10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto

Emma

Are you looking for a memorable experience in Kyoto?

The ancient capital of Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, is full of sights and attractions that will make you feel Japanese.Although temples and shrines are strongly associated with Kyoto, there are also many places where you can experience the unique culture of Kyoto.

In this article, we will tell you about 10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto.

Rebecca

In conclusion, 10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto are as follows.

By the way, we were born and raised in Kyoto. When friends from Japan and abroad have visited Kyoto, we have shown them around Kyoto in various ways.

Goku

Based on this experience, we would like to tell you about 10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto!

This article will help you know what to do in Kyoto.

Tour of temples and shrines

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, has more than 1,700 temples and 800 shrines in the city alone.A visit to temples and shrines is an absolute must for such sightseeing in Kyoto.Among them, we picked out three temples and shrines that you must see.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Kiyomizu  Dera Temple

is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, a city with a high concentration of tourist attractions.Kiyomizu Temple was founded more than 1,200 years ago in 778.

The temple grounds are lined with national treasures and important cultural properties, such as the main hall, from which the phrase "jumping off the stage at Kiyomizu" was derived, and the three-storied pagoda.

Other power spots such as Otowa Falls, which is said to bring good luck for love fulfillment, and Zuigu-do Hall can also be seen here.

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

was erected in 1397.The Golden Pavilion, a three-storied pavilion in the hogyo style, was destroyed by arson in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955.

The top two layers of the three-story structure are covered with gold leaf, and the roof is decorated with golden phoenix statues. It is a representative building of the Kitayama culture, a fusion of court noble and warrior cultures.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine

, affectionately known as "Inari-san," is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.It was founded in 711.It has a history of more than 1,300 years.

One of the greatest attractions of Fushimi Inari Shrine is the "Senbon-torii" (a series of 1,000 torii gates). The sight of a row of vermilion-lacquered torii gates is a sight to behold!

There are numerous famous temples around the city, almost all of which can be reached by buses that run through Kyoto City.

Optional plans are also recommended for those who want to see the city efficiently.

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Walking around town in Kimono

In Kyoto, there are many spots where the traditional streets are still intact. There are also many kimono rental stores, so we recommend exploring the city in a kimono.

In Kyoto, there are many kimono rental services, so you can have a kimono put on and walk around town.Kimono rental services also offer plans to take pictures with the kimono you have worn. How about leaving a commemorative photo of you walking around in a kimono?

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Eating Matcha Sweets

Kyoto is famous for its matcha sweets, due to the fact that matcha is produced in the Uji region. There are many famous matcha parfait stores and matcha cream anmitsu stores where you can enjoy eating and drinking matcha.

If you're going to eat, you want a delicious green tea sweet, right? Here are some stores that my siblings and I often go to, as well as some stores we recommend going to with our friends.

Saryo Tsujiri(Gion main store)

(Source:Saryo Tsujiri>Menu)

Established in 1860 in Uji.In 1978, tea house”Saryo Tsujiri(Gion main store)” was opened in Gion, Kyoto.Aiming to be the pinnacle of Uji tea house specializing in Uji tea, they are thoroughly committed to the creation of the space and the details of the ingredients.

The most popular item is the special Tsujiri parfait, which is also shown in the picture.You can enjoy various tastes, flavors, and textures such as green tea and vanilla ice cream, shiratama (white rice balls), green tea jelly, and azuki beans one after another, Please enjoy such sweet entertainment.

Gion Komori

(Source:Gion Komori>Sweets)

A popular sweet shop located on Shinbashi-dori in Gion with a Kyoto-like atmosphere.Inside the former tea shop, you can enjoy elegant sweets made with the finest ingredients, such as a matcha parfait using Uji matcha green tea and zenzai made with Dainagon azuki beans from Tokachi.

Itokyuemon(Uji main store Sabo)

(Source:Itokyuemon>Uji main store Sabo>Menu)

Itokyuemon was established in 1832. Located in Uji, one of Japan's most famous tea-producing areas, it is a sweet shop where you can enjoy matcha green tea.

The most popular of all is the specially selected Ito Kyuemon parfait.You can enjoy the aroma and flavor of matcha green tea, fresh jelly with a plump texture, and red bean paste and shiratama (white bean curd).

Traditional Kyoto townhouse(Machiya) Experience

In Kyoto, there are rows of traditional Kyoto townhouse(machiya houses) that have been protected for a long period of time while being restored, creating an elegant landscape.

The interiors of these machiya houses have been renovated and can be enjoyed as cafes, taverns, and hotels.

KLOOK offers a variety of plans to stay in machiya.

Book it on KLOOK

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, and its atmosphere is different from that of the city, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich natural scenery.In Arashiyama, there is a bamboo grove with tens of thousands of bamboo trees. Even in summer, the paths shaded by the bamboos are cool and atmospheric.

Why don't you come to Arashiyama and experience the beauty of nature that is different from sightseeing in the city?

The three scenic views of Japan! See the spectacular view of Amanohashidate

Nihon Sankei refers to the three scenic views most famed in Japan and are considered a must-visit for Japanese and foreign visitors alike.Amanohashidate is one of the three scenic views of Japan and is famous for its beautiful white sand beach.

It is a 3.6-kilometer sandbar stretching along Miyazu Bay, which is lined with about 8,000 pine trees. Amanohashidate, or “the Heavenly Bridge” was named after the upside-down view of this sandbar through the legs from Kasamatsu Park, which appears like a bridge floating up to the air.

It takes about 2 hours from Kyoto Station by train or highway bus, but the spectacular view of Amanohashidate is a must-see.

Day trip for Amanohashidate from Osaka is available on KLOOK.

Book it on KLOOK

Enjoy Gion Gisha district

Gion, Kyoto's largest Geisha district.Hanamikoji is especially known as a street where maiko and geiko can be seen. Kyomachiya houses line the stone pavement, and there is a teahouse street on the south side where maiko in kimonos come and go.

In Gion, tea houses where you can enjoy the company of maiko and geiko are not open to first-time visitors.

If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of Gion while dining, cafes and izakayas in Gion are recommended.Some izakaya have connections with maiko and geiko, and you may be able to spend time with maiko and geiko.I recommend Izakaya "Yorozuenraku", which I have been going to from time to time for a long time.

(Source:Yorozuenraku)

Located in Gion-cho. It is a renovated old teahouse. The inside is furnished with antique furniture, creating a relaxing atmosphere.IT is  planning a banquet unique to Kyoto, a party with maiko.

(Sorce:Yorozuenraku)

Why not create memories that can only be experienced in Gion?

Enjoy the autumn leaves

In Kyoto, the best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from mid-November to early December.The sight of historic temples and emotional cityscapes dyed red is truly spectacular. It is one of the sights you must see at least once in your lifetime.

The following article summarizes the three recommended locations for autumn foliage.

Kyoto in May is known for its green foliage.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

(Source:Enjoy Toei Kyoto Studio Park)

Famous for its period drama sets, Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a theme park with a wide variety of attractions and shows for the whole family to enjoy.The royal way to enjoy the city is to transform yourself into a ninja, stroll through the streets of Edo, encounter the filming of a period drama, and watch a ninja show.Visitors can experience not only ninja, but also samurai, townspeople, geiko, and other period costumes.

Visitors can also enjoy attractions such as a mystery maze, a haunted house, and trick art.

Eating tofu cuisine

Arashiyama in Kyoto is famous for its tofu.Kyoto's tofu is said to be exceptionally delicious, so much so that people say "tofu" when they think of Kyoto.The reason for this is the water used in the production of tofu.The water used in the production process is a very important factor that determines the flavor. Kyoto is a land blessed with good quality groundwater and fresh water, and the use of such water allows for the production of flavorful and elegant tasting tofu.

If you want to eat tofu in Arashiyama, our recommendation is Seizan Sodo(西山艸堂).There are several yudofu restaurants in Arashiyama, but Seizan Sodo is the oldest yudofu restaurant in Arashiyama.And what's more surprising is that it is directly managed by Myochi-in, the pagoda of Tenryu-ji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and a World Heritage Site. The temple runs a yudofu restaurant. Of course, it's vegetarian food.

The dish is described in detail in the following article.

Summary

In this article, we have told you about 10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto.

10 Unique Things to Do in Kyoto are as follows.

Have a wonderful time in Kyoto!