Do you want to know the top things to do in Kyoto? Then you should continue reading below!
Kyoto has the past years been more and more famous for its beautiful temples and historic shrines. But that is just the beginning! The city is also filled with incredible shopping, hiking, great museums and beautiful nature. Today, Kyoto is one of those destinations that has a top spot on every traveler’s bucket list!
Here is the article about the Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto:
Table of Contents
Enjoy the tranquility of the Bamboo Forest
Walking into the Bamboo Forest of Kyoto is like entering a whole new world. The thick green bamboo stalks seem to continue endlessly in all directions, and there is always a calming light that shines through the treetops.
As this is one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto among tourists, then you might want to get here early if you want to snap some photos and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
Walk through the Fushimi Inari Shrine
One of the most popular things to do in Kyoto is to take a walk through the 5,000-plus red-orange shrine gates (torii) of the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha. This particular shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and business, Inari, as a quest for riches and good fortune.
To avoid the tourist crowds, be here early in the morning, where you also get the chance to enjoy this peaceful place during the sunrise all alone!
Check out Kinkaku-Ji – The Temple of the Golden Pavilion
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is a three-story pavilion that is covered in gold leaf. Here you can enjoy a great view of the temple that reflects in the beautiful lake beneath it and a lush green nature that surrounds the temple. Kinkaku-Ji is one of the things in the city that you have to write down on your list of things to do in Kyoto.
Unfortunately, this place is very popular among tourists, so a tip is to get there first in the morning when they open up the gates at 9 am, to avoid the massive crowds of tourists.
Wander around the Nishiki Market
Make sure to stop by the Nishiki Market and wander around for a while. The Nishiki Market is a real haven for food-lovers and for those who are looking for souvenir shopping. Here you can shop plenty of chopsticks, clothes and unusual food such as the world’s most expensive mushroom (matsutake) that costs around 1000 US dollars for 0,5 kilograms.
If you are looking for chopsticks, there is a great store that sells various kinds of chopsticks in different price ranges at the end of the food section of the market.
Visit Ginkaku-Ji – The Temple of the Silver Pavilion
This temple was not as silver and shiny as I hoped for, but there is still something about this place that makes it so attractive. This beautiful wooden building lies in an incredibly beautiful scenery, which is most popular during autumn. Ginkaku-Ji has its own unique charm and peacefulness, which makes it worth a visit!
Enjoy the beautiful view from Kiyomizu-Dera
This place offers great views of the city with both cherry blossom and maple trees. Kiyomizu-Dera is known for bestowing good fortune; as it has a path that guarantees success in love if you can navigate it with your eyes shut. Check out the massive hall and the Noh stage and stroll around on the huge terrace that offers perfect views over Kyoto!
Photo: Shutterstock.
Hang out with the monkeys at the Arashiyama’s Monkey Park
When visiting Arashiyama, make sure to stop by the Arashiyama’s Monkey Park. This park is situated up on a hill and takes approximately 20 minutes uphill to walk. When you finally reach the top, you will be greeted by wild monkeys that you can feed and hang out with.
NOTE, when visiting the monkeys, don’t look them directly into their eyes and don’t show them your teeth, as they see it as a threat.
See Japans longest wooden building – Sanjusangen-Do
Sanjusangen-Do is the longest wooden building in Japan. This building might not look that special from the outside, but when you enter the building, you will see exactly one thousand and one Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy statues) that are lined up. An incredible experience!
Walk the Philosopher’s Walk
This side path along the lovely canal of Kyoto was named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro that used to walk this path every day. This walk is incredibly beautiful during springtime when the cherry blossom is in bloom. If you are looking for a great spot to snap some photos of the cherry blossom, then this is a place that you have to write down on your list of things to do in Kyoto during spring!
Stroll the streets of Gion – One of my favorite things to do in Kyoto!
Gion is not only, the only geisha district that’s left in Japan, but it’s also a great collection of streets that is defined by its old wooden Japanese Restaurants, teahouses, and buildings. Gion is the most famous district in Kyoto where you get the chance to spot beautiful geishas who wander around in their zori sandals and colorful kimonos. Gion is not only famous for its beautiful architecture and geishas, but also for its Gion Matsuri festival that takes place every July each year. During this festival, millions of visitors come to participate in this event of festival floats and traditional music.
If you are here during the festival, then it’s a crystal clear must when it comes to things to do in Kyoto!
Photo: Shutterstock.
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