Best things to do in Kyoto
Find out more about those top places in Kyoto
Kyoto: Japan's Ancient Heart with a Modern Beat (Where Golden Temples Gleam and Manga Mania Reigns!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Cultural Capital!
Konnichiwa, culture vultures, temple trekkers, and anyone who's ever dreamed of wandering through a bamboo forest! Welcome to Kyoto, the former ancient capital of Japan and a city so jam-packed with historical riches, you'll feel like you've stumbled into a samurai time-travel convention! From phantasmagorical Buddhist temples that look like they were plucked straight from a storybook, to sprawling palace complexes that whisper tales of imperial grandeur, and historic tranquil gardens so serene they could probably calm a toddler in a tantrum, Kyoto is a feast for the soul (and the camera lens!).
Today, this modern city has a fantastic buzz that perfectly complements its ancient charm. You'll find sleek cafes nestled next to centuries-old teahouses, and the energy of contemporary life swirling around iconic attractions that have stood the test of time. Speaking of iconic, prepare to be dazzled by the lakeside Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a shimmering Zen Buddhist temple that looks like it's been dipped in pure gold. Seriously, it's so photogenic, your Instagram will thank you profusely. For a taste of working Zen, a visit to one of Kyoto's active temples offers a chance to experience the tranquility firsthand (just try not to giggle during meditation!). And then there are the seemingly endless pathways of vibrant red torii (shrine gates) that snake their way across the wooded hillside of Inari-san (Fushimi Inari Shrine). Walking through these tunnels of vermillion is like stepping into another world – just be prepared for a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are totally worth it!
But Kyoto's historical charm isn't just about temples and shrines. The Gion district, once Japan’s largest geisha quarter in the 18th and 19th centuries, has thankfully retained its picture-perfect low-rise streets and ornate wooden houses. Strolling through Gion feels like stepping onto a historical movie set, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a geiko (Kyoto geisha) gracefully gliding by.
However, don't think Kyoto is stuck in the past! This is also a forward-thinking city that embraces modern culture with gusto. Case in point: the International Museum of Manga, a vibrant celebration of one of Japan’s most iconic modern cultural exports. Prepare for an explosion of colorful characters and captivating stories! And for the foodies out there, the historic Nishiki Market is a culinary paradise, housing everything from traditional street food stalls selling delectable local treats to cutting-edge Michelin-starred restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds. You can literally eat your way through centuries of Japanese culinary evolution!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring shimmering temples and ancient shrines to immersing yourself in traditional geisha culture and diving into the vibrant world of manga, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Kyoto a truly special and hilariously enchanting destination.
Top Attractions: Golden Temples, Red Gates, and Geisha Glamour!
Kyoto is a city brimming with iconic sights and cultural experiences:
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Shimmering Zen Beauty
Marvel at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, reflected beautifully in the surrounding1 pond. A must-see attraction for your Kyoto sightseeing.
Fushimi Inari Shrine: A Thousand Torii Gates
Wander through the seemingly endless pathways of vibrant red torii gates winding up the wooded hillside of Fushimi Inari Shrine. A breathtaking and unforgettable place to visit.
Gion District: Traditional Geisha Culture
Stroll through the charming streets of the Gion district, Kyoto's historic geisha quarter, with its traditional wooden machiya houses. A key place to visit for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Iconic Wooden Stage
Visit the beautiful Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with a famous wooden stage offering stunning views of Kyoto. A top attraction and a fantastic place to visit.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Serene Natural Wonder
Immerse yourself in the towering tranquility of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a truly unique and photogenic place to visit.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Markets, Manga, and Culinary Delights!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Kyoto vibe:
- Explore Nishiki Market: Indulge in the culinary delights of Kyoto at this bustling market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen."
- Visit the International Museum of Manga: Dive into the colorful world of Japanese comics and animation.
- Participate in a Tea Ceremony: Experience the traditional art of Japanese tea ceremony.
- Wander Through Ryoan-ji Temple's Rock Garden: Contemplate the minimalist beauty of this famous Zen rock garden.
- Take a Day Trip to Nara: Visit Japan's former capital and see its giant Buddha and friendly wild deer (just a short train ride away!).
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Japan that offer a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning temples, vibrant culture, and delicious food, Kyoto is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its timeless beauty and maybe even try your hand at saying "Konnichiwa!" Sayōnara and enjoy this enchanting city!
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Kinkaku-ji
The famed golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji may just be Japan’s most spellbinding building. Coated in gold leaf and perched above a tranquil reflecting pond, the temple was originally a retirement villa constructed for a Kyoto shogun that was transformed into a place of worship by his son. Today, the complex is one of the most popular attractions in Japan so it is best to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
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Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Spread across the bamboo-clad hillsides of Inari-san are countless bright orange torii (shrine gates), which are one of Japan’s most memorable sights. While the sheer number of gates is mesmerizing, the area’s real highlight is Fushimi Inari, which is one of Japan’s most popular shrines and is the head shrine for more than 50 000 sub-shrines peppered throughout the country. Make sure to be on the lookout for the stone foxes that are scattered throughout the complex, as they are sought to be messengers of Inari, the god of agriculture.
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Nijo Castle
To experience the might of the Tokugawa Shogunate make sure to explore Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, which was their ancestral home. Dominating the northwestern corner of the city, the fortress was built in the 17th century and has imposing whitewashed walls and palatial interiors. You may notice that the palace floorboards squeak when you walk, which was a deliberate aspect of the design used to alert guards to the presence of intruders. For the best experience, walking tours of this vast complex are recommended.
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Gion
For a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture, a visit to Kyoto’s Gion district is a must. By the mid-18th century the neighborhood was Japan’s largest ‘pleasure district’, where geishas entertained clients in various tea houses, restaurants and bars. To fully understand the area’s rich history and its iconic place in Japanese culture take a walking tour of its cobbled lanes and bazaar-like markets with a knowledgeable local guide.
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Chion-in
The most important shrine in the Japanese Jodo Buddhist sect, Chion-in is one of Kyoto’s most breathtaking temple complexes. Owing to its popularity as a point of pilgrimage, the complex is rarely tranquil but it does contain a number of world-class historic attractions, including San Mon, the largest temple gate in Japan, and its giant bell, which is also the largest bell in Japan.
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Arashiyama
The best place to escape Kyoto’s 24/7 buzz is to head for the Arashiyama bamboo forest, which is a nationally recognized place of outstanding scenic beauty. While the area’s highlight is unsurprisingly its vast groves of bamboo, which can reach upwards of 20 meters tall, it also has a number of other attractions, including the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and the Nonomiya Shinto shrine. One of the best ways to explore this vast area is by rickshaw tour.
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Ginkaku-ji
Built in the 15th century as a retirement home for a Kyoto shogun that was transformed into a temple after his death, Ginkaku-ji is one of the city’s most impressive attractions. Surrounded by towering bamboo and pine forests and tranquil landscaped ponds, the temple can become very crowded during peak times so it is recommended to visit as part of a guided tour early in the morning or in the evening.
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Nishiki Market
To explore the rich variety of ingredients that go into Kyoto’s world-class cuisine stroll through the winding alleyways and covered market halls of Nishiki Market. With vendors selling everything from freshly caught seafood to wasabi salt and kawaii anime-themed sweets, the market is sure to be an eye-opening experience. For the best experience, take a guided food tour of the area so that you can sample some of Kyoto’s mouth-watering delicacies.
