The country’s capital for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is a hotbed of Japanese history and culture, and a city that has more going on than you might first expect. A few hours on the bullet train from Tokyo, it’s a stark change from the bright lights and busy streets of the capital.
Whether you’re catching the Rugby World Cup, or planning ahead for cherry blossom season or the 2020 Olympic Games, here’s the best things to do in Kyoto.
1. Brace yourself for a steep (but rewarding) climb.
Built all the way back in 711, you might know Fushimi Inari-taisha as That Shrine With All The Red Gates – and if so, you won’t be disappointed. There’s 2.5 miles of trails to walk and plenty of ’gram-friendly spots along the way.
Top tip: the temple sits at the foot of Mount Inari but don’t be intimidated – you can reach the top in a couple of hours without the need for climbing ropes and oxygen tanks!
2. Grub’s up at the local food market.
From still-writhing octopus tentacles to pufferfish to green tea everything, Nishiki Market is Kyoto’s bustling central street market that’s a must-visit for tourists. Most vendors sell skewers or smaller plates, so Nishiki is best enjoyed as a grazing lunch instead of a hearty evening meal.
Top tip: Sugi Honey Shop sells a refreshing but tart yuzu and honey lemonade that’s a lifesaver on a humid summer afternoon.
3. Soak up the beauty of Arashiyama.
You could probably do a top ten list of things to do in Arashiyama, a lush suburb to the northwest of town, but here’s the highlights: the peaceful Tenryu-ji temple and the bamboo forest next door, hilarious Rilakkuma cafe, charming Kimono Forest installation, and picturesque Togetsu-kyō Bridge, which you can cross to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, if that’s your sort of thing.
Top tip: Not to be missed is the kitsch-sounding but genuinely breathtaking Sagano Scenic Railway, which takes you on a romantic old steam train winding through a nearby valley, with river rapids and sprawling forests all around you. It’s a one-way trip to a nearby village, but you can easily head back, or hop on a mainline train back to Arashiyama.
4. Hang our with some deer friends (sorry).
About 40mins south of Kyoto on the train, Nara was the country’s capital some 1200 years ago, and so has some of the area’s best and most significant cultural sites. You may also know it for its herds of docile deer that roam the park and town centre.
Most of what you need to see is in the east-side Nara Park, so head there and see everything in one go. Start at the busy Todai-ji with its iconic 50ft buddha and finish up in the wooded Kasuga-taisha temple. The Yoshikien Garden is a hidden gem on the way from the station – it’s free to tourists and rarely busy.
Top tip: Japan’s convenience stores have a deserved reputation for serving legitimately good sandwiches, sushi and hot foods. For the train to Nara, no fear in stopping by your nearest 7/11 to grab something to eat on the way.
5. Get a dose of history at Nijo Castle.
Constructed on the orders of the first Tokugawa shogun, Nijo Castle shows off the elegant but simple life of Japan’s imperial elite, with enormous gold panels and sprawling palace backrooms. The central keep has taken a battering over the years and is under reconstruction, but still worth a wander round.
Top tip: The more decorative panels inside the palace are actually reconstructions, but plenty of the originals are housed in the adjacent on-site museum.
6. Take five at Kyoto Gyoen.
The city’s primary public garden surrounds the site of the old Imperial palace, and features countless streams, seasonal plants public buildings and historical markers.
Top tip: A general pointer to enjoy Japan at its finest, but try and head there in cherry blossom season to see the garden in its fullest beauty.
7. Wander around the Geisha district.
One of Kyoto’s most famous geisha districts, Gion is filled with narrow streets and intimate izakayas (casual stand-up eating/drinking spots), beautiful Imperial buildings and the odd temple.
Best taken in in the early evening as the sun sets and the lanterns come out, walk up and down the canal and stop by Gyoza Hohei for legendary dumplings.
Top tip: If there’s a massive queue, hop across the Kamo to Chao Chao gyoza, which has faster queues and absurd value for money. Get a huge whiskey sour and the pickled cucumber.
8. Brave the crowds for a spectacular sight.
Unsurprisingly, this enormous golden temple is one of the most visited sites in the country. Like most structures in Japan, apparently, it’s been rebuilt a few times but retains its jaw-dropping beauty – and the gardens are unexpectedly lovely to walk through to boot.
Top tip: If you plan it right, you can head to nearby Ryoen-ji for a less busy, more reflective wander round on the same trip.
9. Grab a delicious doughnut.
You could easily miss Koe tucked in the busy covered markets just off the Naramonocho main street, but you mustn’t. Offering decadent donuts, milkshakes and teas in a modern setting that’s quite a juxtaposition to the more old school Kyoto city centre.
All Koe’s donuts and interiors are ethically and locally produced, so while you’re welcome to feel a tad guilty filling up on their exotic treats, you can at least know you’re supporting local producers.
Top tip: If you’re super hungry, try out the Eton Mess special – two donuts sandwiching strawberries and cream – made in the kitchen right in front of you.
10. Get your game face on.
If you fancy finishing up your day with some karaoke, arcade games, or legendary Japanese photo booths, go to Round One where you can tick off all three in one spot. Floor upon floor of traditional arcade games and attractions await. Make time for the photo booths, which are endlessly customisable and a perfect souvenir.
Top tip: Check out the dancing game area where, if you don’t fancy embarrassing yourself in public, you can just watch some ‘Astaire in his prime’ grade dance mat action from Japan’s addicted youths.