Kyoto – former capital of Japan, so there are many historical buildings such as temples and shrines that has interesting stories. Here are my recommendations for things to do in Kyoto!
Things To Do in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of famous & popular travel destinations in Japan, from both Japanese people and people from outside of Japan. I used to live in Osaka (next to Kyoto), and i have been to Kyoto many times.
There is no way to stop me going to Kyoto and getting to know more of stories (histories). Kyoto is a place where you can feel how important it is to learn something from history, to cherish something to keep it nice to pass down to the next generations.
There are too many things to do, but here are some of my suggestions for first timers.
- Visit Historical Temples & Shrines
- Walk on Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
- Eat in the Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market
- Evening Walk on Pontocho Alley
- Enjoy Kyoto Food
Visit Historical Temples & Shrines
Similar to I mentioned already, there are so many historical temples and shrines in Kyoto, and it’s difficult to choose which one(s) to go. However, here are some iconic places for someone who visit Kyoto for the first time.
Kinkaku-ji Temple – Golden Temple
This might be the first thing to come up on your mind when picturing temple in Kyoto. As far as I know, there is nothing same like this beautiful golden temple. In any season, it just shines in a peaceful place. I’ve been here for 5 times at least, and i’d say my favorite season to visit is autumn.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
You need to walk from a bus stop or parking, usually. Especially in autumn, you can see the beautiful scenery with leaves. If you go around and look up the wooden deck, you might be surprised how amazing it is!
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Many of you might have seen pictures of many torii gates, this is where those are! It’s called a thousand torii gate. Not many people know that it’s a quite big site, and it leads you to Mt. Inari as going under the gates.
Temples & Shrines Guide in Kyoto
Walk on Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are the street that leads to Kiyomizu dera Temple. There are many old-style buildings lined up, some of them are shop, restaurant, cafe, etc. Walking on these area makes you feel you are leaping to the past.
It’s a hill so i’d recommend you to go with a pair of comfy shoes on. Also you need to be careful to walk there on rainy day since it’s very slippery.
Also, it’s not for everyone, i hate to say. It might be difficult for pushing a wheelchair, baby stroller, etc.
Explore in Serenity Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of most famous & popular spots in Kyoto for travelers. As soon as you get in the forest, you can feel the calmness inside of you.
I feel bad that some people scratched their names or something on bamboos..
Things to Do in Arashiyama Area
Other things you should check around Arashiyama bamboo forest are ;
- Nonomiya Shrine
- Tenryuuji Temple
- Kimono Forest
- Togetsukyo Bridge
The article about Arashiyama in details is coming up ( I mean, i am planning on writing soon! )
Evening Walk on Pontocho Alley
After sunset, it gets darker and lights start shining. Pontocho Alley is one street inside of Kamogawa River.
About history of Pontocho alley, The first teahouse in this area opened in around 1712, for people who went up and down the river and also travelers to rest. In 1859, this area got approved for having Geisha(s), and it became famous as Hanamachi.
There are a lot of restaurants and bars lining up, you can enjoy having food, and also just walking and feeling nostalgic.
Enjoy Kyoto Food
Kyoto has own style for food which is different from Tokyo, Osaka, anywhere else. I encourage you to try local foods there.
Kyoto’s Specialities
Here are some of Kyoto specialities;
- Temari Sushi
- Obanzai
- Yuba / Yudofu
- Matcha
- Yatsuhashi
Eat in the Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market
It’s a must place to visit if you love food like me! Nishiki Market has 1300 years of history..!! WOW! It started in Heian era,
It’s Kyoto’s kitchen and you can enjoy fresh food including traditional Kyoto foods, Japanese sweets, matcha, etc. I recommend you to go there before evening otherwise many shops would be closed.
Kyoto has an absolute attractions to make people feel like coming back again and again!
Hope you enjoy your trip after reading this guide for things to do in Kyoto!
