From the delights of authentic Kyoto dining to it’s beauty spots and tranquil gardens, Kyoto has many hidden secrets. Find them, and you’ll be truly immersed in fascinating Japanese culture.
1. Pontocho
There are many restaurants and places to eat in Kyoto, but none so atmospheric as Pontocho. This narrow alleyway provides the entrance to dozens of Kyoto’s best restaurants, suiting all budgets and tastes.
You don’t need to plan before you visit. Just walk along the path and see what takes your fancy. Many of Pontocho’s restaurants have views of the Kamogawa River, along with outdoor riverside dining.
2. Temples
Did you know that there are more than 1600 temples in Kyoto?
You sadly won’t be able to visit them all on a trip to Japan, but you can still see a few during your stay.
Many people would list Nanzen-ji amongst their favourites. This temple is particularly beautiful, with a well-kept zen garden and plenty of sheltered walkways. If you’re wanting somewhere for quiet reflection and meditation, Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto’s best temples.
Or, alternatively, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji. This temple has a stunning gold pavilion and sits on the water’s edge. As one of the most popular temples in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji is usually very busy.
3. Nishiki Market
This food market is a highlight of Kyoto, and a place to visit to sample local produce and find ingredients for your cooking.
You’ll walk along a long, narrow street, that’s filled with colour and interesting aromas. Find flavourful spices, fresh seafood – and even new cookware – with foods to prepare elsewhere and to eat straight away.
4. Kyoto Samurai Experience
If you’ve ever wanted to be a samurai, Kyoto’s the place to visit. The Waraku Kyoto Samurai Experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime, and a chance to really get wrapped up in Japan’s history and culture.
You’ll need to book in advance for this experience, which will see you yielding a katana samurai sword in traditional Japanese Hakama clothing. Learn about battle and meditation, and how the two work in perfect harmony.
5. Ramen Cooking Class
Another way to enjoy Japanese culture is to sign up to a Ramen Cooking Class. These are held at the Ramen Factory, and will provide you with new skills to take home. Learn the authentic preparation of this Japanese dish, making it by hand under the tuition of the experts. Even children can join in the fun.
6. Kyoto Tea Ceremony
The authentic Kyoto tea ceremony is an experience to treasure forever. You’ll enjoy traditional Japanese teas and sweets, and can even try making your own.
It’s possible to hire a kimono for an even more authentic experience, though this isn’t completely essential. During the Japanese ceremony, you’ll learn why this tradition is so important to the people of Kyoto.
7. Arashiyama
This Kyoto town is one that you shouldn’t miss from your travel itinerary. It’s truly beautiful, with towering bamboo forests and wooden bridges as a place of calm and reflection. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is awe-inspiring, and in the Kameyama-koen Park you may see wild monkeys.
In Arashiyama, you can even hire a small rowing boat to travel over water through the falling cherry blossoms.
No trip to Kyoto would be complete without a visit to Arashiyama, though there are many other ways to learn the hidden secrets of Kyoto whilst experiencing authentic Japanese culture.
