Embrace Japanese Traditions in the Mystical Kyoto
The magnificent city of Kyoto is filled with the most beautiful temples, shrines and an ambiance that embodies the soul of Japanese culture. As the former capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto has a much more traditional vibe than Tokyo with many traditions remaining intact till this day. With the Shinkansen, it’s only a 2.5hr ride from Tokyo and 15min ride from Osaka! Here are the 10 best experiences to have in this radiant city to immerse yourself in the true culture of Japan!
10. Sleep at a Ryokan; a Traditional Japanese Inn
Here on the Eclectic emissary blog, we typically provide the best travel budget tips to save you money. This is not one of them. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn and one experience you might want to consider despite the expensive price tag. Sleeping on a tatami matted floor is the closest you’ll get to ancient Japan and is surprisingly comfortable. It also includes various amenities such as a multicourse Kaiseki-ryori meal and an onsen (public hot spring). If you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out our Japan travel guide for more tips on visiting the country!
9. Walk the Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is a stone walkway following a canal lined with cherry trees conveniently located between two famous temples; Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is said to have meditated while walking this route, the path is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season. The entire walk takes around 30mins and is one of the best sakura viewing spots in the city.
8. Stroll through the Gion District
Gion is one of Kyoto’s most traditional districts, where you can experience the charm of traditional wooden houses and possibly spot a geisha or two. It is also home to numerous tea houses and restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto’s culinary delights. Just be mindful to remain courteous and only take pictures of them with their permission.
7. Savor Delicious Cuisine at Nishiki Market
Also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is an area loaded with tons of shops and restaurants where you can sample a variety of local delicacies. We tried the eccentric tako tamago (a boiled octopus stuffed with a quail egg) and some crab tempura and they were delicious! Most stores are open from 9am to 6pm so plan accordingly. It might not be as highly regarded as Osaka, but Kyoto’s gastronomy is also top tier. Find more delicious food in our Japan Food Blog!
6. Gaze at the Silver Temple Ginkaku-ji
Officially known as Higashiyama Jisho-ji, this pristine Zen temple is also known as the silver temple. Despite the misleading exterior, it was originally intended to be coated in a silver foil but has instead remained in its beautifully imperfect state. Ginkaku-ji is the perfect symbol of the Zen ambiance Kyoto is so famous for.
5. Wander into a Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama
The Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of the most serene natural environments you can immerse yourself in Kyoto. Meandering into through the towering bamboo stalks is a unique experience not to be missed. Keep in mind it gets insanely crowded, so try to arrive early. It’s located a bit north of the city, so we signed up for an awesome temple tour which included transportation. Nearby is the scenic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, where you can watch the mighty flow of water rage under the wooden beams.
4. Find Your Zen at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is known as the temple of pure water and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Buddhist temple has a blazing red color that contrasts with the surrounding greenery and has picturesque views of the city below. The grounds are expansive and feature numerous shrines, pagodas, and a waterfall, making it a fantastic place to explore. The Otowa waterfall is divided into 3 streams which grant various benefits; Longevity, Success at school, or an everlasting love life. Choose wisely and drink from the stream of your chosen desire. For a small fee you can wander thru the pitch black corridor of Zuigudo Hall which is cool. Unfortunately like many other of Kyoto’s temples, there are heavy crowds and a lot of stairs.
3. Master the Art of Sword Play in the Samurai Experience
Learn how to wield a katana and gain the heart of a warrior in the cultural immersion of the Kyoto Samurai Experience. No other experience in the city will transport you back in time quite like this. A professional sensei will teach you the philosophies of bushido as you slash thru a tatami mat with a real samurai sword. The mental clarity from the acknowledgement of life and death on the edge of a blade is a powerful feeling. Afterward, you can visit the Samurai and Ninja Museum located directly in Nishiki Market for more history on this incredible era.
2. Marvel at the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji
Quite possibly the most radiant temple in Japan, Kinkaku-ji is is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. The grounds are surrounded by beautiful gardens and a lake that magically reflects the golden temple. The euphoria of being in the presence of this magnificent structure is worth the trip alone. This was definitely one of our favorite temples to visit in Kyoto.
1. Rise to the Summit Above thousands of Tori Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
For a truly soul enriching experience, head to the top of Fushimi Inari Taisha. This iconic shrine boasts 10,000 vermillion gates to walk thru as you rise to the summit. The shrine is dedicated to the Inari (fox), said to be the deity of good harvest and success in business. The journey to the top may take about 3 hours round trip so prepare for all the stairs. Keep in mind that the area is flooded with tourists, but the crowds start to thin out the higher up you go. Prime visiting time is during sunrise or sunset to avoid the influx of other travelers. The park is open 24hrs and admission is free so this one is a must before leaving Kyoto. It was also part of our guided temple tour!
Kyoto exudes a timeless charm that embodies the spirit of traditional Japanese culture. It is much smaller and has a much more tranquil vibe than Tokyo so can be explored fully in about 4 or 5 days. Highlights of the city include temples, shrines, and scenic landscapes. The main attractions can be overcrowded at times, but there are still a few pockets of emptiness you may stumble upon to find your Zen. For mor of the amazing delicacies to taste in Japan, check out our food tour! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out the the 4 most scenic locations in Kyoto in our full day temple tour vlog!
And check out the vlog form of the best experiences to enjoy in Kyoto from slashing with katanas to the best temples in Japan in this video!
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