20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN KIOTO

It is not uncommon that when you return to Japan, people ask you, are you more from Tokyo or Kyoto? We personally stay with Tokyo, the capital of Japan seems to us a much more complete destination than its western neighbor, Kyoto. Which does not mean that we have not enjoyed the most traditional city in Japan. The charms of Kyoto are almost innumerable, but to start here we bring you Top 20 things to see and do in Kyoto.

→ Here we tell you our route during the first trip to Kyoto: part I and part II.

1. Early morning and approach until Fushimi Inari temple, possibly the most impressive place in Kyoto. It is a sacred mountain where winding roads made of thousands of red toriis. It is such a peculiar place that it has been the scene of several films, includingMemories of a Geisha.

2. Walk to banks of the Kamo river, north of Gion. It is best to approach the sunset and if it catches you in summer, enjoy dinner on the terraces that the restaurants mount at this time of year.

3. Get lost in the positions of Nishiki market, and try their specialties. Although we saw some too exotic for our palates.

4. Stay in a traditional ryokan: There is no better place than Kyoto to experience this type of accommodation. And if sleeping on a futon scares you, don't worry: it's much more comfortable than it seems. Check out these options.

5. Sign up for one cooking class. We did it and we had a great time. In addition to learning to prepare a few Japanese dishes and taste them, it is a way to get started in many important aspects of Japanese culture. They are also not too expensive: this is an example.

6. If you really want to take a unique memory, rent a traditional kimono And feel like one more Japanese. You will not have many more opportunities to dress like this! You can book your experience here.

7. Walk the night Pontocho street, one of the most authentic in the city. To complete the visit, to have a drink or dinner at one of its restaurants. Although they are not cheap, we are sure you will love them. Go at night, which has a special roll! It is one of the best things to see in Kyoto!

8. This street is in the Gion neighborhood, the most beautiful and traditional of Kyoto, where perhaps you can meet a geisha or with a maiko. If you are not lucky there, try it also in the Miyagawacho neighborhood, less known but just as cool as the previous one. Do you want to become a maiko for a day? You can do it info more info here.

9. Kyoto is full of spectacular temples, one of them is the Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The name gives us a clue of what we will find there, the beautiful building is covered with gold leaf, on the banks of a lake and in a very relaxing natural environment. Admission costs ¥ 400.

10. And how not, the Kiyomizudera temple It is another essential stop. The most striking of this temples is its huge structure of wooden pillars, which rises 13 meters above maples and cherry trees. Approach the Otowa waterfall and drink its water, it seems to have therapeutic properties and if you take 3 sips you will have a long life, good luck in professional life and in love. Eye: they are restoring the temple so before going to Kyoto find out about the state of the works, the entrance costs ¥ 400.

11. Walk the Tetsugaku no michi, the Camino of philosophy. We do not know if after 2.5 km you will be wiser, but at least you will have enjoyed a quiet and relaxed walk. If you agree during the hanami, it is a must!

12. Visit the central temples ofNishi Honganji YHigashi Honganji, with huge wooden structures where the headquarters of a very important Buddhist school resides.

13. This recommendation may seem odd but trust us: go to the Kyoto train station and go up to the terrace ... you will have a great view of the city (and the nearby Kyoto tower).

14. If we talked to you before about the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, now it's time to advise you Ginkaku-ji o Temple of the Silver Pavilion. Although it is not silver, it is made of wood, but it does not matter: it is very beautiful and its gardens even more. Admission costs ¥ 500.

15. Have you ever been surrounded by bamboo, as if you were a panda? In Kyoto you can do it, in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama. Although it seems an alternative and original plan, the other travelers think the same, so you will not be alone. And perhaps the walk in the shade of these long wooden stems is not as relaxing as it seems. Even so, we believe it is worth going, but we advise you not to have very high expectations.

16. Although if you want a haven of peace and tranquility, go to Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple with great appeal: a huge Zen garden (karesansui).

17. Explore two of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto: Ninenzaka Y Sannenzaka, which are located in the Higashiyama neighborhood. It is one of the best preserved areas of the entire city and an interesting plan to do in Kyoto.

18. Enjoy the japanese cuisine: Kyoto is one of the gastronomic capitals of the country and in this post we tell you where to eat well and cheaply. By the way, it is also a great place to live the tea ceremony 🙂

19. Make one excursion to Nara, an amazing city that was the capital of Japan and where you can admire amazing temples. Of course, be careful and that a deer does not eat your map! Here we tell you everything to see and do in Nara. If you prefer to take a tour, check out this one.

20. And don't forget a getaway to Osaka, many travelers are not excited about this city, but trust us, Osaka is a different place and usually get hooked if you catch the roll.

So far our 20 things to see and do in Kyoto. Obviously we leave other places of interest in the city, but those you tell us when you return!