KYOTO
Golden Temple
KYOTO
Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years. As such, it is synonymous with traditional culture and cuisine. Due to its significance, Kyoto was thankfully spared from the bombings of World War II. Consequently, there are now over 2,000 shrines and temples to explore, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historic sites and peaceful gardens are a window into Japan’s past. Situated in a basin of picturesque mountains, Kyoto is also an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are plenty of excellent hiking trails and several designated National Parks. For the lowdown on the best things to do in Kyoto, check out our articles below.
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Cool Down With Green Tea Soba, Perched Over A Flowing River
Uji is all about green tea; it's past, present and future are deeply...
Strolling Around the Famed Tenryuji Temple Grounds in Arashiyama
The Bamboo Grove may be the most Instagrammed attraction in Arashiyama, but Tenryuji...
A Great Half-Day Hike Near Kyoto: the Kibune – Kurama Hike
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Ichikawaya Coffee is A Stylish Machiya Cafe in Kyoto
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Beat The Heat With These Three Kawadoko River Dining Spots in Kyoto
Summers in Kyoto can be surprisingly hot and humid. Luckily, the pragmatic ancient...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
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A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Trekking Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most globally recognised...
Bathing in the Buff At Kurama Onsen’s Open-Air Bath
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Visiting Koke-Dera, Kyoto’s Moss Temple
Formally known as Koinzan Saiho-ji, or Saihoji for...
Check out Asahiyaki: Hidden Gem Pottery Class in Kyoto
As I stared over the Asahiyaki instructor’s shoulder during the pottery wheel demonstration,...
How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan
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Bib Gourmand Ramen at Kyoto’s Menya Inoichi Hanare
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Follow Arashiyama’s Kimono Forest to a Relaxing Foot bath
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Down the Rabbit Hole to Kyoto’s Okazaki Jinja!
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Kyoto’s Most Instagrammable Temple: Yasaka Koshindo
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Fresh Matcha and Garden Strolls at Okochi Sanso Garden
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Shimogamo Shrine: One of Kyoto’s Oldest Shrines
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Heat, culture, chaos: the real Gion Matsuri.
Kyoto is a city that many consider to be the perfect embodiment of the truest 'Japanese sensibilities.' Refinement, subtlety and a restrained aesthetic create a type of harmony that permeates all facets of life in Japan. Minimalism, restraint and the beloved 'wabi-sabi' are all forms of a distinctly Kyoto-esque identity. Enter the Gion Matsuri: a night of hot air, cold beer and a touch of ancestral transcendence.
Tenju-an: Lost in Reflection in Nanzen-ji’s Hidden Garden
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A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
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The Kyoto Scramble: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 3
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Green Tea Lovers Should Make a Pilgrimage To Uji… Right Now
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Myoshin-ji Temple and Taizo-in’s Garden: Kyoto’s Past, Perfectly Preserved.
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Contemplating the Mysterious Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple
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Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto
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A Tranquil Tea Ceremony at Uji’s Taihoan Tea House
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Perfect Egg Sandwiches at Smart Coffee in Kyoto
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Beloved by David Bowie: Why Shoden-ji Temple is One of Kyoto’s Hidden Gems
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Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
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Ancient Treasures at the World Heritage Byodoin Temple
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Kifune Shrine: One of Kyoto’s Most Instagrammable Shrines
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Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama
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Kiyomizudera: Beyond The Main Hall
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Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto
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Kyoto City Walking Tour – Gardens, Gates and Geiko.
View Full Tour on Google Maps
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Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho
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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview
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Café Hassui, Arashiyama’s Luxury Teahouse
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A Thousand Glittering Treasures at Kyoto’s Sanjusangendo Temple
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The 10 Best Foods to Eat at Nishiki Market, Kyoto
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Nison-in: Busy Arashiyama’s Secret Mountain of Fire
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Livin’ It Up at Hotel Intergate Kyoto
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Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
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Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan
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Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
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Kyoto’s Botanical Greenhouse: The Perfect Winter Warmer
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Daihikaku Senkoji: The Best Views in Arashiyama!
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Love Yokai? Ge-ge-get Yourself to Kitano Ichijo-dori!
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Tofuku-ji Temple: Mirei’s Modernism in the Heart of Kyoto
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Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto
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Kawai Kanjiro’s House: Joy Found in All of Life
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Kyoto After Dark: An Evening Stroll through Pontocho and Gion
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Nature’s Air-Con: Nagashi Sōmen Flowing Noodles Kawadoko Style at Hirobun, Kibune
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Kyoto City Walking Tour: Zen, Books, and Coffee.
View This Walking Tour on Google Maps
The historical...
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 1: Gion to Kodaiji Temple
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Exploring The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
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The Tranquil Gardens of Kodaiji Temple: A Higashiyama Must
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Choraku-ji and Anyo-ji: Hidden in the Hills, Lost in Time.
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Dive Into Kyoto Tower’s Secret Bath House
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Ise to Kyoto in the Cheap Seats: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 2
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Monkeying Around at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
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The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
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Exploring the Oldest Shrine in Japan: Ujigami Shrine
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Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 2: Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizudera
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Kyoto Rurikoin Temple’s Green Maple Leaves Are Stunning in the Rain
The Rurikoin Temple Green Maple Leaves
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Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery Tours
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Ine Village, Kyoto’s Rustic Fishing Town
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Kyoto City Walking Tour: Concrete, Jungles and Kyoto’s Oldest Shrine.
View This Tour on Google Maps
If you're looking...
Chion-ji Handicraft Market Kyoto: Handmade Craft Heaven
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Behind the Scenes at the Silver Pavilion
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Ryozen Kannon Temple: One of Kyoto’s Best Kept Secrets
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