Kyoto, Japan-
16 Things You Can’t Miss
Welcome to Kyoto, a city where the past gracefully dances with the present, creating a harmonious symphony of tradition and tranquility. Tucked among the scenic hills of western Japan, Kyoto stands as a living testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
As you step into its cobblestone streets, you embark on a journey through time, exploring centuries-old temples, timeless tea houses, and enchanting bamboo groves.
Known as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” Kyoto unfolds like a carefully painted scroll, from the iconic vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to the regal splendor of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto is a canvas where spirituality, architecture, and nature converge.
I first traveled to Kyoto with One Life Adventures (read about my trip here!) and fell completely in love with the city. It’s the perfect blend of the old and the new, existing in perfect balance.
Where modern technology complements tradition, creating a cityscape where sleek bullet trains seamlessly traverse landscapes with historic temples.
Whether you’re sipping matcha in a tranquil garden, dressed in a vibrant kimono, or capturing the elegance of a historic pagoda in your lens, Kyoto invites you to be a part of its timeless tale.
You can watch my top suggestions for Kyoto here:
1. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
This Zen Buddhist temple is a dazzling architectural masterpiece covered in gold leaf.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and reflective ponds, Kinkaku-ji provides a serene atmosphere for visitors to appreciate its stunning beauty and historical significance.
2. Arashiyama Monkey Park
Nestled in the scenic Arashiyama district, this park offers a unique opportunity to observe Japanese macaques up close. Also known as “snow monkeys”, the mountain is home to over 120 of these playful, interesting animals.
Visitors can hike to the top of the hill, where monkeys roam freely in a natural habitat. The panoramic views of Kyoto from the summit add to the overall charm of the experience.
3. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Renowned for its iconic path lined with thousands of vibrant torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.
The trail leads to the sacred Mount Inari, passing through atmospheric tunnels of gates, creating a memorable and spiritual journey.
Pro tip: Get here early to avoid crowds, ideally sunrise!
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Perched on a hillside, Kiyomizu-dera offers breathtaking views of Kyoto. The temple’s wooden terrace is particularly famous, providing a panoramic outlook during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. The complex also houses various halls and pagodas, adding to its historical significance.
5. Geisha walking tour of Gion District
Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district, characterized by narrow streets and traditional wooden machiya houses.
A walking tour offers insights into the fascinating world of geisha, their cultural significance, and a chance to spot these elegantly dressed performers.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, geisha are highly skilled performers who excel in various traditional arts such as dance, music, and conversation. Kyoto, the historical heart of Japan, provides a glimpse into this elegant and elusive world.
Geisha culture thrives in Kyoto’s Gion district, where narrow cobblestone streets transport you to a bygone era. Take a stroll beneath the glow of paper lanterns, and you might catch a fleeting glimpse of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) gracefully making their way to appointments.
The first time I saw a Geisha walking through the streets of Kyoto, I nearly passed out with excitement.
However if you are lucky enough to see a geisha or maiko, please be respectful and do not swarm them for selfies. We joked on my first trip to Japan that we went on “Geisha Safaris”. A few of us grabbed a bench in the Gion area and would at a distance, respectfully people watch in the area. It was so fun to see them coming and going! We never approached them but it was incredible to see them all dressed up and walking down the cobblestone street of Kyoto at night.
Visiting Kyoto without experiencing the allure of geisha is like missing a chapter in Japan’s cultural story. It’s an encounter with history, artistry, and poise that leaves an indelible mark on your journey through this city of timeless beauty.
You will definitely want a guide to bring this neighborhood to life for you!
6. Dinner with a Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
This unique experience allows visitors to interact with a Maiko, enjoying an evening of traditional entertainment, music, and dance. It provides a rare glimpse into the intricate rituals and customs of the geisha world.
The allure of Kyoto’s Gion district lies not only in its historical charm but also in the graceful presence of Geisha or Maiko (apprentice geishas.)
To respectfully capture their ethereal beauty, consider booking a “meet and greet” dinner, an opportunity that not only allows you to photograph a Maiko up close but does so with their explicit permission.
In Kyoto, you are not supposed to approach Geisha or Maikos on the street for selfies. And you definitely should never grab or touch one in an attempt to get a photo.
These specialized tours offer an intimate and culturally enriching experience, where you can learn about the intricate artistry of the Maiko and capture their mesmerizing transformation into the epitome of grace. Remember, the key is to approach this experience with reverence, ensuring that your photography respects the privacy and dignity of these iconic figures.
Booking a “meet and greet” tour not only provides you with incredible photographic opportunities but also deepens your understanding of the traditions woven into the fabric of Kyoto’s cultural tapestry. It’s a chance to create images that tell a story beyond the visual, embracing the spirit and significance of the Maiko world.
This is the exact tour I booked in Kyoto and I highly recommend it. While the dinner wasn’t our favorite, it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet with an actual Maiko, an apprentice Geisha!
Otherwise for a more in-depth meeting, I suggest booking this tour on Viator.
7. Traditional kimono rental
Countless kimono rental shops around Kyoto provides an authentic experience of wearing a traditional kimono, allowing visitors to stroll through Kyoto’s streets in classic Japanese attire, enhancing the cultural immersion.
Wander through the historic streets, visit ancient temples, or pose by cherry blossoms in full traditional regalia, creating a visual narrative that beautifully intertwines modern photography with Japan’s classical elegance.
I suggest you plan ahead and reserve your kimono rental, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth experience.
I have personally rented from Yume Kyoto Kodaiji Shop.
They have a gorgeous selection of kimonos and it isn’t an expensive activity! You can even opt to have your hair done as well for roughly $10 or 1,500 yen.
This shop is also a 3 minute walk away from one of the most iconic photo spots in Kyoto: Hokan-ji Temple also known as the Yasaka Pagoda.
Pro tip: If you rent from this particular shop, there is a great shooting spot right out the backdoor. Since it’s off a side street, it’s not packed. And the traditional style roofs not only look great but provide shade so you can shoot great quality photos even at peak daylight hours when often the shadows (and crowds!!) would be too much on the main street.
8. Traditional boat ride in Arashiyama
Explore the scenic beauty of Arashiyama from the gentle flow of the Katsura River. Traditional boat rides offer a tranquil and picturesque perspective of this historic area.
If you’re lucky, a market boat will cruise over to your boat and attach itself so you can buy traditional Japanese snacks and cold drinks, even beer!
9. Dinner at Daitoryo
Daitoryo offers a culinary journey with a 10-13 course menu, served in a traditional setting with servers dressed in kimonos.
This dining experience showcases the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
And it was an absolute highlight of our time in Kyoto! My photos don’t do it justice. But we absolutely loved everything about this place. We were waiting in eager anticipation to see each course and how it was beautifully prepared.
10. K36 Rooftop Bar
Located in a hotel, K36 Rooftop Bar provides a sophisticated atmosphere and panoramic views of the city. Head over for golden hour or sunset to enjoy the changing colors of the sky.
We just did drinks and some light snacks but they had a food menu as well.
Pro tip: There is a small cover charge to enter the hotel bar as a non-hotel guest. However we found that it kept the place less crowded which was nice!
11. Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest is a mesmerizing natural wonder. Tall bamboo shoots create a serene pathway, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
12. Hokan-ji Temple: Frame the Moment
Capture a snapshot of your Kyoto adventure at Hokan-ji, commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda. This ancient structure, nestled in the Higashiyama district, provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable photo. Frame yourself against the pagoda’s elegance, creating a visual memoir of your journey through Kyoto’s cultural heart.
If you’ve googled a picture of Kyoto before, you’ve probably seen this street pop up! It can be quite a popular photo spot, so if you want an empty street, I suggest you go in the morning. You can read all about my photo tips for Japan here.
13. Traditional Tea Ceremony
Immerse yourself in the meditative and ritualistic world of the Japanese tea ceremony. Experience the precise art of tea preparation and the cultural significance associated with this ancient practice.
There are a variety of great ones you can book but I would suggest this one or this one.
14. Ghibli Studios Shop
Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, this shop offers a variety of merchandise related to the beloved animated films produced by the studio, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the magic.
And you may want to watch one of the famous animated classics before coming to Japan!
15. Kendo Master Class
Learn the art of Kendo, a Japanese martial art that emphasizes discipline and respect.
A master class provides hands-on experience in using bamboo swords and understanding the philosophy behind this traditional practice.
You can book this experience here.
This small-group Kendo lesson in Kyoto is led by an instructor who is the great-grandson of a Samurai warrior. As well as learning new skills, the experience reveals heroic family stories that you wouldn’t hear otherwise.
During the class, have an opportunity to wear Kendo armor, watch demonstrations of basic Kendo moves, and even engage in a match with your opponent.
16. Shop For Unique Japanese Bomber Jackets: BSC Gallery
Explore the BSC Gallery for a unique collection of Japanese bomber jackets.
This contemporary art space merges fashion and culture, offering a distinctive shopping experience.
You can find jackets like this at a variety of Japanese retailers but this shop in particular has stunning ones! Just go with a budget in mind. The top-of-the-line jackets that are reversible, premium silk and covered in art work can get up to nearly $400 USD. However they have jaw-droppingly beautiful ones for $200 USD as well. You can also get their cheapest line and children’s jackets as well. And all of them are equally stunning!
Kyoto, with its blend of history, nature, and cultural treasures, promises to be a favorite on your journey through Japan.
If you’d like to go to Japan with me personally, I host an annual Japan group trip each November. You can get updates on my Instagram: Wanderlust Group Trips
Japan on a budget
Otherwise if you’re wanting to travel Japan on a budget but still see and do a lot, check out One Life Adventures 10 Day Japan itinerary.
And for great savings, use discount code: wanderlust
