Best Things To Do in Kyoto

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and holds interesting stories, for example hidden corners that feature performances by Japanese performers such as geisha, maiko and geiko. Japan's feudal past also looms large in this city, so you can experience Kembu shows and other samurai performances. For a complete tour you'll need to visit Kyoto in two days.

During your stay you can sign up for the best cooking classes, or take a rickshaw tour. It's also the perfect opportunity to see the local temples. There are many cultural experiences available, such as renting kimonos or yukatas, depending on the season.

The rickshaw is an ancient vehicle that has been used in Japan since 1868, and is one of the fastest ways to get around if you're in Kyoto and looking to avoid traffic, as they are small and often take strategic shortcuts. The experience is led by a shafu, an experienced person who is in charge of pulling the structure around the city, and is one of the best tours to do in Kyoto.

Additionally, for this type of tour I suggest you avoid tipping, as the Japanese consider it an offensive and unusual practice, reserved exclusively for special events, such as a wedding or funeral. This plan is ideal for touring the city, you'll get to see a lot of places and the cost includes access to the best attractions, so I'll tell you more about the possible stops!

Nanzenji Temple's Red Brick Aqueduct

Couples often visit the aqueduct next to Nanzenji Temple to take pictures and enjoy the sounds of nature in the background. This Japanese relic was built between 1881 and 1890 and was part of Kyoto's canal system, hence the striking rusty colouring of the structure.

I recommend taking advantage of Kyoto's best activities in February, when Valentine's Day is celebrated and there are cultural events in the area.

Arashiyama District

On the outskirts of Kyoto, stop off in the Arashiyama district, where you will be struck by the natural beauty of the area. The Iwatayama Monkey Park will allow you to interact with a species of Japanese macaque monkeys that enjoy sharing with visitors.

Another major attraction is the Bamboo Forest, an interactive experience that features the singing of rustling trunks and is among the top 100 soundscapes in the country.

There are plenty of things to do in October in Kyoto, for example you can take advantage of the spooky Halloween events in this district.

Toriimoto Saga Preserved Street

The Toriimoto Saga Preserved Street will make you feel like you are in a magical village. It is an ideal place to see old farmhouses and ancient structures made of wooden latticework. In this district you can see a kamado wood-fired kitchen at the Hirano-ya teahouse, where unique dishes have been prepared for over 400 years.

From this district you can climb Mount Atago for the best views of Kyoto. At the bottom of this mountain is Ichi no Torii, a yellow-coloured house that is the centre of Kyoto's best activities in November, when the November market, the Tori no Ichi Festival and the Rooster Fair are held here.

Geisha quarter Gion Kōbu

This tour will also take you through one of Kyoto's most famous geisha neighbourhoods, called Gion Kōbu, where you can stop at teahouses and shops selling traditional sweets, handicrafts, textiles and more. Geisha are traditional Japanese performers who have been performing dance and music for over 400 years and maintain the Japanese culture that blends ancient and modern traditions.

The Gion Kōbu neighbourhood offers a space that belongs to the hanamachi group of areas, where geisha and other Japanese performers, such as maiko and geiko, can work.

In the surrounding area you will find souvenir shops and restaurants with live shows. It is located next to Yasaka Shrine, is free and features statues of the city's most important deities.

Traveller Tip

The geisha wear a white and red silk kimono with a short bow. On the other hand, geikos wear black kimono with blue and maikos wear white kimono with pink, their ties are longer.

Kyoto is a magical place with a variety of fun things to immerse yourself in during your visit. From a private tour to a food tasting, the city has ideal options to suit your budget and preferences, here are the best tours in Kyoto.

Private tour of Kyoto's temples and villas

Experience Japan's ancient traditions and visit the hidden corners of the city. This tour costs around 110 €, but always has special discounts. The advantage is that it's completely personalised, so you can choose two or three places to visit or ask the professional guide for advice.

I recommend a visit to the Imperial Villa Katsura, which belongs to the royal family and has gardens decorated with Japanese architecture and landscaping. You can stroll along the paths, relax by the pond and take pictures (although it is forbidden in some areas).

Private tour of Fushimi Inari, Gion, Kiyomizudera and more

A one-day tour of some of Kyoto's most iconic sites, this tour includes access to temples and shrines. In addition, you will enjoy a guided experience in English at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where the significance of its structures and architecture will be explained.

The tour continues in the Gion district where you will stroll through the geisha quarter, followed by Hanami Koji Street where you will find the strings of pearls that link the teahouses. If you want to share this experience with your partner, head to the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, whose unique structure blesses unions and eliminates toxic energies.

If you're going with your children and looking for things to do with kids in Kyoto, keep in mind that the first child under the age of twelve gets in free and the rest get special discounts.

The taste of tea in Kyoto is unique, so I invite you to experience a tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Teahouse. The average price is 27 € and the explanations are given in English. The activity takes place on the ground, but there are chairs and tables for people with motor difficulties.

You can bring children and even rent a kimono- it will make you feel like a real Japanese.

The city has many interesting anecdotes. If you want to see the best museums in Kyoto, start by making a stop at the National Museum of Modern Art. It houses impressive collections of ancient paintings, ceramics, textiles, ancient jewellery and even bamboo handicrafts.

It costs an average of €3 and is ideal for the whole family.

Kyoto is one of the Japanese cities with the most temples, in fact there are considered to be hundreds of spiritual centres. Its structure is ideal for taking pictures and enjoying a few minutes of peace. I invite you to explore which are the best temples in Kyoto.

Nanzenji Temple

If you are a fan of temples and Japanese culture, I recommend a visit to Nanzenji Temple, an imposing structure built in 1291 that now belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It has important paintings from the 16th century and offers unparalleled views of the slopes of Higashiyama Mountain.

You can walk through the traditional gates including the Chokushi-mon Gate, an authentic relic that was moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1642 and used to be the emperor's royal entrance. On the other hand, the San-Mon Gate or the largest dragon gate is one of the largest in the city.

I recommend visiting this temple if you are looking to unwind, its halls offer spaces to sip Japanese matcha tea, read a book, appreciate the ancient architecture or take pictures at the aqueduct.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or the Temple of Pure Water, is one of the most popular temples, with a terrace overhanging the mountainside and offering breathtaking views. I recommend visiting at sunset to capture the best photographs.

On its grounds is the Jishu-jinja Shrine which has a particular legend, which encourages people who want to find a mate to perform a special ritual. Entrance to the temple costs around €3 and includes access to the shrine.

Night walks allow you to explore the other side of Gion, one of Kyoto's most popular districts. You can get up close to the kagai or hanamachi culture and learn about its history from experts, which involves the lifestyle of the geisha, maiko and geiko, thus everything related to their hairstyles, kimonos, rules and more. This experience costs around €12.

You can try sake, one of Japan's traditional drinks, which has a strong fermented flavour, and sochu, which tastes like sweet potato. If you visit Kyoto in December, you can take advantage of the Christmas activities in the district.

Step into an authentic Japanese market and enjoy three hours of food tasting at Nishiki Market. Here you will find local and seasonal produce, as well as typical Kyoto fruits.

During this tour you can visit at least 10 market stalls, taste Japanese tea and take your time to buy whatever you want.

Have you ever wondered what Japan was like years ago? In Kyoto you will find interesting stories, for example at Toei Kyoto Studio Park there is an account of the country's samurai past. In addition, you can enjoy family activities that will make you feel like you're in an Asian movie.

I suggest you take a tour of the haunted houses or discover ancient artists at the Film Hall of Fame. There is also a room for optical illusions and ninja adventures.

Become a samurai for a day

Under the guidance of a Japanese master you can feel like you are in the feudal era of Japan, as you learn the protocols of the Kembu and other samurai performances. You will use the sword and fan, through a typical choreography of the country. Do you dare to live this experience?

If you want a detailed tour of the city I recommend exploring what to see and do in Kyoto in 3 days.

Attend a kembu show

The Kembu is a show of swords and fans, typical of many Japanese cities that belongs to the samurai culture. I suggest this experience if you want to enjoy a full visit to Kyoto. The samurai ruled the country for many years, so you can still find authentic traditions and related activities.

The samurai shows offer a modern experience with traditional touches, including lectures, demonstrations and performances of Japanese poems. To enter you need to remove your shoes.

If you are curious about Japanese cuisine and want to learn how to prepare authentic dishes, I suggest you sign up for the best cooking classes in Kyoto.

This experience usually includes an English-speaking instructor, who will tell you about the country's culinary history and teach you how to cook spring rolls, miso soup, sushi rolls, tempura, rice and more.

Kyoto's best sights are little known, and you can access them on a fun e-bike tour with a guide who will take you to off-the-beaten-path places as well as famous attractions. It costs around €92 and includes helmet and bike rental.

You can visit the Buddhist temple Daitokuji, which offers gardens of unique natural beauty, or explore the mysterious scrolls and teahouses at Koto-in Temple. There are many activities to do in Kyoto in autumn, as the temperatures are pleasant and the colours of the trees are unparalleled.

If you want to return home with souvenirs of your trip to Kyoto, you can bring shibori scarves of your own making. The class is held at the Kyoto Shibori Museum which has exclusive exhibits of this iconic scarf.

Shibori is a very old weaving method in Japan, so you can find a variety of handicrafts based on this practice.

Go on an adventure through the Gion district wearing traditional Japanese costumes, better known as kimono and yukata, which are custom-fitted for the experience. Additionally, you can add a commission for hair and make-up.

It all starts at a kimono rental studio, where you are prepared like an authentic Japanese. Note that the difference between the outfits is that the kimono is made of heavy layers of silk and is ideal for a winter visit, while the yukata is made of cotton and is ideal for summer.

In addition to cooking classes, you can take advantage of Kyoto's best food tours which include:

• Visit two local restaurants on an evening tour for around six people. Includes tastings and alcoholic beverages.
• Take a walking food tour of Arashiyama and Sagano as you walk through the Bamboo Forest and other iconic sites in these areas. Try Japanese matcha tea, fried fish cake, soy milk doughnut and other local sweets.