Japan owning up to its status and being the land of dichotomy it is, retains the balance. On the one hand it has the most modern cities like Tokyo and on the contrary, there are cities like Kyoto with more than 4000 historical sites. Once the capital city of Japan and famous for its Buddhist temples, Kyoto is the most popular tourist destination in Japan. Located right in the heart of Western Japan this historical city attracts thousands of travelers every year. With so many places to explore and things to do in Kyoto you will never get bored.
10 Best Things To Do In Kyoto
Here is a list of 10 things to do in Kyoto. Try these out to get the real flavour of the city and experience it in a divine way.
1. Gion: Wander In The Geisha District
Home to Geisha, Kyoto offers the visitors the opportunity to take a tour of Gion, the geisha district and honestly, your trip to the city would be incomplete without doing the same. It’s better if you do it at night because at the time you will get a feeling of traditional, ancient Japan and the best kind of vibes. It’s one of the coolest places in Kyoto and your Kyoto city tour is incomplete without a visit to this place.
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2. Walking Tour With A Samurai
Filled to the brim with historical sites, Kyoto is a place best experienced with a guide and what better than having a Samurai as your guide because who knows better than a native?! Imagine your guide is an expert swordsman. How cool is that! He will even demonstrate some of his amazing skills with the Katana (sword) and we bet you will love the experience.
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3. Zen Buddhist Temples: Dine In And Maybe, Drink?
Yes, you read that right! The Zen Buddhist Temples in Japan have a Japanese take on Chinese cuisine. The monks at these temples cook up a vegetarian meal and everyone simply swears by it. One of the dishes namely mock eel which is taro and tofu mashed together is absolutely loved by everyone. Not just that these people serve alcohol at Kanga-an, a bar where you can have a good time.
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4. L’Escamoteur
If you are in the mood for some drinks then this bar which looks half-Victorian and half-futuristic is where you can try out some unique and quirky beverages. Run by Christophe, L’Escamoteur, which means ‘magician’ in French is a place you don’t find everyday and might be very surprised that something like this exists in Japan and trying it out is one of the best things to do in Kyoto.
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5. Spicy Street: Have The Spice(s) Of Your Life
Yes, a street in Japan exists which is simply famous for its spicy food. Located in Mukto town, and known as ‘Gekikara Shotengai’ which means ‘Intense Spice Shopping Street’ when translated roughly means ‘Intense Spice Shopping Street’. This strange yet cutesy little street is a must visit and is one of the best things to do in Kyoto.
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6. Yokai Street: Take A Selfie With Ghul
If you are searching for the coolest things to do in Tokyo, then visiting Yokai Street is what you were searching for. Yokais are not ghosts but somewhat a collection of demons, spirits and monsters and you can see them all on Yokai Street. Although it’s not a tourist attraction as yet but it’s genuinely amazing and pretty much fun.
7. Nishiki Market: Explore
Another thing not to miss out on when in Kyoto is exploring the Nishiki Market. This market is over 700 years old and was one of the first fish markets. The variety you find here is unmatchable. The market is always busy and bustling and visiting it would be a fun experience. This market is where you would feel like a part of the culture.
8. Helicopter Tour
If all of these are not enough and you got a little extra money to spend, then taking a helicopter tour over Kyoto will be one hell of an experience. You thought it looked great from the land? Well, brace yourselves because what you are going to see will blow your mind. Nestled between thick forests and beautiful houses, watching Kyoto from the sky is going to be an unforgettable experience.
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9. Arashiyama: Check-out The Bamboo Groves
Arashiyama with its exceptionally beautiful thickets of bamboo is a very cool and welcoming. Famous all over the world for its beautiful thickets of green bamboo, Arashiyama is so beautiful that you will feel blissful even when walking around the place. The beautiful place also has some really pretty little temples and a river walk making it a must visit place.
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10. Kyoto Museum: Try Out
This interesting museum established in 2006 with its three floors full of manga comics is a place you must visit and explore. Books written by some brilliant international artists are also on display at this fascinating museum and you would sure be speechless. Not just this, the museum also displays things that are protected which initially belonged to the elementary school that was located in the building before.
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With these many things to do in Kyoto, you will certainly not get bored and will definitely not be disappointed. With its beauty and history, Kyoto is sure to have you swept off your feet and blow your mind. If you are looking for a trip to Japan check out these customizable options and plan your trip with TravelTriangle.
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A kid at heart who is the happiest when traveling and an avid reader who can talk to you about books endlessly, Japneet is someone who cannot do without chai and her love for mountains knows no bounds and quotes ‘Mujhe khabar thi mera intezar ghar mein raha, yeh haadsa tha ki main umr bhar safar mein raha’.
