cities and attractions:

1. Nara: The Ancient Capital

Nara, located just a short train ride from Kyoto, was once the capital of Japan before Kyoto.

The city is known for its historic temples and the famous Great Buddha statue in Todai-ji Temple.

2. Osaka: A Modern Metropolis

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is known for its vibrant food scene, modern architecture, and lively street life.

It’s just a short train ride away from Kyoto and offers a stark contrast to the more traditional atmosphere of Kyoto.

3. Hiroshima: A Journey Through History

Hiroshima, famous for being the first city to be targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II, is a place of historical significance.

A day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima allows you to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and learn about the city’s tragic past.

Places you will never forget in Kyoto

There are many ways to enjoy Kyoto, but what really will charm you and you will never forget are the following:

1. Akihabara

This place is, more than a commercial district, a paradise for technology, manga and anime (otaku) lovers.

This is one of the most visited places and it is unique in the world for the number of specialized stores gathered in one place and the variety of products they offer.

Along Chuo Dori Street there are more than 250 shops selling electronic products, manga and anime.

It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Tokyo.

2. Hama Rikyu Garden

It is the largest traditional garden in Tokyo and one of the most beautiful.

Its fantastic landscape invites rest and meditation and makes us forget that it is surrounded by huge skyscrapers.

It is divided into two main sectors: the southern sector where the feudal lords lived between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, and the sector built after the Meiji period.

Here you can visit the Shio-iri-no Niwa pond, the peony garden with more than 60 varieties and a pine that is more than 300 years old.

A 118 meter long wooden bridge, the O-tutsai-bashii, and in the tea house on the island we can taste the typical Japanese sweets that accompany the tea.

3. Sensoji

This is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and one of the best things to see and do in the city.

It is located in the Asakusa neighborhood.

To get to the temple you go through the “gate of thunder”, guarded by Fujin, god of wind, and Rajin, god of thunder.

Passing through the door there is a wood carving of a dragon and statues of two dragon gods that guard the temple: Tenryu and Kinryu.

There are also several shops where you can buy omamori amulets, fortune paper, called omijuki, and incense sticks to burn.

4. National Museum of Tokyo

This museum from 1872 is the oldest and largest in the country and it is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo.

The museum complex consists of six different buildings, each specializing in one type of art.

All the buildings are within Ueno Park and house an immense collection of artistic and archaeological objects, many belonging to the Japanese National Treasure.

You will be able to see Japanese art works from the 19th century, archaeological objects, Paleolithic tools, Buddha statues, masks and much more.

Also, if you are an art lover, it is the ideal place to observe paintings, sculptures and objects.

5. Shibuya Neighborhood

One of the main commercial places of Tokyo, where you will find fun, fashion, discotheques, restaurants and great shops, it is the district of the statue of Hachiko and Yoyogi Park.

The place is surrounded by streets and shopping malls, Center Gai is the street preferred by young people because there are discotheques, many famous brand stores, fast food restaurants, cafes, izakaya, a Japanese pub, and local pachinko which is a game similar to pinball, very traditional in Japan.

6. Meiji Sanctuary

The Meiji Shrine Sanctuary is dedicated to the deified spirits of the Meiji Tenno Emperor and Empress Shoken, his wife.

The entrance to this amazing place is through a huge torii, one of the largest in Japan, built with the wood of a cypress more than 1500 years old.

The complex is divided into two sectors: Naien, where the main buildings and gardens are located, and Gaien, the outer sector.

Kyoto has many and more amazing places to discover, if you have decided to spend your vacation in this beautiful place, we assure you that you will not regret, for something is one of the best tourist destinations you can find in Japan.

To Recapitulate

Kyoto is a city of endless wonders.

From its historical significance and cultural experiences to its natural beauty and unique traditions, Kyoto has something for everyone.

Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, indulging in traditional cuisine, or immersing yourself in the arts and crafts, Kyoto offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

So, plan your trip to Kyoto today and discover the magic of this incredible city.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years and throughout these centuries, was home to amazing works of arts, culture, religion and ideas.

The city is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kansai International Airport near Osaka.

In this amazing place, you will find temples that vibrate with the rumor of prayers, traditional tea houses, fabulous Zen gardens and paths guarded by cherry blossoms.

A visit to Kyoto is the realization of the dream of knowing Japan for many tourists.

Here, you can visit ancient oriental wooden buildings, walk through a forest of giant bamboo canes and meet the famous geishas, experts in the art of entertainment.

The city will also offer you the opportunity to enjoy one of the best vacations of your life by discovering the most traditional and refined Japanese gastronomy, with endless combination of flavors in their tofu prepared by true artisans that you will find in the Nishiki market.

Kyoto is the only large Japanese city that was not bombed during World War II, so it preserves its impressive monumental heritage intact.

This historical legacy, combined with the incredible natural landscapes that frame it, make it the ideal destination for a perfect vacation.

When thinking about accommodation, you can choose between traditional ryokan or modern hotels.

At lunchtime, you can do it in restaurants or in ramen houses that the locals visit daily.  And when you want to organize your tour of the city, you can choose personalized tours or visit the temples and monuments at your own pace.

If you are planning to travel to Kyoto, use the map to locate the hotel that you like the most and enjoy a great vacation now!

If you do not find many hosting options try a different range of dates.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Kyoto