Kyoto京都

The old capital: temples, gardens, geisha districts and quiet lanes. Spring and autumn are very busy, so start early.

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食 food夜 nightlife寺 temples買 shopping遊 anime and games山 nature湯 onsen芸 art and design+ 4 moreShow fewer

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Good fitTraditional dance show舞A short evening show of music, dance and tea. A simple way to see the arts.because Couples芸art and design1.5 h

Good fitKimono rental and a walk着Wear a kimono for the day and walk in the old streets. Shops include hair and shoes.because Couples芸art and design寺temples4 h

Good fitKaiseki multi-course dinner懐A set meal of small seasonal dishes. It is a special meal, so book well ahead.because Couples食food2 h

Good fitMatcha sweets and a tea house茶Green tea parfaits, soft serve and warm sweets. Kyoto is known for this tea.because Couples食food芸art and design1 h

Good fitEvening temple light-up夜In some seasons temples open at night with lights on the trees. Check the dates.because Couples寺temples芸art and design2 h

Good fitZen meditation session禅A short guided sit with a monk in a quiet hall.because Couples寺temples1 h

Good fitPhilosopher's Path walk道A stone path beside a canal with cherry trees and small temples. Best in spring.because Couples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Good fitFushimi sake district tasting酒Old breweries by a canal where you can taste local sake in small cups.because Couples食food夜nightlife2 h

Good fitHome cooking class料Make sushi or home dishes with a local teacher, then eat what you made.because Couples食food3 h

Good fitCraft workshop: dyeing or ceramics工Try a local craft with a teacher and take your work home.because Couples芸art and design2 h

Good fitMoss garden at a quiet temple苔Some temples keep moss gardens and ask you to reserve and copy a sutra. A slow, calm morning.because Couples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Good fitCycling in the east side輪The city is flat. Rent a bicycle and cover many temples in one day.because Couples山nature寺temples3 h

Good fitKyoto Imperial Palace park苑A very large green park in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths and old gates.because Couples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Good fitKyoto Aquarium魚An inland aquarium near the station with river animals and a dolphin show. Good in the rain.because Couples山nature2.5 h

Okay fitLate-night ramen after dinner夜A bowl of rich ramen to end a night out. Many shops open until late.食food夜nightlife1 h

Reading for this place

Guides6 min readTen days across Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and OsakaA ten-day first trip through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka: the order, the nights, the food and the train days that need a check.About this placeGuides5 min readArashiyama in a half day, away from the crowdsArashiyama is busy at midday. Go early for the bamboo grove, walk the river and choose one temple garden. Here is a half day that avoids the worst crowds.About this placeGuides5 min readGion after dark: how to walk it respectfullyGion at night is beautiful, and people live and work there. Here is how to walk its lanes, take photos and eat with respect for the neighbourhood.About this place