Kyoto is full of history. It is the only city in Japan that was not bombed during World War II, so it has retained a lot of the shrines and temples that were lost elsewhere. You could spend a week here sightseeing nonstop and still not have visited every temple. There are a few major ones that are unmissable, such as Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji. But otherwise, the charm lies simply in wandering the streets, finding the hidden and unexpected shrines, and enjoying the traditional Japanese way of life.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a covered walkway that spans five city blocks. It is four hundred years old and houses more than one hundred shops and restaurants. You’re not supposed to stop and stand in the walkway since the lane is so narrow, so vendors will try their best to get you inside with free samples, such as roasted chestnuts or hot chocolate. In the middle is a sort of food court, with upturned barrels as tables. These are surrounded by vendors mostly offering different types of fried seafood on a stick. If you buy anything from any of the vendors within this area you also get a free shot of two different types of saki.
Pontocho Street
This street is known for being the heart of the geisha district in Kyoto. In Kyoto they are actually known as Geikos. Still a prevalent and highly respected profession, you may well see geikos in traditional dress wandering around the city. Pontocho street has retained its old-world charm, while malls and modern highstreet shops and restaurants have grown all around it. With lanterns hanging from the wooden balconies and buildings, and cobblestone alleyways branching off from the street with hidden establishments, this feels a world away from the skyscrapers of modern Japan. In more recent times Pontocho street has become a popular restaurant and bar scene. Head over at happy hour and grab a whiskey and ginger at Pontocho Masuda for less than one coin for two people. For food, I recommend Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Honten.
Yakiniku LIKE
A favourite dining experience in Japan is known as yakiniku – barbecued meat that you cook yourself on a grill built into your table. There are many restaurants of this style all over the country, but one particular chain is the go to: Yakiniku Like. The name will always be written in Japanese, but the restaurants have the motto ‘Tasty! Quick! Value!’ written in English across the windows, so you’ll never miss it. And the motto is accurate – the service is fast, the prices are low, and the food is delicious. There are various different meat plates to choose from, as well as dips, sauces and soups to add on the side. Plus, if you go before 4pm, the rice is bottomless!
Philosopher’s Path
The philosopher’s path is a simple stone walkway alongside a small canal. The path is lined by cherry trees, making this a stunning excursion in spring to see the cherry blossoms. During the rest of the year it is a much less visited area of the city, making it a peaceful place to meander and enjoy the fresh air. The path takes you by many interesting and beautiful shrines and temples, but you may well be oversaturated with shrines and temples at this point! If not, then I’d recommend Higashiyama Jisho-ji, a stunning Zen temple and garden, and Honen-in, a peaceful and secluded temple garden and cemetery. Before long the path will bring you to a beautiful aqueduct. If you climb up onto the aqueduct you can continue your walk along the canalside path, high above the city streets. This path will lead you toward the Keage Incline, an old railway track which is now a public park and walkway.
Arashiyama
One area of Kyoto worth spending a day in is Arashiyama. This is where you will find the famed bamboo forest as well as the monkey temple and many other moss-covered shrines. The best way to visit is via tram. This tram is loved by locals as the last line left of a system that used to serve the whole city. The station in Arashiyama is surrounded by tubes containing traditional patterned kimonos, creating a sort of kimono forest. While the bamboo forest and temples closest to the station can get very crowded, there are many other temples and shrines that become less and less touristy the further you venture from the main street. I especially recommend walking up to the top of the park for stunning views of the river in the valley below.
Torikizoku Kyoto Shichijo
In Japan, a popular post-work pub spot for locals is called an izakaya. And unless you’re a local, it’s often hard to know if an establishment is an izakaya or not. Generally, if you find a standing bar with a limited menu but many happy Japanese people sipping hot saki, you’re in the right place. A great experience of this in Kyoto is at Torikizoku. Right by the station, this is one of the busier izakayas in town, but you can still get a spot at a table. Simply look confused, and the locals will happily make way for you, and make recommendations for what to order!
Kinkaku-Ji
This is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and needed to be included in this list for one simple reason: it is entirely covered in gold. Much more extravagant than most Japanese architecture, it was originally a retirement villa for a shogun from the 15th century, before being converted to a Zen temple after his death. You can’t enter, but the exterior is stunning enough. It sits next to a lake, where the golden reflection shimmers in the sunlight. On the north side of the city, this visit could easily be included in a day spent in Arashiyama.
Bee’s Knees
This speakeasy is pretty hard to find, and is in fact completely hidden by a metal grill when closed (don’t visit on Mondays!). When it is open, an unassuming yellow door will suggest that a bookstore lies within. In fact, beyond the curtain, an atmospheric bar serves unique cocktails personally created by the bar team. The staff are all super friendly and passionate about their craft, so you know whatever you order will be an excellent choice and expertly made.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Torii gates are a common sight across Japan. In the shinto religion, they symbolise the boundary between the human world and the sacred world. The most famous example of these gates is at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where more than ten thousand orange gates create a walkway up and around the mountainside. The beginning of the path is very touristy, with everyone trying to get their perfect Instagram shot. Don’t get too caught up here trying to get a snap with no-one else in it – most people don’t walk the whole path. Those that do have often stopped taking photos by the end, so you’ll get much better pictures further along the route. Trust me, you’ll end up with so many photos from this shrine, so just chill out at the beginning and enjoy the walk.
Maruyama Park
Marayuma Park is another excellent location for seeing cherry blossoms if you are visiting in the right season. Year-round, the lake, statues and trees make this a beautiful spot. A peaceful area in the middle of the touristy Gion district, this park is an excellent stop on a full day of sightseeing in the area. If you choose to talk a walking tour of the city, this may well be where you take a break in the middle. I recommend Kyoto Localized for super interesting free walking tours led by locals.
Yasaka Koshindo
Many of the shrines and temples across Kyoto are very touristy. And with good reason – they are beautiful, historic, and highly worth visiting. But there are also some lesser known, more unique shrines that you may not have heard of. Yasaka Koshindo is hidden around an unassuming corner in the Gion district. It is small, but filled with chains of colourful bobbles, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing shrines in the region. Worshippers write their wishes on these coloured balls before hanging them from the eaves of the shrine and waiting for them to come true. A visit here contrasts with the simpler visuals at most other Kyoto temples, and provides a great photo spot.
“Hidden gems in historic Kyoto, Japan” was originally published on Wanderdash (follow me @rosroundtheworld)
Booking Resources
Hotels: Booking.com is my go-to anywhere in the world, and in Japan it’s definitely the place with the widest selection and best prices. You can also check agoda for last minute deals.
Hostels: Hostelworld is always the best site for hostels, and many are also on booking.com.
Tours: In Japan the best site to find tours and attraction tickets is klook.
Trains: Booking trains in Japan is confusing. There are packages that need to be booked direct with the main train company, JR, before arriving in the country (get in touch for help planning this!). For one off journeys you can book your tickets on klook.
Buses: Everyone thinks about train travel as the iconic way to get around Japan, but if you’re on a budget then buses are significantly cheaper and very comfortable. Book direct with Willer Express.
Car hire: I usually use localrent.com to search both international and local companies for the best deals. For hiring a car with a driver for transfers and sightseeing, check out daytrip.
Flights: For finding the best routes, Kiwi is my favourite tool to search multiple airports at once. To find the best prices, I use google flights or skyscanner.
Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have insurance. I recommend safetywing for full coverage.
eSim: If you don’t want the hassle of figuring out a local sim card, esims are a great idea. I recommend airalo.
Consultation: For expert advice and planning assistance, get in touch! I can provide personalised recommendations, as well as great deals, 24/7 customer service, and financial protection. Contact me here.
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