10 Things To Do In Kyoto, Japan
When we think of Japan, some people picture it as busy streets everywhere, lively and colorful, fast-paced lifestyle, skyscraper structures and so on and so forth.
But then there’s Kyoto, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It is well-known in Japanese history for being the former Imperial capital of Japan, as well as being one of the major religious city. A life in Kyoto is quite laid-back compared to other parts of Japan.
There are a lot of things to explore in Kyoto, but here’s the top on our list that you might want to do when you visit Kyoto.
1. Explore Adashino-Nenbutsuji Temple
A touching temple at the top of the Arashiyama sightseeing district, you’ll find 8000 Buddhist statues here placed in memory of those who died without kin.
2. Dine at Maruyama Park
Maruyama park is the oldest park in Kyoto and most popular for cherry blossom viewing. The centerpiece of the park is a tall weeping cherry tree that lights up at night. This is a good place to food trips and if you want to experience dining under the cherry blossom trees. It’s pretty when it’s sakura season.
3. Walk around Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
(photo: inside kyoto)
While you walk around, enjoy the cracking of the bamboo trees as the wind blew. If you don’t like too much crowd, you have to visit this place at early morning or wait until the tourists subside if you want to take that postcard worthy shot.
4. Experience the Rickshaw Ride
And if you want to save your energy from walking, you can take a rickshaw ride from the young Japanese men whenever you see them around.
5. Try the Japanese Traditional Tea House
Japan is also known with their tea especially match green tea. Kyoto is one of the perfect city to try it in a traditional way.
6. Visit Golden Pavilion Temple
A MUST SEE!!! nuff said.
7. Reach the summit of Fushimi Inari Taisha
The hike to the summit and back takes approximately 2-3 hours at 233 meters above the sea level. It’s not near that’s why you’ll find most tourist are just exploring the ground and some walk few steps to get a perfect shot.
8. Food Trips
Everywhere you explore around tourist spots in Kyoto there’s always food around. Try to indulge on their local food.
9. Explore Nijo Castle
Also known as Nijo-jo, it was built in 1603 and designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Nijo Castle is divided into two — the Ninomaru Palace and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The elaborated gates are quite impressive too which I can’t help but to take a pose.
10. Try the Authentic Matcha
There’s variety of food flavoured matcha, so don’t miss it when in kyoto or maybe bring home some matcha tea back home.
(Instagram photo credits to the owners)
